Sub-Saharan Africa

Pre- and post-election violence in the country highlights growing dissatisfaction with President Paul Biya’s long rule and raises concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process. The ongoing violence could lead to additional security measures, including restrictions on movement. Furthermore, western governments out of fear of escalating violence may issue travel warnings for their citizens. Armed groups and insurgents operating in the country could exploit the unre

Youth-led protests in Madagascar, initially sparked by chronic water and electricity shortages, culminated in a military seizure of power and President Rajoelina’s fleeing the country. The ensuing political crisis highlights deep structural and systematic challenges, including high poverty rates and inequality. A resolution to the crisis is dependent on whether the military leadership can successfully manage the transition timeline.

Kabila's sentencing might worsen ongoing crisis in Congo, possibly causing more violence as various groups/movements react to the ruling. The trial raises concerns about how the country’s justice system is being used for political gains, suggesting that the Tshisekedi administration may be targeting major opposition. The court’s ruling poses a threat to the already fragile peace agreements between DRC and Rwanda/M23, complicating efforts to bring stability to the Great

The blockade in Kayes region imposed by JNIM reflects a major strategic shift toward economic disruption in the region. JNIM’s recent activities in the country demonstrate the level of control they exert, particularly in Mali’s western border areas. The military’s focus on protecting its image could be a major obstacle to achieving success in the fight against jihadists. The recent blockade may prompt some companies in the affected area to evaluate their operations a

JNIM has pushed to expand from Burkina Faso toward Niger, and southward toward Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo over the years. Benin and Togo continue to face an increasing number of attacks, while Ghana remains on high alert due to its proximity to Burkina Faso and Togo and an ongoing chieftaincy crisis in the country’s north. Northern Togo has also seen a rise in attacks as militants target Togolese soldiers in the border areas.

Barros’s dismissal underscores ongoing power struggles as President Sissoco clings to power ahead of the upcoming November 2025 elections. The upcoming elections may face credibility issues due to the fact that CNE has lost its authority to function legitimately. Continued tensions between the government and opposition may lead to unrest in the near future, particularly if further actions taken by Sissoco’s government undermine the opposition's role in Guinea-Bissau’s p

The recurring anti-movement demonstrations have continually highlighted Angola’s questionable political leadership and deep rooted economic challenges. The situation places President João Lourenço, and his administration under scrutiny for clamping down on protesters and for police brutality against civilians. Although calm has been restored to most areas where violence occurred, the risk of renewed protests remains, as the government has yet to complete the subsidy removal p

Ghana’s northern porous borders and Bawku's proximity to Togo and Burkina Faso make it a critical national security concern, mainly due to the spread of jihadist activities in the Sahel and extremists’ expansionist ambitions in the coastal region. The prolonged conflict has led to the indefinite closure of key businesses, crippling economic activity and local governance, risking long-term economic marginalisation.

On 24 July 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted two ex-militia commanders, Alfred Yekatom and Patrice Edouard Ngaïssona, of multiple war crimes and crimes against humanity. Their crimes included the killings of predominantly Muslim civilians and a deliberate attack on a religious building during the conflict that erupted between 2013 and 2014.

France’s latest withdrawal adds to the growing wave of anti-colonial sentiments and perceived threats to sovereignty, particularly towards France across Africa. Anti-French protests were organised in Mali, Senegal, Niger and Burkina Faso as protesters demanded the departure of French troops and a reassertion of national sovereignty. In 2021, several French-owned businesses were torched and looted during mass demonstrations in Senegal.

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal at the White House for a three-day summit that began with a working lunch in the State Dining Room on 09 July 2025. A high-stakes summit designed to reassess American influence across a continent. Each of these countries is currently facing a 10% tariff on exports to the U.S. 

Despite public outcry, the Togolese government is unlikely to reverse the constitutional reforms which extend Gnassingbé’s power indefinitely. Hence, further anti-government unrest is likely in the near term. This will likely manifest in the form of roadblocks and curfews, which will directly disrupt supply chains, causing operational delays for businesses.

Ongoing clashes between government forces and armed militias, as well as tensions between the ruling government and opposition, pose significant threats to the political climate in the country. MINUSCA plans to support the CAR government by conducting border patrols across various prefectures ahead of the elections, just as they assisted with logistics and technical issues during the voter registration process in November 2024 and March 2025.

With growing political will, multiple countries are recognising and developing solutions to the challenges posed by grey zone warfare. However, the matter will require ongoing multilateral cooperation and investment. This will be made harder by actors who continue to refine new methods and technologies to undermine and neutralise countermeasures.

More than 100 people were killed and dozens injured after gunmen on motorcycles launched a coordinated attack in the Yelwata community, Guma local government area, Benue State. Some members of the security forces were also among the dead, and several people are still reported missing. Military officials have launched a major operation to arrest those responsible for the killings.

On 28 May 2025, militants affiliated with Islamic State (IS) reportedly claimed responsibility for a violent attack on the Katupa military base near Quinto Congresso, in the Macomia district of Cabo Delgado province. The attack, which took place on 27 May, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 soldiers, according to the group’s claim. The militants said that they also destroyed the camp, sharing photographs as evidence. Authorities in Mozambique have yet to comment on this in

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington on 21 May 2025 amid heightened diplomatic tensions between both countries. Ramaphosa, leading a high-profile delegation, aimed to reset ties, focusing on economic cooperation with the United States. Ahead of the meeting, there were concerns that the meeting could escalate into a heated media spectacle, as seen between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the reversal of the proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase, confirming that the VAT rate will stay at 15% from 01 May 2025. The decision, announced on 24 April 2025, follows widespread discontent over its potential impacts on the average South African and how it would disproportionately affect low-income households already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Over the past month, the territorial control of the RSF has been shrinking rapidly in favour of the army across several states, including Khartoum, Al-Jazira, White Nile, North Kordofan, Sennar and Blue Nile. The army and RSF have been fighting since mid-April 2023. More than 20,000 people have been killed, and 14 million have been displaced, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.