Sub-Saharan Africa

The planned resumption of TotalEnergies’s LNG project in the Afunji Peninsula heightens the risk of renewed violence. This development will likely lead to increased military deployments, which could worsen social tensions and reinforce feelings of marginalisation among local communities.

Mozambique - Rising violence in Cabo Delgado and its impact on security

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

Jun 2, 20253 min read

Diplomatic ties between South Africa and the United States have deteriorated since Trump’s return to office in January 2025. Trump and officials in his administration, including his advisor and South Africa-born Elon Musk, have repeatedly alleged a “white genocide” linked to South Africa’s Expropriation Act. The Act was signed into law in January 2025 to address historical land inequalities. Kallie Kriel, AfriForum CEO, claimed that the act, combined with the African National Congress’s (ANC) refusal to condemn the “Kill the Boer” chant, fuels perceptions of targeting Afrikaners.

South African Diplomacy under pressure: Can Ramaphosa fix South Africa-U.S. relations amid the “White Genocide” controversy?

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

May 23, 20254 min read

South Africa: Scraping of Controversial VAT Hike After Major Pushback From Coalition Partners

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.

Apr 28, 20253 min read

Sudan - RSF drones strike Presidential Palace in Khartoum following army recapture of site and Central Bank in Khartoum

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.

Mar 22, 20253 min read