U.S. EXPELS SOUTH AFRICAN ENVOY
The Trump administration has called for the immediate removal of the South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, citing ongoing allegations of discrimination and “anti-white” behavior within the African nation. South African Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described the action as “regrettable,” but emphasized that his country will continue to strive for diplomatic and mutually beneficial relations with Washington.
U.S. - South African relations have been tense in recent weeks, primarily as a result of the Trump administration’s accusations that the South African government is seizing land from white farmers. The dispute is rooted in disagreements over policy – and perception. A bill was indeed recently passed in South Africa to address the disproportionate land ownership held by the white minority in the nation. However, despite the Trump administration’s accusations, no land has actually been appropriated to date. (NPR, March 15, 2025)
SANCTIONS PROMPT RWANDA TO SEVER TIES…
Rwanda has broken off diplomatic ties with Brussels following EU sanctions on the African nation over its alleged support for the rebel militia, M23, in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Belgium was instrumental in implementing the sanctions, citing allegations that Kigali not only supports the M23 but also exploits the conflict to extract the DRC's mineral wealth. The measures target Rwandan military officials and mining agency leaders. Rwanda condemned Belgium's actions as "neo-colonial delusions," while Brussels called Rwanda's decision to cut ties "disproportionate" and indicative of a preference for avoiding dialogue. (BBC, March 17, 2025)
…AND CAUSE M23 REBELS TO WITHDRAW FROM PEACE TALKS
Meanwhile, the M23 rebels have withdrawn from planned peace talks with the Congolese government, citing the EU sanctions on Rwandan officials and M23 leaders as the cause. The rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda, accused international institutions of deliberately sabotaging peace efforts. Despite the withdrawal, the Congolese government, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, is set to attend the Angola-mediated talks in Luanda. The decision comes amid escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where M23 rebels have seized strategic cities, including Goma and Bukavu, displacing over seven million people and causing thousands of deaths.
Peace talks were initially derailed late last year, after Rwanda insisted on direct negotiations between the DRC and M23, which the Congolese government refused. However, Angola’s mediation revived the possibility of dialogue, with both sides agreeing to meet in Luanda. The M23’s withdrawal marks a significant blow to peace prospects. (Al Jazeera, March 17, 2025; DW, March 17, 2025)
ETHIOPIA-ERITREA TENSIONS RISK NEW CONFLICT
Tensions are rising between the neighboring nations of Ethiopia and Eritrea due to the latter’s alleged support of the Tsadakan dissidents, who aim to overthrow the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The TPLF currently governs the border region of Tigray with the Ethiopian government's approval. Officials warn that if the instability persists, it could escalate into a larger conflict between the two countries. Given that Eritrea and Ethiopia possess two of the largest armies in Africa, such fighting could expand to involve other regional powers and lead to humanitarian crises in the area. Historically, relations between the two nations have been tense. However, the formalization of ties in 2018 was supposed to mark the beginning of a new era of dialogue. (Reuters, March 13, 2025)
MALI WITHDRAWS FROM FRENCH BLOC
Mali has announced its withdrawal from the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie, following similar moves by Burkina Faso and Niger. The country's foreign ministry cited "selective application of sanctions" and "contempt for Mali’s sovereignty" as reasons for leaving the alliance, which promotes French language and cultural cooperation. The three nations, which are currently under the control of military juntas, have broken off their relations with France and are increasingly looking to Russia for security cooperation. Following recent coups and the withdrawal of French troops in West Africa, anti-French sentiment has grown. The nations will have six months to complete their withdrawal from the bloc. (Associated Press, March 18, 2025)
SCORE ONE FOR THE SUDANESE ARMY
In what amounts to a significant victory, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have wrested the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the opposition paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The SAF’s success in retaking the palace is a symbolic win, but much of Khartoum remains under RSF control, and both sides continue to clash, causing severe civilian casualties. (CNN, March 21, 2025)