DRC, Rwanda
France seeks to build multi-state mediation group to resolve DRC crisis

DRC
Vital Kamerhe embarks on low-key tour from Johannesburg to Tel-Aviv

Challenged by President Félix Tshisekedi's entourage, who suspect him of harbouring a hidden agenda, the President of the Congolese National Assembly has embarked on a diplomatic tour to try to influence the course of the war against the M23 rebels.

DRC
Doha speeds up opening of embassy in Kinshasa

A diplomatic scouting team is due to leave Qatar to set up representation in the Congolese capital. The Emirate is still trying to play the role of mediator in the M23 crisis.

DRC
Europeans not in union on how to respond to the M23 and Rwanda situation

The EU's member states are struggling to come up with a common diplomatic strategy to put pressure on Paul Kagame's Rwanda.

Palace Intrigues
Alassane Ouattara, Nicolas Sarkozy, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Cyril Ramaphosa

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

Ivory CoastOuattara boosts Sarkozy's morale

GabonOligui Nguema, admirer of General de Gaulle

South Africa / RwandaRamaphosa's lexical blunder upsets Kagame

Rwanda
Qatari firm UCC to captain two co-winners of Rwanda airport project

Qatar Airways has clarified the roles of the various players involved in the construction of Bugesera International Airport. Urbacon Trading and Contracting will take the helm throughout the project, giving orders to Portugal's Mota Engil and Greece's Consolidated Contractors.

DRC, Qatar
Qatar disappointed by Tshisekedi's no-show

Qatari diplomats were due to host Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi in Doha on 23 January, but the gathering was cancelled after Kinshasa pulled out at the last minute. A decision that came as a surprise to Qatar, given that it was Tshisekedi who had requested mediation in the conflict in eastern DRC.