Africa
AU Commission chairperson's cabinet almost fully staffed

Central African Republic
Faustin-Archange Touadéra wants to strengthen Bangui-Rome ties

In search of new partners, the president is to meet with the head of Italian diplomacy in New York. He has long relied on the Community of Sant'Egidio, founded in Rome, to carry out several mediation actions in the country.

Central African Republic
Touadéra to make unexpected stop in Abu Dhabi before Casablanca

The Central African head of state is shaking up his busy diplomatic schedule to travel to the United Arab Emirates this weekend, at the invitation of his counterpart Mohammed bin Zayed. Security issues will be at the heart of their discussions.

Central Africa
Guterres representative under internal investigation

Based in Gabon, the head of UNOCA, Nigerien diplomat Abdou Abarry, is facing allegations of ‘sexual exploitation and abuse'. Despite investigations, he has been reinstated in his position. An embarrassment for the UN Secretary-General.

Nigeria
With the Chappal Energies deal blocked, TotalEnergies is trapped in SPDC

The French major is struggling to sell its stake in Shell's former Nigerian onshore subsidiary. The sale is taking so long that it could poison relations between those responsible for the transaction at the oil company's headquarters.

Africa
The Atlantic Council's African ambitions

Under the leadership of former French junior minister Rama Yade, the American think tank is working on several projects to strengthen its Africa department.

Nigeria
Chagoury clan keen on Kaduna main lithium deposit

The Nigerian mining permits held by British company Jupiter Lithium have caught the eye of Atlantic Mining Techniques boss Colin Ikin. Atlantic is also owned by several allies of the influential Lebanese-Nigerian siblings Gilbert and Ronald Chagoury.

Ethiopia, Kenya
Ruto's modest commitment to play mediator on GERD dam issue

Tanzania
President Samia Suluhu Hassan's pre-election protectionist turn

The head of state, who has shown a growing appetite for foreign investment following John Magufuli's protectionist era, is taking a tougher stance as the presidential elections approach. Her aim is to strengthen her lead ahead of the October polls.

Angola
Maurel & Prom and BW Energy set to buy Azule Energy's Block 14 shares

The Franco-Norwegian partnership is well positioned to acquire the 20% stake held by the ENI-BP joint venture in the Angolan offshore asset operated by Chevron. The deal is expected to be announced in the coming days.

South Africa
In trouble in Washington, telecoms giant MTN eyed up by lobbyists

Former Goldman Sachs executive Colin Coleman has made a series of approaches to the South African company. The businessman, along with others, is trying to get himself involved in talks between Pretoria and Donald Trump's administration.

Morocco
Paris petitions Rabat in final straight on Western Sahara

Moroccan and French officials are quietly intensifying discussions around a new UN resolution on the conflict in Western Sahara.