African political news summarised in English: elections, governments, diplomacy, justice and security across the 54 countries, from the local press. 1,340 articles published.
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A 20-year-old suspect has been arrested in Mauritius in the investigation into the looting of the London Way supermarket in Mahébourg and the burning of two vehicles on 13 October. He reportedly admitted taking part and helped identify other suspects from CCTV footage, while the police investigation continues, reports Defimedia.
Source: Defimedia
Gambian President Adama Barrow threatened Banjul North MP Modou Lamin B. Bah after he took part in a youth protest outside the presidential palace. The lawmaker, who denounced an infringement of democratic freedoms, says the gathering was peaceful and protected by the Constitution, according to Kerr Fatou.
Source: Kerr Fatou
US federal prosecutors say Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former OpenAI engineer accused of planting a recording device in a company meeting room, may have received significant support from the Saudi government. They are seeking to keep him in custody before his trial in San Francisco, citing a flight risk, according to court documents.
Source: Caasimada Online
Former Mauritian prime minister Pravind Jugnauth has been summoned on 20 October to the Central Criminal Investigation Department to be questioned in an investigation into the purchase and alleged use of phone-tapping equipment during his term. He has already been questioned twice in September and refused to answer questions, while police say they have informed him of the matters under investigation, reports Defimedia.
Source: Defimedia
Cameroonian Lieutenant-Colonel Ayissi Nanga Parfait, a witness in the trial over the Martinez Zogo case, was detained four days after requesting judicial protection, then released the following day. The arrest has fuelled suspicions of intimidation surrounding the case, according to RFI.
Source: RFI
Australian MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition after being struck twice by a vehicle in Wangaratta, in the state of Victoria. A 43-year-old man has been arrested and Australian police are examining several possible charges, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and police authorities.
Source: Daily Maverick
In Madagascar, 95% of the parties that took part in a political consultation support presenting several draft constitutions at the next referendum, so voters can choose the institutional system. The proposal was voiced during consultations and party congresses in September, L’Express de Madagascar reports.
Source: Lexpress
At the parliamentary session on 20 October, 28 oral questions are due to be put to Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, including about social unrest since 12 October. MPs are also seeking details about Elodie Thomas’s gunshot injury in Camp-Levieux, the investigation involving Sergeant Gowtamsing Taukoor and the arrests, Defimedia reports.
Source: Defimedia
In Abidjan, Senegalese Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô and his Ivorian counterpart Robert Beugré Mambé reviewed the follow-up of nearly fifty cooperation agreements, few of which are being implemented satisfactorily. The two governments want to introduce more results-focused monitoring and also discussed trade and investment, according to Senego.
Source: Senego
Eswatini’s Public Service Commission has dismissed Nonhlanhla Malambe, a former regional deputy registrar found guilty of fraudulently issuing national documents to South African businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The commission considers that these acts of corruption compromised national security and the integrity of the kingdom’s documents, according to the Times of Eswatini.
Source: Times of Eswatini
Eswatini’s Supreme Court has dismissed activist and businessman Zweli Dlamini’s appeal against the refusal of bail. He is charged under laws on arms, explosives and terrorism over his alleged involvement in a plot to disrupt the Incwala ceremony; the ruling cited, among other things, the risk that he could flee to South Africa, according to the Times of Eswatini.
Source: Times of Eswatini
Gabon’s Vice-President of the Government, Hermann Immongault, launched activities for the 43rd anniversary of the Economic Community of Central African States in Libreville on 19 October 2026. The ceremony marked the anniversary, according to Gabonactu.
Source: Gabonactu
Morocco has begun delivering military vehicles and equipment to the Armed Forces of Liberia, while around 140 Liberian soldiers are due to travel to Morocco for commando training. The first equipment arrived at Roberts International Airport on 19 October under a military cooperation agreement signed by the two countries in 2025, The Liberian Investigator reports.
Source: The Liberian Investigator
The gendarmerie has arrested four people suspected of stealing more than 50 goats in the commune of Gandiol, Senegal, over a period of about two years. The suspects, including a butcher accused of acting as a fence, have been referred to the Saint-Louis public prosecutor’s office, Seneweb reports.
Source: Seneweb
With fewer than 100 days until campaigning begins for the 2027 general elections, opposition parties in Katsina State have yet to announce their teams or election strategies. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, the APC’s re-election candidate, has already started organising his campaign, Daily Trust reports.
Source: Dailytrust
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, national chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, accuses Bola Tinubu’s government of neglecting and humiliating people in northern Nigeria. In a Facebook post, he urges them to reject attempts to buy votes ahead of the 2027 elections, Daily Trust reports.
Source: Dailytrust
Burkinabe minister delegate Stella Eldine Kabré opened the ninth edition of the National Integration Forum in Gaoua on 19 October, devoted to African integration and social cohesion. The proceedings, scheduled to run until 22 October, examine in particular measures benefiting foreign communities living in Burkina Faso, Sidwaya reports.
Source: Sidwaya
Leaders of the Congolese opposition coalition C64, including Martin Fayulu, Delly Sesanga and Jean-Marc Kabund, are due to meet in Brussels this week to define their position on the National Resistance Front (FRN), led by Joseph Kabila. The coalition is to decide collectively how to respond to the initiative, according to a C64 member quoted by Actu30.cd.
Source: Mediacongo
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