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Congo-Brazzaville : Sassou Nguesso vise un nouveau mandat contesté

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Congo-Brazzaville President Seeks to Extend Four-Decade Rule in Sunday Election

Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo – Voters in the Republic of the Congo headed to the polls Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to return Denis Sassou Nguesso to power, potentially extending his rule beyond 42 years. The 82-year-old president is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, alongside counterparts in Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.

While six candidates are challenging Sassou Nguesso, the opposition is fragmented and largely absent, making his victory all but certain. Observers anticipate a potentially record-low voter turnout.

Sassou Nguesso, a former paratrooper colonel, first came to power in 1979, leading the country under a one-party system until 1992. He regained the presidency in 1997 following a civil war and has remained in office since, winning elections in 2002, 2009, 2016, and 2021 – all of which the opposition has denounced as lacking transparency.

During the campaign, which concluded Friday, Sassou Nguesso emphasized his economic record, highlighting efforts to modernize infrastructure and develop the gas and agriculture sectors. The Republic of the Congo, a third-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, relies heavily on hydrocarbons, which account for over three-quarters of its export earnings. Economic growth is estimated at 2.9 percent for 2025.

However, despite economic gains, more than half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line. Critics accuse the government of widespread corruption, alleging that significant state oil revenue has been diverted into the personal accounts of senior officials, hindering broader economic development. The government has faced criminal complaints and investigations, including in France, related to these allegations.

Sassou Nguesso has also stressed the importance of security. Despite bringing a degree of stability to the country, rights groups regularly report on the persecution of opposition activists. Several opposition figures, including General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa, are currently imprisoned, serving 20-year sentences for allegedly posing a “threat to internal security.”

Looking ahead, the constitution prevents Sassou Nguesso from seeking another term in 2031, raising questions about the future leadership of the nation. While he has stated he will not remain in power indefinitely and that the younger generation will have their opportunity, he has not yet named a potential successor.

Voting stations opened at 7:00 am local time and closed at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT) Sunday. The date for announcing the first-round results has not yet been announced, with a potential second round scheduled three weeks later, if needed.

Aljazeera reported on the election Sunday.

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International

Cameroun : Le Projet Bauxite Minim-Martap, Test Décisif pour le Secteur Minier

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Cameroon’s Bauxite Project Tests Mining Strategy, Potential for Industrial Growth

By [Your Name], International Editor

ADAMAWA REGION, Cameroon – For decades, Cameroon has been described as a “sleeping mining giant,” rich in resources but struggling to translate geological potential into sustained industrial production. Now, the Minim-Martap bauxite project, led by Australian mining company Canyon Resources in partnership with the Africa Minerals and Metals Processing Platform (A2MP), is entering a critical phase that could determine whether the country finally awakens its mining sector.

The project, located in the Adamaoua region of northern Cameroon, represents a significant test of the nation’s mining strategy and its ambitions for economic diversification. While Cameroon holds substantial bauxite reserves – a key ore in aluminium production and vital for the energy transition – industrial exploitation has remained limited.

“The constraints are well known,” according to industry observers. Reliable rail logistics and sufficient port capacity are crucial for exporting large volumes of ore, but have historically been lacking. Investors have also cited concerns about contractual instability and administrative delays.

Canyon Resources appears to be taking a more pragmatic approach than previous attempts, restructuring the project with a phased development timeline aligned with local logistical and regulatory realities. The company recently mobilized a surface miner, with plans to begin mining operations by the end of March, according to a press release.

“This deliberate caution reflects the lessons of past projects, where infrastructure delays have frequently undermined commercial viability,” analysts say.

The success of Minim-Martap hinges not only on the quality of the ore – widely described as competitive – but also on the reliability of its logistics chain. Effective coordination with existing rail networks and port facilities will be essential for reaching international markets. Questions remain about whether current infrastructure can absorb the projected volumes and at what cost.

A2MP’s role extends beyond technical partnership. The platform aims to act as an intermediary between investors, public authorities, and industrial operators, a function often missing in the regional mining ecosystem. Its “execution-focused model” is attracting attention in a landscape where many projects stall due to poor coordination and financial structuring.

Discussions are reportedly underway regarding partial onshore processing of the bauxite ore, a potential departure from the traditional export of raw materials. This aligns with Cameroon’s strategic roadmap to 2035, which prioritizes mining as a pillar of economic diversification, emphasizing job creation, regional development, and local expertise.

The project will be judged on tangible outcomes, including the integration of local suppliers, the training of Cameroonian professionals, and contributions to shared infrastructure. Demonstrable progress and a credible economic model will be critical to building confidence in the sector.

Minim-Martap encapsulates the core challenge facing Cameroon’s mining landscape: moving from potential to performance. If the promise of local transformation and industrial integration is realized, Canyon Resources and A2MP could demonstrate the innovation and execution capacity that have long been lacking in the country’s resource sector.

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International

Angola : Journaliste espionné avec Predator, la liberté de la presse menacée.

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Angolan Journalist Targeted with Spyware, Highlighting Growing Threat to Press Freedom

Luanda, Angola – Angolan journalist and lawyer Teixeira Cândido is demanding accountability after discovering his phone was infected with Predator spyware, a commercially available tool capable of extracting an infected device’s microphone, camera, and data – including contacts, messages, photos, and videos – without the user’s knowledge. The incident, revealed by Amnesty International’s Security Lab, marks the first publicly known case of targeted spyware use against a journalist within Angola, a nation facing tightening restrictions on the press ahead of the 2027 elections.

Cândido, a prominent media figure and former head of the Syndicate of Angolan Journalists, described the feeling as profoundly violating. “I literally felt naked! It’s as if someone I don’t know had stripped me naked in public. It’s like taking a shower with people watching,” he told the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in an interview in Luanda. “I don’t know what kind of information they had access to. I don’t know to what extent they shared my intimate conversations.”

The attack occurred on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2024, when Cândido likely clicked on a malicious link sent via WhatsApp. The sender, posing as representatives of Angolan students interested in discussing socioeconomic development, used an Angolan phone number and a common Angolan name to appear legitimate, according to Amnesty International. The infection lasted less than 24 hours, resolving after a device restart, but the potential for data compromise remains a serious concern.

This case underscores a global trend of governments and entities utilizing sophisticated surveillance technology to suppress dissent and monitor journalists. Similar experiences have been reported by journalists worldwide, including Russian editor Galina Timchenko, who described a similar feeling of vulnerability after being targeted with Pegasus spyware.

Expanding Surveillance Infrastructure

Amnesty International, the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, and U.S.-based cybersecurity firm Recorded Future have previously documented the infrastructure for operating Predator in over a dozen countries, including Angola. The spyware is developed by the Intellexa Consortium, founded by former Israeli military officer Tal Dilian. Leaked documents from December 2025, dubbed “Intellexa Leaks,” suggest company staff may have access to data collected from targets.

While the identity of those who ordered the surveillance on Cândido remains unknown, the incident coincides with a concerning shift in Angola’s political landscape. Executive Director of Friends of Angola, Florindo Chivucute, argues that Angola has regressed from its 1992 transition to democracy, citing a wave of “draconian laws” introduced during President João Lourenço’s second term, beginning in 2022.

New Laws, Increased Restrictions

These laws include the 2024 National Security Law, granting broad powers to security organs to disrupt communications, and a controversial law on vandalism criminalizing the filming or photographing of law enforcement activities. Parliament is currently considering further legislation that would criminalize the sharing of “false information” and expand surveillance powers with limited oversight.

Cândido fears these proposed laws will exacerbate the climate of fear and intimidation already felt by journalists and civil society. He noted that prior to the spyware attack, the Syndicate of Angolan Journalists experienced repeated burglaries where only computers were stolen, raising suspicions about targeted data collection.

International Response and Accountability

The Angolan General Prosecutor’s Office stated it “always tries to act within the limits of the law and has no knowledge of such situations.” The presidency and Ministry of Interior offered similar responses, claiming no knowledge of spyware use.

The international community is increasingly scrutinizing the spyware industry. In 2023, the U.S. added Intellexa firms to an Entity List, restricting their access to U.S. businesses. Sanctions were imposed on Dilian and other Intellexa-linked individuals in 2024, though some were later lifted in December 2025, prompting concern from U.S. lawmakers who have requested a briefing from the Treasury and State Departments.

Legal avenues for redress are emerging. In January, a U.K. court awarded over $4 million in damages to a Saudi dissident targeted with Pegasus. Similar cases are ongoing in California and Greece.

Cândido hopes for accountability within Angola but stresses the need for international support to expose those responsible for surveillance abuses. “Surveillance ultimately threatens our professional activity. We must unite and create a large international network, even against states, if necessary, to raise awareness, because it must be possible to defend freedom,” he said. “Otherwise, one day we will wake up and there will be no more journalism!”

Image of WhatsApp messages sent to Teixeira Cândido containing malicious links. (Screenshot: Amnesty International’s Security Lab)

Image of President João Lourenço in Angola in 2024. (Photo: Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz)

Video of Greek journalist Thanasis Koukakis describing his phone being infected with spyware. (Screenshot: Birn Balkans/YouTube) (Replace with actual YouTube link if available)

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International

RDC : Crise à l’ordre du jour du sommet de l’UA

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

African Union Summit to Tackle Escalating Crisis in Eastern DR Congo

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – As African leaders convene in Addis Ababa for the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit, the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo looms large on the agenda. The summit, beginning February 14th, is seen as a critical opportunity to reinvigorate peace efforts and address the root causes of instability that threaten to destabilize the wider Great Lakes region.

The crisis, fueled by decades of conflict involving numerous armed groups, has recently intensified, prompting a flurry of diplomatic activity. The African Union’s stated long-term goal of “silencing the guns” on the continent faces a significant test in DR Congo, where violence continues to displace populations and hinder development.

Recent mediation efforts, led by a delegation of former African presidents including Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), and Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), have focused on bolstering the Doha peace process between the Congolese government and the Allied Democratic Forces/M23 (AFC/M23) rebels. The delegation recently completed a regional tour, engaging with leaders in DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.

The Doha process, alongside the Washington process between Kigali and Kinshasa, aims to address both the immediate security concerns and the underlying political and economic grievances driving the conflict. The Washington process specifically focuses on security issues, including the presence of the Kinshasa-backed Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia.

However, progress remains fragile. AFC/M23 spokesperson Oscar Balinda, speaking to The New Times, emphasized the need for concrete action, stating that the mediation is “part of the Doha peace process, and it is their mandate to consult us as well during such processes of engaging concerned parties.” He expressed concern over a perceived lack of political will from the Congolese government to fully implement existing agreements.

This sentiment is echoed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who recently stated at the 20th Umushyikirano Council that the biggest obstacle to peace isn’t a lack of agreements, but a lack of political will to implement them. He stressed the importance of an African-led mediation process focused on enforcing both the Washington and Doha agreements.

Concerns also extend to the AU’s impartiality. Analysts like Frederick Golooba Mutebi have questioned the organization’s swift condemnation of an AFC/M23 attack on a military drone command center in Kisangani, while remaining silent on Congolese government actions. “When you condemn one side and not the other, it looks like taking sides,” Mutebi said, warning that such actions could undermine confidence in the mediation process.

The upcoming AU chairmanship rotation to Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has also raised eyebrows, given Burundi’s military involvement alongside the Congolese government. Jean Baptiste Gasominari, an analyst, warned that this could further complicate the situation.

The crisis in eastern DR Congo has far-reaching implications. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), over 2.8 million people are internally displaced in the region, and hundreds of thousands have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The conflict also exacerbates existing humanitarian challenges, including food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.

Fatuma Ndangiza, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, urged AU leaders to prioritize concrete outcomes at the summit. “The role of the Togolese President and AU facilitators in bringing critical challenges to the attention of Heads of State is essential,” she said. “I expect the mediation team to present action-oriented recommendations for adoption. There should be urgency, because there are no shortcuts to peace, and the responsibility lies with the Congolese leadership.”

Legal expert Alphonse Mulefu believes the AU is best positioned to address the conflict, but doubts its willingness to push for meaningful change. “Africa has been slow in finding solutions… Lasting peace requires a shared understanding of root causes and willingness to address governance failures,” he stated.

Link to New Times article on Kagame’s comments

Link to New Times article on Kagame discussing security with Togo president

Link to New Times article on Doha ceasefire

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International

Afrique : la menace des dynasties politiques

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Dynastic Politics Tighten Grip on African Republics, Sparking Generational Pushback

DAKAR, Senegal – Across Africa, a troubling trend is taking root: aging leaders are increasingly positioning family members to succeed them, transforming republics into what critics describe as inherited fiefdoms. This quiet reshaping of power, driven by fears of retribution and a desire to maintain influence, is sparking concern among citizens and observers who warn it undermines democratic institutions and fuels instability.

The pattern is familiar. Leaders, after decades in power, extend their tenures through constitutional changes or weakened opposition, while simultaneously grooming a son, sibling, or trusted relative for the presidency. Uganda, under President Yoweri Museveni, exemplifies this trend. Museveni, in power since 1986, has overseen the rise of his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a high-ranking military officer, who is widely seen as his designated successor. Powerful relatives already hold key positions within the government, blurring the lines between state and family.

“What should be a republic increasingly resembles a private estate preparing for generational transfer,” says Daniel Makokera, a veteran African journalist and media personality. Makokera, CEO of Pamuzinda Productions, has interviewed numerous African leaders throughout his 20-year career, including Nelson Mandela, Muammar Gaddafi, and Robert Mugabe.

This isn’t an isolated case. Similar dynamics are emerging in West Africa, where family members are quietly being placed in influential roles, and in Equatorial Guinea, where President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers, has long groomed his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, for leadership.

The motivations behind this trend are complex. Leaders fear prosecution for past actions, political revenge, and a loss of relevance. They believe installing a family member will provide a shield after they leave office. However, history suggests this is a flawed strategy. The dramatic downfall of Laurent Gbagbo in Côte d’Ivoire serves as a stark reminder that even entrenched power can be swiftly overturned.

“Invincibility is the last lie autocrats tell themselves,” Makokera observes.

The rise of dynastic politics is particularly concerning given Africa’s demographic reality. The continent boasts the world’s youngest population, and these young citizens are increasingly demanding accountable governance and opportunities based on merit, not familial connections.

“Africa is the youngest continent on Earth. Its youth are informed, connected, and increasingly unwilling to accept leadership as hereditary privilege,” Makokera states. “They demand functioning institutions, accountable governance, and opportunities based on merit – not proximity to power.”

This growing discontent is fueling a generational pushback. While concrete data on public opinion regarding dynastic succession is limited, anecdotal evidence and increasing online activism suggest a rising tide of opposition. Social media platforms are becoming key spaces for young Africans to voice their frustrations and demand change. (See recent hashtag campaigns like #NigeriaDecides and #SudanUprising for examples of youth-led movements).

The African Union (AU), while promoting democratic principles, has largely remained silent on the issue of dynastic succession, a stance criticized by civil society organizations. The AU’s 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance emphasizes the importance of free and fair elections, but lacks specific provisions addressing the transfer of power within families.

The implications of this trend extend beyond domestic politics. Weakened institutions and a lack of democratic accountability can hinder economic development, exacerbate social tensions, and create opportunities for instability. According to the World Bank, countries with stronger governance indicators consistently demonstrate higher levels of economic growth and improved social outcomes.

“This is a defining moment,” Makokera concludes. “Africa does not need new monarchies disguised as republics. It needs constitutions that matter, elections that are credible, and leaders courageous enough to step aside without installing relatives as guardians of their legacy. Africa belongs to its people – not to political families.”

The future of African democracies hinges on whether this generation of leaders will prioritize the long-term interests of their nations over the preservation of their family’s power. The continent’s youth are watching, and they are ready to demand a different future.

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International

Angola : Libérer “General Nila” après une décision de la Cour constitutionnelle

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Angola Holds Bookseller in Apparent Arbitrary Detention Despite Constitutional Ruling

Luanda, Angola – Angolan authorities continue to detain street bookseller Serrote José de Oliveira, known as “General Nila,” despite a December ruling by the Constitutional Court declaring the legal basis for his imprisonment unconstitutional. The case has sparked concerns about the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights in Angola, a nation grappling with a complex history of political repression and ongoing human rights challenges.

Nila, detained six months ago, was initially charged solely with “Disruption of the Provision of Public Services” under Article 4 of Angola’s Law on Crimes of Vandalism. However, the Constitutional Court invalidated Article 4 on December 4, 2025, finding it violated core principles of legality, specificity, and clear definition of punishable conduct – tenets central to a functioning legal system. The ruling, with erga omnes and ex tunc effect, meant the provision was nullified for all individuals from the moment of its issuance.

“The annulment of Article 4 should have immediately led to General Nila’s release,” explains human rights lawyer Maria Silva, who is not involved in the case but closely follows Angolan legal developments. “Under international law, detention without a lawful basis constitutes arbitrary detention. The continued holding of Mr. Oliveira is a clear violation of his fundamental rights.”

According to documentation from Maka Angola, Nila was shot by a Criminal Investigation Service officer while en route to a hospital with his siblings before being taken into custody. This initial act of violence further underscores the gravity of the situation and raises questions about police conduct.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office’s failure to act on the Constitutional Court’s ruling is particularly troubling. Legal experts argue this isn’t a simple oversight, but a deliberate defiance of the highest court in the land.

“This isn’t about prosecutorial discretion; it’s about a conscious decision to disregard a binding constitutional ruling,” says Dr. António Cardoso, a political science professor at the University of Lisbon specializing in Angolan governance. “It undermines the entire judicial system and sends a dangerous message that the rule of law is selectively applied.”

The implications extend beyond Nila’s individual case. Critics argue this pattern of selective enforcement and disregard for constitutional review reveals a systemic problem within Angola’s security apparatus. A 2024 report by Amnesty International documented a rise in arbitrary arrests and detentions in Angola, often targeting activists, journalists, and individuals critical of the government.

The continued detention of “General Nila” highlights a broader trend of eroding freedoms. When constitutional rulings are ignored, detention becomes dependent on the will of executive-aligned institutions, rather than enforceable legal norms. This creates an environment where fundamental rights are treated as privileges, not guarantees.

The case is drawing attention from international human rights organizations. The UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers has previously expressed concern about the erosion of judicial independence in Angola.

As of today, February 10, 2026, “General Nila” remains in detention. The situation demands immediate action from Angolan authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect fundamental human rights. The world is watching to see if Angola will prioritize justice and constitutional principles, or continue down a path of arbitrary detention and institutional defiance.

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