Author: Esiri Edward
Kinshasa, Congo (DRC) –On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Kinshasa witnessed a surge of violent protests as demonstrators attacked multiple foreign embassies, expressing outrage over perceived international support for the M23 rebels advancing in the eastern DRC. The embassies of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the United Nations were among those targeted.Protesters set fires and caused significant damage to embassy properties. At the French Embassy, demonstrators breached the compound, setting the main gate ablaze and vandalizing offices. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting immediate security concerns for diplomatic personnel.In response to the attacks, Congolese security forces…
Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its control over Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. Recent developments include the seizure of Goma’s airport, signaling a significant escalation in the conflict.The United Nations reports a relative calm within Goma following days of intense clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army. However, sporadic shooting persists, and continued fighting has been observed in surrounding areas, including Sake, northwest of Goma.In response to the escalating crisis, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Rwandan President Paul Kagame to implement…
Goma, DRC – In a breaking development amid the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), foreign mercenaries have surrendered to United Nations forces. Notably, Romanian mercenaries, who had been fighting alongside the Congolese army against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, have laid down their arms.The M23 rebels, who have recently seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, facilitated the release of these Romanian fighters. As they crossed the border, M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma was observed chastising them individually.This surrender marks a critical moment in the conflict, exposing the complex international dimensions of the war in…
Washington D.C – The United States has repatriated $53 million in alleged illicit funds connected to Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources. Alison-Madueke, a key figure in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has been accused of amassing significant wealth through corrupt practices while overseeing Nigeria’s state oil firm.The funds are alleged to have been proceeds of bribes exchanged for lucrative oil contracts during Alison-Madueke’s tenure. U.S. authorities revealed that the money was used to purchase luxury properties in California and New York. These transactions were part of a broader pattern of corruption that has drawn significant…
Conakry – Aliou Bah, leader of Guinea’s Liberal Democratic Movement (MoDel), has been sentenced to two years in prison for “insulting and defaming” junta leader Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya. Bah was arrested in late December 2024 while traveling to neighboring Sierra Leone.The sentencing on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, occurred amid heightened tensions in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, where civil society and opposition groups have been protesting the junta’s failure to meet a December 31, 2024, deadline for initiating a return to democratic governance. The ruling junta, led by Col. Doumbouya since a 2021 coup, had previously agreed to commence a democratic transition…
Washington D.C. – In a heartfelt Christmas message, Chris Anu, leader of the Interim Government of Ambazonia reached out to the people with words of hope, courage, and solidarity. Amidst the ongoing struggles faced by Ambazonians—ranging from displacement and imprisonment to the challenges of the armed conflict—Anu’s message served as both a reflection on their trials and a reassurance of brighter days ahead.“This is the season when the world pauses to celebrate the birth of Christ, the embodiment of hope and redemption,” Anu began. He extended warm Christmas wishes to all Ambazonians, particularly acknowledging the plight of refugees, internally displaced…
Helsinki – Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafran separatist leader, was arrested in Finland on November 21, 2024. The Finnish Central Criminal Police detained Ekpa under allegations of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, focusing on his involvement in violent activities in Nigeria’s southeastern region. Ekpa, a vocal advocate for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria, is also accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda and enforce violent “sit-at-home” orders that have crippled parts of the region. Finnish authorities have linked him to terrorist financing, with investigations implicating multiple suspects in related activities.The Nigerian government has…
Washington D.C – Donald Trump, following his re-election as U.S. president, is reportedly set to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state. This information surfaced after discussions between Trump and Gavin Williamson, a former UK defence minister and strong advocate for Somaliland’s recognition. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, operates with its own government and institutions but has struggled for international recognition despite widespread domestic support.Williamson claims Trump is sympathetic to the cause, viewing recognition as a means to bolster stability and counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf…
Libreville, Gabon – Gabon has passed a referendum enabling its transitional military leader, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, to contest upcoming elections as part of a new constitutional framework. The referendum, held on November 16, 2024, introduced a series of political reforms but drew criticism for potentially consolidating the junta’s power under the guise of transitioning to civilian rule.The military government, which seized power in a bloodless coup in August 2023, promised reforms and eventual elections. The new constitution abolishes the prime minister’s position, introduces a seven-year presidential term renewable once, and gives the president authority to dissolve parliament. Critics…
Yaounde – Father Christophe Komla Badjougou, a Togolese priest serving in Cameroon’s Diocese of Yagoua, was fatally shot on October 7, 2024, while in Yaoundé awaiting a visa for Italy. That evening, he arrived around 7 p.m. at the residence of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, where he planned to stay. While he waited for the gate to open, two men on a motorcycle approached and shot him multiple times, hitting his hands, feet, and chest. After the attack, they took his small bag and phone, although his larger travel bag was left behind, suggesting robbery as…