Nigeria plans to include illegal and hidden activities, such as prostitution, in its GDP calculations to provide a more accurate representation of its economy.

A high-level meeting between Ethiopian and Turkish officials highlighted growing bilateral ties and investment opportunities. Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Misganu Arega met Turkey’s Ambassador to Addis Ababa, Berk Baran, on Thursday, underscoring Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms as key to attracting Turkish investors. Arega pointed to recent policy changes, such as floating Ethiopia’s foreign exchange rate and welcoming foreign banks, as transformative steps. He emphasized the potential for Turkish companies to capitalize on Ethiopia’s improving investment climate. State media reported that Arega also highlighted the Ankara Declaration, a Turkish-mediated agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia. This pact ensures Ethiopia’s access to the sea while preserving Somalia’s territorial sovereignty. Baran praised the Ankara Declaration as a testament to regional collaboration. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia. In a separate development, Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, Somalia’s Director General of Immigration Affairs, met with Turkey’s Ambassador to Mogadishu, Alper Aktas. Dhuhulow expressed gratitude for Turkey’s unwavering support in Somalia’s rebuilding efforts. The discussions underscored Turkey’s role as a strategic partner in East Africa, fostering economic and political stability in the region. Ethiopia’s recent reforms signal a new era of economic liberalization, with officials hoping to attract diverse global investors, especially from Turkey. This meeting marks a significant step in enhancing the relationship between Ethiopia and Turkey, built on mutual interests and shared regional goals.

Mozambique’s main opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane who has been in self-imposed exile returned to country on Thursday

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has pledged China’s support to help Africa build a rapid response force to address the continent’s growing security challenges, including providing military assistance and training.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has urged Congolese authorities to negotiate with the M23 rebels after they seized key towns in eastern Congo, increasing their territorial control.

Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returned from exile to claim election victory, sparking clashes that left one dead and several injured as supporters and police clashed.

Sandal also argued that the sanctions sent a damaging message to those exacerbating the violence

At least 19 people have died following a violent confrontation in Chad, where security forces intervened to thwart an armed attack on the presidential complex in N’Djamena. The government reported that 18 of the 24 assailants were killed during the failed raid on Wednesday evening, while one security officer also lost his life. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, reassured the public, stating that the president’s safety was secured and that the situation was under control. Residents in N’Djamena reported hearing sustained gunfire near the presidential compound during the attack. Koulamallah confirmed that 18 attackers were killed, six others were wounded, and the security forces had suffered one fatality along with three injuries, one of which was serious. In a video appearance shortly after the violence, Koulamallah, flanked by armed soldiers, declared, “The situation is entirely under control… the attempt to destabilize the government has been thwarted.” This assault took place during an official visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had just met with President Mahamat Idriss Deby and other senior officials hours before the attack. Koulamallah confirmed that Deby was inside the presidential complex when the violence erupted. Local resident Zakaria Daoud expressed concerns about the region’s security, especially given its history of political instability and coups. Footage from the scene showed military vehicles and heavily armed troops securing the streets around the presidential palace. Koulamallah, in a live broadcast, reassured the public again, saying, “The situation is completely under control, there is no fear,” and emphasized the military’s commitment to protecting the president. The attack occurred just days after parliamentary elections, which were intended to restore democracy but were boycotted by major opposition groups. The election results are still pending, but analysts believe the outcome could further consolidate President Deby Itno’s hold on power. Deby Itno assumed leadership in 2021 after the death of his father, who had ruled for three decades. He was later elected president in 2023, though international observers raised concerns about the credibility of the election.

China on Thursday confirmed an mpox outbreak traced to an individual with a travel history to the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  The center said the outbreak was caused by a source “traced to a foreign individual with a travel history in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”  “Four related cases were identified among close contacts, all of whom were infected after intimate contact,” it added, noting that there were no such infections among the general population.  The infected individuals are receiving medical treatment and remain under observation. “The outbreak has been effectively controlled,” said the center, advising people to avoid contact with wild or unidentified rodents as well as primates, such as monkeys and apes. Mpox cases have been rising in Africa since early 2024, prompting urgent measures at the continental level.  Congo remains the worst-hit country, with the World Health Organization declaring mpox a public health emergency of global concern last August.  More than 1,300 suspected mpox-related deaths have been reported in Africa.

A UN report reveals that Congo rebels illegally exported coltan to Rwanda, contaminating the mineral supply chain and causing significant issues for technology manufacturers.

The RSF also criticized the U.S. for targeting them under an executive order aimed at stabilizing Sudan’s political process, while exempting General al-Burhan’s forces SAF from similar measures

Six soldiers and 34 extremists were killed in a clash in Nigeria’s Borno state, where the rebels launched a surprise attack on troops.

Stolen vehicle, unlicensed firearm recovered at house belonging to Nelson Mandela

In response to the incident, Azerbaijan issued a diplomatic note to Eritrea through its embassies in Ethiopia and Russia

Diplomatic efforts are underway to secure the release of the vessels and their crews.

In response, the RSF dismissed the US move as a reflection of “double standards” and criticized President Joe Biden’s administration for its failure to effectively address the crisis in Sudan

The 40-year-old was convicted in Kano, a predominantly Muslim city in northern Nigeria, after pleading guilty to 18 charges linked to a Facebook post from 2020

Libyan Parliament passes a national reconciliation law aimed at healing divisions and ending years of conflict.

Macron’s remark that African countries “forgot to say thank you” for France’s military deployment in the Sahel region has led to strong criticism and diplomatic fallout from African leaders and domestic political figures.

The United States conducted an airstrike in southern Somalia, killing 10 members of the Al-Shabaab militant group, according to US Africa Command.

Malian Armed Forces says attack on suspected terrorists took place late on Monday in western Nioro du Sahel area

Ghana’s John Mahama takes the presidential oath in Accra, marking a fresh chapter for the nation with commitments to jobs, healthcare, and rural development.

The attack took place on Sunday around 2200 GMT, when a large group of gunmen arrived on motorbikes, opening fire on the town and setting fire to multiple homes and businesses

Impact of armed conflict ‘in and around El Fasher in North Darfur State remains especially catastrophic,’ says Edem Wosornu