According to the Burkinabè presidency, Zuma commended the West African nation for its bold stance against neocolonial influence and its commitment to reclaiming Africa’s sovereignty over its natural wealth and political destiny. He praised President Traoré’s leadership, calling it a symbol of a new wave of African consciousness and resistance to external domination.

During his visit, Zuma participated in a Pan-Africanism conference held in Ouagadougou on Saturday, where he urged African nations to unite in defending their independence and charting their own developmental path. “Africa must take charge of its future and its resources,” Zuma said, emphasizing the need for solidarity and cooperation across the continent.

The meeting between Zuma and Traoré underscores growing ties between South Africa and Burkina Faso, rooted in shared visions of African unity, independence, and economic empowerment.

The President emphasized the urgent need for global reforms to address inequality, mounting debt, and the imbalance of power within international institutions. He underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and global cooperation, asserting that progress in Africa must be matched by fairer global economic structures.

In a bold statement, President Mnangagwa also revealed Zimbabwe’s intention to seek a non permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. He said the move reflects Zimbabwe’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to international peace, security, and development.

The Doha summit brought together global leaders to discuss strategies for reducing poverty, promoting equality, and fostering global solidarity themes that resonated strongly with Zimbabwe’s message of shared progress and reform.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania —
Tanzanian authorities have imposed a nighttime curfew in the country’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, after violent clashes broke out during Wednesday’s general election, which observers say was overshadowed by the exclusion of key opposition candidates.

The curfew order, announced by Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura, will remain in effect “until calm is fully restored.” Security forces have been deployed across major intersections and polling centers after crowds took to the streets protesting alleged irregularities and the disqualification of opposition contenders.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is widely expected to win reelection, has called for calm and urged citizens “to respect the democratic process and await official results.” Her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), remains dominant after the main opposition party, CHADEMA, and its leader Tundu Lissu were barred from participating earlier this year.

According to eyewitness accounts, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in several neighborhoods of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar City. Opposition activists claimed that several people were injured, though official casualty figures have not been confirmed.

The election was already controversial after Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission disqualified CHADEMA and the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo) for refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct, effectively leaving the CCM without major challengers.

International observers, including representatives from the African Union and the East African Community, reported isolated incidents of unrest and ballot delays but stopped short of declaring widespread fraud. Civil society groups, however, expressed concern that the absence of opposition voices could undermine the legitimacy of the outcome.

President Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female leader in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli, has portrayed her campaign as one of continuity, national unity, and economic stability. Yet, critics argue that her government’s tightening control over political space and media freedom signals a drift toward authoritarianism.

Results from the presidential and parliamentary races are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Security forces fired tear gas and dispersed crowds in the capital, Yaoundé, as demonstrators took to the streets to reject the results announced by the country’s Constitutional Council. Witnesses reported that police targeted protesters wearing masks or attempting to conceal their faces, while normally busy streets were left deserted.

According to official results, Biya won 53.66% of the vote, defeating his former ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who received 35.19%. The outcome extends Biya’s rule for another seven years, potentially keeping him in power until he is nearly 100 years old.

Opposition supporters have alleged widespread irregularities and intimidation during the vote, claims the government has dismissed as unfounded. The election, marred by violence in parts of the country’s anglophone regions, has drawn concern from international observers who called for restraint and dialogue.

Biya, who first took office in 1982, has maintained tight control over the Central African nation for more than four decades. His continued leadership has long sparked debate over governance, succession, and democratic freedoms in Cameroon.

Protesters barricaded roads, burned tyres, and chanted slogans accusing the government of electoral fraud, prompting a heavy security response. Police deployed teargas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators supporting opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma, who claims victory over long serving President Paul Biya in the October 12 vote.

Opposition Disputes Vote Count

Tchiroma’s supporters allege that vote-rigging is underway to secure yet another term for Biya, who at 92 years old has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest serving leaders.

“We will not accept stolen results,” said one protester in Douala. “The people have spoken, and the government must respect our vote.”

Partial tallies published by local media suggest Biya is on course to win, though opposition figures insist their own parallel vote counts show Tchiroma leading.

Government Response

Authorities have rejected claims of manipulation, urging citizens to remain calm and wait for the official results from the National Elections Commission (ELECAM).

Government spokespersons accused opposition leaders of “inciting unrest” and warned that security forces would act to maintain order. Meanwhile, independent observers have called for transparency in the tabulation process to preserve public confidence in the outcome.

Tense Political Climate

The protests underscore growing political tension in a country that has faced years of unrest, particularly in its Anglophone regions, where separatist movements continue to challenge central government authority.

Analysts say the outcome of this election could either stabilize the political landscape or spark renewed confrontation if opposition supporters reject the official results.

As the nation awaits the final announcement, the situation remains volatile, with reports of heightened security in major cities including Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was formally sworn in as President of Madagascar on Friday, just days after seizing power in a dramatic military led takeover triggered by mass youth led protests against the previous government.

The swearing in ceremony took place in the capital, Antananarivo, amid scenes of celebration that included blaring trumpets, traditional sword salutes, and large crowds waving national flags. Supporters cheered as Randrianirina pledged to restore “stability, dignity, and national unity” in the wake of what he called a “constitutional crisis.”

The transition follows the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country over the weekend amid growing unrest and a breakdown of political authority. Rajoelina was impeached by lawmakers shortly after his departure. The High Constitutional Court ratified the military takeover within hours, granting Randrianirina legitimacy under Malagasy law.

Despite this, Rajoelina now in self imposed exile abroad has condemned the takeover as illegitimate and insists he remains the rightful leader. In a video address posted Thursday, he vowed to challenge the “unconstitutional coup,” even as the majority of Madagascar’s security forces and several senior government officials have defected to the new regime.

Youth-Led Uprising and Rapid Political Shift

The power shift follows weeks of student led protests and grassroots mobilization over corruption allegations, economic hardship, and frustration with political elites. Demonstrations swelled in early October, culminating in nationwide strikes and clashes with security forces.

Colonel Randrianirina, a relatively low profile figure until now, rose to prominence after aligning himself with protest leaders and calling for “a national reset.” Backed by elements of the army and civil society, he declared the government “incapacitated” and took control of state institutions.

Regional and International Reactions

The African Union and United Nations have expressed concern about the military’s role in the transition, urging a swift return to constitutional order and democratic elections. However, both bodies stopped short of calling the takeover a coup, instead noting the “unique and evolving context.”

Some analysts say Randrianirina’s swift move to seek court ratification and his public statements about elections may help defuse international criticism, though questions remain about the timeline for a return to civilian rule.

Voters will elect a new president, 229 members of parliament, and 509 local government councillors making this the largest and most complex election since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in 1994.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has confirmed it is fully prepared for the vote, with ballots already distributed across the country’s 5,002 polling centers. In compliance with a recent High Court ruling, only official results declared at polling centers will be admissible, a move designed to increase transparency and counter misinformation.

According to Malawi’s electoral law, the final results must be announced within eight days.

A Test of Trust and Governance

This election takes place amid growing public frustration over economic hardship, inflation, and persistent corruption. Many Malawians are facing a sharp rise in the cost of living, with basic commodities becoming increasingly unaffordable. That economic pressure has fueled voter skepticism toward political elites and heightened scrutiny on the integrity of the electoral process.

“The stakes are very high this time,” said political analyst Dr. Martha Chilima. “Not just for the candidates, but for the institutions that were praised in 2020 for standing firm now they are being tested again.”

2019 Annulment Casts Long Shadow

Today’s vote is particularly significant because of the shadow of the 2019 presidential election, which was nullified by the Constitutional Court in 2020 due to widespread irregularities. That unprecedented decision the first of its kind in Malawi and rare in Africa led to a fresh election, which saw Lazarus Chakwera elected president in a tightly contested race.

The ruling was widely celebrated across the continent as a model for judicial independence and democratic accountability.

However, five years later, many Malawians question whether the momentum for reform has been sustained. Allegations of partisan appointments in key public institutions and delays in electoral funding have rekindled fears that the gains of 2020 may be at risk.

On the Ground in Lilongwe

Our correspondent Hillary Panashe is reporting live from Lilongwe and was up early this morning with voters as polling stations opened. He joined citizens at several polling centers in the capital, capturing the mood and energy of an electorate determined to be heard.

“We arrived at the Area 47 polling center just after 5:30 AM, and already hundreds of people were lined up,” Panashe reported. “Many told us they wanted to cast their votes early and return home safely, while others said they felt a deep responsibility to protect their democracy.”

Photos and live footage from polling stations will be shared throughout the day across our platforms.

Security, Logistics, and Monitoring

Despite challenges, MEC Chairperson Justice Chifundo Kachale assured the nation that all necessary logistics were in place. “We have done our part. The polling materials have been deployed, and staff have been trained. We call on voters to turn out peacefully and uphold the democratic spirit.”

International observers from the African Union, European Union, and SADC are present in the country, monitoring the proceedings to ensure fairness and transparency.

What’s at Stake

The outcome of the presidential race remains unpredictable, with no clear front-runner as of yet. Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera faces stiff competition from both opposition parties and independent candidates. Parliamentary and local council results will also be closely watched, as they will shape Malawi’s political landscape for years to come.

As Malawians head to the polls, the world is watching not just for who wins, but how the country manages a complex and potentially volatile democratic exercise.

The Focus Areas include Credible Elections, economic Sovereignty, Indigenous Governance Models through developing an “Afro-Democracy” that aligns with African values and realities. Youth and Digital Innovation by Harnessing Africa’s youth potential in the digital space. Key Speakers include Prof. Patrice Lumumba, Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Former AU Ambassador to the United States Amb. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas just to name a few.

ICAD: Reclaiming Africa’s Sovereignty

The pursuit of Africa’s sovereignty is not merely a political aspiration but a radical reimagining of economic, cultural, and political systems to centre African agency, dignity, and self-determination. The legacy of colonialism and the ongoing neocolonial structures—manifested through exploitative trade systems, foreign aid dependency, and Western-dominated financial institutions—have entrenched Africa’s structural dependency, sapping the continent’s ability to chart its own destiny. Reclaiming sovereignty demands dismantling these systems through Afrocentric policies and actions that prioritize African solutions, rooted in the principles of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance, and resistance to globalist agendas that perpetuate Western dominance.

The Roots of Structural Dependency

The Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, formalized at the 1884 Berlin Conference, carved the continent into artificial boundaries, prioritizing European economic interests over African social and political realities. This colonial framework reorganized African economies to serve as extractive hubs for raw materials, feeding Europe’s Industrial Revolution while dismantling indigenous systems of governance, trade, and cultural cohesion. Post-independence, the promise of liberation was undermined by neocolonial mechanisms—structural adjustment programs (SAPs) imposed by the IMF and World Bank, conditional aid, and trade agreements that locked African nations into exporting primary commodities while importing manufactured goods at unfavourable terms. These policies entrenched a dependency culture, where African economies remained tethered to Western markets and institutions. For instance, the reliance on cash crops and natural resources priced by the West, a colonial legacy, continues to limit economic diversification, leaving nations vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Foreign aid, often tied to political and economic reforms aligned with Western liberal ideologies, has further eroded sovereignty by imposing external governance models that clash with African communal values and realities. This dynamic has fostered a cycle of debt, poverty, and political instability, with 72% of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s population living on less than $1.90 a day in 2018, despite its vast mineral wealth. Zimbabwe-born public speaker Joshua Maponga explains where true power lies: The economy. Without control of it, it would be misguided to claim sovereignty.

Reclaiming Africa’s Sovereignty through Economic Diversification and Industrialization

Reclaiming Africa’s sovereignty requires a paradigm shift toward Reclaiming Africa’s sovereignty requires a paradigm shift toward Afrocentric policies that prioritize local agency, cultural identity, and economic self-sufficiency.  Afrocentricity, as a framework, positions Africans as agents of their own history, rejecting the Eurocentric lens that has long defined development. Key strategies include Economic Diversification and Industrialization: African nations must move beyond primary commodity exports by investing in value-added industries. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2018, offers a framework for intra-African trade, reducing reliance on external markets. By fostering regional supply chains and processing raw materials locally, Africa can retain wealth and create jobs.

Reclaiming Africa’s Sovereignty through Repossessing Financial Systems

Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank have imposed neoliberal policies that prioritize market liberalization over African priorities. Establishing African-led financial institutions, such as an expanded African Development Bank (AfDB), can provide funding free from external conditionalities. Additionally, leveraging local capital markets and mobilizing domestic savings can reduce dependence on foreign loans.

Reclaiming Africa’s Sovereignty through Decolonizing Governance

Afrocentric governance models should draw on pre-colonial communal systems, which emphasized collective responsibility and accountability. The Afrocentric school argues that traditional African leaders operated with a communal spirit, minimizing corruption—a stark contrast to the extractive colonial systems that persist in post-colonial governance. Policies must prioritize human-centered development, focusing on basic needs like food security, healthcare, and education, rather than Western-imposed liberal democratic frameworks.

Anti-Colonial and Anti-Globalist Finance

As an anti-globalist finance advocate, I reject the notion that Africa’s development must conform to Western capitalist models. Globalist finance, driven by institutions like the IMF, prioritizes profit over people, perpetuating a system where African resources enrich foreign corporations while local populations languish. For example, China’s growing influence—while less conditional than Western aid—often prioritizes Chinese interests, with $300 billion in trade in 2023 dwarfing U.S.-Africa trade. An anti-colonial financial strategy demands Sovereign Wealth Fund. African nations with resource wealth, like Nigeria or Angola, should establish sovereign wealth funds to reinvest resource revenues into infrastructure, education, and technology, rather than allowing profits to be siphoned offshore. Then rejecting Tied Aid. Conditional aid often serves as a neocolonial tool, dictating policy and undermining sovereignty. African governments must negotiate aid on their terms or reject it outright, prioritizing partnerships that respect territorial integrity. To counter the dominance of Western currencies like the dollar and euro, African nations could explore regional or strengthening their currencies to facilitate intra-African trade and reduce exposure to global financial volatility.

Written By Tatenda Belle Panashe