National Security Council

Ivory Coast
Ouattara puts pressure on mining minister over gold permits

The head of state is pointing the finger at inadequate oversight of gold mining permits and is taking back control of the sector from Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly. This comes in spite of the mining minister's close relationship with Deputy PM Téné Birahima Ouattara.

Palace Intrigues
Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Félix Tshisekedi, Alassane Ouattara

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

CongoWedding season kicks off within Denis Sassou Nguesso's entourage

DRCFélix Tshisekedi invites influential pastor Joel Osteen to Kinshasa

Ivory CoastAbidjan sued in New York over poorly maintained pavement

Kenya
Security services on alert over volatile social climate

Public anger is mounting for a number of reasons and people are expected to take to the streets by the end of June. Police and intelligence agencies have stepped up surveillance and advised that the army be kept on standby in case protests spiral.

DRC
Former Tshisekedi special envoy seeks cybersecurity equipment

His schedule includes trips to the US for the World Cup, Paris for the luxury boutiques, Brussels for downtime and Dubai to discuss the procurement of cyber equipment. This national security council consultant is making waves in intelligence and business circles, from Kinshasa to Tel Aviv.

DRC
Bank records put subcontracting regulator chief under scrutiny

A letter targeting Miguel Kashal, head of the ARSP subcontracting regulatory authority, cites records showing tens of millions of dollars withdrawn in cash. The matter, linked to security needs in the war against M23, is an open secret among top government figures.

DRC
Excluded candidate calls in FIFA over election of football federation head

A former Congolese football official is calling for an investigation into the election for the head of the national federation, scheduled for 20 May. Only one candidature, Véron Mosengo-Omba, former secretary general of the African Confederation, has been approved.

DRC
Glencore puts up $60m to settle tax dispute

With this payment, the Swiss trading giant brings to an end a tax dispute linked to alleged insurance fraud that had been dragging on for several years.