Saturday, 12 September 2026

BURUNDI'S REGIONAL POSITION UNDER PRESSURE AS EAST AFRICAN MIGRATION AND SECURITY CONCERNS GROW

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

BURUNDI'S REGIONAL POSITION UNDER PRESSURE AS EAST AFRICAN MIGRATION AND SECURITY CONCERNS GROW

BURUNDI — Burundi is facing renewed regional pressure as developments in neighbouring countries increasingly affect its citizens, refugees and cross-border communities.

One of the most immediate concerns has emerged in Kenya, where authorities recently announced a temporary amnesty for undocumented East African nationals amid fears of a crackdown on foreign-operated small businesses.

The announcement prompted hundreds of Burundians in Nairobi to seek assistance from their embassy.

The development demonstrates how closely connected East African economies have become.

Burundians Abroad

Many Burundians work, trade or seek opportunities outside the country.

Kenya has become an important destination for East African migrants and traders.

The recent uncertainty has raised concerns among Burundian nationals about employment, documentation and their ability to remain in Kenya.

Kenyan authorities have said the policy is not intended to encourage xenophobia and have urged undocumented East Africans to register with their embassies.

The DRC Connection

Burundi's relationship with the Democratic Republic of Congo is equally important.

The two countries share a border and have deep commercial and social connections.

Conflict in eastern DRC has repeatedly affected Burundi through refugee movements and border security concerns.

The reopening of the Kavimvira border crossing earlier in 2026 was therefore an important development for cross-border trade and movement.

Refugee Pressure

Burundi has also hosted large numbers of refugees from Congo.

Humanitarian agencies face the challenge of providing food, shelter, healthcare and protection.

Refugee flows place additional pressure on a country that itself has limited resources.

Economic Development

Burundi remains one of Africa's lower-income economies.

Agriculture is central to the livelihoods of its population.

Coffee and tea are important export products.

Economic diversification remains essential.

The country needs better infrastructure, electricity, digital access and opportunities for young people.

East African regional integration provides opportunities.

Trade between Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC could increase economic opportunities.

But political and security tensions can quickly disrupt those links.

Burundi's future will depend partly on regional stability.

A more peaceful eastern DRC would reduce refugee and security pressures.

Greater economic integration could create new markets.

And improved relations with neighbouring countries could help Burundi strengthen trade.

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Friday, 11 September 2026

BURKINA FASO'S SECURITY STRUGGLE REMAINS CENTRAL TO THE COUNTRY'S FUTURE

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

BURKINA FASO'S SECURITY STRUGGLE REMAINS CENTRAL TO THE COUNTRY'S FUTURE

BURKINA FASO - Burkina Faso remains one of the countries at the centre of West Africa's security crisis, as the government continues its effort to confront armed extremist groups and reshape the country's political and international relationships.

The government led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré has pursued a strongly sovereignty-focused political agenda.

That agenda has included changes in foreign relations, restrictions on some civil-society organisations and a more confrontational approach toward international media.

In May, authorities banned TV5Monde broadcasts, accusing the broadcaster of spreading disinformation and glorifying terrorism. Earlier in the year, the government announced the dissolution of numerous associations and civil-society groups.

Security First

The country's central challenge remains armed violence.

Burkina Faso is part of the Sahel region where jihadist organisations have expanded their operations over recent years.

Communities in rural areas have suffered deaths, displacement and disruption to agriculture and commerce.

The security crisis has also placed enormous pressure on government resources.

The authorities must provide military operations while maintaining public services for millions of citizens.

A changing foreign policy

Burkina Faso has increasingly sought alternatives to traditional Western partnerships.

The country has strengthened relations with other governments and has emphasised national sovereignty.

This reflects a broader political trend across parts of the Sahel.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have moved away from traditional regional arrangements and established closer political and security cooperation with one another.

Civil Society and Media

The government's approach has generated debate.

Supporters say restrictions are necessary during a national security emergency.

Critics argue that limiting independent media and civil society can reduce transparency and weaken public accountability.

The balance between security and civil liberties will remain an important issue.

The Economic Challenge

Security instability affects every part of the economy.

Farmers cannot operate normally in areas affected by violence.

Transport routes become more dangerous.

Schools and clinics may close.

Businesses face higher operating costs.

The government therefore needs security improvements to support economic development.

Gold and natural resources

Burkina Faso possesses significant gold resources.

Gold mining contributes heavily to export earnings.

The government has sought greater control over natural resources and mining revenues.

The strategic question is whether mineral wealth can help fund national development.

The Youth Factor

Burkina Faso has a young population.

Young people are central to the country's future but are also particularly affected by unemployment and insecurity.

Creating jobs through agriculture, manufacturing, technology and small businesses will be essential.

Burkina Faso's future will be shaped by the security situation.

If violence decreases, economic reconstruction could accelerate.

If insecurity continues, government resources will remain concentrated on military operations.

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BOTSWANA'S NEW POLITICAL ERA FACES THE TEST OF ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

BOTSWANA'S NEW POLITICAL ERA FACES THE TEST OF ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

BOTSWANA — Botswana is continuing its transition into a new political era after the 2024 Election ended the Botswana Democratic Party's decades-long dominance.

President Duma Boko's administration inherited a country internationally recognised for political stability and democratic institutions but increasingly confronted by economic pressures.

The country's central challenge is diversification.

For decades, diamonds have been the backbone of Botswana's economy. The mineral transformed the country from one of the world's poorest nations at independence into an upper-middle-income economy.

But the diamond industry is facing structural pressures.

The diamond question

Global demand, changing consumer preferences and competition from laboratory-grown diamonds have created uncertainty for natural diamond producers.

Botswana therefore needs to find new sources of economic growth.

The country possesses substantial tourism potential, particularly through its wildlife and conservation industries.

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most internationally recognised tourism destinations.

Mining beyond diamonds, renewable energy, agriculture, logistics and digital services also offer potential opportunities.

A New Government

Duma Boko's rise to the presidency marked a major political change.

The new government must demonstrate that political change can produce practical economic improvements.

Citizens are particularly interested in employment.

Youth unemployment has remained an important social issue.

A growing generation of young Batswana needs opportunities in industries that can provide sustainable employment.

Tourism and Conservation

Botswana's wildlife economy is a major national asset.

Tourism creates jobs while generating international revenue.

However, tourism is vulnerable to global economic conditions, airline connectivity and regional security.

The government therefore faces the challenge of expanding tourism while protecting the environment.

Regional Importance

Botswana remains an important member of the Southern African Development Community.

Its geographic position connects it to South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Regional trade and infrastructure development could help Botswana reduce its dependence on mineral exports.

Improved transport connections could also strengthen agricultural and industrial supply chains.

Digital Opportunity

Digital transformation offers another possible avenue.

Botswana has relatively strong institutions compared with many African countries and could position itself as a regional hub for digital services.

Technology companies require reliable electricity, telecommunications and skilled workers.

Investment in digital education could therefore become a major part of economic policy.

Botswana's reputation for stability gives it an important advantage.

But stability alone cannot guarantee prosperity.

The country's next economic chapter will require diversification, investment and innovation.

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BENIN ENTERS A NEW POLITICAL ERA AS ROMUALD WADAGNI PREPARES TO LEAD THE COUNTRY

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

BENIN ENTERS A NEW POLITICAL ERA AS ROMUALD WADAGNI PREPARES TO LEAD THE COUNTRY

BENIN — Benin is entering a new political period following the election of Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as president earlier this year.

Wadagni won the April 2026 presidential election with more than 94% of the vote, according to published election results. His victory followed parliamentary elections in January in which parties aligned with outgoing President Patrice Talon's political movement secured all 109 seats in the National Assembly.

The result gives the incoming administration an unusually strong institutional position.

The challenge now is to convert political stability into economic opportunity and address security pressures facing the country.

From Finance Minister to President

Wadagni's political identity has been closely connected to economic management.

As Finance Minister, he became associated with Benin's efforts to strengthen public finances, attract investment and modernise the economy.

His transition to the presidency means economic policy is likely to remain central to government priorities.

Benin has invested heavily in infrastructure and economic reforms in recent years.

The country has sought to improve its business environment and develop major sectors including agriculture, logistics, tourism and industry.

Security pressure in the North

Economic progress is occurring alongside a serious security challenge.

Northern Benin has been affected by jihadist violence linked to armed groups operating across the wider Sahel region.

In March, militants attacked a military camp in northern Benin, killing 15 soldiers, according to reporting on the incident.

The attack demonstrated the vulnerability of countries along the southern edge of the Sahel.

Benin shares borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, two countries that have experienced significant instability and militant activity.

Security is therefore likely to be one of the new president's biggest priorities.

The Economic Challenge

Benin's economy has considerable potential.

The country's geographic position provides access to the Gulf of Guinea and major regional markets.

The Port of Cotonou is particularly important.

Benin also has a large agricultural sector, with cotton remaining an important export.

However, the country needs to create more jobs and increase opportunities for young people.

Economic growth must increasingly translate into household income and employment.

Political Opposition

The concentration of political power following the elections is likely to remain a subject of national debate.

Supporters argue that political stability makes it easier to implement long-term economic reforms.

Critics may question whether strong political dominance leaves sufficient space for opposition voices.

The government will therefore face the challenge of balancing effective administration with political inclusion.

Benin's Regional Role

Benin is also strategically important within West Africa.

The weakening of traditional regional institutions following military takeovers in several Sahel states has changed the political environment.

Benin must manage relationships with neighbouring governments while protecting its own security.

Its coastline also makes the country relevant to Gulf of Guinea maritime security.

President Wadagni inherits both opportunities and risks.

He has the advantage of strong political backing and an economic-policy background.

But security threats, youth unemployment, regional instability and demands for greater political participation will test his administration.

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ANGOLA'S OIL SECTOR RECEIVES NEW INVESTMENT AS TOTALENERGIES ANNOUNCES DISCOVERY AND $10BILLION PLAN

ANGOLA'S OIL SECTOR RECEIVES NEW INVESTMENT AS TOTALENERGIES ANNOUNCES DISCOVERY AND $10BILLION PLAN

ANGOLA — Angola's oil industry has received a major boost after TotalEnergies announced a new offshore oil discovery and confirmed plans for billions of dollars in future investment.

The French energy company announced the Acacia-5 discovery in Angola's Block 17, saying the development could add approximately 6,000 barrels of oil per day to production.

The company also announced agreements with Angola's petroleum regulator to acquire a 40% operated interest in two additional exploration blocks in the Lower Congo Basin. TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné said the company and its partners plan to invest approximately $10 billion in Angola over the next five years.

The announcement comes at an important moment for Angola.

The country remains heavily dependent on oil revenues, making new discoveries and investment critical to government finances, foreign exchange earnings and economic stability.

A Major Energy Cconomy

Angola is one of Africa's major oil-producing nations.

For decades, petroleum has dominated the country's economy, providing government revenue and export earnings.

However, Angola has also attempted to diversify its economy by developing agriculture, manufacturing, telecommunications, tourism and other sectors.

The oil industry remains central to this strategy because petroleum revenues can provide capital for infrastructure and economic diversification.

The new TotalEnergies announcement therefore has implications beyond the energy sector.

Acacia-5

The Acacia-5 discovery is particularly significant because the company intends to move quickly toward production.

TotalEnergies said the discovery, made in June 2026, is expected to reach first oil within approximately three months.

The fast-track approach demonstrates how companies are attempting to reduce the time between discovery and production.

For Angola, quicker production means the possibility of earlier revenue.

It also strengthens the country's position as an investment destination for international energy companies.

Competition for Africa's Energy Resources

Angola's oil industry is part of a wider international competition for African energy resources.

European energy companies remain active across the continent, while American, Chinese, Middle Eastern and African investors are also seeking opportunities.

Energy security has become even more important as global geopolitical tensions have affected oil prices and shipping routes.

The current global energy environment means Angola's petroleum resources continue to have strategic importance.

Telecom investment adds another dimension

Angola is also becoming a focal point for international technology competition.

The United States has announced a nearly $100 Million financing package for Africell, an American-owned telecom operator operating in Angola and several other African countries.

The financing is designed to support telecommunications technology supplied by American and allied companies and is part of a wider effort to compete with Huawei's strong position in African telecom infrastructure.

This means Angola is simultaneously attracting major investment in two strategically important sectors: energy and telecommunications.

The challenge for ordinary Angolans

The biggest question is whether new investment will translate into improved living standards.

Oil investment can generate substantial national revenue, but citizens ultimately judge the industry through jobs, electricity, roads, healthcare, education and household incomes.

Angola therefore faces the challenge of converting natural-resource wealth into broader economic development.

Young people are particularly important.

The country has a large youthful population that requires employment opportunities beyond traditional oil-sector jobs.

Digital infrastructure could become part of that solution.

Improved telecommunications can support online businesses, digital education, financial technology, media, e-commerce and remote employment.

Looking ahead

Angola's energy sector appears set for continued investment.

The Acacia-5 discovery, new exploration blocks and proposed $10Billion investment programme demonstrate continued confidence in Angola's petroleum potential.

At the same time, telecommunications investment is creating another strategic opportunity.

The challenge for the Angolan government will be to ensure that investment creates long-term economic value rather than simply increasing dependence on natural resources.

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Saturday, 12 September 2026