Africa Archives - Kazo FM

Cameroon’s electoral body excludes Kamto, paves way for Biya

Written by kazofm.admin on July 27, 2025. Posted in Africa, News.

Cameroon’s electoral authorities have excluded Maurice Kamto, President Paul Biya’s primary challenger from the upcoming presidential race igniting fears of protests and increasing the likelihood of another victory for the long-standing incumbent.

During a news conference on Saturday, ELECAM, the electoral commission announced the list of 13 approved candidates which notably did not include Kamto. The commission did not provide specific reasons for his disqualification. Kamto, 71 had officially submitted his candidacy last week and was widely regarded as Biya’s strongest opposition in previous elections. In the 2018 presidential vote, Kamto finished second with 14 percent of the vote while Biya secured a decisive victory with over 70 percent amid allegations of electoral fraud and low voter turnout.

Kamto sought to run under the banner of the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) after previously contesting the 2018 election as the candidate of his own party, the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) established in 2012. This year, his candidacy was submitted through MANIDEM.

The announcement of the disqualification has sparked tensions with fears that it may trigger protests. Security measures have been heightened with forces deployed around ELECAM headquarters and along major roads in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon’s economic center. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security issued a warning on Friday cautioning that the announcement could lead to unrest in the capital.

The final list of presidential candidates is expected to be confirmed in the coming days after any appeals or challenges to the provisional list are addressed. A total of 83 candidates had initially been nominated for consideration.

President Paul Biya, aged 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state confirmed last month his intention to seek re-election on October 12 despite persistent rumors about his declining health. Having ruled Cameroon since 1982, Biya’s decades-long tenure has profoundly shaped the nation’s political landscape. His administration has faced numerous challenges including corruption allegations and a deadly secessionist conflict in English-speaking regions which has displaced thousands and disrupted education.

Among those approved to run alongside Biya are former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari, a close ally for nearly three decades and Issa Tchiroma Bakary who resigned as employment minister in June to submit his candidacy. The upcoming election remains a critical event in Cameroon’s political trajectory amid ongoing tensions and uncertainties.

Former DRC president, Kabila on trial

Written by kazofm.admin on July 26, 2025. Posted in Africa.

The treason trial of Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), commenced on Friday in a military court in Kinshasa. Kabila who ruled the country for 18 years is facing serious charges including treason, murder and rape linked to his alleged support for the M23 rebel group that controls a significant portion of eastern DRC’s mineral-rich territory.

Kabila who has denied all charges did not attend the hearing and has requested to be tried in absentia. The ex-president’s legal team argued that the case is “arbitrary,” accusing the courts of being used as an “instrument of oppression.” The trial was adjourned after several hours to the end of the month following a prosecutor’s request for additional time to review documents.

President Félix Tshisekedi who succeeded Kabila has publicly accused his predecessor of masterminding rebel activities including supporting the M23 rebels. Meanwhile Kabila’s supporters have dismissed the charges as politically motivated with some claiming the trial is aimed at sidelining him from the country’s political landscape.

Kabila who returned to the rebel-held city of Goma in eastern DRC from self-imposed exile in South Africa in May faces a complex web of allegations. He is accused of conspiring with Rwanda to undermine Tshisekedi’s government—a charge both nations deny with Kigali asserting it is acting to prevent spillover of conflict into Rwandan territory.

In a significant development, Kabila’s parliamentary immunity was revoked in May after fellow senators stripped it enabling his prosecution on charges including torture, insurrection and the forcible occupation of Goma. The court’s charge sheet describes him as a “key initiator” of the Congo River Alliance, a rebel coalition including the M23 and other militias.

The former leader’s political influence remains a contentious issue. Critics including allies of Kabila such as Ferdinand Kambere and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary have accused the government of double standards and political persecution. Shadary dismissed the trial as “theatre,” asserting that a guilty verdict was inevitable.

As the trial unfolds, Congo’s Deputy Justice Minister Samuel Mbemba emphasized the independence of the judiciary, stating, “Justice does not negotiate, it does not join in dialogue. The calendar for justice is different from the political calendar.”

The trial marks a pivotal moment in the DRC’s ongoing efforts to address its complex history of conflict and political instability. The outcome remains uncertain but the proceedings have already sparked intense debate about justice, accountability, and political power in the country.

South African Court Halts Plans to Bury Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu

Written by kazofm.admin on June 26, 2025. Posted in Africa.

A South African court has temporarily halted plans to bury former Zambian President Edgar Lungu at a private ceremony just as the funeral was about to commence. The announcement was made to mourners in a church in South Africa after a funeral mass had already concluded marking a significant development in the ongoing dispute over Lungu’s burial arrangements.

The controversy stems from a disagreement between Lungu’s family and the Zambian government. The family had opted for a private funeral in South Africa instead of a full state funeral in Zambia. In response, the Zambian government filed an urgent application with the Pretoria High Court seeking to prevent the burial planned by the family. The court ruled that the funeral would not proceed following an “agreement between the parties,” though it indicated that any funeral would likely be postponed until at least August.

This legal tussle adds to the long-standing tensions between Lungu’s family and the current Zambian administration led by President Hakainde Hichilema. The family had expressed a desire to handle Lungu’s funeral arrangements including the repatriation of his remains to Zambia while authorities sought to take control of the process. The dispute intensified after the family claimed that Lungu had expressed that Hichilema should not attend his funeral.

Hichilema, on the other hand has maintained that Lungu as a former president, “belongs to the nation of Zambia” and should be buried in the country. The Zambian government argues that personal wishes should not override the public interest citing past cases like that of founding President Kenneth Kaunda. In 2021, Kaunda’s family stated he preferred to be buried next to his wife but the government proceeded to inter him at Embassy Memorial Park in Lusaka.

The Pretoria court has set deadlines for submissions from both sides: Zambian Attorney General Mulilo D. Kabesha has until July 4 to file an “amended notice of motion” supporting Lungu’s repatriation while Lungu’s family has until July 11 to submit their opposing papers. The court indicated that the matter will be heard as a “special motion” on August 4, 2025 with the costs of the urgent application to be determined then.

The ongoing dispute highlights the strained relationship between Lungu and his successor, Hichilema, which has persisted both during and after Lungu’s presidency. Notably, during his time in office, Hichilema was detained for over 100 days on treason charges after his motorcade allegedly refused to give way to Lungu’s convoy.

Zambia’s State Funeral for Ex-President Edgar Lungu Cancelled Amid Political Rift

Written by kazofm.admin on June 21, 2025. Posted in Africa.

The nation’s plans to honor former President Edgar Lungu with a state funeral have been thrown into disarray amid deep-seated political tensions and personal animosities between Zambia’s current President Hakainde Hichilema and the late former leader.

Lungu’s death on June 5 at age 68 sparked a wave of condolence messages from neighboring countries and international leaders. However, the official mourning process has been overshadowed by a bitter feud that has left the country divided and questions swirling over the handling of his funeral arrangements.

Initially scheduled for Sunday at a major conference center in Lusaka, the state funeral will no longer take place as planned. No visiting dignitaries will attend and the venue will remain empty as disagreements between the family and government over funeral control have escalated.

The controversy was evident from the moment Lungu’s daughter, Tasila announced his passing via Facebook. Dressed in a black jacket and visibly emotional, she said her father died in a South African hospital where he was receiving treatment with “dignity and privacy.” Her brief message invoked Zambia’s national motto, “One Zambia, One Nation,” seemingly as a plea for unity during a time of grief—a subtle hint that underlying tensions persisted.

Meanwhile, questions arose as to why President Hichilema had not publicly acknowledged Lungu’s death immediately. While other international leaders and social media users sent condolences, Zambia’s state broadcaster, ZNBC, remained silent. It was only hours later that Hichilema issued a message on Facebook, calling for peace, dignity and unity, a move seen by many as insufficient given the circumstances.

Supporters of Lungu criticized Hichilema’s delayed response, especially considering the history of hostility between the two politicians. Hichilema who defeated Lungu in the 2021 elections after a contentious campaign, has a long history of political rivalry and personal grievances rooted in past imprisonments and allegations of harassment during his opposition days.

Lungu’s tenure was marked by allegations of corruption and perceived anti-democratic practices, leading to his defeat in 2021 amid widespread discontent. After leaving office, Lungu announced his return to active politics in October 2023 prompting the government to revoke his retirement benefits and impose restrictions, including police harassment and travel bans—claims the government denies.

Relations between the two leaders further deteriorated after Lungu’s death. The family sought to control funeral arrangements but the government’s attempts to take charge including releasing a funeral program emphasizing President Hichilema’s involvement led to a breakdown in negotiations.

Lungu’s family expressed anger over what they described as government interference and the situation worsened when the family announced that the funeral would be held in South Africa citing the ongoing disagreements and the feeling that Hichilema’s government had not shown genuine respect.

The tragic fallout has denied many Zambians the opportunity to mourn their former leader collectively and has left a lingering sense of division in the nation. As the funeral plans remain in limbo, the country faces the prospect of a somber farewell that reflects its deep political wounds.

The death of Edgar Lungu has thus become more than a loss of a former leader. It has exposed the profound rifts within Zambia’s political landscape, with many questioning whether the country will ever find a path toward reconciliation.

Over 100 Killed in Gunmen Attack in Benue State, Nigeria

Written by kazofm.admin on June 16, 2025. Posted in Africa.

At least 100 people have been killed following an overnight attack by gunmen in Yelwata, a town in Benue State, north-central Nigeria, Amnesty International reported. The assault which lasted from late Friday into Saturday morning has sparked outrage amid ongoing violence in the region.

Amnesty International condemned the escalation of attacks across Benue highlighting that gunmen operate with impunity causing mass displacement and threatening food security as many victims are farmers. The rights group urged the Nigerian government to take immediate action to end the bloodshed which has resulted in numerous deaths and missing persons.

Tersoo Kula, spokesperson for the state governor’s office stated that the attack lasted about two hours with several houses burned. He confirmed that authorities and police visited Yelwata and reported a lower death toll of 45. However, locals fear the death toll exceeds 100 with witnesses describing widespread violence and destruction.

Resident Amineh Liapha Hir said many had died and houses were burned down while Christian Msuega recounted escaping the attack but losing relatives to the flames. Clashes between herders mainly Muslim Fulani and farmersmostly Christians over land and water access have fueled ongoing violence in the region. Last month, gunmen believed to be herders killed at least 20 people in Gwer West, Benue.

Mali’s Goita whips to crack dissent

Written by kazofm.admin on May 14, 2025. Posted in Africa, News.

Mali’s military junta has dissolved all political parties nationwide amid escalating crackdowns on dissent since seizing power. A presidential decree read on state TV on Tuesday announced the suspension of all political meetings and activities across the country. The order, signed by military leader Assimi Goïta—who took power after coups in 2020 and 2021 comes despite his pledge to hold elections with the junta remaining in control for at least another five years.

The move is likely to trigger increased resistance from opposition parties demanding a return to democracy. Last week, following a rare pro-democracy protest two opposition leaders were abducted by armed men claiming to be police but authorities have not commented on these arrests.

A national conference organized by the regime but boycotted by major opposition groups recommended extending Goïta’s rule until 2030 prompting widespread condemnation from critics and human rights organizations. The decree warned Malians against ignoring the dissolution but did not specify penalties. It stated that individuals in political or administrative roles could continue working without party affiliation.

This order follows the suspension of political activities, another recommendation from the conference which had already sparked protests that were later postponed. Opposition leaders condemned the crackdown; Nouhoum Togo of the Union for the Safeguarding of the Republic (USR) urged people to value their political voice despite suppression while Moussa Mara, a former prime minister called it a severe setback to reconciliation efforts.

Analysts suggest the junta aims to break away from old political elites associated with France shifting regional alliances toward Russia by forming partnerships with Burkina Faso and Niger. Mali has also withdrawn from ECOWAS, the regional bloc over its demands for democratic restoration with Burkina Faso and Niger following suit.

Kabila to Return to DRC amid increased tensions

Written by kazofm.admin on April 9, 2025. Posted in Africa.

Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila has declared his intention to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after six years of silence and self-imposed exile. This move is poised to significantly alter the country’s already precarious political landscape.

Kabila made the announcement via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I’m going home. After six years of silence and a year of exile, I have resolved to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo without delay. I will enter from the eastern part of our territory. The country’s situation demands it. It is time to participate, with determination, in the search for real solutions.”

His return comes at a critical moment as the DRC faces heightened political tensions and insecurity especially in the eastern regions where armed groups continue to pose serious challenges to stability. Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019 before handing power to current President Félix Tshisekedi has remained an influential yet enigmatic figure in Congolese politics.

Relations between Kabila and Tshisekedi have become increasingly fraught with Kabila accusing the current administration of corruption, human rights violations and electoral manipulation. Tshisekedi, in turn has suggested that Kabila acts as the “invisible hand” behind ongoing rebel activities including alleged support for the M23 movement, notorious for its brutal attacks in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

Kabila’s plan to enter the DRC through its eastern territories carries significant implications. It is viewed as not only symbolic but provocative given the region’s volatility and Kabila’s supposed connections with local armed groups. Analysts are concerned that his return could exacerbate tensions between opposing political factions and reignite suspicions regarding his motives.

“This is not just a homecoming. It’s a political statement,” remarked a political analyst in Kinshasa. “Kabila is positioning himself as a national savior at a time when confidence in Tshisekedi’s leadership is faltering.”

The announcement has sent shockwaves through Congolese politics raising questions about the balance of power as the nation approaches its next electoral cycle. Whether Kabila’s return signals the dawn of a new political chapter or the intensification of an already volatile situation remains uncertain.

While the Congolese government has yet to respond formally to Kabila’s announcement, insider sources indicate that security forces are on high alert in anticipation of potential unrest.

Meanwhile, Kabila’s supporters have begun mobilizing across various regions, advocating for his “restoration” to leadership. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how this unexpected return will impact the DRC’s future.

Sudanese Army Claims Khartoum Control

Written by kazofm.admin on March 28, 2025. Posted in Africa, News.

The Sudanese army has announced that it has cleared the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Khartoum marking a significant shift in control nearly two years after the paramilitary group initially took the capital. In a statement released late Thursday, military spokesman Nabil Abdullah declared that “our forces today have forcibly cleansed the last pockets of the remnants of the Daglo terrorist militia in Khartoum locality.” The term “Daglo” refers to the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo which has been in conflict with the military since April 2023.

The announcement follows army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s declaration on Wednesday that the capital was “free” from RSF influence, made from the recently reclaimed presidential palace. After suffering defeats for a year and a half, the army launched a counteroffensive that successfully advanced through central Sudan and regaining strategic locations like Khartoum city and the Jebel Awliya Bridge.

Military analysts have stated that RSF fighters are now “pushed westwards towards Darfur,” with limited options for resupply or retreat. According to sources within the army, there are still pockets of RSF fighters holed up in residential buildings throughout Khartoum, reluctant to emerge for fear of capture.

In response, the RSF issued a statement asserting that there would be “no retreat and no surrender,” claiming that their forces had merely repositioned. They vowed to deliver “crushing defeats to the enemy on all fronts.”

The RSF also revealed a new “military alliance” with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, which has engaged in conflicts with both the army and RSF. The two factions signed a political charter last month aimed at establishing a rival government.

On Thursday evening, residents in the Blue Nile state capital of Damazin reported drone attacks targeting the local airport and the nearby Roseires Dam marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict as paramilitary forces and their allies continue their aggressive operations.

As the situation in Sudan evolves, the struggle for power between the army and the RSF remains fraught with both sides displaying a commitment to their causes amidst the ongoing turmoil.

Riek Machar’s Arrest Sparks Conflict Fears

Written by kazofm.admin on March 27, 2025. Posted in Africa.

South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar was arrested Wednesday in a dramatic escalation of tensions with President Salva Kiir as the United Nations warned the country teeters on the brink of widespread violence. A convoy of 20 heavily armed vehicles stormed Machar’s residence in Juba resulting in the disarmament of his bodyguards and an ambiguous arrest warrant.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned the actions of the Minister of Defense and the Chief of National Security, stating, “The country’s leaders stand on the brink of relapsing into widespread conflict.” UNMISS head, Nicholas Haysom emphasized that potential breaches of the 2018 peace agreement would devastate South Sudan and extend insecurity throughout the region.

The fragile power-sharing deal between Kiir and Machar has been faltering raising fears of a return to the civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths from 2013 to 2018. Analysts suggest that the 73-year-old Kiir has sought to sideline Machar through cabinet reshuffles and since February over 20 of Machar’s allies within the unity government and army have been detained.

Violent clashes have erupted, particularly in Upper Nile State, where government forces reportedly attacked military training centers established for integrating opposition forces into the unified army—a key component of the peace deal. Machar’s military wing condemned these actions as “terrorism” and called for international intervention.

The escalating violence and political instability have instilled fear among residents. Lilian Sukeji, a Juba resident, expressed her concerns, stating, “I feel like we are going back to war while we still need peace. Our leaders need to embrace dialogue rather than guns.”

Despite Kiir’s claims of commitment to peace following a meeting with church leaders, recent clashes indicate a worsening situation. International observers, including Norway and Germany have closed their embassies in Juba. The British and US embassies announced reduced staffing and urged citizens to evacuate signaling the mounting concern over the potential for a broader conflict in South Sudan.

M23 withdraw from peace Talks with Congo amid Sanctions

Written by kazofm.admin on March 18, 2025. Posted in Africa.

The M23 rebel group backed by Rwanda has withdrawn from peace talks with the Congolese government which were scheduled to begin this week in Angola’a capital,Luanda. The group’s spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, cited international sanctions imposed by the European Union on several M23 members as the primary reason for their withdrawal stating that the sanctions have rendered the dialogue “impracticable.” Kanyuka also highlighted ongoing military offensives by Congo’s army in the conflict-torn region as a contributing factor undermining the potential for successful talks.

“The consequences of these sanctions and the continued offensives against us mean our organization can no longer continue to participate in the discussions,” Kanyuka stated in a press release.

Despite M23’s withdrawal, the Congolese government expressed its commitment to the dialogue in Angola. A delegation had already traveled to Luanda vowing to proceed with discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed the delegation’s presence.

The conflict escalated significantly in January when M23 rebels advanced capturing the important city of Goma and later Bukavu in February. Angola which has taken on a mediatory role in the conflict had planned to facilitate direct negotiations between the two parties starting Tuesday.

Previous peace talks between Congo and Rwanda were abruptly canceled in December after Rwanda insisted on direct negotiations with M23 which Congo flatly rejected. Tshisekedi characterized dialogue with the group as a “red line” during a speech to the diplomatic corps earlier this year.

M23 is among approximately 100 armed groups competing for control in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals and situated near the Rwandan border resulting in one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally where over 7 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.

International observers report that M23 receives support from around 4,000 Rwandan troops, and there have been threats from the rebels to advance towards Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.

In response to the ongoing violence and human rights abuses associated with the conflict, the United Nations Human Rights Council recently launched a commission to investigate allegations of atrocities committed by both sides.

Compounding regional tensions, Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium on Monday and expelled Belgian diplomats following Belgium’s suspension of development aid to Rwanda last month. Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused Belgium of attempting to destabilize Rwanda.

The EU imposed sanctions on five Rwandan nationals including the commander of Rwandan special forces in eastern Congo and four Congolese nationals affiliated with the M23 including its political leader Bertrand Bisimwa. These sanctions extend to Rwanda’s sole gold refinery, Gasabo Gold Refinery which the EU accused of engaging in “illegal extraction and trafficking” of natural resources from eastern Congo.

The eastern region of Congo is not only rich in gold but also holds significant deposits of critical minerals used in smartphone and computer production. According to a UN report, M23 generated approximately $300,000 monthly from its control of a mining area in eastern Congo last year.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department expressed interest in developing a partnership in the mining sector in Congo confirming preliminary discussions have begun. President Tshisekedi met with U.S. Special Envoy to Congo, Rep. Ronny Jackson, on Sunday to explore potential security and economic collaborations emphasizing the need for peace to attract American investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo.