Africa

Gabon
Negotiations stall around the neverending Hôtel Pozzo di Borgo story

While the French courts are due to rule on the future of the luxurious Parisian property owned by the Gabonese state, a host of intermediaries, lawyers and businessmen are busy behind the scenes, operating independently of Libreville's official legal strategy.

DRC
Behind MIBA board of directors' move to cut diamond mining CEO loose

The majority of the firm's board members have written to President Félix Tshisekedi calling for the dismissal of André Kabanda Kana, who is at the helm of the state-owned firm. In addition to differences of opinion regarding the company's recovery plan, the letter also highlights allegations of improper expenditure.

Sudan
Darfour governor Minni Minnawi presses Brussels to blacklist the RSF

The ally of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's Sudanese Armed Forces is stepping up calls to the EU but designating the paramilitaries as a terrorist organisation could undermine negotiations with his rival Hemeti.

DRC
Sassou-Nguesso's behind-the-scenes push to unlock neighbour's national dialogue

Concerned that an uncontrollable political crisis in the DRC could spill over and destabilise the region, the Congolese president has personally stepped in to try to persuade Félix Tshisekedi to ease political tensions. His quiet mediation intensified during their meeting in Brazzaville in early July.

Nigeria
Paris again seeks help of billionaire Mike Adenuga to back its cultural diplomacy

As President Emmanuel Macron is due to lay the foundation stone for the future Institut Français in Abuja during his forthcoming visit to West Africa, his team is negotiating the financing of its construction with one of the continent's wealthiest figures.

Palace Intrigues
Omar-Denis Junior Bongo, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Félix Tshisekedi

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

CongoDenis Sassou-Nguesso's children scope out Libreville ahead of Omar-Denis Junior Bongo wedding

GabonBrice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Emmanuel Macron dine with figures from football, business and culture

DRCKinshasa elite gather for exclusive reception

Africa
London appoints new minister to guide Africa policy

Recently installed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is putting the last touches on his government and has assigned a new minister of state to the Africa portfolio.

DRC
Public-private partnership agency APCSC boosts presence in Washington

The APCSC agency, managed since its inception by Freddy Yodi Shembo, has enlisted a PR firm run by a specialist in US-Africa economic relations.

Libya
Stability Support Apparatus state security service faces threat of ICC investigation

Khaled al-Tawati, former CEO of the state-owned firm that possesses the government's oil tankers, has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court to denounce the crimes he says were committed against him.

Kenya
NGO once opposed to Kalonzo Musyoka hires lobbyist in Washington

As the former vice president and opposition candidate has just launched his campaign for the next general elections in 2027, the International Policy Group has signed a hefty contract with an American consultant.