Leo XIV

Central African Republic
Faustin-Archange Touadéra set to meet Pope Leo at Vatican

The Central African president is due to meet the pope on 1 October for the first time, as the papacy remains diplomatically active in the Central African Republic.

Algeria
President Tebboune's European schedule takes shape

Forced to cancel his trip to Qatar due to the conflict that has engulfed the Middle East, the Algerian head of state will be stepping up his activities on the European stage in the second half of 2026.

Equatorial Guinea
President Obiang Nguema visits Washington on the QT

The Equatorial Guinean head of state was received by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on 16 April.

Cameroon
Government tries to retain control of opposition figure Ekane's funeral

As the ceremonies commemorating the activist who died in prison draw nearer, the Cameroonian authorities fear that the gatherings, which will be held on 8 and 9 May, could turn into a political forum.

Equatorial Guinea
Holy See and Malabo in talks over Pope's schedule

From 21 to 23 April, at the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Leo XIV will conclude his tour of Africa in Equatorial Guinea's former capital. The sensitive issue of prisoners' poor living conditions will be one of the key focuses of his visit.

Palace Intrigues
Alassane Ouattara, Mahamadou Issoufou, António Guterres

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

Ivory CoastFirst Lady's charity gala pushed to autumn

NigerLomé, Mahamadou Issoufou's rear base

TanzaniaMinister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in pursuit of Antonio Gueterres from NYC to Riyadh

Cameroon
Pope's trip still a headache for Yaoundé

Despite the Vatican's willingness and the efforts of the presidency, preparations for Pope Leo XIV's visit to the country continue to run up against major obstacles, notably in terms of security and logistics.

Algeria
From Berlin to Doha, Tebboune's busy 2026 international diary revealed

The Algerian president is set to head to Germany as invited by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and is also expected to visit the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, after cancelling his visit in November.

Nigeria
The bishop of Sokoto, an influential voice advocating for Nigerian Catholics

At the head of one of Nigeria's smallest dioceses, Bishop Matthew Kukah knows how to wield his influence. The founder of a think tank, the religious leader has multiplied initiatives in favour of Catholics with the Nigerian president and international partners.

Palace Intrigues
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Nicolas Sarkozy

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

GabonPresident Oligui Nguema digs Ebomaf's luxury Airbus

NigeriaMedina, stage of confrontation between Emir Sanusi and his predecessor Bayero

AfricaNicolas Sarkozy guest of honour at French law firm Forward