Politics

Palace Intrigues
Paul Biya, Lucy Tamlyn, Laurent Esso, Jean-Louis Billon

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

DRCUS ambassador Lucy Tamlyn's luxury refuge

CameroonLaurent Esso's absence quells reshuffle rumours

Ivory CoastBillon clan to stage classy Miami wedding

Kenya
Tea company caught up in Ruto-Gachagua power struggle

With two years to go before the general elections, President William Ruto continues to dismantle his former deputy's powerful networks. However, Rigathi Gachagua remains popular in the centre of the country and has also forged alliances in the tea and coffee sectors.

Gabon
Ex-Jean Ping adviser Michel Ongoundou Loundah set to run for president

After taking over the Réagir party at the end of January, he has embarked on a tour of the country ahead of a presidential bid.

The New Guard
Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Morocco

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

NigeriaMark Okoye II, Bola Tinubu's financial arm in the South East

Ivory CoastLinda Pathinvo Abihona, a bridge between Ivorian startups and Silicon Valley

MoroccoIlyas El Maliki, leader of Moroccan streaming

Congo
Rodrigue Malanda-Samba, linchpin for Sassou in Pool region

Head of the presidency's political department, Malanda-Samba is back in the National Assembly. As an elected representative from Pool, a region traditionally averse to the president's power, he is one of Denis Sassou-Nguesso's key supporters for 2026's presidential vote.

Central African Republic
Bangui drinking water project held up due to Touadéra's missing signature

The Saep Bangui II project, which involves building a drinking water supply system in the capital, was discussed this month in a meeting between Minister Arthur Bertrand Piri and an African Development Bank team.

Nigeria
Kano throne turns into poisoned chalice for Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi returned to the head of the northern Nigerian emirate last May, four years after being dethroned, but now once again finds himself in the crosshairs of the central government.

Ethiopia
Amhara region cracks down on Qemant minority suspected of backing rebels

The Qemant ethnic minority is in conflict with the authorities in Ethiopia's Amhara region over land disputes. Some of its representatives are being prosecuted on terror charges and are accused of supporting rebel groups.

Senegal
Ex-banker and minister favourites to replace Cheikh Diba as finance minister

With speculation rife about a government reshuffle in Senegal, two senior officials are being touted as possible replacements for Finance Minister Cheikh Diba, who is in a weakened position at the helm of the key ministry.

Palace Intrigues
AU summit, Mahmoud Abbas, Judith Suminwa Tuluka

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

African UnionIsraeli and Palestinian envoys at AU Summit

DRCPM Judith Suminwa Tuluka sends out message in Cape Town

EthiopiaTPLF more divided than ever on its 50th anniversary