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Palace Intrigues
William Ruto, Helen Zille, Brigitte Macron, Dominique Ouattara

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

KenyaUhuru Kenyatta and Gideon Moi's controversial phone call

South AfricaThe Democratic Alliance dodges drama

Ivory CoastBrigitte Macron and Dominique Ouattara get together again

DRC, Rwanda
Washington to take new steps against Paul Kagame's regime

Donald Trump's administration is working on a fresh set of sanctions for Rwanda, expected to target senior security officials. The US is demanding the withdrawal of M23 rebels from areas conquered since the signing of the peace agreement between Kinshasa and Kigali in December.

Cameroon
Pope's trip still a headache for Yaoundé

Despite the Vatican's willingness and the efforts of the presidency, preparations for Pope Leo XIV's visit to the country continue to run up against major obstacles, notably in terms of security and logistics.

Nigeria
Saudi oil giant Aramco expands its teams to conquer the continent

The world's leading oil company is recruiting large numbers of staff with a view to selling crude oil from other countries. The first place it's seeking to set up shop is in Nigeria, with the aim to compete with its Emirati rival, ADNOC.

West Africa
Ivorian banker Abdourahmane Cissé leaves Lazard Frères

Recruited in early 2025 to revive the African operations of Lazard Frères bank, founded in 1848, Abdourahmane Cissé has stepped down from his post.

Kenya
British Army seeks to restore image to maintain military cooperation

Accused of numerous abuses in recent years, the British Army Training Unit Kenya could be renamed in order to facilitate the continuation of the defence partnership between London and Nairobi.

Angola
Luanda mounts diamond charm offensive in Antwerp

Mining Minister Diamantino Azevedo led a large delegation to the Flemish city, the global centre of the diamond trade. Although he met with major dealers there, they are reluctant to set up operations in Angola, which sells most of its precious stones to Dubai.

Algeria
French MPs prepare delegation to head to Algiers

In the absence of ambassadors on either side, parliamentary networks in both countries have sprung into action to prevent France and Algeria from severing all ties. Yet even organising a trip between the two is proving problematic.