Conflict and Security Headlines

Key highlights of this issue include the RSF’s widespread killings and multi-front offensives following the fall of El-Fasher in Sudan; expanding national operations and U.S. airstrikes against ISIS and al-Shabaab in Somalia; JNIM’s intensified raids around Soumpi and Léré in Mali; rising executions, clashes and kidnapping waves across Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria; and continued M23 and ADF violence in eastern DR Congo despite ceasefire arrangements.

Political Transitions and Diplomacy

This issue covers international investigation and sanction initiatives following RSF violations in El-Fasher; growing U.S., EU and regional diplomatic pressure on Sudan; Somalia’s preparations for local elections and expanding foreign engagement; Türkiye–Libya diplomatic and security coordination; the newly launched Rwanda–DRC economic integration framework; deepening military-diplomatic ties among Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Türkiye; and post-election political tensions in Tanzania and South Africa.

Economic and Energy Developments

Across the continent, energy and mining projects accelerated: critical-minerals partnerships and strong telecom revenues in South Africa; the Zambia–China TAZARA railway modernization; renewed LNG momentum in Mozambique; tightening regulations and output expansion in gold, cobalt and coltan sectors in Mali and DR Congo; expanding aviation and mining investment in Ivory Coast, Senegal and Guinea; and growing budget pressures, increased borrowing and oil-gas asset swap deals in Kenya and Nigeria.