Category: Politics

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — The African Union Commission has welcomed the peace agreement signed on 3 February 2025 in Doha between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23). AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the accord as “an important step” toward de-escalating hostilities and restoring peace and security in eastern DRC.

In a statement issued on 12 February 2026, the Chairperson commended the parties’ commitment to peace, urging them to respect the “mutually agreed ceasefire mechanism” as a means of building trust and protecting civilian populations. He emphasised that the establishment of a clear monitoring framework is essential to ensure compliance and foster confidence between the parties.

The African Union expressed gratitude to the State of Qatar and the United States for their efforts in facilitating the agreement, noting that the initiative aligns with the AU-led mediation process under the leadership of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Togo and AU-designated Lead Mediator on eastern DRC, supported by the AU Panel of Facilitators.

The AU also acknowledged the role of regional organisations, including the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, in operationalising the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM+) to support the permanent ceasefire.

The conflict between the DRC and M23 rebels has persisted since 2009, rooted in ethnic tensions, unfulfilled peace agreements, and regional rivalries. M23, formed by former Congolese army members, accuses the government of failing to honour commitments related to political representation, protection of Tutsi communities, and reintegration benefits. The group demands greater autonomy, security guarantees, and political inclusion. The DRC government, however, views M23 as an illegitimate armed movement backed by external actors, particularly Rwanda, and seeks to reassert state authority, safeguard civilians, and preserve territorial integrity.

The AU Chairperson underscored that the Doha agreement represents a significant confidence-building measure. He encouraged both parties to fully implement the agreed Terms of Reference and remain engaged in ongoing political and security processes. The African Union Commission reaffirmed its readiness to support the parties, in collaboration with regional mechanisms, to advance a permanent ceasefire, lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in the region.

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria’s apex electoral body, has released the official timetable for the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2027, marking the start of the electoral cycle in Africa’s largest democracy and leading oil producer.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.”

According to the timetable, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2027. Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the notice was issued in line with constitutional provisions, which require publication of election dates not later than 360 days before polling.

“The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately,” he said.

The INEC Chairman also welcomed ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently under consideration at the National Assembly, noting that such reforms would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework.

Under the released timetable, political parties are expected to:

• Conduct primaries within the statutory period.
• Submit nomination forms within the approved window.
• Commence campaigns as provided by law, ending 24 hours before Election Day.

Prof. Amupitan warned that the Commission would strictly enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines, reiterating INEC’s commitment to independence and neutrality.

LAGOS, NIGERIA: Nigerian human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the police of colluding with Dr Daniel Olukoya, founder and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), in the detention and trial of UK-based blogger Maureen Badejo.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Sowore described Badejo’s continued detention and delays in bail processing as “persecution, abuse of office, and a coordinated scheme between the police and a powerful General Overseer to unlawfully silence her.” He alleged that police officials had sought a 14-day detention warrant, despite the charges being outside the jurisdiction of a magistrate’s court, and accused them of employing the controversial “holding charge” tactic to prolong her custody.

Sowore further claimed that while a magistrate granted Badejo bail, police manoeuvred to shift proceedings to the Federal High Court, where the case was assigned to Justice Aluko but stalled due to bureaucratic delays.

The broader case stems from allegations of defamation against Badejo, who was found liable by the UK High Court in 2021 and ordered to pay £100,000 in damages to Olukoya and his wife. Her appeal was dismissed in 2026. In Nigeria, she faces parallel proceedings, where she was granted bail of ₦10 million.

The controversy underscores growing concerns about freedom of expression, judicial integrity, and the use of defamation laws by powerful figures to protect reputations.

H

eavy gunfire erupted in South Sudan’s capital Juba on Thursday evening after security forces moved to arrest the former head of the intelligence service, according to Reuters reporters and an alert sent to United Nations staff.

The gunfire began around 7 p.m. local time (1700 GMT) and continued sporadically for more than an hour before dying down, Reuters reporters said.

A U.N. safety alert to staff members in Juba, seen by Reuters, said the shooting was related to the arrest of the former head of the National Security Service (NSS). It urged U.N. staff to shelter in place.

In early October, President Salva Kiir dismissed Akol Koor Kuc, who had led the NSS since the country’s independence from Sudan in 2011, and appointed a close ally to replace him.

Army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang said Akol Kuur had not been arrested and had stayed in his house throughout the shooting. Koang said he would address reporters later on Friday after a meeting with other security officials.

Analysts said the sacking of Akol Koor reflected a power struggle at the highest levels of government. It came weeks after the transitional government that Kiir leads announced that elections expected in December would be postponed for a second time.

Rival factions loyal to Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar fought a civil war from 2013 to 2018 that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths.

The two have governed together since then as part of a transitional government. There has been relative peace, but the opposing forces clash periodically in addition to frequent fighting among a patchwork of armed groups in rural areas.

–Reuters