Today in Africa — December 4, 2025: DRC-Rwanda Sign Deal, UN Criticizes Uganda Crackdown, US Reassesses Tanzania Relationship

Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

DRC and Rwanda Sign U.S.-Brokered Deals as Fighting Continues in Eastern Congo

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi in Washington today, Thursday, December 4, to sign new agreements on minerals, security, and regional economic cooperation. The meeting builds on a June peace deal and a separate economic compact reached last month, both aimed at stabilizing eastern Congo and attracting Western investment to a region rich in cobalt, gold, lithium, and other critical minerals. But the core conflict remains unresolved, as the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group — which seized the two largest cities in eastern Congo earlier this year — was not part of the talks and is not bound by the deal’s terms.

Clashes continued today in South Kivu, with Congo’s army and M23 trading accusations of ceasefire violations despite renewed truce commitments. Congolese officials blamed Rwanda for ongoing instability, while Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege criticized the agreement as driven by mineral interests rather than a real plan to protect civilians. Rwanda denies supporting M23 and says its concerns center on armed groups linked to the 1994 genocide. With little progress on key pledges — Congo dismantling FDLR operations and Rwanda withdrawing its forces — analysts say the deal may offer diplomatic optics but few immediate changes for the hundreds of thousands already displaced.

UN Criticizes Ugandan Authorities’ Crackdown on Opposition and Media Ahead of Elections

The United Nations Human Rights Council (OHCHR) has condemned Ugandan authorities’ crackdown on opposition rallies and the media ahead of next month’s presidential election. The agency stated that at least 550 people have been arrested and detained since the beginning of the year, and more than 300 were arrested since campaigning began in September. “It is deeply regrettable that election campaigns have once again been marked by widespread arbitrary arrests, detentions, and the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force against the opposition, as well as undue restriction of press freedom,” UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said.

81-year-old incumbent Yoweri Museveni will be looking to extend his time in office, having been in power for 40 years already. Since multiparty elections were introduced under Museveni, elections have been marred by longstanding allegations of opposition repression. Last week, the main opposition National Unity Party (NUP), which is set to field Bobi Wine as its presidential candidate for the second election in a row, said hundreds of its supporters were arrested at a rally. Türk urged Ugandan authorities to “cease the use of such repressive tactics to enable Ugandans to fully and peacefully exercise their right to participate in their country’s public affairs on election day, and in its aftermath.”

U.S. Signals Deep Concerns Over Tanzania’s Rights Record and Election Violence

The United States says it is reassessing its relationship with Tanzania, citing repression of religious freedom and free speech, barriers to U.S. investment, and violence surrounding the country’s October 29 elections. The State Department said hundreds of people were likely killed during protests sparked by the disputed vote — claims echoed by rights groups and United Nations experts, who also reported allegations of bodies being buried in mass graves or disappearing from mortuaries. Washington warned that recent actions by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government have raised “grave concerns” about Tanzania’s reliability as a partner and have put American citizens at risk. President Hassan maintains the election was fair and has promised investigations into the unrest, while government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said many reports circulating online lack verified evidence. 

The UN called on authorities to account for all those missing and ensure remains are returned to families. The U.S. did not specify which investment barriers prompted the review. Meanwhile, Tanzanian activist Mange Kimambi says the government pressured Meta to take down her Instagram accounts, which she had used to mobilize opposition to President Hassan. Meta says the removals were due to repeated violations of its policies, while the government has demanded that Kimambi provide proof of interference. Her accounts disappeared as authorities accused her of inciting deadly post-election protests. Kimambi — who faces a money-laundering charge she calls politically motivated — says activists are being silenced ahead of new protests planned for December 9.

Ghana’s Ibrahim Mahama Becomes First African to Top Global Art Power List

Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama has become the first African to reach No. 1 on ArtReview’s annual Power 100 list, marking a major shift in global art influence. Mahama, known for large-scale works using reclaimed materials and for community-centered projects in Tamale, said he was humbled by the recognition and hopes it inspires young artists across Ghana. ArtReview’s editors said Mahama’s rise reflects a broader realignment of cultural and financial power toward Africa and the Middle East, which dominate this year’s top 10 alongside figures from Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, and the U.S. Mahama’s recent work includes draping London’s Barbican in bright pink fabric and exhibitions exploring Ghana’s colonial-era railway history, as well as running the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, which serves as a major hub for learning and local engagement.

Nigeria Captain William Troost-Ekong Retires After 10 Years with Super Eagles

Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his retirement from international football, ending a decade-long Super Eagles career just weeks before the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco. The 31-year-old said his final match was Nigeria’s World Cup playoff loss to DR Congo, calling time on a run that included 83 caps, five major tournaments, and standout performances such as captaining Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON final, where he was named Player of the Tournament. Troost-Ekong, who formed the famed “Oyibo Wall” with Leon Balogun and won Olympic and AFCON bronze medals, said he leaves “at peace” and hopes to inspire the next generation. He added that he will remain involved in Nigerian football, describing his years in the green and white as “a duty, a privilege, and an honour.”

U.S. Government to Impose Visa Restrictions on Nigerians Carrying out Violence Against Christians

The U.S. government says it will restrict visas for Nigerians believed to be responsible for “anti-Christian violence.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Trump administration is taking decisive steps, with restrictions set to apply to “radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond.” A list of individuals to whom the measures will apply is yet to be made public. This announcement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that a Christian genocide is happening in Nigeria, a claim that has been criticized for oversimplifying the complexity of the West African country’s insecurity problems. Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and threatened military action; however, the U.S. Congress is divided on whether a Christian genocide is truly happening in the country.

Kenya Secures $1 Billion U.S. Debt Swap to Boost Food Security

Kenya will move forward with a $1 billion debt-for-food security swap backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), President William Ruto announced during his visit to Washington. The deal will allow Nairobi to replace expensive debt with lower-cost financing, with the savings directed toward food security programs — mirroring the structure of recent debt-for-nature swaps in countries like Ecuador, Belize, and Gabon. Ruto said the agreement comes as Kenya faces heavy public debt pressures and is seeking new ways to free up resources for development and infrastructure. The DFC also plans to expand its presence in Kenya by posting a representative in the country next year.

Africa Revives Push for a Single Central Bank at Yaoundé Summit

Forty-one African central bank governors met in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to discuss climate-driven financial risks and renewed efforts to deepen monetary cooperation, giving fresh momentum to the African Monetary Institute — the body expected to lead the creation of an African Central Bank by 2026. Leaders warned that worsening climate shocks are straining national budgets and banking systems, underscoring the need for coordinated financial governance. Despite major economic differences across the continent, the discussions signaled a growing collective push for long-term stability and a unified economic roadmap.

Libya Set to Deport Thousands of Irregular Migrants

Libyan authorities have announced plans to increase deportation activities, as they look to send irregular migrants back to their home countries. It’s in tandem with the European countries stepping up efforts to seriously limit migrant arrivals through informal channels. Libya is a main departure point for many Africans who risk dangerous sea journeys to get to Europe. Libya’s interior minister Imad Trabelsi says about three million irregular migrants have passed through the north African country, stating that Libya doesn’t want to serve as a holding ground for those intercepted at sea. Thousands are expected to be repatriated this month, many of them from sub-Saharan countries. According to the International Organization for Migration, 25,000 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya so far this year, including women and children.

Tunisia Arrests Veteran Opposition Leader Amid Sweeping Crackdown

Tunisian police have arrested longtime opposition figure Nejib Chebbi, 82, to enforce a 12-year prison sentence handed down in a sweeping conspiracy case targeting 40 political figures, business leaders, and lawyers. The arrests follow last week’s appeals court ruling that issued sentences of up to 45 years for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Kais Saied — charges critics say are fabricated to silence dissent as Saied tightens his grip on power. Activist Chaima Issa and lawyer Ayachi Hammami were also detained to serve 20- and five-year terms, and both have launched hunger strikes. Rights groups warn that the case is part of an escalating crackdown since Saied seized extraordinary powers in 2021, during which critics, journalists, and NGOs have been targeted. The government insists the defendants were trying to destabilize the country, while Saied denies interfering with the judiciary.