Madagascar Opposition Seeks President’s Removal Amid Growing Tensions
Political tensions are rising again in Madagascar after opposition lawmaker Antoine Rajerison asked the country’s top court to remove President Michael Randrianirina over alleged constitutional violations and “serious and repeated” abuses of power. Randrianirina, a military colonel, took power last October after youth-led protests forced former president Andry Rajoelina to flee, but critics say promised reforms have stalled as arrests and security crackdowns increase.
U.S. Bill Could Target Zuma’s Daughter Over Russia Recruitment Claims
A proposed U.S. bill aimed at stopping the recruitment of Africans into the Russia-Ukraine war could expose Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, to possible sanctions. The legislation cites allegations that South Africans and Botswanans were lured to Russia under false promises of training or employment before being pushed toward military service, though Zuma-Sambudla has not been convicted, and investigations are ongoing.
Morocco Plans $2 Billion Budget Boost as Middle East War Drives Up Costs
Morocco plans to add 20 billion dirhams ($2 billion) to its 2026 budget to soften the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted global energy supplies and increased domestic price pressures. The government says the additional funds will help stabilize the costs of cooking gas, electricity, and public transport in a country that imports most of its energy and lacks domestic oil-refining capacity.
Ghana Ends IMF Bailout Program After Economic Recovery Push
Ghana has officially concluded its IMF Extended Credit Facility program, with the government saying fiscal reforms, spending cuts, and stronger investor confidence helped stabilize the economy ahead of schedule. Officials say inflation has eased, the cedi has strengthened, and foreign reserves have risen to about $14.5 billion, though the country will continue working with the IMF under a non-financing reform program.
Jacob Zuma Appeals Ruling That Corruption Trial Must Proceed
Former South African president Jacob Zuma says he will appeal a court ruling ordering his long-delayed arms deal corruption trial to begin in February 2027. Zuma and the French defense company Thales face charges linked to South Africa’s 1999 arms deal, including corruption, fraud, and money laundering, which both parties deny.
Three Charged in Alleged Ghana-Linked Romance Fraud Scheme in U.S.
Two Ghanaian brothers and a U.S.-based woman have been indicted in the United States over an alleged romance fraud scheme that prosecutors say targeted elderly Americans through fake online relationships. Authorities allege the group convinced victims to send money through wire transfers, with some funds routed to co-conspirators in Ghana.
U.S. Signals Renewed Engagement With Sahel Military Governments
The United States says it wants to rebuild “pragmatic relationships” with military-led governments in the Sahel as extremist groups expand their reach across West Africa. Speaking to U.S. senators, AFRICOM commander General Dagvin Anderson warned that Africa has become the “epicenter of global terrorism” and said shrinking U.S. military presence has created an “intelligence black hole” across the region.
