Africa

Burundi
Nine months ahead of elections, Ndayishimiye tightens grip on the country

Fearful of destabilising elements infiltrating both the country and the ruling party, the executive has engaged in a months-long wave of arrests. No one is spared, not even the entourage of figures close to power.

Morocco
EU protectionist push in automobile sector worries Rabat

The kingdom has spent the last twenty years developing an automotive sector that generates plenty of jobs. A proposed European regulation could undermine this painstakingly built structure.

Kenya
Ruto revives his religious networks

The president's entourage is seeking to forge closer ties with the Presbyterian Church, which is very popular in central Kenya. In recent months, the head of state has lost support in this region while continuing to win over the western part of the country, including through religious circles.

DRC
AFC-M23 challenges UN sanctions

The rebel movement, which controls a large part of the DRC, wrote to the UN sanctions committee at the end of July to complain about measures targeting several of its leaders. These include the movement's head, Corneille Nangaa.

Ivory Coast
Idriss Diallo raises the stakes to remain at helm of football federation

Seeking a second term, the incumbent president is working on a series of measures designed to boost his campaign ahead of the elections scheduled for 12 September.

Nigeria
New law firm takes on Abuja arbitration cases before the ICSID

Keen to bring two proceedings with the World Bank's dispute settlement body to a close, the Nigerian government has just retained the services of a US legal practice.

Morocco
Brussels defends agricultural deal despite Spanish petition

The European Commission has just outright dismissed the complaints made against the new bilateral association agreement between Morocco and the EU. This is likely to fuel further unrest among farmers in Europe, above all in France and Spain.

Gabon
Khalil Rihan helps position Israeli arms broker Gaby Peretz in Libreville

The influential Lebanese businessman has helped introduce the head of military brokerage firm AD Con to Gabon's security establishment. The company is now working to finalise a major contract to equip the armed forces.

Palace Intrigues
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Omar-Denis Junior Bongo, Brigitte and Tina Touadéra

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

GabonBrice Clotaire Oligui Nguema expected in Abidjan

GabonOmar-Denis Junior referred to the criminal court whilst at his wedding

Central African RepublicFaustin-Archange Touadéra's wives on a visit to Russia

Sudan
UK tries to steady talks after rumours spark anger

London's dialogue process with Sudanese civil society is turning into a political headache amid a climate of deep mistrust. A rumoured invitation to the Quartet, which in fact was not included in the July meeting, has stirred tensions.

Ethiopia
Ecobank wary of entering market due to current regulations

Ethiopia could be part of the pan-African bank's East Africa expansion strategy. However, a number of restrictions around opening the country's banking sector to foreign competition are holding back investment projects.

Cameroon
Behind the arbitration ruling against Yaoundé over Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore project

The order requiring the state to pay $616m to the Australian company Sundance Resources and its local subsidiary highlights divisions within the Cameroonian government. It also reveals the arbitrators' disagreement over the calculation of damages.