Spotlight | Africa, Russia
Russian ambassadors in Africa in combat mode

Ethiopia
Russia beefs up its trade diplomacy in Addis Ababa

The Russian embassy in Addis Ababa is shortly due to welcome new trade representative Yaroslav Tarasyuk, who was appointed by decree by prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in mid-May.

DRC, Russia
DRC's Moscow ambassador moves up in the world

The DRC's new ambassador to Russia, Ivan Vangu Ngimbi, who has been living in a hotel since his arrival last June in Moscow, is about to move his country's diplomatic representation from a decrepit suburban building to a more fitting location in the heart of the city.

South Africa
Zane Dangor makes his influence felt at foreign ministry

The director-general of South Africa's foreign ministry is pleading for Pretoria to distance itself from Moscow. His influence is an irritation for some in the ruling ANC, which is keen to maintain good relations with Russia.

West Africa
African leaders plan trip to Kyiv and Moscow

A handful of African heads of state are planning a joint visit to Moscow and Kyiv to meet Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. Details could be discussed at the next African Union summit.

Mali
Aid workers seek solution after Mali junta bans French-backed groups

European embassies and development workers are trying to map out a future for aid groups in Mali after the junta ban on non-governmental organisations backed by France.

Congo, Russia
Sergei Lavrov to visit Brazzaville

Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, is due to make a two-day official visit to Brazzaville on 24 and 25 July.

Uganda
Museveni embarks on multiple missions to tackle inflation

Faced with growing popular discontent, the Ugandan head of state Yoweri Museveni has made a number of declarations in an attempt to calm the social climate. His first target is fuel prices.

North Africa
Moscow plans to hold its Russian-Arab summit in Cairo instead of Marrakech

The Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, initially scheduled to take place in Marrakech in November 2020 and then postponed for the first time to November 2021 at the request of Moscow, could finally be held in Cairo.

DRC
France, UK and US seek to block Russian ambitions in DRC

Put on alert by the turn of events in the Central African Republic and Mali, Western powers are worried about a potential rapprochement between the DRC and Russia and are hoping the UN will at least continue to enforce its arms embargo in the country.

Palace Intrigues
Macky Sall, Sébastien Lecornu, Cellou Dalein Diallo and Atiku Abubakar

Small stories and intriguing affairs. Every Tuesday, Africa Intelligence goes behind the scenes of the continent's seats of power - and beyond.

Senegal Why did Macky Sall not stop off in Ukraine?

France-Morocco French Armed Forces Minister and Moroccan counterpart get together

Guinea CDD's trip to Canada cancelled due to F1 Grand Prix

Nigeria PDP candidate Abubakar's low-key European tour

Southern Africa
Volunteers forced to wait before joining International Ukrainian Legion

In Pretoria, the Ukrainian embassy has received many requests from South Africans and neighbouring nationals to join the fight against Russia, yet at the moment there are several obstacles stopping them from going.

Mozambique
Nyusi no longer stonewalling Russia

After nearly two years of diplomatic silence, the Mozambican administration is responding to Russia's discreet overtures.