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Olivier Liffran

Africa Intelligence journalist Olivier Liffran reports on countries in Central and Southern Africa. He is also an infrastructure specialist and head of the "In focus" section.

Spotlight | DRC
Tshisekedi weighs his military options against M23

In the conflict with the M23 rebels, the DRC president has to take into account his army's serious weaknesses and as well as the hostility of some in his entourage to Paul Kagame's regime. Although he has left the door open to mediation, he is still quietly planning large-scale military operations.

Subscribers only Defence, Politics, Diplomacy 27.01.2023

DRC army tanks on the border with Rwanda.

Spotlight | DRC
Top adviser Bifort ousted as Tshisekedi purges his inner circle

The arrest of Fortunat Biselele, aka Bifort, and the reshuffle of the president's private office, where he was a pivotal figure, heralds a change of direction for Félix Tshisekedi. Africa Intelligence reveals the story behind the scenes of this political incident and the investigation conducted by the intelligence services.

Subscribers only Politics 20.01.2023

In Focus | DRC
From Texas to South Kivu's highlands, Mahoro Peace Association's complex channels finance militia

Washington and Kinshasa believe a vast network operating under the cover of an American association is financing the Banyamulenge community militias. According to FBI and Congolese intelligence evidence, hundreds of thousands of dollars may have been used to finance the war effort in South Kivu.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 16.01.2023

Washington and Kinshasa suspect a vast network, operating under the cover of an American humanitarian association, of financing the Banyamulenge community militias.

Spotlight | DRC
Foreign private military contractors flood into North Kivu

Africa Intelligence lifts the veil on the private security companies currently operating in the eastern DRC city of Goma. There are dozens of former Soviet soldiers present, as well as a French businessman and a Romanian veteran of the French Foreign Legion.

Subscribers only Defence 06.01.2023

Soldiers of the Congolese Republican Guard walk on the tarmac of the airport in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on 12th November 2022.

Spotlight | DRC
Following Washington's threats, Tshisekedi presidency tries to discreetly renegotiate its Gertler deal

Félix Tshisekedi's presidency is using the utmost discretion to try to renegotiate the financial compensation it granted Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler 10 months ago. The US, which is threatening to impose sanctions on members of the Congolese government, has been a key player in this U-turn.

Subscribers only Finance, Politics, Business 21.12.2022

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Spotlight | DRC
Kagame and Tshisekedi play diplomatic cat and mouse

The Rwandan president Paul Kagame has opened up to a number of his counterparts about his country's ties with the M23. But Western capitals, not least France, remain circumspect, and Kigali currently has the upper hand diplomatically over an increasingly isolated Tshisekedi.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 02.12.2022

On the left the president of the DRC Félix Tshisekedi, on the right the president of Rwanda Paul Kagame

In Focus | Central Africa, West Africa
From Bolloré to Arise, Axelcium is the low-profile privateer central to African mega-deals

With offices in both Paris and the Emirates, Axelcium has become a key intermediary in public-private partnerships in Africa, touting its services on major infrastructure deals. Africa Intelligence details this discreet but influential firm's history.

Subscribers only Infrastructure, West Africa, Business 14.11.2022

Axelcium, a discreet key intermediary for public-private partnerships in Africa.

In Focus | DRC
The covert operation that targeted Dan Gertler's enemies around Tshisekedi

Africa Intelligence can reveal that the person who set the trap that precipitated the fall of DR Congo presidential adviser Vidiye Tshimanga had previously tried to approach the country's oil minister, Didier Budimbu. Three Israeli businessmen were also targeted.

Subscribers only Business 17.10.2022

From left: Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and his former adviser Vidiye Tshimanga.

Spotlight | DRC, United States
The spectre of sanctions is closing in on the Tshisekedi presidency

The US treasury has completed its investigation into André Wameso, one of the closest advisers of the DRC president. Though nothing has yet been decided in Washington, if he is placed under sanctions, this is likely to undermine the Congolese administration in the run-up to the next elections in late 2023.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 06.10.2022

Spotlight | DRC
Cloak and daggers in the highest echelons of the Congolese state

President Tshisekedi's strategic adviser Vidiye Tshimanga has been secretly caught on film meeting two fake investors on several occasions. Parts of these recordings have been made public and they cast an unflattering light on the practices, and also the tensions, within the president's office.

Subscribers only Politics 16.09.2022

Spotlight | DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa
Pretoria's thwarted plans for the DRC

After the SADC summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa remains wary of his Congolese counterpart Félix Tshisekedi, who has distanced himself from Pretoria in favour of new countries like Kenya.

Subscribers only Politics, Diplomacy 14.09.2022

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) shaking hands with the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi (R) during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 42nd Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Kinshasa, DRC, 17 August 2022.

Spotlight | Benin, Rwanda, Sahel
Rwanda readies to deploy troops to northern Benin

In the utmost secrecy, Kigali and Cotonou have entered the final phase of negotiations for the deployment of several hundred Rwandan soldiers to northern Benin, a part of the Sahel region that has been seeing a spike in jihadist activity.

Subscribers only Defence, Diplomacy 09.09.2022

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) soldiers on mission in Mozambique, July 2021.

In Focus | DRC, United States
US disillusioned over failure to turn DR Congo away from Beijing

Ever since Félix Tshisekedi took power, Washington had hoped he would curb China's huge influence in the country. Four years later, the United States is bitterly disappointed that it has failed to break Beijing's hegemony in strategic mining issues.

Subscribers only Mining, Diplomacy 05.09.2022

US president Joe Biden and his Congolese counterpart Félix Tshisekedi in October 2021.

Spotlight | DRC
UN analysts predict gloomy scenarios for 2023's elections

In two confidential reports, the UN Electoral Needs Assessment Mission (ENAM) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have drawn up an overview of the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and attempted to forecast possible outcomes at the time of the late 2023 elections.

Subscribers only Politics 24.08.2022

A polling station in Kinshasa for the presidential election held in December 2018.

DRC
Dan Gertler made a secret trip to meet Félix Tshisekedi before Antony Blinken's arrival

Breaking news published on 11/08/22 at 18:05 - Less than 24 hours before the arrival in the DRC of the head of US diplomacy Antony Blinken, Dan Gertler visited Kinshasa. With great discretion, Washington is preparing files for possible sanctions targeting advisers of President Tshisekedi involved in the agreement with the Israeli billionaire.

Subscribers only Mining, Diplomacy 11.08.2022

DRC, Rwanda
Kagame dispatches his spy masters to Kinshasa

Breaking news published on 15/07/22, 18:45 - According to Africa Intelligence, a delegation of senior Rwandan intelligence officials travelled to Kinshasa on 12 July for a secret meeting with the Congolese services.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 15.07.2022

DRC, East Africa
East African Community sets out battle plan for regional force in eastern DRC

While the head of Congolese diplomacy travelled to Arusha to finalise membership of the East African Community, the regional organisation's military leaders are preparing to send troops. The Congolese army chief of staff signed a confidential document with his counterparts detailing it.

Subscribers only Defence, Diplomacy 12.07.2022

Spotlight | DRC
Chaotic Congolese army and underpowered MONUSCO struggle against M23

At a confidential meeting held in Goma, security chiefs in North Kivu have highlighted the uncoordinated nature of the military response to the M23. President Tshisekedi has ordered a reshuffle.

Subscribers only Defence, Politics, Diplomacy 08.07.2022

The current military governor of North Kivu, General Constant Ndima Kongba.

DRC
France, UK and US seek to block Russian ambitions in DRC

Put on alert by the turn of events in the Central African Republic and Mali, Western powers are worried about a potential rapprochement between the DRC and Russia and are hoping the UN will at least continue to enforce its arms embargo in the country.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 05.07.2022

DRC
DR Congo arms embargo resolution splits Security Council

The UN Security Council is considering a French-led resolution that would overhaul the arms embargo regime imposed on the Democratic Republic of Congo. But Paris has had to revise its initial plan in the face of reluctance from London and Washington.

Subscribers only Defence, Diplomacy 04.07.2022

Once registered, you will be notified by a short message on your computer or mobile phone as soon as a new edition of our publication or an alert is published. Stay informed anytime, anywhere!

Senegal
Guns and oil drive Russia's Dakar courtship

Botswana, South Africa
From Gaborone to Antwerp, is De Beers's empire on the rocks?

Olivier Liffran

Spotlight | DRC
Tshisekedi weighs his military options against M23

Spotlight | DRC
Top adviser Bifort ousted as Tshisekedi purges his inner circle

In Focus | DRC
From Texas to South Kivu's highlands, Mahoro Peace Association's complex channels finance militia

Spotlight | DRC
Foreign private military contractors flood into North Kivu

Spotlight | DRC
Following Washington's threats, Tshisekedi presidency tries to discreetly renegotiate its Gertler deal

Spotlight | DRC
Kagame and Tshisekedi play diplomatic cat and mouse

In Focus | Central Africa, West Africa
From Bolloré to Arise, Axelcium is the low-profile privateer central to African mega-deals

In Focus | DRC
The covert operation that targeted Dan Gertler's enemies around Tshisekedi

Spotlight | DRC, United States
The spectre of sanctions is closing in on the Tshisekedi presidency

Spotlight | DRC
Cloak and daggers in the highest echelons of the Congolese state

Spotlight | DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa
Pretoria's thwarted plans for the DRC

Spotlight | Benin, Rwanda, Sahel
Rwanda readies to deploy troops to northern Benin

In Focus | DRC, United States
US disillusioned over failure to turn DR Congo away from Beijing

Spotlight | DRC
UN analysts predict gloomy scenarios for 2023's elections

DRC
Dan Gertler made a secret trip to meet Félix Tshisekedi before Antony Blinken's arrival

DRC, Rwanda
Kagame dispatches his spy masters to Kinshasa

DRC, East Africa
East African Community sets out battle plan for regional force in eastern DRC

Spotlight | DRC
Chaotic Congolese army and underpowered MONUSCO struggle against M23

DRC
France, UK and US seek to block Russian ambitions in DRC

DRC
DR Congo arms embargo resolution splits Security Council

Refine your search

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Indigo Publications' websites

Senegal Guns and oil drive Russia's Dakar courtship

Botswana, South Africa From Gaborone to Antwerp, is De Beers's empire on the rocks?

Africa in the Russia-Ukraine war

East Africa's hotly contested coffee sector

The generals waging war from Khartoum to Darfur

Olivier Liffran

Spotlight | DRC Tshisekedi weighs his military options against M23

Spotlight | DRC Top adviser Bifort ousted as Tshisekedi purges his inner circle

In Focus | DRC From Texas to South Kivu's highlands, Mahoro Peace Association's complex channels finance militia

Spotlight | DRC Foreign private military contractors flood into North Kivu

Spotlight | DRC Following Washington's threats, Tshisekedi presidency tries to discreetly renegotiate its Gertler deal

Spotlight | DRC Kagame and Tshisekedi play diplomatic cat and mouse

In Focus | Central Africa, West Africa From Bolloré to Arise, Axelcium is the low-profile privateer central to African mega-deals

In Focus | DRC The covert operation that targeted Dan Gertler's enemies around Tshisekedi

Spotlight | DRC, United States The spectre of sanctions is closing in on the Tshisekedi presidency

Spotlight | DRC Cloak and daggers in the highest echelons of the Congolese state

Spotlight | DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa Pretoria's thwarted plans for the DRC

Spotlight | Benin, Rwanda, Sahel Rwanda readies to deploy troops to northern Benin

In Focus | DRC, United States US disillusioned over failure to turn DR Congo away from Beijing

Spotlight | DRC UN analysts predict gloomy scenarios for 2023's elections

DRC Dan Gertler made a secret trip to meet Félix Tshisekedi before Antony Blinken's arrival

DRC, Rwanda Kagame dispatches his spy masters to Kinshasa

DRC, East Africa East African Community sets out battle plan for regional force in eastern DRC

Spotlight | DRC Chaotic Congolese army and underpowered MONUSCO struggle against M23

DRC France, UK and US seek to block Russian ambitions in DRC

DRC DR Congo arms embargo resolution splits Security Council

Refine your search

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

Senegal
Guns and oil drive Russia's Dakar courtship

Botswana, South Africa
From Gaborone to Antwerp, is De Beers's empire on the rocks?

Spotlight | DRC
Tshisekedi weighs his military options against M23

Spotlight | DRC
Top adviser Bifort ousted as Tshisekedi purges his inner circle

In Focus | DRC
From Texas to South Kivu's highlands, Mahoro Peace Association's complex channels finance militia

Spotlight | DRC
Foreign private military contractors flood into North Kivu

Spotlight | DRC
Following Washington's threats, Tshisekedi presidency tries to discreetly renegotiate its Gertler deal

Spotlight | DRC
Kagame and Tshisekedi play diplomatic cat and mouse

In Focus | Central Africa, West Africa
From Bolloré to Arise, Axelcium is the low-profile privateer central to African mega-deals

In Focus | DRC
The covert operation that targeted Dan Gertler's enemies around Tshisekedi

Spotlight | DRC, United States
The spectre of sanctions is closing in on the Tshisekedi presidency

Spotlight | DRC
Cloak and daggers in the highest echelons of the Congolese state

Spotlight | DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa
Pretoria's thwarted plans for the DRC

Spotlight | Benin, Rwanda, Sahel
Rwanda readies to deploy troops to northern Benin

In Focus | DRC, United States
US disillusioned over failure to turn DR Congo away from Beijing

Spotlight | DRC
UN analysts predict gloomy scenarios for 2023's elections

DRC
Dan Gertler made a secret trip to meet Félix Tshisekedi before Antony Blinken's arrival

DRC, Rwanda
Kagame dispatches his spy masters to Kinshasa

DRC, East Africa
East African Community sets out battle plan for regional force in eastern DRC

Spotlight | DRC
Chaotic Congolese army and underpowered MONUSCO struggle against M23

DRC
France, UK and US seek to block Russian ambitions in DRC

DRC
DR Congo arms embargo resolution splits Security Council