In a surprising and dramatic move, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed his Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, a figure widely regarded as a potential successor. The announcement, broadcast on state television, revealed that Bol Mel was stripped of his military rank of general and removed from the national security service. Additionally, the president dismissed the central bank governor and the head of the revenue authority, both believed to be close allies of Bol Mel.

No official explanation was provided for the sudden dismissals which have sparked widespread speculation and concern over the country’s fragile political stability. The moves come at a time when fears of renewed civil war loom large following the breakdown of a recent power-sharing agreement between Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.

Bol Mel, 47, was appointed vice president in February replacing James Wani Igga and was later promoted to become the first deputy chairman of the ruling SPLM party, an elevation viewed by analysts as positioning him as a potential successor to Kiir who is 74 years old. His promotion to full general in the National Security Service (NSS) further solidified his influence within the government.

Despite being placed under sanctions by the United States in 2017 for alleged corruption and later renewed earlier this year, Bol Mel had maintained a significant political profile. The U.S. Treasury described him as Kiir’s “principal financial advisor,” though Kiir’s office has denied this characterization. Bol Mel has not publicly responded to the corruption allegations or his recent removal.

Sources suggest that Bol Mel’s dismissal may be linked to internal power struggles within the ruling SPLM. A senior government official, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, told the BBC that Bol Mel was considered a “divisive figure” and that his departure was welcomed by many. A taxi driver in Juba also expressed relief, saying, “Everybody hates this man. Even in his hometown of Aweil, people celebrated his dismissal. We are happy for President Kiir.”

Hours prior to his removal, reports indicated that Bol Mel’s security detail was withdrawn from his residence and office in Juba, fueling speculation of internal conflicts.

South Sudan, an oil-rich nation that gained independence from Sudan in 2011 has been plagued by civil war since 2013 following a fallout between Kiir and Machar. Although a 2018 peace agreement temporarily halted large-scale violence, the country continues to face instability, with sporadic clashes and delays in planned elections. Recent escalations include the arrest and charges of Machar earlier this year, who faces allegations of murder, treason and crimes against humanity—charges his spokesperson dismisses as politically motivated.

The political landscape remains tense as South Sudan struggles to achieve lasting peace and stability amid ongoing internal divisions.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s disputed presidential election with nearly 98 percent of the vote following the exclusion of her main rivals. The electoral commission announced on Saturday that Hassan secured 97.66 percent of the vote dominating every constituency nationwide. A swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place later in the day.

The election which also involved parliamentary races sparked days of violent protests across major cities. Demonstrators protested against the barring or prevention of Hassan’s main opponents from running and accused the government of widespread repression. Despite a heavy security presence, election day turned chaotic with reports of protesters tearing down Hassan’s banners, setting fire to government buildings and police responding with tear gas and gunfire.

Chadema, the main opposition party barred from participating reported that approximately 700 people had been killed in the unrest according to figures from hospitals and clinics. The UN human rights office cited credible reports indicating at least 10 deaths in three cities.

Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo defended the government’s actions, telling journalists that the election was conducted fairly and that no excessive force had been used. He dismissed reports of widespread violence, stating, “No official figures” on protesters killed and expressing skepticism about the opposition’s claimed death toll.

Hassan, who ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the sudden death of John Magufuli, faced 16 candidates from smaller parties. Notably, Chadema leader Tundu Lissu has been imprisoned for months on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms which he argues are necessary for free and fair elections. Another opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo was barred from running.

Human rights groups have accused Hassan’s administration of a “wave of terror” in the lead-up to the vote, citing high-profile abductions and escalating repression. The government has rejected these criticisms.

Since the unrest began, President Hassan has not made any public statements. The situation has drawn international concern with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing “deep concern” over reports of deaths and injuries during the protests.

The funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is currently underway at his rural home with heavy security measures in place following recent deadly violence in Nairobi during the service. Odinga, a revered democracy champion and self-described pan-Africanist is being honored with full military honors alongside traditional rites. He will be interred next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga a prominent independence fighter and Kenya’s first vice president.

Thousands of Kenyans and dignitaries from across Africa have gathered to pay their final respects to Odinga who passed away in India on Wednesday at the age of 80. His body was received by mourners in Nairobi on Thursday after four public viewings that drew large crowds but also resulted in five deaths and hundreds injured amid stampedes.

Despite his five unsuccessful presidential bids, Odinga played a significant role in Kenya’s political landscape. He formed crucial agreements with three presidents, including a pact with President William Ruto in March this year which helped stabilize the country following months of anti-government protests.

Odinga also made notable efforts beyond Kenya’s borders mediating political crises across Africa and seeking the African Union chairmanship though he was unsuccessful. Former AU Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha described him as one of those who fought for the continent’s second liberation and democracy.

As Prime Minister in 2010, Odinga was instrumental in Kenya’s constitutional review process. His influence and statesmanship have been widely recognized, with world leaders mourning his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Ida and children Rosemary, Raila Junior and Winnie.

Madagascar’s embattled President Andry Rajoelina has issued a decree dissolving the National Assembly as part of an effort to stave off a looming impeachment and political upheaval. The move comes amid mounting protests, military defections and a deepening crisis that has plunged the island nation into uncertainty.

Rajoelina, who has reportedly left the country, announced the decree via social media on Tuesday just ahead of a planned impeachment vote by parliament. The decree states it “shall enter into force immediately upon its publication by radio and/or television broadcast,” according to a statement from the presidency posted on Facebook.

Defending his actions, Rajoelina claimed the move was necessary to “restore order within our nation and strengthen democracy,” despite his current whereabouts being unknown. In a separate social media post, he said he had left the country out of fears for his safety and was sheltering in a “safe space.”

Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, who had been preparing to lead a vote to impeach Rajoelina on Tuesday, dismissed the decree as “not legally valid,” arguing that the president of the National Assembly, Justin Tokely, was not consulted over the dissolution.

Rajoelina, a former mayor of Antananarivo has been at the center of Madagascar’s political turmoil since he first rose to power following a coup in 2009. In recent days, his departure was confirmed by a military source, who told journalists that Rajoelina left the country on Sunday aboard a French army aircraft. French President Emmanuel Macron declined to confirm France’s involvement.

The crisis erupted after army units defected on Saturday, with Rajoelina condemning the move as “an attempt to seize power illegally and by force.” Subsequently, the military’s elite CAPSAT unit, which played a key role in the 2009 coup, announced it had taken control of the country’s military. Reports also indicated that police and gendarmerie forces had joined the protests and support for the antigovernment demonstrations.

Protests began on September 25 led by youth groups known as Gen Z Madagascar over water and power outages but rapidly expanded to include broader grievances such as cost of living, poverty, and alleged government corruption. The unrest has resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations, though the government disputes these figures.

The protests have exposed widespread frustration in one of the world’s poorest nations, where only a third of the population has access to electricity, and blackouts often exceed eight hours daily. The movement has drawn inspiration from uprisings across Africa and South Asia that have challenged governments and led to regime changes.

Despite government efforts for dialogue, Gen Z Madagascar has refused to engage, emphasizing their calls for Rajoelina’s resignation. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s parliament convened to vote on whether to impeach the president with 110 out of 163 MPs having signed a letter supporting the move.

In response, Rajoelina’s order to dissolve the National Assembly has complicated the proceedings. Lawmakers are currently voting on whether to proceed with impeachment and if a majority vote in favor, the High Constitutional Court will have the final say.

The situation has drawn international concern. French President Emmanuel Macron described Madagascar’s crisis as “greatly worrying” but declined to comment on reports that France’s military airlifted Rajoelina out of the country. Anti-France sentiments have been visible in protests with banners calling for both Rajoelina and Macron to leave.

Opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana, a former president ousted by Rajoelina in 2009, condemned the dissolution, stating, “There is a power vacuum. The solution is not revenge, neither confusion but a peaceful, inclusive and responsible transition.”

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has pledged to address the country’s pressing challenges within a year promising resignation if issues persist. The declaration came during a town-hall style meeting at his palace attended by various government supporters where the president emphasized the importance of honest dialogue over flattery.

“I don’t want flattery. I want to hear the truth. It’s the people who kept telling me that everything was fine who are responsible for our current situation,” Rajoelina stated.

Meanwhile, the youth-led protest movement, Gen Z Mada continues to demand the president’s resignation. The group refused an invitation to participate in the talks citing ongoing repression and human rights abuses against their members. They have called for new protests scheduled for Thursday and issued a nationwide strike following a 48-hour ultimatum for Rajoelina to step down.

In a recent move, Rajoelina dismissed his entire government and appointed an army general as prime minister, a decision rejected by the protesters, who vowed to persist in their struggle. The unrest was initially sparked on September 25 by frustrations over power and water shortages but has since expanded to encompass broader grievances such as corruption, high unemployment, and the rising cost of living.

Despite the protests, daily life in Antananarivo largely continues normally though some neighborhoods with heavy police presence have seen roadblocks and patrols. Clashes between security forces and protesters have resulted in at least 22 deaths according to the United Nations, though authorities contest these figures.

Rajoelina has been holding these dialogues as part of his commitment to “listen more,” asserting that ongoing infrastructure projects, including an addition of 265 megawatts to the national power grid, will resolve the outages. He notably declared that if power cuts in the capital persist beyond a year, he would resign.

The political crisis reflects deep-seated frustrations among Madagascar’s youth and citizens, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accountability and basic human rights amid a challenging economic and social climate.

The trial of former South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar commenced on Monday in the capital, Juba. Machar along with his co-accused was brought to court and presented in a cage marking his first public appearance since March when he was placed under house arrest.

According to justice authorities, Machar faces several serious criminal charges including his alleged involvement in an attack on a government troops’ garrison earlier this year. Additional charges include murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and military assets and crimes against humanity.

The proceedings were broadcast live on a national television drawing widespread attention. Machar’s legal team challenged the court’s jurisdiction arguing that it was incompetent to try their client. They also defended Machar asserting that he is protected from prosecution due to his endorsement of the 2018 peace deal that helped end a brutal civil war responsible for the deaths of over 400,000 people.

Relations between Machar and President Salva Kiir remain tense. Kiir, from the Dinka ethnic group; the largest in South Sudan has longstanding differences with Machar who hails from the Nuer, the second-largest ethnic group in the country. The ongoing political rivalry continues to influence the fragile stability of South Sudan as the country navigates its complex path towards peace and reconciliation.

Malawi is currently tallying votes following a tense presidential election amid the country’s worst economic downturn in decades marked by soaring inflation, food shortages and the mounting impacts of climate change.

Seventeen candidates contested the presidential race but it is widely seen as a contest between the incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, 70, and former president Peter Mutharika, 85. The two have faced off twice before in 2014 when Mutharika secured victory and in 2020 when Chakwera won a rerun with 59 percent after the initial vote was annulled over irregularities.

Voting day saw long lines outside polling stations early in the morning though voter turnout declined sharply later in the day. By mid-afternoon, the electoral commission reported a turnout of only 51 percent—down from 64 percent in 2020.

Both Chakwera, an evangelical pastor and Mutharika, a former law professor face allegations of cronyism and corruption fueling public discontent. Despite the presence of other candidates including the country’s only woman candidate, former President Joyce Banda, analysts say the race remains dominated by the two frontrunners.

Chakwera is seeking a second term campaigning on promises to revitalize the economy and restore confidence in government. Mutharika has campaigned on his record of infrastructure investments though his tenure was marred by corruption scandals.

Malawi’s 21.6 million people are grappling with inflation exceeding 27 percent, shortages of foreign currency and persistent fuel disruptions. The economy, heavily reliant on agriculture particularly tobacco is severely impacted by climate change. Cyclone Freddy which killed over 1,200 people and devastated farmland in 2023 and recurring droughts have exacerbated food insecurity. The World Bank estimates that 70 percent of Malawians live on less than $2.15 a day.

Alongside the presidential election, voters elected members of parliament and local councillors across 35 local governments. If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff is expected within 60 days. Provisional results from Tuesday’s vote are anticipated by Thursday.