African ministers completed negotiations on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA), set to launch in Niamey with 52 of 55 nations signed. Eritrea and Benin remain outside the agreement, which aims to boost intra-Africa trade from 16% to 52% by 2022 through tariff reductions.
Sudanese Generals and Protest Leaders Reach Power-Sharing Accord ¶
Sudan's military and civilian leaders finalized a three-year transitional framework featuring a sovereign council with rotating military and civilian leadership. The deal followed failed May negotiations over governance structure, marking progress in ending the country's political crisis.
Somalia Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Guinea Over Somaliland Recognition ¶
Somalia severed relations with Guinea after the latter granted head-of-state status to Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi during his visit. Mogadishu condemned the move as a sovereignty violation, citing recent tensions over Kenya's recognition of Somaliland as a republic.
South Africa Politician Challenges Apartheid-Era Law ¶
Julius Malema plans to appeal a High Court ruling dismissing his challenge to the 1956 Riotous Assemblies Act, which governs public gatherings and incitement. The law, under which he faces two charges, is criticized as incompatible with modern democracy.
DR Congo Miners Demand Artisanal Rights After Mass Eviction ¶
Illegal miners displaced from a Kolwezi copper mine by the Congolese army are demanding artisanal mining rights. Human rights groups warn of risks from unregulated mining, following a deadly collapse at a privately owned site that killed over 40 people last month.
Cameroon Fines Telcos $6 Million for Subscriber ID Violations ¶
The Telecommunications Regulatory Board penalized Orange Cameroun, MTN Cameroon, and Viettel Cameroun a combined FCFA 3.5 billion ($6.02 million) for failing to register all mobile subscribers. The law aims to curb crimes facilitated by unregistered lines.
DR Congo Banks Step Up Anti-Money Laundering Measures ¶
Following U.S. and European sanctions on Congolese officials linked to election interference and human rights abuses, banks pledged stricter monitoring of politically exposed individuals. The move targets accounts tied to figures like Dan Gertler, who allegedly facilitated $1.36 billion in state revenue losses between 2010 and 2012.
Kenya Tests WRC Hosting Credentials ¶
A three-day rally in Nairobi, featuring competitors from seven nations, could lead to Kenya hosting a World Rally Championship event starting in 2020. The test, part of a $2 million investment, aims to revive Africa's first ranked rally since the 2002 Safari Rally was dropped by the FIA.
