OVERVIEW
This edition of the Africa News Digest examines the intensifying humanitarian emergencies, political transitions, and economic and diplomatic developments across the continent. In Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) sparked global condemnation after converting the Zamzam displacement camp into a military base. Whereas, in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the former Congolese president Joseph Kabila made his first public appearance in Goma after he arrived in the city last month. Further on escalating tensions, around 42 people were shot dead by suspected herders across Gwer West district in Nigeria's central Benue state. Meanwhile, the Africa CEO Forum 2025 convened in Abidjan, drawing over 2,800 stakeholders, including six heads of state, to discuss industrial sovereignty and sustainable growth amid global shifts.
Africa witnessed key geopolitical and economic developments. The UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking a step toward decolonization, though Diego Garcia remains under UK-US control. EU and AU ministers convened to strengthen cooperation on peace, security, and economic development under their Joint Vision 2030. Meanwhile, Nigeria announced the launch of two Chinese-funded lithium processing plants to boost domestic industrial capacity.
India reaffirmed its enduring partnership with Africa through a series of diplomatic engagements and high-level visits. On Africa Day, May 28, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Africa as an equal partner in global progress. Simultaneously, an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation conducted outreach in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. In each visit, India reiterated its strong stance against terrorism and advocated for global accountability. These engagements reflect India’s deepening ties with African nations, rooted in shared values and mutual cooperation.
AFRICA
Sudan’s RSF converts Zamzam camp into military barracks
On May 24, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have transformed the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur, into a fully functioning military barrack. The camp, which had sheltered over 300,000 displaced people has now been repurposed for RSF operations after they took full control in the area. The RSF fighters replaced tents with fortified positions, installed checkpoints, and cut off access to aid workers. International rights groups condemned the move, stating that the use of humanitarian zones for military purposes violates international law and could amount to war crimes. The militarization of Zamzam reflects the worsening plight of civilians, escalating the humanitarian crisis in the area. Click here to read...
Africa CEO Forum 2025 held
The Africa CEO Forum 2025 was held on May 12-13 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and brought together over 2,800 leaders, including six African heads of state to discuss on the continent's development trajectory with energy strategies, technological advancements, and infrastructure development being important areas of focus. Over $200 million in deals were signed focussing on AI, energy, real estate, and sustainable agriculture. The forum underscored the critical role of the private sector in driving Africa’s sustainable development and economic resilience amid global challenges. Click here to read...
At least 42 killed in Nigeria's Benue state
On May 27, 2025, at least 42 people were shot dead by suspected herders across Gwer West district in Nigeria's central Benue state. The attacks occurred in three villages for almost three days but the motive for the violence was not clear. These tensions are however often worsened by overlapping ethnic and religious divisions. Benue remains one of the hardest hit states by violence between nomadic herders and farmers who blame herdsmen for destroying farmland with their cattle grazing. This event has raised the death toll in the region where herders and farmers often clash. Click here to read...
Former Congolese President, Kabila returns to DR Congo
On May 29, 2025, former Congolese president Joseph Kabila made his first public appearance in Goma after he arrived in the city last month, amid escalating tensions and ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He met the religious leaders in the city underscoring his involvement in restoring peace and stability in the region. The government has however accused him of backing the M23 rebel group but Kabila has denied these claims. His return has created a lot of scepticism in the country which is going through a turbulent phase marked by uncertainty and insecurity. Click here to read...
Senegal indicts fifth former minister amid anti-corruption campaign
On May 26, 2025, a special court in Senegal indicted Amadou Mansour Faye, a former minister of community development and brother-in-law of ex-president Macky Sall. They were accused of embezzling more than $4.6 million in public funds. This is the fifth official from Sall’s administration and is part of a broader crackdown on alleged corruption under the administration of newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The new President had ledged to restore integrity in governance, positioning transparency and accountability as cornerstone of national development. Click here to read...
Mauritania's Sidi Ould Tah elected as President of AfDB
On May 29, 2025 Mauritanian Economist, Sidi Ould Tah was elected as the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He will take over as the bank tries to grapple with Washington's plans to cut $555 million in funding to its African Development Fund (ADF). Since 2015, Tah has been managing the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, based in Khartoum, Sudan. His appointment will also help African nations steer through the turmoil caused by U.S. trade tariffs, volatility in the prices of commodities such as oil and risk aversion from some investors that could make it tough to keep money flowing into the continent. Click here to read...
African Development Bank to launch carbon credits support facility
On May 29, 2025, the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced that it will launch a carbon markets support facility called Africa Carbon Support Facility that would enhance carbon markets across the continent. The facility will have two components, policy development support and market infrastructure enhancement. The initiative will also help to boost earnings for carbon credits generated from the continent and establishing necessary infrastructure to facilitate the trade of carbon credits. The Africa Carbon Support Facility is a part of AfDB’s broader efforts to position Africa as a more active participant in the global carbon credit economy in the face of climate risks. Click here to read...
AFRICA AND WORLD
UK gives Chagos Islands to Mauritius
On May 22, 2025, the United Kingdom signed a landmark deal transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The UK however, retained control over Diego Garcia, a critical military asset for both the UK and the US, serving as a base of operations in the Middle East and Asia. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the decision to hand over sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius ensures the future of a US-UK military base. This deal marks a significant development in addressing colonial legacies and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean. Click here to read...
EU and AU ministers to boost cooperation on peace, security and economy
On May 21, 2025, the ministers gathered at the third AU-EU ministerial meeting in Brussel to assess the progress on their Joint Vision for 2030 Agenda. The meeting underscored their commitment to an integrated approach to conflict prevention and resolution, peace-building, and human security at national, regional, and continental levels but also expressed concern about foreign manipulation and interference. The growing humanitarian challenges, including the consequences of conflict on civilians especially the most vulnerable groups were also discussed. The meeting concluded, with the need to strengthen the follow-up mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of commitments made under the Joint Vision for 2030. Click here to read...
Uganda cuts military ties with Germany, latter rejects accusations
On May 26, 2025, Uganda officially declared suspension of all military cooperation with Germany, accusing German Ambassador Matthias Schauer of engaging in “subversive activities” and supporting anti-government groups. These allegations stem from a private meeting with President Museveni’s brother where Schauer criticized the online behavior of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba—Museveni’s son and army chief. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) claims Ambassador Schauer was involved with so-called “negative and traitorous” elements within Uganda. Germany's foreign ministry said that the accusations were "absurd and without any merit and we reject them in the strongest terms". This sudden diplomatic rift threatens a decades-long partnership between the two countries. Click here to read...
M23 accused of possible 'war crimes' in eastern DRC: Amnesty International
On 27 May, 2025, Amnesty International accused the M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for committing serious abuses against civilians, “including torture, killings and enforced disappearances, especially in areas which are under their control. The allegations came after a renewed surge in violence that erupted in January, when the Rwandan-backed M23 group captured the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu province. The rebels went on to seize Bukavu in South Kivu in February, escalating a conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands. The NGO is calling on the M23 to immediately release arbitrarily detained civilians, stating that these serious abuses violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. Click here to read...
Nigeria to open Chinese-funded lithium processing factories
On May 26, 2025, Nigeria announced opening of two Chinese-backed lithium processing plants this year. The facilities funded by Chinese investors would boost job creation, technological advancements and manufacturing growth in Nigeria. Dele Alake, the mining minister said that a $600 million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border is scheduled for commissioning this quarter, while a $200 million lithium refinery on the outskirts of Abuja is nearing completion. This marks a shift from raw mineral exports towards enhancing domestic value through processing and manufacturing. Click here to read...
AFRICA AND INDIA
EAM address at the Africa Day Celebrations
On May 28, 2025, EAM S. Jaishankar on the occasion of Africa Day, on theme of "Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations”, reaffirmed India’s deep-rooted commitment to Africa emphasizing a partnership grounded in shared history, mutual respect, and collaborative development. He concluded with Prime Minister Modi quote on Africa where he said that "if this is to be a century of nations, rising together in freedom and equality; if this is to be an age when the light of opportunities dawns on all humans; if this is a time when our planet has a more hopeful future; then all of this magnificent continent of Africa must walk in step with the rest of the world. India will work with you and for you.” Click here to read...
All Party Delegation visits South Africa
An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule held extensive meetings with South African leadership in Cape Town, reiterating India’s firm and united stand against terrorism. The delegation met with South African Deputy Minister, Kenneth Morolong and conveyed India’s counter-terrorism approach, which includes holding both terrorists and their enablers accountable through prompt and decisive action. The visit began with a meeting hosted by P. (Les) Govender, Deputy Chairperson of South Africa’s National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The visit is part of India’s global outreach to raise awareness about the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Click here to read...
All Party Delegation visits Democratic republic of Congo
On May 27, 2025, the all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde met with Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Transport, Democratic Republic of Congo, President of Foreign Affairs Berthold Ulungu Ekonda Lukata, President of the Senate of Congo, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde and President of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi. The Indian Delegation took a firm stand against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, stating that trade and terrorism cannot coexist, nor can terrorism and dialogue go hand in hand. The meeting reaffirmed India's anti-terrorism position, and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo extended full support to India in its fight against terrorism. Click here to read...
All Party Delegation visits Sierra Leone
On May 28, 2025, a high-level Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by H.E. Shri Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Member of Parliament, arrived in Sierra Leone for a significant two-day official visit that underscored the urgent call for greater global unity in the fight against terrorism. During their visit, the delegation held substantive engagements with top Government officials, including the Vice President of Sierra Leone, the Speaker of Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the National Security Coordinator. The Delegation’s visit ended with an engagement with the Indian diaspora in Sierra Leone, leaving behind a message of peace, resilience, and the urgent need for international collaboration to overcome the global threat of terrorism. Click here to read...
