Photo : AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP
BURKINA FASO
Burkina Faso dissolves over 100 civil society groups
On 17 April, Al Jazeera reported that Burkina Faso’s military government ordered the dissolution of more than 100 civil society organisations, intensifying a broader crackdown on dissent. Authorities, under military leader Ibrahim Traoré, said the move complied with existing laws, but rights groups condemned it as a violation of fundamental freedoms. The decision follows earlier measures, including the dissolution of political parties and tighter restrictions on NGOs, unions, and public assembly. Amnesty International described the action as a “flagrant attack” on freedom of association and part of a wider pattern of repression involving intimidation, arrests, and legal constraints on activists. The government has justified such measures on security grounds amid its fight against armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL, though critics argue they are aimed at silencing opposition and consolidating military rule. (“Burkina Faso dissolves more than 100 NGOs and civil society groups,” Al Jazeera, 17 April 2026)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DRC and M23 rebels resume talks in Geneva amid fragile ceasefire
On 17 April, Al Jazeera reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 resumed peace talks in Switzerland in a renewed effort to halt ongoing violence in the east. Mediated by the United States and Qatar, the negotiations resulted in an interim mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations and humanitarian conditions, with support from the UN mission MONUSCO. Despite these efforts, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of breaching agreements. Fighting continues to affect civilians, particularly in South Kivu, where thousands are trapped amid clashes. The talks follow a December peace deal between Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, but repeated violations have undermined progress toward lasting stability. (“DRC and M23 rebels eye peace monitoring agreement in Switzerland,” Al Jazeera, 17 April 2026)
UN warns of rising risk of regional conflict in the Great Lakes region
On 17 April, Africa News reported that senior United Nations officials warned of escalating tensions in the Great Lakes region, particularly involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Addressing the UN Security Council, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the region, Huang Xia cautioned that the risk of a broader regional confrontation remains “tangible” despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The warning comes as fighting persists in eastern DRC, where the M23 continues to control key territories, including Goma and Bukavu. Although a new monitoring mechanism and earlier agreements aimed at stabilising the situation have been introduced, mutual accusations of ceasefire violations and deep mistrust between parties have undermined progress, worsening humanitarian conditions and raising fears of further escalation. (“UN warns tensions between DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi remain acute,” Africa News, 17 April 2026)
REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Congo leader Sassou-N’Guesso sworn in for fifth term
On 17 April, Africa News reported that Denis Sassou-Nguesso was sworn in for a fifth term after winning March’s presidential election with an overwhelming majority. In his inauguration speech in Brazzaville, the 82-year-old pledged to boost economic development, create jobs, and prioritise agriculture and industry. While observers, including the African Union, described the vote as orderly, opposition candidates alleged fraud and questioned turnout figures. Sassou-Nguesso, who has dominated politics since first taking power in 1979, faces mounting economic challenges, including high public debt and widespread poverty in the oil-dependent country. Despite modest growth projections, critics argue that corruption and unequal distribution of oil revenues have hindered development. His renewed mandate comes amid ongoing concerns over governance, youth unemployment, and the lack of political competition in the Republic of the Congo. (“Congo's Sassou-N'Guesso sworn in to fifth presidential term,” Africa News, 17 April 2026)