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🇿🇦🇺🇸 Scandal Involving South Africa’s Envoy to the U.S.: Visa Denial and Presidential Reaction
Members of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) accuse President Cyril Ramaphosa of concealing the truth about special envoy Mcebisi Jonas’ status in the U.S. Jonas, chairman of MTN Group’s board, was appointed after former ambassador Ibrahim Rasool was expelled from Washington for criticizing then-President Donald Trump.
According to the DA, the U.S. denied Jonas a diplomatic visa in May 2025 and refused to recognize him as South Africa’s official representative. However, Ramaphosa insists Jonas remains his special envoy to North America and is fulfilling his duties. When the DA sought records of Jonas’ contacts under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya accused the opposition of undermining the president’s authority.
MTN Group, where Jonas serves as chairman, faces U.S. lawsuits for allegedly violating anti-terrorism laws by supporting militants in Afghanistan, including the Taliban. MTN’s ties to Iran—through its 49% stake in MTN Irancell, partnered with an Iranian state firm linked to the sanctioned Bonyad Mostazafan Foundation (affiliated with the IRGC)—have also drawn criticism.
Adding to the controversy, a years-old video resurfaced showing Jonas calling Trump a "racist and homophobe." The DA demands transparency, questioning how Ramaphosa could appoint an envoy unrecognized by the host country.
#SouthAfrica #USA
@africaintel
Reported that pro-Azawad FLA militants ambushed a FAMA convoy on the road between Anefis and Kidal, approximately 30 kilometers from the latter. A firefight ensued.
A classic tactic was employed: an initial explosion targeting one of the convoy vehicles, followed by an attack from cover. In one of the videos, a technical with a mounted machine gun can be seen concealed behind rocks. Personally, I was puzzled by a blue canister that briefly appeared on screen.
Interestingly, FAMA’s Bayraktar combat drone was withdrawn for unspecified reasons. However, local social media suggests the UAV may have arrived after the fighting had ended — by then, there was no one left to engage.
#Mali
@africaintel
🇸🇴 Somalia Eliminates Senior Al-Shabaab Commanders
On July 13, Somali intelligence (NISS) conducted a precision strike in Hiran province, killing 7 high-ranking members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
✔ 2 weapon trucks destroyed
✔ Targets tracked for months prior to the strike
✔ Among the dead — field commanders responsible for attacks in central regions
The operation is part of a broader offensive against Al-Shabaab strongholds in Hiran and Middle Shabelle provinces.
#Somal
@africaintel
🇸🇩 Sudanese Army Recaptures Key Positions from Rapid Support Forces
On the morning of July 12, Sudan’s Armed Forces successfully repelled a major offensive by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeting the city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur and the last major city in the region not under RSF control.
According to a military source, government troops, backed by allied armed groups, regained control of the Shala prison and the Central Reserve Police headquarters in the southern part of the city.
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇨🇲Cameroon: 92-Year-Old President Faces Divided Opposition in Upcoming Election
Cameroon has officially entered the election season, with presidential polls set for October 12, as announced by incumbent Paul Biya on Friday. If re-elected, the 92-year-old leader will extend his decades-long rule.
According to the electoral commission Elecam, candidates must submit applications by July 21, with the final list approved by August 11. Campaigning begins only on September 27 — just two weeks before voting. This tight schedule severely disadvantages the opposition, while the ruling CPDM party has been preparing for months.
Biya’s main challengers are familiar faces: Maurice Kamto, who won 14% in 2018, is running again, but his MRC party holds no parliamentary seats. Former allies Issa Tchiroma and Bella Bouba Maigari now oppose him but lack broad support.
Newer candidates like Eric Essono Tsimi (43) and anti-corruption activist Akah Muna lack the resources to compete with the CPDM’s political machine.
Analysts agree the outcome is predictable. The government controls election bodies, courts, and media, while opposition groups face systemic suppression—coalitions are banned as "illegal," protests are dispersed, and critics are arrested.
The real question isn’t about Biya’s victory (all but assured) but what comes next. The system revolves entirely around him, with no clear successor or alternative power structures.
In 2018, Biya won 71.28% (2.5 million votes) with a 53.85% turnout.
#Camerun
@africaintel
🌴Electric Vehicle Sales in Africa More Than Doubled, Reaching Nearly 11,000 in 2024
The surge is driven by policy incentives and the growing availability of relatively affordable Chinese-made EVs.
Although EVs still account for a small market share (under 1%), sales exceeded 2,000 units in countries like Morocco and Egypt.
The IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2025 report highlights how local policies and shifting trade dynamics are reshaping Africa’s EV market.
Example: Ethiopia’s ban on petrol and diesel car imports (2024) triggered a spike in demand, with an estimated 100,000 EVs entering the country.
However, infrastructure struggles to keep pace: Ethiopia faces spare part shortages, and charging stations remain scarce outside the capital.
In Morocco and Egypt, the expansion of local production (batteries and EVs) for EU exports has also boosted domestic sales, pushing their EV share close to 2%.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is scaling up its EV manufacturing capacity with support from Morocco.
#Morocco #Egypt #Nigeria #Ethiopia
@africaintel
❗️ Turkey and the Gulf States are Actively Expanding Their Influence in East Africa: Arms and Energy, Logistics and Transport, Agricultural Security
East Africa has become a battleground for the interests of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, all striving to become regional powers. Combined with the growing involvement of Qatar and Kuwait, the East African region has received $75 billion in investments in just the past few years. Weapons supplies are also increasing, as 9 out of the 12 regional countries examined have recently experienced armed conflicts.
🇦🇪 About the UAE – We have already written about them. You can check out the material.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia’s investments in East Africa are estimated at $15.6 billion, primarily in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. The main investment mechanism in the region is the Saudi Fund for Development. The country is barely involved in security matters, except in Sudan and Djibouti—the most important country for Saudi Arabia in East Africa. A key initiative is the establishment of the Saudi Logistics City in Djibouti, covering 120,000 m² with a 92-year lease agreement, which will serve as a hub for Saudi trade with Djibouti and Africa as a whole.
🇹🇷 Turkey is becoming an increasingly significant player in East Africa, investing in 9 out of the 12 countries examined. Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan are focal points of Turkish presence, with Turkey being the most active regional player in Tanzania. Turkey also stands out for its focus on security in East Africa, actively implementing defense initiatives.
🇶🇦 Qatar’s most financially significant project in East Africa is in Rwanda, where Qatar Airways has allocated $1.3 billion to build Bugesera International Airport, located 40 km south of Kigali International Airport. Qatar Airways will own 60% of the airport and is negotiating to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir. These projects account for three-quarters of Qatar’s investments in East Africa. Outside Rwanda, Qatar has a diversified portfolio in the region, investing in 8 out of the 12 countries.
#Qatar #Turkey #SaudiArabia #EastAfrica
@africaintel
🇺🇸 US Imposes Tariffs on Imports from Six More Countries, Including Two African Nations
US President Donald Trump announced that starting August 1st, additional tariffs will be applied to goods from six countries.
Tariff Rates:
- 🇩🇿 Algeria, 🇱🇾 Libya, 🇮🇶 Iraq — 30%;
- 🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇲🇩 Moldova — 25%;
- 🇵🇭 Philippines — 20%.
#USA
@africaintel
🇺🇸 🇿🇦 South Africa Faces Trade Pressure: Trump Targets Imports
Starting August 1, the U.S. will impose a 30% tariff on all imports from South Africa. President Donald Trump claims the measure is needed to reduce a persistent trade deficit, which Washington sees as a national security threat.
Analysts, however, view the move more as a pressure tactic than a genuine trade barrier — a typical Trump strategy to trigger negotiations and secure better terms.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the decision as unilateral and unjustified. Pretoria notes that over half of U.S. goods already enter duty-free, and South Africa’s average tariff is just 7.6%.
Ramaphosa remains hopeful for a diplomatic resolution through ongoing talks. He also called for faster diversification of the economy to boost resilience against external shocks.
The 30% tariff appears more like political leverage than the start of a trade war — and is likely to be revised in time.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
The Malian Air Force carried out an airstrike on the town of Zuera in the Goundam region. Casualties have been reported.
#Mali
@africaintel
🇰🇪 Death Toll in Kenya Protests Rises to 31
Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported that 31 people have died, 107 have been injured, and 532 have been arrested amid the ongoing wave of protests across the country. Two demonstrators remain missing.
🔶 The protests erupted around Saba Saba (Swahili for “the seventh day of the seventh month”) — a symbolic date marking Kenya’s historic fight for democracy, first commemorated during the 1990 mass resistance against the one-party regime.
On July 7, a nationwide protest took place. Early in the day, police blocked central Nairobi and later opened fire on demonstrators.
#Kenya
@afriqueintel
🇪🇹 Crypto Mining May Consume Up to 30% of Ethiopia’s Electricity by 2025
According to the Ethiopian Energy Outlook, crypto mining in Ethiopia could use up to 30% of the country’s electricity (8 TWh) by 2025. The surge is driven by foreign data centers flocking to the country after China’s 2021 mining ban and Ethiopia’s gradual legalization of the industry since 2022.
So far, 25 companies (mostly Chinese) have received licenses, with 11 actively operating. Russian firm BitCluster launched a 120 MW center in Addis Ababa, and China’s BIT Mining is building a 51 MW facility.
A total of 600 MW — more than the combined output of three major hydropower plants — has been allocated to miners. Revenue from power sales reached $25 million last year and may grow to $123 million, with projected export income from mining of $2–4 billion, surpassing coffee exports.
Meanwhile, 50% of Ethiopians lack electricity, and only 22% are legally connected. In regions like Afar and Somali, electrification is below 12%. Frequent power cuts push households to rely on wood, charcoal, and diesel generators.
The report raises a fundamental question: should the country prioritize mining profits or focus on providing electricity to its citizens?
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
🇰🇪Kenya’s Gen Z Protests Draw Parallels to Mau Mau — And One Veteran Joins In
As Kenya’s Gen Z-led protests continue, comparisons to the historic Mau Mau uprising of the 1950s are increasingly surfacing. Commentators point to two main similarities: the youth of the participants and the movements’ decentralized nature.
Some believe these parallels are being actively promoted by the protesters themselves to strengthen their image and moral authority.
In a surprising twist, a video emerged showing Muthii Karue, an 84-year-old preacher and confirmed Mau Mau veteran, joining the protests. His presence has been seen as a symbolic link between two generations of resistance.
It turns out this wasn’t his first appearance — Karue had already joined earlier demonstrations and even gave an interview reflecting on the country's future.
#Kenya
@africaintel
🇿🇦South Africa Challenges U.S. Tariff Hike
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the U.S. decision to impose a 30% tariff on imports from South Africa starting next month, calling it a misinterpretation of trade data. He said talks with the U.S. would continue.
The tariff is part of President Trump's broader move to raise "reciprocal" duties on 14 countries from August 1.
Ramaphosa stated that South Africa’s average import tariff is just 7.6%, with 77% of U.S. goods entering duty-free. He welcomed Trump's openness to adjusting the tariff based on negotiations and urged South African exporters to diversify.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen noted that finding new markets will take time and said the U.S. wanted “more ambition” from South Africa’s proposals.
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
🇿🇦 Transformative Year Ahead: Africa's 2025 Leadership and Economic Shifts
Africa is gearing up for a pivotal 2025, with significant leadership transitions in the African Union, African Development Bank, and Afreximbank. Notable figures from East Africa, including Raila Odinga (Kenya), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti), and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar), compete for the AU chairship, emphasizing economic resilience and regional cooperation. These changes promise a more transparent electoral process, engaging citizens and the international community.
Economic forecasts project an acceleration in growth, with Africa outpacing global averages despite geopolitical challenges. East Africa leads with 5.9% growth, while West Africa benefits from new oil and gas developments. However, the need for urgent economic reforms to harness Africa's demographic dividend is critical. Calls to deepen intra-African trade, improve infrastructure, and enhance resource mobilization aim to reduce reliance on foreign capital and meet burgeoning domestic aspirations.
#Africa2025 #AUElections #EconomicGrowth #IntraAfricanTrade
@africaintel
🇸🇴Al-Shabaab militants advance toward Mogadishu, seizing towns without resistance
Militants from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen, affiliated with al-Qaeda, are continuing their offensive in central Somalia. According to local sources, the militants have captured the town of Tardo in Hiraan Province without a fight. The town is a key crossroads linking several major urban centers.
A Somali Armed Forces spokesperson stated that the fall of Tardo marks part of a broader push toward the capital, Mogadishu, already triggering the displacement of thousands of civilians. He added that government forces and pro-government militias are preparing a counteroffensive.
Footage shows a Somali soldier tactically withdrawing from his position to regroup at more defensible lines 😂🥲
#Somali
@africaintel
🇳🇬 Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away in London at the age of 82. The office of current President Bola Tinubu confirmed his death, citing a prolonged illness.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
🇳🇪 Niger: Army Destroys Terrorist Base Near Nigerian Border
On July 11, Niger’s armed forces conducted Operation Damissa in the Dosso region, targeting a terrorist stronghold near the border with Nigeria.
✔ Key outcomes:
- 15 militants eliminated
- Major logistics hub destroyed
- Weapons, fuel, motorcycles seized
The camp served as a staging ground for attacks in the area. This operation is part of a broader counterterrorism effort in southern Niger.
#Niger
@africaintel
🇱🇾British Petroleum will return to Libya to conduct studies for hydrocarbon exploration and development at three Libyan oilfields, per reports from Reuters.
The company hasn’t had active operations there since the rule of Muammar Gaddafi.
#Libya
@africaintel
🇨🇫Armed Groups 3R and UPC Officially Disbanded in CAR
In Bangui, a meeting took place between CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and the leaders of the 3R and UPC armed groups, confirming the fulfillment of the peace agreement terms signed on April 19, 2025.
The event was attended by government officials, a Chadian delegation led by Minister of Armed Forces General Issaka Moloua Djamous, as well as diplomats and religious leaders.
The leaders of the groups, General Sembé Bobo (3R) and Ali Darassa (UPC), officially announced the dissolution of their forces, implementing the agreements reached through Chadian mediation. The disarmament of over 500 militants in the Ouaka region will soon begin, marking the first phase of the deal.
During the meeting, President Touadéra urged FPRC leader Noureddine Adam to follow the example of 3R and UPC and join the peace process. This statement reflects broader efforts to stabilize the country after years of conflict.
The current stage is a crucial step in the peace process, but the main challenge remains: successfully integrating former fighters into security forces. If done effectively, it will weaken remaining armed factions and accelerate the restoration of state authority. If not, the country risks renewed tensions.
#CAR
@africaintel
🇲🇱 Mali Enacts Law Extending Presidential Term
The revised Transitional Charter officially extends President Assimi Goïta’s mandate by 5 years, with eligibility to run in future elections.
«...As long as necessary to stabilize the country», states the document.
The amendments were adopted by the National Transitional Council and stem from the 2021 National Dialogue, which produced over 500 recommendations on governance reforms and election preparations.
Assimi Goïta assumed Mali’s transitional presidency in 2021 following a military coup that ousted the previous government.
#Mali
@africaintel
Trump to the President of Liberia: "Good English. Where did you learn it?"
President of Liberia: 🤨
@africaintel
🇫🇷 We now have a French version of the channel. Subscribe!
Nous avons maintenant une version française de la chaîne. S'abonner !
/channel/afriqueintel
🇸🇸 South Sudan’s President Dismisses Army Chief Just Seven Months After Appointment
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has dismissed the Chief of Staff of the country’s armed forces, General Paul Nanga Majok, who had held the position since December 2024.
No official reason for the dismissal was given.
General Dau Aturjong has been appointed as Majok’s replacement. Majok led the military during intense clashes with the Nuer White Army militia.
#SouthSudan
@afriqueintel
Global Gateway shows us an ambitious plans to develop logistics corridors within Africa itself, not just along a north–south axis. And to be fair, funding has indeed been allocated for some of the projects.
The planned routes on the map are as follows:
Abidjan – Lagos, covering Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
Abidjan – Ouagadougou, covering Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
Dakar – Abidjan, covering Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Cotonou – Niamey, covering Benin and Niger.
Libreville – N’Djamena, covering Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and Chad.
Douala – Kampala, covering Cameroon, Central African Republic, DR Congo, and Uganda.
Dar es Salaam – Djibouti/Berbera, covering Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, or Djibouti.
Mombasa – Kisangani, covering Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
Maputo – Gaborone – Walvis Bay, covering Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia.
Durban – Lusaka, covering South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Cairo – Kampala, covering Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Lobito – Lusaka, covering Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia.
P.S. A few rhetorical questions remain: how much will all this cost, and will even two of the twelve corridors be completed — which would already be a massive success?
@africaintel
🇪🇹 Rising Giants of East Africa: Ethiopia's Growth Path in 2025
Ethiopia is set to be a major player in Africa's economic growth with an anticipated GDP expansion of over 7% in 2025. This rapid growth is largely driven by strategic reforms in domestic resource mobilization and capital allocation, fostering substantial poverty reduction and inclusive development. If the country maintains its trajectory, it may unlock significant additional resources through improved governance and macroeconomic policies.
Central to Ethiopia's success is its commitment to comprehensive reforms. By focusing on digitalizing tax administration, expanding local currency bond markets, and boosting cross-border investment, Ethiopia aims to further enhance its economic profile. The continent is watching closely as this East African powerhouse positions itself for sustained growth and leadership in the region.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
🇲🇷Mauritania to Launch Its First Uranium Mine
Australian company Aura Energy plans to launch Mauritania’s first-ever uranium mine at the Tiris site by 2027, with construction expected to begin before the end of 2025.
The project is designed to produce 1,000 tons of uranium annually for 10 years. Aura aims to secure $150 million in development financing — half of the estimated $300 million needed.
The uranium is located close to the surface, making extraction cheaper than in countries like Niger. However, Mauritania currently lacks infrastructure to transport or handle radioactive materials, and logistics must be developed to move the ore to the port of Nouakchott.
Analysts suggest Aura Energy may eventually look to sell the project to a larger operator once initial phases are complete.
#Mauritania
@africaintel
🇸🇸Urgent Airdrops: South Sudan's Struggle Against Hunger
In South Sudan's Upper Nile region, the humanitarian situation has reached a critical point as fierce conflict disrupts lives. The World Food Programme (WFP) has sprung into action with urgent food airdrops targeting over 40,000 individuals trapped by the ongoing conflict and cut off from vital resources. This emergency aid delivery breaks a four-month long gap in assistance, underscoring the severity of the crisis exacerbated by clashes between government forces and militias opposing President Salva Kiir.
According to WFP's Mary-Ellen McGroarty, there's a “real risk of famine” due to the inaccessibility brought about by constant fighting and impassable roads. With over 32,000 people in the Upper Nile experiencing the harshest level of hunger and millions across Africa facing extreme food insecurity, it highlights a worrying trend across the continent. The challenges faced by aid workers and the necessity of such costly operations emphasize the dire need for peacebuilding and long-term stability to curb recurring humanitarian emergencies.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
🇰🇪 Media: Kenyan Police Open Fire on Protesters in Nairobi
On July 7, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters marching along a key road in Nairobi. Some demonstrators in Kangemi, a northwestern district of the capital, blew whistles.
Clashes later erupted between protesters and police, prompting officers to fire into the crowd. One person was killed.
"We’re not going home—who will fight for our rights? We’ll stay here until evening," said one protester.
Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated on X (July 6) that the government is committed to protecting lives and property.
"Our security forces are on high alert to deal with criminals and malicious elements attempting to hijack peaceful protests to cause chaos," he said.
#Kenya
@africaintel