Africa Takes
@africatakes.bsky.social
Just an intelligence analyst looking for a space to air his opinions on developments in Africa without implicating his employer.
FLA warning to leave cities in northern Mali. With attacks on FAMA and Africa Corps attempting to resupply Kidal in recent weeks, it appears likely that the FLA are establishing a strong presence around the city. If recaptured, it would deprive the junta one of its few victories in recent years.
July 18, 2025 at 9:27 PM
FLA warning to leave cities in northern Mali. With attacks on FAMA and Africa Corps attempting to resupply Kidal in recent weeks, it appears likely that the FLA are establishing a strong presence around the city. If recaptured, it would deprive the junta one of its few victories in recent years.
Following the arrest of vice President Riek Machar, the SPLM-IO are reporting that the peace agreement is functionally dead. With SPLM-IO forces deployed to several cantonment sites surrounding Juba, the risk of violence spreading to the capital is elevated.
March 27, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Following the arrest of vice President Riek Machar, the SPLM-IO are reporting that the peace agreement is functionally dead. With SPLM-IO forces deployed to several cantonment sites surrounding Juba, the risk of violence spreading to the capital is elevated.
reuters.com/world/eu-sanct…
As I said previously, despite reported abuses of civilians during the capture of Congolese cities by the Rwandan-backed M23, the EU remains reluctant to take serious action against Rwanda.
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As I said previously, despite reported abuses of civilians during the capture of Congolese cities by the Rwandan-backed M23, the EU remains reluctant to take serious action against Rwanda.
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https://reuters.com/world/eu-sanct…
March 14, 2025 at 9:19 PM
reuters.com/world/eu-sanct…
As I said previously, despite reported abuses of civilians during the capture of Congolese cities by the Rwandan-backed M23, the EU remains reluctant to take serious action against Rwanda.
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As I said previously, despite reported abuses of civilians during the capture of Congolese cities by the Rwandan-backed M23, the EU remains reluctant to take serious action against Rwanda.
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This is great context from the Critical Threats Project. As the situation has continued to deteriorate in Tigray I have found myself increasingly wondering at why the federal government has not taken greater steps to address this problem head on.
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NEW | The outbreak of violence between competing factions in #Tigray, Ethiopia, risks escalating into another civil war.
A renewed war in Tigray could cause a regional war between Eritrea and Ethiopia. 1/7
A renewed war in Tigray could cause a regional war between Eritrea and Ethiopia. 1/7
March 12, 2025 at 10:39 PM
This is great context from the Critical Threats Project. As the situation has continued to deteriorate in Tigray I have found myself increasingly wondering at why the federal government has not taken greater steps to address this problem head on.
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bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-…
This display of military power in Harare reflects deep divides within the ruling ZANU-PF government over the possibility of President Emmerson Mnangagwa extending his term until 2030.
But I don’t think it is a coup, YET
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This display of military power in Harare reflects deep divides within the ruling ZANU-PF government over the possibility of President Emmerson Mnangagwa extending his term until 2030.
But I don’t think it is a coup, YET
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https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-…
February 20, 2025 at 9:32 PM
bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-…
This display of military power in Harare reflects deep divides within the ruling ZANU-PF government over the possibility of President Emmerson Mnangagwa extending his term until 2030.
But I don’t think it is a coup, YET
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This display of military power in Harare reflects deep divides within the ruling ZANU-PF government over the possibility of President Emmerson Mnangagwa extending his term until 2030.
But I don’t think it is a coup, YET
🧵thread🧵
lemonde.fr/international/…
The speed of the M23’s advance on Bukavu has been truly incredible and suggests that the Congolese army is reeling from its recent losses. This is devastating for the DRC but it’s unclear if painful but likely necessary steps will be taken.
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The speed of the M23’s advance on Bukavu has been truly incredible and suggests that the Congolese army is reeling from its recent losses. This is devastating for the DRC but it’s unclear if painful but likely necessary steps will be taken.
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https://lemonde.fr/international/…
February 14, 2025 at 9:57 PM
lemonde.fr/international/…
The speed of the M23’s advance on Bukavu has been truly incredible and suggests that the Congolese army is reeling from its recent losses. This is devastating for the DRC but it’s unclear if painful but likely necessary steps will be taken.
🧵thread🧵
The speed of the M23’s advance on Bukavu has been truly incredible and suggests that the Congolese army is reeling from its recent losses. This is devastating for the DRC but it’s unclear if painful but likely necessary steps will be taken.
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radiookapi.net/2025/02/09/act…
This article is particularly interesting for me for the things it doesn’t say:
It references the Nairobi process with armed groups, but it doesn’t mention that Kenyan President William Ruto specifically called for direct talks with the M23.
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This article is particularly interesting for me for the things it doesn’t say:
It references the Nairobi process with armed groups, but it doesn’t mention that Kenyan President William Ruto specifically called for direct talks with the M23.
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https://radiookapi.net/2025/02/09/act…
February 10, 2025 at 8:26 PM
radiookapi.net/2025/02/09/act…
This article is particularly interesting for me for the things it doesn’t say:
It references the Nairobi process with armed groups, but it doesn’t mention that Kenyan President William Ruto specifically called for direct talks with the M23.
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This article is particularly interesting for me for the things it doesn’t say:
It references the Nairobi process with armed groups, but it doesn’t mention that Kenyan President William Ruto specifically called for direct talks with the M23.
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I apologise in advance to reference Twitter but a lot of the commentary on their regarding South Africa is completely unhinged and I think it needs to be spoken about as increasingly what happens in the right wing echo chamber is reflecting US foreign policy.
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February 3, 2025 at 9:18 PM
I apologise in advance to reference Twitter but a lot of the commentary on their regarding South Africa is completely unhinged and I think it needs to be spoken about as increasingly what happens in the right wing echo chamber is reflecting US foreign policy.
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Seems this thread is relevant again today. President Donald Trump’s decision is clearly an overreaction, but unsurprising. He has previously been associated with right-wing propaganda relating to South Africa and his relationship with Elon Musk likely has worsened that.
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-0…
Okay, I think we need to talk about the expropriation bill South African president Cyril Ramaphosa signed. People seem to be acting like this is some incredible radical development and that just isn’t the case.
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Okay, I think we need to talk about the expropriation bill South African president Cyril Ramaphosa signed. People seem to be acting like this is some incredible radical development and that just isn’t the case.
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https://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-0…
February 3, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Seems this thread is relevant again today. President Donald Trump’s decision is clearly an overreaction, but unsurprising. He has previously been associated with right-wing propaganda relating to South Africa and his relationship with Elon Musk likely has worsened that.
reuters.com/world/africa/n…
Nigeria struggles with an issue shared by many African states, tax collection and revenue generation. This is reflected by the fact that while oil revenues comprise around 40% of GDP they make up around 70% of state spending.
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Nigeria struggles with an issue shared by many African states, tax collection and revenue generation. This is reflected by the fact that while oil revenues comprise around 40% of GDP they make up around 70% of state spending.
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https://reuters.com/world/africa/n…
February 2, 2025 at 9:17 PM
reuters.com/world/africa/n…
Nigeria struggles with an issue shared by many African states, tax collection and revenue generation. This is reflected by the fact that while oil revenues comprise around 40% of GDP they make up around 70% of state spending.
🧵Thread🧵
Nigeria struggles with an issue shared by many African states, tax collection and revenue generation. This is reflected by the fact that while oil revenues comprise around 40% of GDP they make up around 70% of state spending.
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reuters.com/world/europe/f…
As I said previously, France remains unwilling to do anything meaningful. If adopted this resolution will essentially amount to a strongly worded letter which Kagame will almost certainly ignore. Unless the M23s campaign causes meaningful economic pain, why stop?
As I said previously, France remains unwilling to do anything meaningful. If adopted this resolution will essentially amount to a strongly worded letter which Kagame will almost certainly ignore. Unless the M23s campaign causes meaningful economic pain, why stop?
February 1, 2025 at 8:21 PM
reuters.com/world/europe/f…
As I said previously, France remains unwilling to do anything meaningful. If adopted this resolution will essentially amount to a strongly worded letter which Kagame will almost certainly ignore. Unless the M23s campaign causes meaningful economic pain, why stop?
As I said previously, France remains unwilling to do anything meaningful. If adopted this resolution will essentially amount to a strongly worded letter which Kagame will almost certainly ignore. Unless the M23s campaign causes meaningful economic pain, why stop?
reuters.com/world/africa/m…
With the M23’s southern offensive being increasingly frustrated by Burundian assistance, the risk of broader regional escalation has increased.
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With the M23’s southern offensive being increasingly frustrated by Burundian assistance, the risk of broader regional escalation has increased.
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https://reuters.com/world/africa/m…
January 31, 2025 at 10:20 PM
reuters.com/world/africa/m…
With the M23’s southern offensive being increasingly frustrated by Burundian assistance, the risk of broader regional escalation has increased.
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With the M23’s southern offensive being increasingly frustrated by Burundian assistance, the risk of broader regional escalation has increased.
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Today, the states of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (Alliance of Sahel States -AES) left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). For now the impact will be muted but in the long term this threatens to pose a significant economic challenge.
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January 29, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Today, the states of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (Alliance of Sahel States -AES) left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). For now the impact will be muted but in the long term this threatens to pose a significant economic challenge.
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theguardian.com/world/2025/jan…
With fighting between the M23 and the Congolese armed forces continuing for another day in Goma, the moral cowardice of the international community, particularly the UN Security Council is appalling.
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With fighting between the M23 and the Congolese armed forces continuing for another day in Goma, the moral cowardice of the international community, particularly the UN Security Council is appalling.
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https://theguardian.com/world/2025/jan…
January 28, 2025 at 10:44 PM
theguardian.com/world/2025/jan…
With fighting between the M23 and the Congolese armed forces continuing for another day in Goma, the moral cowardice of the international community, particularly the UN Security Council is appalling.
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With fighting between the M23 and the Congolese armed forces continuing for another day in Goma, the moral cowardice of the international community, particularly the UN Security Council is appalling.
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radiookapi.net/2025/01/27/act…
Fighting continues around Goma. Regardless of which side ultimately prevails this is a humanitarian catastrophe (though conditions improve if Rwanda and the M23 could be compelled to withdraw) here is why.
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Fighting continues around Goma. Regardless of which side ultimately prevails this is a humanitarian catastrophe (though conditions improve if Rwanda and the M23 could be compelled to withdraw) here is why.
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https://radiookapi.net/2025/01/27/act…
January 27, 2025 at 9:35 PM
radiookapi.net/2025/01/27/act…
Fighting continues around Goma. Regardless of which side ultimately prevails this is a humanitarian catastrophe (though conditions improve if Rwanda and the M23 could be compelled to withdraw) here is why.
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Fighting continues around Goma. Regardless of which side ultimately prevails this is a humanitarian catastrophe (though conditions improve if Rwanda and the M23 could be compelled to withdraw) here is why.
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Perhaps it reduced the likelihood of Goma falling, but according to M23 claims, it was still not enough to prevent it. Truly incredible.
This physical limitation, combined with the sheer embarrassment for the Congolese, U.N. and SADC of losing Goma (eastern DRC’s largest city) should compel these forces to expel considerable effort to prevent its capture, reducing the likelihood Goma will fall to the M23.
January 26, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Perhaps it reduced the likelihood of Goma falling, but according to M23 claims, it was still not enough to prevent it. Truly incredible.
apnews.com/article/congo-…
Earlier today, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group entered the outskirts of Goma preventing the operation of Goma international airport, threatening the safety of hundreds of thousands of civilians, UN staff and international forces.
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Earlier today, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group entered the outskirts of Goma preventing the operation of Goma international airport, threatening the safety of hundreds of thousands of civilians, UN staff and international forces.
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https://apnews.com/article/congo-…
January 26, 2025 at 8:43 PM
apnews.com/article/congo-…
Earlier today, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group entered the outskirts of Goma preventing the operation of Goma international airport, threatening the safety of hundreds of thousands of civilians, UN staff and international forces.
🧵Thread 🧵
Earlier today, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group entered the outskirts of Goma preventing the operation of Goma international airport, threatening the safety of hundreds of thousands of civilians, UN staff and international forces.
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addisstandard.com/senior-leaders…
International attention to the Tigray war (2020-2022) was always limited, but following the peace agreement with the Ethiopian government, international media treated it as resolved and moved on.
It is not resolved.
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International attention to the Tigray war (2020-2022) was always limited, but following the peace agreement with the Ethiopian government, international media treated it as resolved and moved on.
It is not resolved.
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https://addisstandard.com/senior-leaders…
January 25, 2025 at 9:31 PM
addisstandard.com/senior-leaders…
International attention to the Tigray war (2020-2022) was always limited, but following the peace agreement with the Ethiopian government, international media treated it as resolved and moved on.
It is not resolved.
🧵Thread🧵
International attention to the Tigray war (2020-2022) was always limited, but following the peace agreement with the Ethiopian government, international media treated it as resolved and moved on.
It is not resolved.
🧵Thread🧵
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-0…
Okay, I think we need to talk about the expropriation bill South African president Cyril Ramaphosa signed. People seem to be acting like this is some incredible radical development and that just isn’t the case.
🧵thread🧵
Okay, I think we need to talk about the expropriation bill South African president Cyril Ramaphosa signed. People seem to be acting like this is some incredible radical development and that just isn’t the case.
🧵thread🧵
https://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-0…
January 24, 2025 at 10:32 PM
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-0…
Okay, I think we need to talk about the expropriation bill South African president Cyril Ramaphosa signed. People seem to be acting like this is some incredible radical development and that just isn’t the case.
🧵thread🧵
Okay, I think we need to talk about the expropriation bill South African president Cyril Ramaphosa signed. People seem to be acting like this is some incredible radical development and that just isn’t the case.
🧵thread🧵
punchng.com/court-proscrib…
Yesterday the high court in Abuja, Nigeria, declared the Lakurawa group (active in the north western Kebbi and Sokoto states) as terrorists.
Who are they?
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Yesterday the high court in Abuja, Nigeria, declared the Lakurawa group (active in the north western Kebbi and Sokoto states) as terrorists.
Who are they?
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https://punchng.com/court-proscrib…
January 24, 2025 at 9:42 PM
punchng.com/court-proscrib…
Yesterday the high court in Abuja, Nigeria, declared the Lakurawa group (active in the north western Kebbi and Sokoto states) as terrorists.
Who are they?
🧵thread🧵
Yesterday the high court in Abuja, Nigeria, declared the Lakurawa group (active in the north western Kebbi and Sokoto states) as terrorists.
Who are they?
🧵thread🧵
Mondlane continues to mobilise large numbers of people even after months of action. Today protesters again blockaded the main road between Maputo and the South African border. It’s unclear what escalation beyond this point looks like, but that is what he is threatening if the gov do not respond.
January 23, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Mondlane continues to mobilise large numbers of people even after months of action. Today protesters again blockaded the main road between Maputo and the South African border. It’s unclear what escalation beyond this point looks like, but that is what he is threatening if the gov do not respond.
radiookapi.net/2025/01/23/act…
In line with my previous assessment the M23 have continued to make gains around the coast of Lake Kivu and are increasingly threatening Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, a major city of nearly 800,000 and a key humanitarian aid hub.
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In line with my previous assessment the M23 have continued to make gains around the coast of Lake Kivu and are increasingly threatening Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, a major city of nearly 800,000 and a key humanitarian aid hub.
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January 23, 2025 at 11:06 PM
radiookapi.net/2025/01/23/act…
In line with my previous assessment the M23 have continued to make gains around the coast of Lake Kivu and are increasingly threatening Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, a major city of nearly 800,000 and a key humanitarian aid hub.
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In line with my previous assessment the M23 have continued to make gains around the coast of Lake Kivu and are increasingly threatening Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, a major city of nearly 800,000 and a key humanitarian aid hub.
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sudantribune.com/article296373/
An ultimatum by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the Sudanese army (SAF) and other armed groups to withdraw from the capital of north Darfur, el Fashir, expired today. This likely indicates an RSF offensive on the city is coming.
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An ultimatum by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the Sudanese army (SAF) and other armed groups to withdraw from the capital of north Darfur, el Fashir, expired today. This likely indicates an RSF offensive on the city is coming.
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sudantribune.com
January 22, 2025 at 11:28 PM
sudantribune.com/article296373/
An ultimatum by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the Sudanese army (SAF) and other armed groups to withdraw from the capital of north Darfur, el Fashir, expired today. This likely indicates an RSF offensive on the city is coming.
🧵Thread🧵
An ultimatum by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the Sudanese army (SAF) and other armed groups to withdraw from the capital of north Darfur, el Fashir, expired today. This likely indicates an RSF offensive on the city is coming.
🧵Thread🧵
The African Union summit is coming up in February in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, ahead of which several institutions in the hospitality sector have begun to escalate their security threat level. While this is a normal response to a major international event, it’s likely the increased threat
January 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The African Union summit is coming up in February in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, ahead of which several institutions in the hospitality sector have begun to escalate their security threat level. While this is a normal response to a major international event, it’s likely the increased threat
radiookapi.net/2025/01/21/act…
In recent weeks the M23 have been pushing inland into the Masisi territory, now following confirmation that Rwanda has found oil in Lake Kivu the group has captured two towns on the coast of Lake Kivu. It’s likely that Rwanda is now directing the M23
In recent weeks the M23 have been pushing inland into the Masisi territory, now following confirmation that Rwanda has found oil in Lake Kivu the group has captured two towns on the coast of Lake Kivu. It’s likely that Rwanda is now directing the M23
https://radiookapi.net/2025/01/21/act…
January 21, 2025 at 10:14 PM
radiookapi.net/2025/01/21/act…
In recent weeks the M23 have been pushing inland into the Masisi territory, now following confirmation that Rwanda has found oil in Lake Kivu the group has captured two towns on the coast of Lake Kivu. It’s likely that Rwanda is now directing the M23
In recent weeks the M23 have been pushing inland into the Masisi territory, now following confirmation that Rwanda has found oil in Lake Kivu the group has captured two towns on the coast of Lake Kivu. It’s likely that Rwanda is now directing the M23