Category: Africa

By Celestine Achi | April 22, 2025 | Accra, Ghana

As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its golden jubilee with grand celebrations in Accra, Ghana, a pivotal and emotionally charged conversation has taken center stage: the push for reparations for colonial-era injustices and the return of looted African artifacts. Amidst the fanfare, African leaders are signaling a shift towards addressing historical wrongs as a foundation for future development.

During an interview at the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary launch, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, reaffirmed the regional bloc’s alignment with the African Union’s 2025 theme—heritage restoration and reparative justice.

“I think you’ll recall that the African Union’s theme for the year is in line with these issues, and ECOWAS is part of the African Union,” said Ambassador Nuhu. “ECOWAS supported that theme to be the central focus for 2025.”

He highlighted that ECOWAS has already begun operationalizing this agenda, most notably through the appointment of President Patrice Talon of Benin as the regional champion for the recovery of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial period.

“These items were taken from the region during colonialism. So, of course, ECOWAS is very much on course on this issue,” he added.

When asked whether reparations for colonial injustices should be a central issue for Africa, Ambassador Nuhu was unequivocal:

“Yes, of course. It’s something that is on the table and is being discussed. Such discussions usually begin at the technical level before moving to ministerial discussions and finally to the heads of state. Right now, it is being examined at the technical level.”

His remarks were echoed by Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, who confirmed that the conversation is advancing steadily through the proper institutional frameworks.

“Should reparations for those injustices be a central agenda for Africa? Yes, of course,” Nkrumah said. “It’s something which is on the table, which is being digested at the technical level… I’m sure by the time it reaches the highest level, it will be endorsed.”

A Continental Movement Gathers Momentum

The dialogue on reparations and restitution comes at a time when civil society movements across Africa—and in the diaspora—are ramping up pressure on governments to secure reparative justice for the scars of colonialism, slavery, and cultural erasure. The restitution of artifacts is not only seen as symbolic but also as a vital step in healing the historical wounds inflicted on African societies.

Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have begun returning cultural treasures to nations including Nigeria and Benin. These acts, though incremental, have reignited debate on broader reparations—including financial compensation, systemic redress, and education reform.

The Rising Call for Repatriation: A Growing Concern Across Africa

The issue of reparations has become an increasingly pressing concern within African society. Reports from various media outlets suggest that the total value of reparations being discussed could amount to as much as $50 trillion.

Amplifying this message through art and activism, Guinean artist Elie Kamano has released a powerful new anthem titled “Africa Without Africans.” The single resonates deeply with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

Through evocative lyrics, the song recounts the immense suffering endured during the colonial era and calls on African leaders to take bold action in restoring historical justice. Kamano urges authorities to demand the return of what was unjustly taken from the continent, framing music as a rallying cry for a continent still healing from centuries of exploitation.

ECOWAS at 50: A Symbol of Unity and Future Ambitions

The reparations agenda found a powerful stage at the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary celebration, themed “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future”. Held at the Accra International Conference Center, the event drew leaders and dignitaries from across West Africa, including Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, and ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.

President Mahama acknowledged Africa’s shared challenges—political instability, economic inequality, and climate threats—and called for collective solutions rooted in justice and inclusion.

“We must respond not with isolation but with understanding and a willingness to engage,” he said, announcing 1,000 scholarships for students across the subregion as a symbol of pan-African unity and youth empowerment.

Dr. Touray reinforced ECOWAS’ role as a unifying force:

“ECOWAS is not just a regional bloc—it is a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience for West Africa.”

Cultural Renaissance and Restorative Justice

One of the most striking moments of the ceremony came with a theatrical performance titled “Reclaiming Our Destiny”, a dramatic retelling of the glory and wisdom of the ancient empires of Mali, Songhai, and Ghana. The play urged contemporary African leaders to honor their legacy by standing up for justice, culture, and the aspirations of their people.

The unveiling of the ECOWAS at 50 logo, depicting golden rays symbolizing unity and growth, rounded off the day’s events with a hopeful message of regional renewal.

Analysis: A Turning Point for African Leadership?

The renewed emphasis on reparations by ECOWAS represents a notable evolution in the regional bloc’s policy discourse—from economic cooperation to cultural and historical redress. While progress may still be at the technical discussion phase, the political will being demonstrated at the highest levels signals a growing readiness to confront uncomfortable truths.

By prioritizing reparations and heritage recovery, ECOWAS is not merely addressing the past—it is anchoring Africa’s future development on a foundation of justice, dignity, and cultural sovereignty.

As Ambassador Nuhu stated, “By the time it reaches the highest level, it will be endorsed along that line.”

The next 50 years of ECOWAS may well be defined not just by economic integration—but by moral leadership and historical accountability. And that could prove to be the true golden legacy of West Africa’s most enduring regional institution.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has suspended the political party of former President Joseph Kabila and ordered the seizure of his assets, accusing the 53-year-old of high treason over alleged ties to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group.

In a statement late on Saturday, the country’s Interior Ministry said Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) was suspended for its “ambiguous attitude” towards the M23’s occupation of DRC territory.

The M23 rebellion has reignited violence in DRC’s mineral-rich eastern provinces, where conflict rooted in the spillover from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle for control of minerals has persisted for decades.

The fighting has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands of people, according to the United Nations. The M23 has also taken two important cities, Goma and Bukavu, in the east since the start of the year.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of preparing “an insurrection” and backing an alliance that includes M23.

In another statement, the DRC’s Justice Ministry said Kabila and other party leaders’ assets would be seized after acts amounting to high treason.

Both statements said prosecutors had been instructed to initiate proceedings against him, but no details of the accusations were given. It is understood that no formal charges have yet been filed.

There has been no direct comment from Kabila, who ruled the country from 2001 to 2019.

However, his spokesperson Barbara Nzimbi wrote on X that the former president would address the nation “in the coming hours or days”. PPRD secretary Ferdinand Kambere told the Reuters news agency the suspension amounted to “a flagrant violation” of the DRC’s constitution.

The move to suspend Kabila’s party follows reports that he has returned to the country after spending two years in South Africa. Kabila left the DRC before the last presidential election in 2023.

According to the Interior Ministry, he has travelled to Goma, but his presence there has not been confirmed independently.

Kabila, a former military officer, came to power at the age of 29 following the assassination of his father, Laurent-Desire Kabila, during the Second Congo War.

He won elections in 2006 and 2011 that were marred by allegations of fraud and human rights abuses. After two years of deadly protests and mounting international pressure, he handed power to Felix Tshisekedi in 2019 – a transition hailed as the country’s first peaceful handover of power since independence in 1960.

Earlier this month, Kabila said his return was driven by a desire to help resolve the country’s political and security crisis. In an interview with Jeune Afrique, he said he hoped to “play a role in seeking a solution after six years of complete retreat and one year in exile”.

The suspension of Kabila’s party came as peace talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels, due to take place in April, were postponed.

The UN and several regional governments have accused Rwanda of supporting M23 – an allegation strongly denied by the country’s President Paul Kagame.

The Kenya Navy, alongside the Indian and Tanzanian navies, successfully concluded the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 exercise on April 18, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, marking a significant step in bolstering regional maritime security and cooperation.

The multinational exercise, hosted at the Port of Dar es Salaam, featured complex drills designed to enhance operational readiness and interoperability among the participating navies.

Key activities included Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations to strengthen counter-piracy and maritime interdiction capabilities, Replenishment at Sea (RAS) drills showcasing logistical coordination, and intricate ship maneuvers demonstrating tactical prowess.

Approaches to Towing (APTOW) exercises further underscored the navies’ ability to provide mutual support during operational challenges.

Kenya Navy Ships (KNS) Jasiri and Shupavu, supported by the elite Special Boats Unit (SBU), played central roles in the exercise, exemplifying operational excellence.

The drills highlighted the navies’ collective commitment to safeguarding the Indian Ocean, a critical maritime corridor.

On April 16, Commander Kenya Navy Fleet, Brigadier Mohammed Shemote, joined the crews of KNS Jasiri, KNS Shupavu, and the SBU to launch the second sea phase of AIKEYME 2025.

Addressing the sailors, Brigadier Shemote praised their professionalism and dedication, emphasizing their role in fostering regional partnerships.

“Your skills and commitment strengthen the ties between our navies and advance maritime stability across the region,” he said, conveying gratitude from the Commander of the Kenya Navy.

Commanding Officers from the Indian, Kenyan, and Tanzanian navies lauded the exercise’s success, noting that AIKEYME 2025 sets a benchmark for collaborative maritime initiatives.

“Exercises like these are vital for building trust and ensuring a united response to maritime security challenges,” a senior officer remarked.

The successful completion of AIKEYME 2025 underscores the importance of sustained cooperation among Kenya, India, and Tanzania in addressing piracy, smuggling, and other threats in the Indian Ocean. As regional maritime challenges grow, such exercises reaffirm the navies’ shared resolve to maintain stability and security in these vital waters.

At least 143 people died and dozens more went missing after a boat carrying fuel caught fire and capsized in the Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said Friday.

Hundreds of passengers were crowded onto a wooden boat on the Congo River in northwest DRC on Tuesday when the blaze broke out, according to Josephine-Pacifique Lokumu, head of a delegation of national deputies from the region.

The disaster occurred near Mbandaka, capital of Equateur Province, at the confluence of the Ruki and the vast Congo river — the world’s deepest.

“A first group of 131 bodies were found on Wednesday, with a further 12 fished out on Thursday and Friday. Several of them are charred,” Lokumu told AFP.

Joseph Lokondo, a local civil society leader who said he helped bury the bodies, put the “provisional death toll at 145: some burned, others drowned”.

Lokumu said the blaze was caused by a fuel explosion ignited by an onboard cooking fire.

“A woman lit the embers for cooking. The fuel, which was not far away, exploded, killing many children and women”, she said.

Videos circulating on social media showed flames leaping from a long boat stranded far from shore, with smoke billowing from the wreckage and people aboard smaller vessels looking on.

– Missing loved ones –

The total number of passengers on board the doomed vessel was not known but Lokumu said it was in the “hundreds”.

Some survivors were rescued and admitted to hospital, Lokondo said.

But on Friday, he added, “several families were still without news of their loved ones”.

A vast Central African nation that covers 2.3 million square kilometres (900,000 square miles), the DRC suffers from a lack of practicable roads and planes serve only a limited number of cities and towns.

As a result people often travel on lakes, the Congo River — the second longest in Africa after the Nile — and its winding tributaries, where shipwrecks are frequent and the death tolls often heavy.

A chronic absence of passenger lists often complicates search operations.

In October 2023, at least 47 people died after a boat navigating the Congo sank in Equateur.

More than 20 people died in October last year when a boat capsized on Lake Kivu in eastern DRC, according to local authorities.

Another shipwreck on Lake Kivu claimed around 100 lives in 2019.

A brewing conflict between Somalia’s telecom giant Hormuud and the Somali federal government has erupted into a public feud, with Hormuud accusing the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of undermining a homegrown business by granting an operational license to Elon Musk’s Starlink without adequate consultation. Industry insiders reveal that the dispute could have far-reaching implications for Somalia’s telecom sector, its economy, and the political landscape.

Hormuud, Somalia’s largest telecom provider and a near-monopoly in the industry, operates critical infrastructure, including a submarine cable system in the Horn of Africa. The company, which employs thousands and is the country’s biggest private employer, is reportedly incensed by the government’s decision to greenlight Starlink’s satellite internet service. Sources close to the matter claim Hormuud views the move as a betrayal, with one insider stating, “The HSM government is stabbing an indigenous Somali-owned business in the back.”

The controversy centers on the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) announcement on April 13, 2025, granting Starlink a license to operate in Somalia, a move hailed by government officials as a step toward bridging the digital divide. At a ceremony in Mogadishu, NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheik emphasized the potential for Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite network to deliver high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions. “Starlink’s entry into Somalia represents a significant milestone in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in our country,” Yasin said. Minister of Communications and Technology Mohamed Mo’allim echoed this sentiment, affirming the government’s commitment to “affordable and accessible internet services for all Somalis.”

However, Hormuud, led by influential tycoon Sheikh Ali Ahmed Nur Jim’ale, who now resides in Djibouti, alleges that the government bypassed proper consultation with the telecom sector. The company, which operates in both government- and Al-Shabaab-controlled territories and contributes significant regulatory fees to state coffers, sees Starlink’s entry as a direct threat to its dominance. “Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh has signed the demise of his political career. You cannot break Somalia’s most powerful telecom monopoly and not pay a hefty price,” a source close to Hormuud warned.

Hormuud’s near-monopoly has long been a point of contention. Critics argue that its dominance stifles competition, resulting in high data costs and limited coverage, particularly in rural areas where only 27.6% of Somalis have internet access as of 2024. Detractors, including industry analysts, have called for liberalization of the telecom sector, asserting that increased competition could lead to lower prices, better speeds, and wider coverage. “Hormuud’s monopoly has many detractors who say it is time for Somalia to liberalize the telecom sector, and in the end, the ordinary consumer would benefit,” noted a prominent Somali analyst on X.

Starlink’s arrival is seen as a potential game-changer for Somalia, where poor terrestrial infrastructure has left many communities disconnected despite the presence of undersea cables like EASSy and DARE1. With its satellite-based service, Starlink promises to deliver low-latency, high-speed internet to even the most remote regions, potentially reshaping access to education, healthcare, and commerce. However, concerns remain about affordability, as Starlink’s pricing may be prohibitive for many Somalis without government subsidies, a model the company has employed in other regions but has yet to confirm for Somalia.

The dispute has also taken on a darker tone, with some voices on X alleging Hormuud’s ties to Al-Shabaab, claiming the company’s operations in militant-controlled areas and its control over internet, remittance, and media sectors make it a security risk. One post suggested that Starlink’s entry could serve as a “security strategy” to counter Hormuud’s influence and track terrorist activities, though these claims remain unverified. Hormuud has faced similar accusations in the past, with UN reports linking it to Al-Shabaab extortion schemes, but the company has consistently denied such allegations.

As the standoff unfolds, the Somali government faces a delicate balancing act: fostering competition and digital inclusion while navigating the economic and political clout of Hormuud, a company deeply embedded in the nation’s fabric. For now, the entry of Starlink signals a new chapter in Somalia’s telecom landscape, but whether it will deliver on its promise of connectivity or ignite further conflict remains to be seen.

Countries imposing sanctions on Rwanda should focus on their own problems, Paul Kagame said without naming any specific countries.

Kagame delivered one of his most fiery and unfiltered addresses in recent memory during the commemoration of Kwibuka31, marking 31 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

With raw emotion and powerful language, Kagame issued a clear message to Rwandans, Africa, and the international community: Rwanda will not live on its knees.

“We have to live our lives, we have to live the way we want,” Kagame declared before a packed audience in Kigali. “And I tell anybody to his face, to go to hell. If anyone comes around and says we are going to sanction you—go to hell.”

His statement, laced with unapologetic defiance, comes at a time of growing tensions between Rwanda and some Western nations over regional politics and sovereignty. Kagame made it clear that Rwandans—and Africans at large—must not be passive recipients of injustice or threats.

“You have your own issues to deal with. Go and deal with your own issues. Leave me to mine. This is the spirit Rwandans must have in their daily lives,” he said, urging a spirit of resistance, self-worth, and national pride.

A Future Guarded by Resolve

Reflecting on the genocide, Kagame reaffirmed that such a tragedy would not be repeated—not because the enemies of Rwanda have ceased to exist, but because Rwandans are prepared to defend their nation with unwavering resolve.

“It won’t [happen again], not because those who were responsible… will not try again. It will not happen again just because there will be people who will stand up and fight,” he emphasized. “There is a risk of dying when you stand up and fight, but if you don’t, it’s a sure thing—you are going to die. So why not fight?”

In a deeply personal moment, the President recounted warnings he had received about his outspoken stance. Some, he said, have cautioned him that being so direct risks his life.

“My answer to them is: you know what? If I were to be there to just accept these things to happen, I don’t think I would count myself as living anyway. It’s like I would already be dead,” Kagame said. “So why don’t I die fighting?”

A Message to Africa: No More Begging

Kagame’s speech extended beyond Rwanda’s borders. He issued a passionate appeal to all Africans who face systemic dehumanization, urging them to stop begging for survival.

“I can’t beg to live. I can’t beg anybody. We’ll fight. If I lose, I lose. But there is a chance— a significant chance—that if you stand up and fight, you will live. And you will have lived a dignified life that you deserve.”

The remarks have already begun stirring debate across Africa and beyond. For Kagame, the message was not just about Rwanda’s past, but about the kind of future Africans must choose to build—one rooted in dignity, resistance, and the courage to live on their own terms.

As Kwibuka31 marked another solemn remembrance, Kagame’s words transformed it into a rallying cry—for Rwanda and for the continent.

On March 17, the EU imposed sanctions on a number of individuals in connection with the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, including three senior officers of the Rwandan Armed Forces and the director of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, Francis Kamanzi. 

In response, the M23 rebels, whose leaders are also on the EU sanctions list, refused to participate in negotiations with the DRC authorities.

Although Rwanda denies military support for the M23 group, the DRC accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to support armed groups. In turn, Rwanda alleges that the DRC supports the FDLR, a group associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

A request by the African Union (AU) Panel of the Wise to meet South Sudan’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, who is under house arrest, has been denied, credible sources revealed.

The AU dispatched the high-level delegation to Juba to address ongoing instability in the country. The United Nations, African Union, and regional leaders have condemned Machar’s detention, warning it risks destabilizing the fragile peace in the world’s youngest nation.

According to the schedule, the panel, led by former Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye, was due to meet Machar on Friday morning before holding talks with President Salva Kiir in the afternoon.

The delegation’s visit aimed to engage stakeholders to bolster mediation efforts and support implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

The AU delegation arrived in Juba on Wednesday and met with Kiir, though few details emerged beyond brief statements reaffirming commitment to the peace deal.

The visit follows a meeting last week between Kiir and Kenya’s special envoy, Raila Odinga. Odinga said his request to meet Machar was denied, with Kiir reportedly referring him to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni—a claim dismissed by South Sudan’s presidential press secretary, David Amuor Majur.

Multiple diplomatic sources, claim Kiir told the AU panel on Wednesday that no one would be allowed to meet Machar until investigations conclude and he appears in court.

“During the meeting with the president on Wednesday, the AU Panel of the Wise requested to meet First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. However, they were informed that no one would be allowed to meet Machar until investigations with him are concluded and after he appears before a court of law,” one source said.

“So there is no meeting between the AU Panel of the Wise and Dr. Machar in Juba today,” the source added.

Multiple sources also confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that no investigations have begun since Machar was placed under house arrest on March 26.

His detention followed a deadly attack in Upper Nile state that killed a senior general and several soldiers. South Sudan’s government sought military support from Uganda, with Defense Minister Jacob Oboth confirming that Kiir made an urgent request on March 10 to avert a potential security crisis in South Sudan.

African Union (AU) Chairperson Joao Lourenco nominated Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe to act as the body’s peace mediator between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and M23 rebels, his office said Saturday.

Preliminary consultations with Gnassingbe yielded a positive response, contingent on the formal concurrence of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, Lourenco told the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union during a virtual meeting in Angola.

Lourenco, who is the Angolan president, “underscored the grave and deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, drawing attention to the immense suffering of civilians and its destabilizing impact on regional peace.”

“The proposal was endorsed by the Assembly Bureau Members,” it said.

Lourenco announced a decision to end his mediation role last month, saying he wanted to concentrate on the work of the AU.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Lourenco for his dedication to advancing peace in the region.

He affirmed the need for a detailed roadmap to guide the mediation process forward, adding that the Commission will follow the procedure to endorse the nomination of the Togolese president.

Once endorsed, Gnassingbe will work with a panel of five facilitators recently appointed by the Heads of State of the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community blocs, including former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa, Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia and Central African Republic’s Catherine Samba-Panza.

Last week, the M23 rebel group, which is at the center of the conflict in eastern Congo, announced it had implemented its decision to pull its forces from the strategic mining town of Walikale and surrounding areas in North Kivu province — to support peace initiatives aimed at fostering conditions conducive to political dialogue.

Congo and others accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels. Rwanda, however, denies the allegations.