Good morning.

I’m taking a couple of days off for easter weekend, so it will just be the ratings and summaries today and on Monday. Headlines and weekend diversions will return next week.

Africa Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇩🇿 Algeria, 🇦🇴 Angola, 🇧🇯 Benin, 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso, 🇧🇮 Burundi, 🇨🇲 Cameroon, 🇨🇫 Central African Republic, 🇹🇩 Chad, 🇰🇲 Comoros, 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic Of The Congo, 🇩🇯 Djibouti, 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea, 🇪🇷 Eritrea, 🇸🇿 Eswatini, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇬🇦 Gabon, 🇬🇭 Ghana, 🇬🇳 Guinea, 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau, 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇱🇷 Liberia, 🇲🇬 Madagascar, 🇲🇼 Malawi, 🇲🇱 Mali, 🇲🇷 Mauritania, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇲🇿 Mozambique, 🇳🇪 Niger, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo, 🇷🇼 Rwanda, 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone, 🇸🇴 Somalia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇸🇸 South Sudan, 🇸🇩 Sudan, 🇹🇿 Tanzania, 🇬🇲 The Gambia, 🇹🇬 Togo, 🇺🇬 Uganda, 🇪🇭 Western Sahara, 🇿🇲 Zambia, 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇧🇼 Botswana, 🇨🇻 Cape Verde, 🇱🇸 Lesotho, 🇲🇺 Mauritius, 🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇸🇳 Senegal, 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe

Regional News Summary

Conflict and humanitarian crises continue to plague the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the eastern regions. The United Nations has condemned the "systemic" child rape occurring in these conflict-torn areas, underscoring the severity of the situation. Médecins Sans Frontières has also denounced a deadly raid on a hospital, which has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region [SOURCE - Malay Mail] [SOURCE - Jordan Times].

The DRC's healthcare system is under immense strain, facing challenges from a surge in mpox cases and cuts from the US Agency for International Development, which have severely impacted healthcare responses [SOURCE - TASS] [SOURCE - Manila Times].

Economically, the DRC is grappling with significant concerns. The African Development Bank has warned of a potential tariff "shock wave" that could destabilize the economy, compounded by a rise in financial and economic crime threats [SOURCE - IB Times] [SOURCE - RTT News]. However, there is a glimmer of hope as African trade ministers, including those from the DRC, have agreed to promote intra-continental trade, which could stimulate economic growth [SOURCE - SABC News].

In a separate development, tensions have escalated between Algeria and France following Algeria's expulsion of 12 French officials, citing "undiplomatic" behavior. This diplomatic spat has arisen amid protests in Algeria after a consular official was indicted in France, marking a significant deterioration in relations [SOURCE - International Business Times] [SOURCE - UPI].

Meanwhile, Russia has ramped up its wheat exports to Africa, with Algeria being a key recipient. This move is perceived as an attempt by Russia to bolster its influence in the region [SOURCE - RT].

In South Africa, the fragile coalition government is facing significant challenges, with soaring electricity prices impacting the economy and raising concerns about the government's stability [SOURCE - BizNews]. The country is also grappling with the implications of US tariffs on its goods, which could hinder its competitiveness against Asian markets [SOURCE - Citizen].

In a positive development, South Africa is moving closer to establishing a traded power market, which could introduce much-needed competition in the energy sector [SOURCE - Financial Post].

The situation in Sudan remains dire as the civil war continues to escalate, with reports of widespread gender-based violence and significant civilian casualties. Recent attacks in Darfur have left over 100 people dead, and the UN warns that famine is spreading as the conflict enters its second year [SOURCE - Jurist] [SOURCE - Winnipeg Free Press].

In Nigeria, the government is taking steps to address its economic challenges, including a crackdown on unemployment fraud aimed at saving $150 billion. However, the country continues to face security threats, with recent attacks resulting in multiple fatalities [SOURCE - Defence.pk][SOURCE - ABC News].

Have a great weekend and Happy Easter to those celebrating

Carpe tomorrow!