Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
CHAD
Dozens of Nigerian fishermen feared dead after Chad targets Boko Haram with airstrikes
On 11 May, the BBC reported that dozens of Nigerian fishermen were feared dead following Chadian military air strikes targeting Boko Haram positions in the Lake Chad region. Abubakar Gamandi Usman, chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Fisheries Association of Nigeria, said more than 40 fishermen were believed to have died after panic broke out during the strikes, with some reportedly hit directly while others drowned attempting to flee in overloaded boats. Chad’s presidency said it had launched “intensive air strikes” on Boko Haram strongholds in retaliation for recent militant attacks that killed at least 24 Chadian soldiers and two generals near the lake. The region, shared by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon, has long served as a base for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, who local leaders say also control access to fishing grounds and collect taxes from fishermen. The incident has renewed concerns over civilian casualties during counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad basin, where both Chadian and Nigerian military forces have previously faced accusations of causing unintended civilian deaths during operations against militant groups. (“Dozens of Nigerian fishermen feared dead after Chad air strikes on Boko Haram,” BBC, 11 May 2026)
KENYA
Macron announces USD 27 billion investment package at Africa Forward Summit
On 12 May, Al Jazeera reported that French President Emmanuel Macron announced USD 27 billion in investment commitments for Africa during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, describing relations between France and African countries as a “partnership of equals”. The package includes USD 16.4 billion from French public and private companies and USD 10.5 billion from African investors, focusing on sectors such as energy transition, agriculture and AI, with Macron saying the investments could generate around 250,000 jobs across both Africa and France. The summit, attended by leaders from more than 30 African countries as well as business figures including Aliko Dangote, is widely viewed as part of France’s attempt to strengthen ties with English-speaking African states amid declining influence in several former French colonies. During the summit, French shipping company CMA CGM announced a USD 822.5 million investment to modernise facilities at the Port of Mombasa. Macron also defended France’s evolving Africa policy, called for stronger African governance, and said the process of returning African cultural artefacts taken during the colonial period had become “unstoppable”. (“France’s Macron announces $27bn investment in Africa at Kenya summit,” Al Jazeera, 12 May 2026)
UN chief Guterres calls for UN reform and greater African representation during Kenya visit
On 12 May, Africa News reported that United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres renewed calls for reform of the United Nations Security Council to increase African representation, arguing that global institutions must reflect the modern world rather than the post-World War II order. Speaking in Nairobi during the groundbreaking ceremony for a USD 340 million expansion of the UN’s Kenyan campus, Guterres described the continued absence of permanent African seats on the Security Council as a “historic injustice”. He acknowledged that meaningful reform would be difficult because it requires agreement from the five permanent members but stressed that reforms were necessary amid deepening geopolitical divisions and growing challenges to international peace and security. His comments came alongside discussions between French and Kenyan officials on Security Council reform during the Africa Forward Summit. Guterres also highlighted the expansion of the Nairobi UN complex as part of broader efforts to reduce costs by relocating some functions from New York and Geneva, amid funding pressures following aid cuts by the United States under President Donald Trump. (“UN expands Nairobi hub as Guterres pushes African representation,” Africa News, 12 May 2026)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
M23 fighters withdraw from parts of eastern DRC amid ceasefire pressure
On 12 May, Africa News reported that fighters from the anti-government M23 had withdrawn from several areas in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the strategic town of Sange near the border with Burundi. Local officials, military sources and M23 representatives said the group had also retreated from nearby areas including Kabunambo, Mutarule and Bwegera, while pro-government militias known as “wazalendo” moved into some of the vacated zones. The withdrawal comes amid ongoing United States-backed efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire between the Congolese government and the M23, as Washington seeks to stabilise the mineral-rich eastern region while advancing a broader peace framework linked to access to critical mineral resources. Although the M23 reportedly returned to positions held before its advance on Uvira, it continues to control Kamanyola, a key town near the borders of Rwanda and Burundi. Residents in Sange reportedly celebrated the withdrawal, reflecting local relief after months of violence in eastern Congo, where armed groups have fought over territory and mineral resources for more than three decades. (“M23 pulls back from eastern DRC towns as ceasefire pressure mounts,” Africa News, 12 May 2026)