Inner circles | Mali, South Africa
Barrick Gold boss Mark Bristow's close allies and African network

A leading player in Africa's mining sector since the 1990s, the CEO is quietly preparing his succession, scheduled for 2028. Tensions between his Canadian firm and the military junta in Bamako are an opportunity for him to test his lieutenants.

Inner circles | Senegal, Somalia
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan builds ambitious Africa team in Ankara

With a string of large-scale infrastructure projects, arms deals and major political moves, Turkey is pursuing its foreign policy to move in on Africa. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is at the heart of this ever-expanding web.

Spotlight | Cameroon
Power struggle fuels turmoil at state oil firm

The Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures has been riven by internal tensions for months. Now its ailing boss, Adolphe Moudiki, has appointed his wife as the company's inspector general.

Inner circles | DRC
The family closes ranks around Tshisekedi

Challenged on several fronts, Félix Tshisekedi has narrowed his close circle. From his brother Jacques, the linchpin for security arrangements, to his son Anthony, with his fingers in mining affairs, not to forget "Maman Marthe", the presidential clan is playing a decisive role behind the scenes.

Spotlight | Central African Republic
Bangui under pressure from Moscow to ditch Wagner for Africa Corps

The Central African president is being forced to sign a defence deal with Africa Corps, the Kremlin's armed wing, before the end of the year. But the first members of the Russian force are not expected to arrive until mid-2026.

Inner circles | Burkina Faso
Chinese adviser, traditional hunter, banker... a deep dive into Ibrahim Traoré's business circles

Spotlight | Burkina Faso
Djibo raid rattles Burkina Faso's junta

The attack, claimed by Islamist group Ansarul Islam, has not only revealed gaps in Burkina Faso's defences but also fuelled fears of infiltration within the civilian auxiliaries meant to support the army and protect key towns in the north.

Inner circles | Tanzania
Emmanuel Nchimbi spins strategies for Samia Suluhu's re-election bid

Named as the president's running mate for October's election, Nchimbi is leveraging deep-rooted ties within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party. His extensive network is key to bolstering her legitimacy and silencing dissenting voices.

Spotlight | South Africa
South Africa, spurned by US, cosies up to France

Inner circles | South Africa
Dan Marokane and his backers seek to reenergise Eskom

Spotlight | Namibia
From mines to oilfields, Australia's resource hunters dig into Namibia

Riding the wave of surging uranium prices, Australian mining firms have had their sights set on the African country since 2020. Their growing presence now stretches beyond uranium to other critical minerals and, to a lesser extent, oil.

Inner circles | Libya
Kikli, the powerful Tripoli militia chief with a foot in the business world

Spotlight | Libya
Commander Hamza's deadly attack rocks Tripoli to the core

The head of the Brigade 444 has been leading assaults against militias in the capital, and although Hamza did gain an initial victory, his offensive has provoked fighting between factions for and against Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dabaiba.