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Madagascar
Ex-president's network boosted son's bid for Antananarivo mayoralty

Former president Marc Ravalomanana and his wife have both served as mayor of Madagascar's capital. Now their son Tojo is going for the job. He made good use of his famous surname and his parents' political connections while on the campaign trail.

LogoSubscribers only 20.12.2024
The Anosibe central market in Antananarivo, on 8 November 2018.

Madagascar
Ex-president's network boosted son's bid for Antananarivo mayoralty

The Anosibe central market in Antananarivo, on 8 November 2018.
The Anosibe central market in Antananarivo, on 8 November 2018. © Marco Longari/AFP

Former president Marc Ravalomanana and his wife have both served as mayor of Madagascar's capital. Now their son Tojo is going for the job. He made good use of his famous surname and his parents' political connections while on the campaign trail.

LogoSubscribers only 20.12.2024

Algeria
Army chief Saïd Chengriha asserts himself in relation to Tebboune

The chief of staff has tightened his grip on the Algerian army in recent years, partly through various appointments. But he still has to deal with the choices made by the president's office and with senior army figures who do not owe their positions to him.

LogoSubscribers only 13.12.2024
Army chief of staff Saïd Chengri in Algiers on 12 October 2022.

Algeria
Army chief Saïd Chengriha asserts himself in relation to Tebboune

Army chief of staff Saïd Chengri in Algiers on 12 October 2022.
Army chief of staff Saïd Chengri in Algiers on 12 October 2022. © ANIS/APP via MaxPPP

The chief of staff has tightened his grip on the Algerian army in recent years, partly through various appointments. But he still has to deal with the choices made by the president's office and with senior army figures who do not owe their positions to him.

LogoSubscribers only 13.12.2024

Nigeria
Borno governor Babagana Zulum's crack team

The powerful governor of the north-eastern state of Borno, which is plagued by security issues, has surrounded himself with a dynamic team to help him in his dealings with financial backers. It's a team that could serve him well in his bid for national office.

LogoSubscribers only 06.12.2024
Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State, in Maiduguri in February 2020.

Nigeria
Borno governor Babagana Zulum's crack team

Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State, in Maiduguri in February 2020.
Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State, in Maiduguri in February 2020. © Audu Marte/AFP

The powerful governor of the north-eastern state of Borno, which is plagued by security issues, has surrounded himself with a dynamic team to help him in his dealings with financial backers. It's a team that could serve him well in his bid for national office.

LogoSubscribers only 06.12.2024

Africa
Saadé family's CMA CGM entrusts military and diplomatic veterans with its Africa ops

Rodolphe Saadé and his sister Tanya run the world's third-largest shipping firm from Marseille with an iron fist. For CMA CGM's African operations, the siblings rely on former diplomats, ex-military, and merchant navy veterans.

LogoSubscribers only 29.11.2024
Rodolphe Saadé, chief executive of CMA CGM, in Marseille in September 2019.

Africa
Saadé family's CMA CGM entrusts military and diplomatic veterans with its Africa ops

Rodolphe Saadé, chief executive of CMA CGM, in Marseille in September 2019.
Rodolphe Saadé, chief executive of CMA CGM, in Marseille in September 2019. © Boris Horvat/AFP

Rodolphe Saadé and his sister Tanya run the world's third-largest shipping firm from Marseille with an iron fist. For CMA CGM's African operations, the siblings rely on former diplomats, ex-military, and merchant navy veterans.

LogoSubscribers only 29.11.2024

South Africa
Coalition partner Steenhuisen uses his team to stand up to dominant ANC

The Democratic Alliance leader is struggling to make his voice heard within South Africa's new ten-party coalition. Steenhuisen, who now serves as agriculture minister, relies on a small circle of loyalists to try and counterbalance the dominant ANC.

LogoSubscribers only 22.11.2024
John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, in Benoni, South Africa, on 26 May 2024.

South Africa
Coalition partner Steenhuisen uses his team to stand up to dominant ANC

John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, in Benoni, South Africa, on 26 May 2024.
John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, in Benoni, South Africa, on 26 May 2024. © Jemal Countess/UPI via MaxPPP

The Democratic Alliance leader is struggling to make his voice heard within South Africa's new ten-party coalition. Steenhuisen, who now serves as agriculture minister, relies on a small circle of loyalists to try and counterbalance the dominant ANC.

LogoSubscribers only 22.11.2024

Zimbabwe
Finance minister Ncube struggles to make mark as Harare's debt negotiator

Mthuli Ncube was little known before he became finance minister in 2018, though he came with an impressive contact book from his time at the African Development Bank. However, he has struggled to make Zimbabwe more democratic as demanded by the country's international financial backers.

LogoSubscribers only 15.11.2024
Zimbabwe's finance and economic development minister Mthuli Ncube in Harare on 11 March 2020.

Zimbabwe
Finance minister Ncube struggles to make mark as Harare's debt negotiator

Zimbabwe's finance and economic development minister Mthuli Ncube in Harare on 11 March 2020.
Zimbabwe's finance and economic development minister Mthuli Ncube in Harare on 11 March 2020. © Shaun Jusa/Xinhua via MaxPPP

Mthuli Ncube was little known before he became finance minister in 2018, though he came with an impressive contact book from his time at the African Development Bank. However, he has struggled to make Zimbabwe more democratic as demanded by the country's international financial backers.

LogoSubscribers only 15.11.2024

Libya
Business magnate Mohamed Taher Issa tempted by political role

As many call for a new government, the Misrata businessman is no longer hiding his hostility towards Prime Minister Dabaiba and could decide to step into the political arena on his own account.

LogoSubscribers only 08.11.2024
Businessman Mohamed Taher Issa on 7 May 2022 in Misrata.

Libya
Business magnate Mohamed Taher Issa tempted by political role

Businessman Mohamed Taher Issa on 7 May 2022 in Misrata.
Businessman Mohamed Taher Issa on 7 May 2022 in Misrata. © Islam Alatrash/SOPA Images/Sipa/Reuters

As many call for a new government, the Misrata businessman is no longer hiding his hostility towards Prime Minister Dabaiba and could decide to step into the political arena on his own account.

LogoSubscribers only 08.11.2024

Africa
Kamala Harris's African networks

Africa may not be high on the Democrat candidate's list of priorities, but her advisers are starting to think about a strategy for the continent in the event that she wins on 5 November. Her approach is unlikely to depart radically from the Biden administration's.

LogoSubscribers only 01.11.2024
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Accra, Ghana, on 28 March 2023.

Africa
Kamala Harris's African networks

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Accra, Ghana, on 28 March 2023.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Accra, Ghana, on 28 March 2023. © Misper Apawu/Pool via Reuters

Africa may not be high on the Democrat candidate's list of priorities, but her advisers are starting to think about a strategy for the continent in the event that she wins on 5 November. Her approach is unlikely to depart radically from the Biden administration's.

LogoSubscribers only 01.11.2024

Ethiopia
Who's who in the entourage of Takele Uma, Abiy's new Ethio-Djibouti Railway boss

The Ethiopian PM has appointed the former Addis Ababa mayor and minister of mines, whom he dismissed last year, to revitalize the struggling railway. An early supporter of Abiy, Takele has surrounded himself with loyalists, which risks raising some hackles.

LogoSubscribers only 25.10.2024
The chief executive officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Takele Uma Banti, in Addis Ababa in May 2022.

Ethiopia
Who's who in the entourage of Takele Uma, Abiy's new Ethio-Djibouti Railway boss

The chief executive officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Takele Uma Banti, in Addis Ababa in May 2022.
The chief executive officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Takele Uma Banti, in Addis Ababa in May 2022. © Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu via AFP

The Ethiopian PM has appointed the former Addis Ababa mayor and minister of mines, whom he dismissed last year, to revitalize the struggling railway. An early supporter of Abiy, Takele has surrounded himself with loyalists, which risks raising some hackles.

LogoSubscribers only 25.10.2024

Morocco
Christophe Lecourtier, the well-connected ambassador tasked with reconciling Rabat and Paris

Good connections within the French right and Franco-Moroccan business circles have helped the French ambassador gain acceptance in the country he professes to love, despite past tensions between Paris and Rabat. He is now seen as the lynchpin of their rapprochement, particularly on Western Sahara.

LogoSubscribers only 18.10.2024
The French ambassador to Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, in Paris in November 2022.

Morocco
Christophe Lecourtier, the well-connected ambassador tasked with reconciling Rabat and Paris

The French ambassador to Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, in Paris in November 2022.
The French ambassador to Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, in Paris in November 2022. © Eric Tschaen/REA

Good connections within the French right and Franco-Moroccan business circles have helped the French ambassador gain acceptance in the country he professes to love, despite past tensions between Paris and Rabat. He is now seen as the lynchpin of their rapprochement, particularly on Western Sahara.

LogoSubscribers only 18.10.2024

Togo
Gnassingbé tightens grip on power with selective security sector reshuffle

Employing his knack for surprise promotions and sidelining senior officers, the Togolese president is focused on ensuring stability in an army tasked with countering jihadist threats on the northern border. Meanwhile, internal security remains under the steady hand of regime loyalists.

LogoSubscribers only 04.10.2024
Togolese president Faure Gnassingbé in Abidjan in July 2021.

Togo
Gnassingbé tightens grip on power with selective security sector reshuffle

Togolese president Faure Gnassingbé in Abidjan in July 2021.
Togolese president Faure Gnassingbé in Abidjan in July 2021. © Legnan Koula/EPA/MaxPPP

Employing his knack for surprise promotions and sidelining senior officers, the Togolese president is focused on ensuring stability in an army tasked with countering jihadist threats on the northern border. Meanwhile, internal security remains under the steady hand of regime loyalists.

LogoSubscribers only 04.10.2024

Djibouti
Foreign minister Youssouf works his African networks in bid for AU Commission chair

The Djibouti contender, backed by his country's top government officials, is seeking media coverage to promote his agenda. As foreign minister, he also meets frequently with African leaders, affording him opportunities to promote his candidacy.

Free access 27.09.2024
Djiboutian foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on 20 September 2024 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Djibouti
Foreign minister Youssouf works his African networks in bid for AU Commission chair

Djiboutian foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on 20 September 2024 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Djiboutian foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on 20 September 2024 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. © David Dee Delgado/Reuters

The Djibouti contender, backed by his country's top government officials, is seeking media coverage to promote his agenda. As foreign minister, he also meets frequently with African leaders, affording him opportunities to promote his candidacy.

Free access 27.09.2024

DRC
Major General Christian Ndaywel, the spymaster assisting the war effort in Kivu

The military intelligence chief has put together a team of senior officials to hold talks with Rwanda mediated by Angola. Despite limited resources, he has demonstrated an ability to negotiate firmly.

LogoSubscribers only 20.09.2024
FARDC soldiers close to the front line in North Kivu on 14 May 2024.

DRC
Major General Christian Ndaywel, the spymaster assisting the war effort in Kivu

FARDC soldiers close to the front line in North Kivu on 14 May 2024.
FARDC soldiers close to the front line in North Kivu on 14 May 2024. © Alexis Huguet/AFP

The military intelligence chief has put together a team of senior officials to hold talks with Rwanda mediated by Angola. Despite limited resources, he has demonstrated an ability to negotiate firmly.

LogoSubscribers only 20.09.2024

Morocco
Fouzi Lekjâa, a skilful player in football and state finance

Head of Morocco's football and with no political affiliation, Lekjâa is a shrewd negotiator who also leads the ministry responsible for the budget. He has a reputation for pugnacity and can count on the unfailing support of his early allies.

LogoSubscribers only 13.09.2024
Fouzi Lekjâa receives the Best Team Award at the 2023 CAF Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco, 11 December 2023.

Morocco
Fouzi Lekjâa, a skilful player in football and state finance

Fouzi Lekjâa receives the Best Team Award at the 2023 CAF Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco, 11 December 2023.
Fouzi Lekjâa receives the Best Team Award at the 2023 CAF Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco, 11 December 2023. © STR/AFP

Head of Morocco's football and with no political affiliation, Lekjâa is a shrewd negotiator who also leads the ministry responsible for the budget. He has a reputation for pugnacity and can count on the unfailing support of his early allies.

LogoSubscribers only 13.09.2024

Cameroon
Cyrus Ngo'o, watchdog for Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh at Douala port

Ngo'o runs Central Africa's leading port, Douala, on behalf of the influential secretary-general of Cameroon's presidency, but his management of this strategic place is increasingly being questioned.

LogoSubscribers only 06.09.2024
Cyrus Ngo'o, MD of the Port Authority of Douala, September 2021.

Cameroon
Cyrus Ngo'o, watchdog for Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh at Douala port

Cyrus Ngo'o, MD of the Port Authority of Douala, September 2021.
Cyrus Ngo'o, MD of the Port Authority of Douala, September 2021. © Twitter/@UN_Cameroon

Ngo'o runs Central Africa's leading port, Douala, on behalf of the influential secretary-general of Cameroon's presidency, but his management of this strategic place is increasingly being questioned.

LogoSubscribers only 06.09.2024

Mauritania
Powerful Prime Minister Moctar Ould Djay's system

The newly elected PM has taken the time to compose a government partly under his control. While ministries with sovereign powers remain the president's prerogative, Ould Djay has taken charge of the country's productive sectors and the priority youth portfolio.

LogoSubscribers only 30.08.2024
Mauritanian Prime Minister, Moctar Ould Djay.

Mauritania
Powerful Prime Minister Moctar Ould Djay's system

Mauritanian Prime Minister, Moctar Ould Djay.
Mauritanian Prime Minister, Moctar Ould Djay. © primature.gov.mr

The newly elected PM has taken the time to compose a government partly under his control. While ministries with sovereign powers remain the president's prerogative, Ould Djay has taken charge of the country's productive sectors and the priority youth portfolio.

LogoSubscribers only 30.08.2024

Cameroon
Françoise 'Mamy Nyanga' Puene, Yaoundé's best-connected senator

Puene's influence continues to grow in her native Cameroon and beyond. An eccentric and popular figure with an impressive address book, she bridges the worlds of politics and business.

LogoSubscribers only 19.07.2024
Françoise Puene, the owner of the Hôtel Franco, in Yaounde on 13 July 2021.

Cameroon
Françoise 'Mamy Nyanga' Puene, Yaoundé's best-connected senator

Françoise Puene, the owner of the Hôtel Franco, in Yaounde on 13 July 2021.
Françoise Puene, the owner of the Hôtel Franco, in Yaounde on 13 July 2021. © Adrien Marotte/AFP

Puene's influence continues to grow in her native Cameroon and beyond. An eccentric and popular figure with an impressive address book, she bridges the worlds of politics and business.

LogoSubscribers only 19.07.2024

Africa
The powerful friends of star oil lawyer NJ Ayuk

With 20 years' experience in legal counsel and lobbying for African governments keen to secure their countries' place on the oil map, Cameroonian NJ Ayuk, a thorn in the side of anti-fossil fuel civil society, now fancies his hand at investment.

Free access 12.07.2024
NJ Ayuk in Dubai on 30 March 2023.

Africa
The powerful friends of star oil lawyer NJ Ayuk

NJ Ayuk in Dubai on 30 March 2023.
NJ Ayuk in Dubai on 30 March 2023. © Ali Haider/EPA/MaxPPP

With 20 years' experience in legal counsel and lobbying for African governments keen to secure their countries' place on the oil map, Cameroonian NJ Ayuk, a thorn in the side of anti-fossil fuel civil society, now fancies his hand at investment.

Free access 12.07.2024

Madagascar
Rajoelina's National Assembly lieutenants

With a clear majority in parliament, the president has ensured that his big guns will head up the country's most strategic regions. A handful of MPs, elected as independents, are also likely to back him and give him a two-thirds majority.

LogoSubscribers only 05.07.2024
Malagasy president Andry Rajoelina casts his vote at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on 29 May 2024.

Madagascar
Rajoelina's National Assembly lieutenants

Malagasy president Andry Rajoelina casts his vote at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on 29 May 2024.
Malagasy president Andry Rajoelina casts his vote at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on 29 May 2024. © Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua via MaxPPP

With a clear majority in parliament, the president has ensured that his big guns will head up the country's most strategic regions. A handful of MPs, elected as independents, are also likely to back him and give him a two-thirds majority.

LogoSubscribers only 05.07.2024

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