Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa
Rift between finances minister and deputy minister reaches breaking point

Tensions between the finance minister and his deputy have become so severe that the latter no longer reports to his office at the National Treasury headquarters in Pretoria's central business district.

South Africa
Government of National Unity advisers refuse to sign code of conduct

Meeting in Johannesburg in early October, a large majority rejected the code barring them from simultaneously holding board positions at private companies and public entities.

South Africa
Pretoria suspects golfer Gary Player of driving Trump's visa restrictions

Several senior diplomats claim that the former South African golfing great, known for his close ties to the US president, played a role in Washington's tougher visa policy towards figures linked to Cyril Ramaphosa's African National Congress.

South Africa
Ramaphosa allies back Ronald Lamola in ANC leadership race

Those close to the President have thrown their weight behind the international relations minister to take over as leader of the ANC, replacing the party's secretary-general Fikile Mbalula as their preferred candidate.

South Africa
Finance minister blocks union leader's appointment to Public Investment Corp board

Enoch Godongwana is refusing to approve the return of Mugwena Maluleke, one of the country's leading trade unionists, to the board of South Africa's PIC, which manages public service worker assets and has just been shaken by a major governance crisis.

Nigeria
VP Shettima heads to New Delhi for BRICS summit

Currently on a private visit to Paris, and possibly due to head to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, President Bola Tinubu will not take part in the BRICS summit scheduled for 12-13 September in the Indian capital.

South Africa
Future of power utility Eskom chair in doubt over reform row

Mteto Nyati, who has headed the board of the country's main electricity supplier since 2023, expressed opposition to President Cyril Ramaphosa's plan to transfer the distribution business to a new independent entity. This difference of opinion could cost him his job.

Kenya
AFCON 2027 build-up falters as Ruto turns up the pressure

Major works have been stalled or slowed by the payment arrears the government is accumulating with its contractors in Nairobi. Some within the executive fear that the continental football competition may not be co-hosted by Kenya as planned.

Madagascar
Relations between junta and SADC go south

Colonel Michael Randrianirina's government is under pressure from the Southern African Development Community, which is demanding a clear timetable for a return to constitutional order. Angered by this, the head of state suspects the regional organisation of being under the influence of his opponents.

Palace Intrigues
Alassane Ouattara, William Ruto, Mamadi Doumbouya

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

Ivory CoastAlassane Ouattara's personal trip to France

KenyaWilliam Ruto's warning to leaders of his political stronghold

Equatorial GuineaMMA champion Francis Ngannou misses encounter with Mamadi Doumbouya in Conakry

South Africa
New French ambassador heads to Pretoria ahead of Ramaphosa's Paris visit

Antoine Michon is expected to become France's next ambassador to South Africa after the current ambassador, David Martinon, leaves the embassy for Australia in August.

South Africa
Ramaphosa expected in Paris in bid to reset ties

The South African President will make an official visit to France on 9 and 10 July. He is due to be received at the Élysée Palace by his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.