Defence

Sudan
RSF head Hemeti secretly cultivates ties with Israel

Since the start of the war, the Rapid Support Forces leadership has maintained high-level contacts with Tel Aviv. Its senior figures and leader's family members have made several trips there in a security cooperation that predates the conflict.

Morocco
Rabat and NATO join forces to train African militaries

In the coming months, the Moroccan armed forces and the transatlantic alliance are expected to organise a Deep session by the end of the year or early 2027.

DRC
Washington Accords weigh fact-finding mission to South Kivu

The Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism, which has so far been deployed as part of the Doha process, could be sent to the highly volatile Minembwe area. The aim is to ensure that DRC and Rwanda honour the commitments made at the peace agreement signed in December 2025.

Sudan
New Saudi ambassador set to play more active role in Khartoum

The change of Saudi Arabia's representative in Sudan comes as the kingdom ups its support for the head of the national army, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Libya
Dbeibeh reshuffles forces in bid to seize control of Zawiya

Taking charge of the north-western city, a hotbed of rival militias, has become a strategic priority for the PM, as it is home to the country's only operating refinery. To this end, he's promoted militia commander Mahmoud ben Rajab.

Nigeria
Military delegation visited Belgium to source drones

A delegation of officers from the Nigerian Armed Forces visited Belgium in mid-June to attend demonstrations of products supplied by Drone Enterprise.

Senegal
Dakar struggles with case of prisoner Malick Diop, caught up in war in Ukraine

Little progress has been made regarding the fate of the student, who enlisted in the Russian forces and was then captured by the Ukrainian army over a year ago. The Senegalese authorities, who are exercising caution, can't seem to make headway on the matter.

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.

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.

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

Central African Republic
Touadéra keeps key security asset Hassan Bouba within his fold

The ex-livestock minister has lost none of his influence with his transfer to the urban development portfolio in the reshuffle. Asked to help secure the recapture of Am Dafock, this figure with close ties to Russia continues to put his networks within armed groups at the service of the regime.

Kenya
Defence Ministry alarmed by resurgence of Somali pirates

On 14 and 15 July, representatives of the Kenyan Ministry of Defence and Somali security officials held a closed-door meeting in Nairobi in order to discuss the growing threat of piracy off the Somali coast.

Kenya
EU mulls over €60m increase in military aid package

After issuing an initial €20m to equip the Kenyan army, Brussels is considering making a second round of funds available as it seeks to strengthen security cooperation with Nairobi.