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Ethiopia
Abiy Ahmed's security strongmen line up against rebel threats

The Ethiopian prime minister has bolstered his security apparatus to counter the many insurgencies benefiting from Sudan and Eritrea's not so hidden support. Within both the army and the intelligence services, his most loyal officials are advancing his technological ambitions.

LogoSubscribers only 26.06.2026
Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on 13 May 2026.

Ethiopia
Abiy Ahmed's security strongmen line up against rebel threats

Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on 13 May 2026.
Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on 13 May 2026.© Ludovic Marin/AFP

The Ethiopian prime minister has bolstered his security apparatus to counter the many insurgencies benefiting from Sudan and Eritrea's not so hidden support. Within both the army and the intelligence services, his most loyal officials are advancing his technological ambitions.

LogoSubscribers only 26.06.2026

Algeria
Abdelmadjid Tebboune's circle of faithful followers

A somewhat sidelined minister during the Bouteflika era, the current president has largely achieved his political revenge. Through complex negotiations with the army chief, who remains central to the power structure, he has built up a circle of loyal figures within the state apparatus.

LogoSubscribers only 19.06.2026
Chief of General Staff Said Chengriha and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers, 1 November 2025.

Algeria
Abdelmadjid Tebboune's circle of faithful followers

Chief of General Staff Said Chengriha and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers, 1 November 2025.
Chief of General Staff Said Chengriha and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers, 1 November 2025.© Algerian Presidency Office apai/ZUMA-REA

A somewhat sidelined minister during the Bouteflika era, the current president has largely achieved his political revenge. Through complex negotiations with the army chief, who remains central to the power structure, he has built up a circle of loyal figures within the state apparatus.

LogoSubscribers only 19.06.2026

DRC
In the shadow of General 'Omega', the FDLR's last men standing

Pacifique Ntawunguka, despised by the Kagame government, on his tail in eastern Congo, is committed to his movement's founding mission: to survive while waiting for an illusory return to Rwanda. Deeply immersed in the ideology that led to the 1994 genocide, he relies on a small group of commanders, intelligence officers and ideologues.

LogoSubscribers only 12.06.2026
A projectile detonates outside the city of Goma in February 2025.

DRC
In the shadow of General 'Omega', the FDLR's last men standing

A projectile detonates outside the city of Goma in February 2025.
A projectile detonates outside the city of Goma in February 2025.© Hugh Kinsella Cunningham/Getty Images/AFP

Pacifique Ntawunguka, despised by the Kagame government, on his tail in eastern Congo, is committed to his movement's founding mission: to survive while waiting for an illusory return to Rwanda. Deeply immersed in the ideology that led to the 1994 genocide, he relies on a small group of commanders, intelligence officers and ideologues.

LogoSubscribers only 12.06.2026

Kenya
Ruto looks to new board to revive Kenya Airways

The head of state has given the semi-public airline six months to rethink its strategy. He is counting on the directors' networks within both the private and political spheres to turn around a firm that slipped back into the red last year.

LogoSubscribers only 05.06.2026
Kenya Airways Chairman Kiprono Kittony (left) and President William Ruto in Nairobi on 10 March 2026.

Kenya
Ruto looks to new board to revive Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways Chairman Kiprono Kittony (left) and President William Ruto in Nairobi on 10 March 2026.
Kenya Airways Chairman Kiprono Kittony (left) and President William Ruto in Nairobi on 10 March 2026.© Monicah Mwangi/Reuters

The head of state has given the semi-public airline six months to rethink its strategy. He is counting on the directors' networks within both the private and political spheres to turn around a firm that slipped back into the red last year.

LogoSubscribers only 05.06.2026

Libya
Misrata native Mohamed Raied moves on all fronts in business and politics

The entrepreneur has staked out a key role everywhere he goes. Through Al-Naseem for Food Industries, the large holding company he runs with his brothers, he markets food products in the east and west of the country.

LogoSubscribers only 29.05.2026
The Misurata Free Zone in Misrata, Libya, June 2022.

Libya
Misrata native Mohamed Raied moves on all fronts in business and politics

The Misurata Free Zone in Misrata, Libya, June 2022.
The Misurata Free Zone in Misrata, Libya, June 2022.© Mahmud Turkia/AFP

The entrepreneur has staked out a key role everywhere he goes. Through Al-Naseem for Food Industries, the large holding company he runs with his brothers, he markets food products in the east and west of the country.

LogoSubscribers only 29.05.2026

Morocco
Tycoon Hicham Aït Menna's connections in business, sports and politics

Son of a prominent industrialist who built a vast empire in the Moroccan economic and political spheres, he now holds a respected position in both. A low-profile member of Parliament, he pursues various ventures in the worlds of business and football.

LogoSubscribers only 22.05.2026
Hicham Aït Menna, president of Wydad Athletic Club, in Miami in the United States on 5 December 2024.

Morocco
Tycoon Hicham Aït Menna's connections in business, sports and politics

Hicham Aït Menna, president of Wydad Athletic Club, in Miami in the United States on 5 December 2024.
Hicham Aït Menna, president of Wydad Athletic Club, in Miami in the United States on 5 December 2024. © Brian Snyder/Reuters

Son of a prominent industrialist who built a vast empire in the Moroccan economic and political spheres, he now holds a respected position in both. A low-profile member of Parliament, he pursues various ventures in the worlds of business and football.

LogoSubscribers only 22.05.2026

Africa
The architects of Narendra Modi's upcoming India-Africa Summit

On both the Indian side and that of the African states, expectations regarding this major summit, scheduled for 31 May in New Delhi, remain modest. This lack of enthusiasm raises fears that the event may be a bit of a let-down.

LogoSubscribers only 15.05.2026
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 4 May 2026.

Africa
The architects of Narendra Modi's upcoming India-Africa Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 4 May 2026.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 4 May 2026. © Sajjad Hussain/AFP

On both the Indian side and that of the African states, expectations regarding this major summit, scheduled for 31 May in New Delhi, remain modest. This lack of enthusiasm raises fears that the event may be a bit of a let-down.

LogoSubscribers only 15.05.2026

South Africa
Presidential hopeful Lamola builds broad base of backers

Appointed foreign affairs minister in June 2024, he has since been handed some of Pretoria's most sensitive missions, including his country's G20 presidency and a bruising diplomatic row with the United States. He has relied on a tight circle of loyal officials to navigate the turbulence.

LogoSubscribers only 08.05.2026
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola in Berlin, on 13 April 2026.

South Africa
Presidential hopeful Lamola builds broad base of backers

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola in Berlin, on 13 April 2026.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola in Berlin, on 13 April 2026. © Tobias Schwarz/AFP

Appointed foreign affairs minister in June 2024, he has since been handed some of Pretoria's most sensitive missions, including his country's G20 presidency and a bruising diplomatic row with the United States. He has relied on a tight circle of loyal officials to navigate the turbulence.

LogoSubscribers only 08.05.2026

Africa
The international flavour of Simon Trott's Rio Tinto team

Appointed last August to lead the Anglo-Australian mining giant, the highly pragmatic CEO relies on both Western and African executives to expand the firm's portfolio of mining and industrial projects. There is a particular interest in the copper sector, notably in Angola.

LogoSubscribers only 24.04.2026
Simon Trott, Rio Tinto CEO, in Perth, Australia, in 2023.

Africa
The international flavour of Simon Trott's Rio Tinto team

Simon Trott, Rio Tinto CEO, in Perth, Australia, in 2023.
Simon Trott, Rio Tinto CEO, in Perth, Australia, in 2023.© Richard Wainwright/AAP Image/Reuters

Appointed last August to lead the Anglo-Australian mining giant, the highly pragmatic CEO relies on both Western and African executives to expand the firm's portfolio of mining and industrial projects. There is a particular interest in the copper sector, notably in Angola.

LogoSubscribers only 24.04.2026

North Africa
Ursula von der Leyen's envoys preach the word of Brussels from Cairo to Rabat

European Union diplomats are working to implement the European Commission president's policy in North Africa. The adoption of the Mediterranean Pact in November reaffirmed the key pillars of this strategy, which focuses on managing migration flows, regional security and economic development.

LogoSubscribers only 17.04.2026
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, in March 2024.

North Africa
Ursula von der Leyen's envoys preach the word of Brussels from Cairo to Rabat

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, in March 2024.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, in March 2024.© Stavros Ioannides/PIO/AFP

European Union diplomats are working to implement the European Commission president's policy in North Africa. The adoption of the Mediterranean Pact in November reaffirmed the key pillars of this strategy, which focuses on managing migration flows, regional security and economic development.

LogoSubscribers only 17.04.2026

Benin
The team behind presidential election favourite Romuald Wadagni

Ruling party candidate for the election on 12 April, the finance minister has surrounded himself with a few close associates and a team under the control of the outgoing president Patrice Talon to lead his campaign.

LogoSubscribers only 10.04.2026
Romuald Wadagni, ruling party candidate for the presidential election, in Cotonou, on 21 March 2026.

Benin
The team behind presidential election favourite Romuald Wadagni

Romuald Wadagni, ruling party candidate for the presidential election, in Cotonou, on 21 March 2026.
Romuald Wadagni, ruling party candidate for the presidential election, in Cotonou, on 21 March 2026.© Charles Placide Tossou/Reuters

Ruling party candidate for the election on 12 April, the finance minister has surrounded himself with a few close associates and a team under the control of the outgoing president Patrice Talon to lead his campaign.

LogoSubscribers only 10.04.2026

Gabon
The powerful networks of Khalil Rihan, President Nguema's favoured businessman

The Lebanese-Gabonese entrepreneur has become the go-to man in Gabon for major foreign firms and smaller operators alike. With the head of state's backing, he oversees strategic negotiations on behalf of the country, while pursuing his own private interests.

LogoSubscribers only 03.04.2026
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in Beijing, China, September 2024.

Gabon
The powerful networks of Khalil Rihan, President Nguema's favoured businessman

Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in Beijing, China, September 2024.
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in Beijing, China, September 2024. © Ken Ishii/Pool/Getty/AFP

The Lebanese-Gabonese entrepreneur has become the go-to man in Gabon for major foreign firms and smaller operators alike. With the head of state's backing, he oversees strategic negotiations on behalf of the country, while pursuing his own private interests.

LogoSubscribers only 03.04.2026

Cameroon
Théodore Datouo, the National Assembly's well-connected new Speaker

Over the course of his 20 years at the National Assembly, this politician who is close to First Lady Chantal Biya has managed to build himself an extensive network that is rooted in both the political and business spheres.

LogoSubscribers only 27.03.2026
Théodore Datouo, new National Assembly speaker, in Yaoundé in 2022.

Cameroon
Théodore Datouo, the National Assembly's well-connected new Speaker

Théodore Datouo, new National Assembly speaker, in Yaoundé in 2022.
Théodore Datouo, new National Assembly speaker, in Yaoundé in 2022.© Kepseu/Xinhua/Newscom/MaxPPP

Over the course of his 20 years at the National Assembly, this politician who is close to First Lady Chantal Biya has managed to build himself an extensive network that is rooted in both the political and business spheres.

LogoSubscribers only 27.03.2026

Kenya
Ruto's security apparatus explained

The Kenyan president has surrounded himself with a close circle of political, military and police officials to address the terrorist threats facing the country. While the army's high command is commendable for its cohesion, the internal security establishment presents a more divided image.

LogoSubscribers only 20.03.2026
Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, on 17 October 2025.

Kenya
Ruto's security apparatus explained

Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, on 17 October 2025.
Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, on 17 October 2025.© Gerald Anderson/Anadolu via AFP

The Kenyan president has surrounded himself with a close circle of political, military and police officials to address the terrorist threats facing the country. While the army's high command is commendable for its cohesion, the internal security establishment presents a more divided image.

LogoSubscribers only 20.03.2026

Senegal
The businessmen, marabouts and fixers in Ousmane Sonko's inner circle

Senegal's prime minister still relies on businessmen and intermediaries who backed him during his years in opposition. Drawn from varied backgrounds – construction, aviation and religious networks – they form a discreet but influential circle around the leader who took power two years ago.

LogoSubscribers only 13.03.2026
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in Dakar, on 8 November 2025.

Senegal
The businessmen, marabouts and fixers in Ousmane Sonko's inner circle

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in Dakar, on 8 November 2025.
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in Dakar, on 8 November 2025. © Patrick Meinhardt / AFP

Senegal's prime minister still relies on businessmen and intermediaries who backed him during his years in opposition. Drawn from varied backgrounds – construction, aviation and religious networks – they form a discreet but influential circle around the leader who took power two years ago.

LogoSubscribers only 13.03.2026

DRC
AFC-M23 appoints new civilian leaders to manage proto-state

Since its swift conquest in eastern DRC a year ago, the rebellion has been working to turn its military advances into lasting power. A handful of civilian leaders have been entrusted with managing the territories now under AFC-M23 control.

LogoSubscribers only 06.03.2026
Two of the rebel leaders, Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa.

DRC
AFC-M23 appoints new civilian leaders to manage proto-state

Two of the rebel leaders, Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa.
Two of the rebel leaders, Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa.© Moïse Kasereka/EPA/MaxPPP

Since its swift conquest in eastern DRC a year ago, the rebellion has been working to turn its military advances into lasting power. A handful of civilian leaders have been entrusted with managing the territories now under AFC-M23 control.

LogoSubscribers only 06.03.2026

Egypt
President Sisi's armada of new ambassadors

From Paris to Ankara, via Moscow, Abu Dhabi and Algiers, the Egyptian head of state has reshaped his country's diplomatic line-up in response to regional crises and shifting alliances.

LogoSubscribers only 27.02.2026
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (right) and his Foreign Secretary, Badr Abdelatty, during the Egypt-EU summit in Brussels, on 22 October 2025.

Egypt
President Sisi's armada of new ambassadors

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (right) and his Foreign Secretary, Badr Abdelatty, during the Egypt-EU summit in Brussels, on 22 October 2025.
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (right) and his Foreign Secretary, Badr Abdelatty, during the Egypt-EU summit in Brussels, on 22 October 2025.© Simon Wohlfahrt / Pool / AFP

From Paris to Ankara, via Moscow, Abu Dhabi and Algiers, the Egyptian head of state has reshaped his country's diplomatic line-up in response to regional crises and shifting alliances.

LogoSubscribers only 27.02.2026

Burundi
Évariste Ndayishimiye sets up his A-team at the African Union

As the head of state takes up the AU chair today, he has positioned numerous officials to ensure the success of this sensitive mission. While the strengthened embassy in Addis Ababa will be heavily involved, other diplomats based in Europe and the United States will also have a role to play.

LogoSubscribers only 13.02.2026
President of Burundi Évariste Ndayishimiye in Addis Ababa in February 2025.

Burundi
Évariste Ndayishimiye sets up his A-team at the African Union

President of Burundi Évariste Ndayishimiye in Addis Ababa in February 2025.
President of Burundi Évariste Ndayishimiye in Addis Ababa in February 2025. © Tiksa Negeri/Reuters

As the head of state takes up the AU chair today, he has positioned numerous officials to ensure the success of this sensitive mission. While the strengthened embassy in Addis Ababa will be heavily involved, other diplomats based in Europe and the United States will also have a role to play.

LogoSubscribers only 13.02.2026

Madagascar
The politicians and businessmen close to junta leader Randrianirina

Four months after seizing power, the president of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar has formed a small circle of advisers who move between politics and business.

LogoSubscribers only 12.02.2026
Colonel Michael Randrianirina after his inauguration ceremony in Antananarivo on 17 October 2025.

Madagascar
The politicians and businessmen close to junta leader Randrianirina

Colonel Michael Randrianirina after his inauguration ceremony in Antananarivo on 17 October 2025.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina after his inauguration ceremony in Antananarivo on 17 October 2025.© Rijasolo/AFP

Four months after seizing power, the president of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar has formed a small circle of advisers who move between politics and business.

LogoSubscribers only 12.02.2026

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