National Security Council

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Miguel Kashal, head of the ARSP subcontracting regulatory authority, cites records showing tens of millions of dollars withdrawn in cash.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.

Kenya
Purge of oil top brass stirs unrest within the government

The president's allies are unhappy with the removal of senior officials after a scandal swept through the administration involving the importation of substandard petroleum products. They view it as a double standard, as two ministers, also accused of being involved, remain in their positions.

The New Guard
Nigeria, Niger, Central African Republic

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

NigeriaAyo Sopitan, trader turned miner

NigerSalim Gado, Tchiani's ambitious right-hand man

Central African RepublicWilliam Ndjapou, the rising adviser

Morocco
Rabat's US network helps keep up pressure on Polisario Front

Over the past several years, the kingdom has successfully built up a network of influence in the US capital, which now puts it in a position of strength in the negotiations over Western Sahara.