Inner Circle | Africa
The international flavour of Simon Trott's Rio Tinto team

Spotlight | Cameroon
Saga of Biya and Société Générale sale nears completion

Spotlight | Mali
Junta under strain as JNIM-FLA alliance readies next phase

As the junta wobbles, the alliance between the militant jihadists and the Azawad Liberation Front is readying itself for a second act. Having struck at the heart of power in Bamako, JNIM-FLA is looking at a new governance structure to supplant Assimi Goïta's military regime.

Inner Circle | Benin
The team behind presidential election favourite Romuald Wadagni

Ruling party candidate for the election on 12 April, the finance minister has surrounded himself with a few close associates and a team under the control of the outgoing president Patrice Talon to lead his campaign. These are figures who would be part of his inner circle if he is elected.

Spotlight | South Sudan, Sudan
Hemeti holds hushed talks with southern neighbour

The RSF commander is a regular visitor to Juba, where security issues, as well as the sharing of oil and the revenue it generates, are at the heart of frequent low-key meetings. The Sudanese conflict continues to spill over into South Sudan's territory.

Inner Circle | Kenya
Ruto's security apparatus explained

The Kenyan president has surrounded himself with a close circle of political, military and police officials to address the terrorist threats facing the country. While the army's high command is commendable for its cohesion, the internal security establishment presents a more divided image.

Spotlight | Madagascar
Tension mounts between Antananarivo and Paris

The tone is hardening between the junta and the French embassy. Despite fraying bilateral relations, Paris is striving to maintain a delicate diplomatic balance with the country in order to counter Russia's ever-growing influence.

Inner Circle | Madagascar
The politicians and businessmen close to junta leader Randrianirina

Four months after seizing power, the president of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar has formed a small circle of advisers who move between politics and business.

Spotlight | Madagascar
French airports group ADP gears up to leave the country

Inner Circle | North Africa
Ursula von der Leyen's envoys preach the word of Brussels from Cairo to Rabat