The British government has summoned Rwanda’s top diplomat to London to address concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), condemning Rwanda’s involvement in the crisis.
This comes as reports emerge of the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advancing into eastern DRC, including the key city of Bukavu. The UK Foreign Office issued a statement calling the situation an “unacceptable violation” of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. London has demanded that Rwanda immediately withdraw its forces from Congolese territory. The ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 900 lives, has caused massive displacement, with thousands of bodies awaiting burial in Goma.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, M23 rebels, led by Commander Bernard Byamungu, have continued their assault on key cities, including Bukavu, which they seized after capturing Goma. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. Meanwhile, the United Nations has raised concerns over numerous human rights violations by the militia, including killings, rapes, and the recruitment of child soldiers. As the conflict in the region intensifies, both the UK and international community are calling for immediate de-escalation, while neighboring countries, including Uganda, have begun to intervene, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the DRC.
Kenya faces diplomatic heat as Sudan’s paramilitary RSF plans to form parallel gov’t in Nairobi
Kenya is under increasing diplomatic scrutiny as Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) prepares to announce a parallel government on Kenyan soil, a move that the military-backed government in Khartoum condemned as “act of hostility” against the country’s sovereignty.
The move places Kenyan president William Ruto’s administration in a challenging position amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war between the RSF and the military-led government. The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has been locked in a brutal conflict with Sudan’s military since April 2023, resulting in thousands of deaths and millions displaced. The RSF’s plans to declare a political entity in exile on Kenyan territory have raised significant concerns, particularly regarding Kenya’s role as a mediator in Sudanese peace talks under the IGAD framework. While Kenya has positioned itself as a neutral facilitator, hosting the RSF’s high-profile announcement risks alienating other regional powers, including Sudan’s military-backed government, which accused Kenya of violating international law by hosting the group.
Sudan’s military-led government, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, condemned Kenya’s actions, calling them an endorsement of the RSF’s violent campaign and an interference in Sudan’s internal affairs. It also called on the international community to condemn Kenya’s alleged support for RSF, warning that Sudan would take “all necessary measures to redress the balance.” As the war in Sudan continues to escalate, the international community remains divided on how best to handle the conflict, with Kenya’s involvement in this latest development likely to shape its future role in regional peace efforts. The RSF’s move could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s standing within both the African Union and IGAD.
US top diplomat to skip S.Africa’s G20 meeting as China seeks to fill the gap
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has announced that he will not attend the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg later this week, citing objections to the meeting’s agenda, which he describes as “anti-American.”
This decision comes amid growing tensions between the United States and South Africa, as well as concerns over South Africa’s focus on global issues like climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Rubio expressed his discontent on social media, criticizing the G20’s emphasis on issues such as DEI and sustainability, which he argued distracted from more pressing matters like terrorism and energy security. “My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” Rubio stated.
In response, South Africa defended its G20 agenda, highlighting its focus on promoting economic growth and equity for nations in the Global South, reflecting its priorities as the first African nation to hold the G20 presidency. The South African government rejected accusations that it was pursuing an anti-American approach, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an inclusive global system. Despite Rubio’s absence, China and Russia confirmed their attendance, with Beijing expressing strong support for South Africa’s leadership. Analysts note that Beijing’s emphasis on working together on international issues is the opposite of Trump’s ‘America first’ approach. They thus suggest that Rubio’s absence could provide a platform for countries like China and Russia to advance their own agendas in the G20 discussions.
Investment risk in Africa ten times lower than in L’America, CE Europe — AfDB chief
African leaders and business executives, at a recent World Governments Summit in Dubai, sought to strongly challenge the persistent myths about investment risks in Africa.
Speaking in one of the panels, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), presented data revealing that Africa’s risk profile is far lower than commonly believed, with a loss rate of just 1.7% over the past 14 years — significantly lower than Latin America’s 13% and Eastern Europe’s 10%. This stark contrast defies the “risk premium” that often deters global investors, who are misled by negative stereotypes about the continent, according to Adesina. Tony Elumelu, founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, emphasized Africa’s potential for high returns, highlighting his own success in sectors like energy and healthcare. He thus urged investors to see opportunity where others see risk, adding that “there’s nowhere else we get the kind of returns on investments as what we make in Africa.”
To address key concerns that have historically deterred international investors, the AfDB announced its plans to launch a new Investment Guarantee Agency, offering a comprehensive coverage against climate, political, equity, and currency risks. This initiative aims to further attract international investment as Africa stands poised to shape the future of global industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy. As Africa moves toward industrialization and value-added manufacturing, the continent’s future as a global investment hub is looking increasingly bright. With Africa’s vast potential, the message to global investors is clear: the real risk lies in missing out on the opportunities that the continent offers.