Gold

Kenya
Two new bids submitted for gold and titanium exploration

Kenyan Mines Minister Ali Hassan Joho has received two new bids for gold and titanium exploration permits in the counties of Kilifi and Turkana.

Ethiopia
Mining companies in Tigray left in limbo due to leaderless administration

The political stalemate in the north of the country is intricately linked to mining activities in Tigray. An audit carried out by a senior member of the transitional administration was met with a lukewarm reception in regions under the TPLF's control.

Sudan
UAE solicits new AU Commission

In an effort to safeguard her country's interests in Sudan, UAE Deputy Foreign Minister Lana Zaki Nusseibeh has requested a meeting with African Union Commissioner Paps Bankole Adeoye.

Tanzania
As elections approach, embassies wary of return of surprise tax demands

The diplomatic community in Tanzania has taken up the issue of unannounced tax audits, which hit companies during the last local elections. Yet the tax commission appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which was supposed to clarify the legal position, has been slow to deliver its conclusions.

DRC
The advance of M23 frustrates DRC Gold Trading's plans

State-owned DRC Gold Trading, which aims to combat gold smuggling in the east of the country, has been hit hard by the expansion of the area controlled by M23 rebels.

Gabon
How Paris is redefining its military cooperation with Libreville

While the French army officially handed over its military base last year, France still wants to keep a small contingent of 70 soldiers in Libreville.

Burkina Faso
Junta increases pressure on ex-president Compaoré's clan

Captain Ibrahim Traoré is increasing his attacks on the close associates of François Compaoré, the younger brother of the former president. This is beginning to affect the economic empire built by his stepmother, Alizéta Ouédraogo.

DRC
The mysterious mining dispute troubling the Tshisekedis

Last year, the head of state ordered the arrest of a Congolese businessman who was involved in a dispute with a Chinese gold miner, only for the former to be released under pressure from the presidential family.

Palace Intrigues
Alassane Ouattara, William Ruto, Cyril Ramaphosa

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

Ivory CoastOuattara irked by his advisers

KenyaRuto unhappy about secret meeting between Kindiki and Kenyatta

GhanaRamaphosa angry with John Dramani Mahama

Madagascar
Senior foreign ministry official under suspicion of gold trafficking

Since the arrest of a man with a diplomatic bag containing 53kg of gold ingots, there has been no sign of Julien Fanambinana Soananata.