Madagascar in Political Turmoil: Colonel Randrianirina Assumes Presidency After Coup Madagascar is experiencing a significant shift in its ...
Madagascar in Political Turmoil: Colonel Randrianirina Assumes Presidency After Coup
Madagascar is experiencing a significant shift in its political landscape as Colonel Michael Randrianirina is poised to be sworn in as the transitional president. This development follows a military coup that resulted in the removal of President Andry Rajoelina from power. The announcement of Randrianirina's assumption of office was made by the new leadership, specifying that the formal hearing by the High Constitutional Court would take place on October 17th.
Rajoelina, now in exile after being impeached by lawmakers, has strongly condemned the takeover. Despite facing growing pressure from protests led by youth movements, labour unions, and civic groups advocating for improved governance and economic opportunities, he has refused to resign.
Randrianirina, previously a vocal critic of Rajoelina and the leader of the rebellion through his elite CAPSAT unit, aligned himself with the protesters. After weeks of demonstrations highlighting issues such as corruption, inadequate public services, and widespread poverty, he seized power. In a statement following the takeover, the colonel committed to holding elections within a two-year timeframe.
The international community has responded to the unfolding events. The African Union has suspended Madagascar's membership, and the United Nations has voiced serious concerns regarding the unconstitutional transfer of power.
Kenya Mourns: Public Holiday Declared for Odinga's Funeral
Kenya has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honour the memory of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga. Odinga passed away while undergoing medical treatment in India. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the official announcement through a special notice published in the Kenya Gazette, citing Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act.
The public holiday coincides with Odinga's state funeral, providing an opportunity for the nation to collectively mourn and reflect on his decades-long dedication to the pursuit of democracy, reform, and national unity.
As a symbol of respect and national mourning for a figure who profoundly shaped Kenya's political trajectory for more than four decades, flags across the country are being flown at half-mast. Condolence books have been made available for signing in government offices, embassies, and offices of the ODM party.
DR Congo and M23 Rebels Forge Agreement for Ceasefire Monitoring
In a significant stride towards resolving years of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the government and the M23 rebel group, which has received backing from Rwanda, have reached an agreement to establish a joint body responsible for monitoring a future permanent ceasefire.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the signing of the agreement, characterizing it as "a significant advancement."
According to Qatar's foreign ministry, the joint body will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, investigating alleged violations, and proactively working to prevent renewed outbreaks of fighting.
The monitoring body will include representation from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23 rebel group, and the 12 member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. Qatar, the African Union, and the United States will also participate in the monitoring efforts. Logistical support will be provided by Monusco, the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Qatari foreign ministry has lauded the agreement as a crucial step in fostering trust, which is essential for advancing peace talks. This peace agreement follows months of negotiations after both parties missed the August deadline.
Sahel Juntas Accused of Spreading Disinformation Targeting Côte d'Ivoire Election
Accounts with ties to the military juntas governing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have been implicated in the dissemination of false information aimed at destabilizing Côte d'Ivoire in the lead-up to its October 25th presidential election.
These disinformation campaigns involved the false announcement of President Alassane Ouattara's death and the fabrication of a coup plot, with the intention of inciting unrest during opposition protests in Abidjan.
Côte d'Ivoire's National Agency for Information System Security (ANSSI) reports that a significant portion of the fake stories originated from Burkinabe accounts linked to the junta and its supporters. Among the most influential networks identified is the Rapid Intervention Communication Battalion (BIR-C), which is allegedly run by US-based Ibrahima Maiga and has connections to the family of Burkinabe leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The BIR-C stands accused of coordinating propaganda efforts and manipulating current events with the aim of discrediting President Ouattara.
Analysts suggest that these disinformation efforts are part of a broader strategy by the Sahel juntas to undermine democratic governments in the region and promote anti-French and pro-Russian narratives. Ivorian authorities have launched a confidential system to identify, assess, and counter online threats, and several alleged perpetrators have already faced legal action.
Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa and Chiwenga Engage in Accusations of Treason Amidst Power Struggle
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has accused his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, of incitement and treason. This accusation is in response to a corruption dossier that Chiwenga reportedly presented to the Zanu PF politburo, further escalating the internal power struggle within the ruling party.
Mnangagwa, through newly appointed Legal Affairs Secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi, dismissed the dossier, which alleged party capture and corruption, as "fundamentally flawed" and "treasonous," asserting that it sought the unlawful removal of a constitutionally elected president.
Chiwenga's document also expressed opposition to extending Mnangagwa's rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit, arguing that such an extension would violate both the national and party constitutions.
Ziyambi countered that Chiwenga had misunderstood Zanu PF's internal processes and the 2024 conference resolutions that underpin the "2030 Agenda."
This exchange of accusations precedes Zanu PF's National People's Conference in Mutare, where tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are expected to dominate discussions, signalling an intensifying succession battle within the ruling party.
WFP Warns of Worsening Hunger Crisis Due to Humanitarian Funding Shortfalls
The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning that nearly 14 million people could face severe hunger by the end of the year. This alarming projection is driven by significant cuts in humanitarian funding, which are threatening six of the WFP's most critical operations.
Programs in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan are already experiencing major disruptions as a result of these funding shortfalls.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain emphasized the devastating consequences of reduced rations, stating that they lead to children going hungry, mothers skipping meals, and families losing essential support.
The number of people experiencing acute food insecurity has reached record levels, with 319 million individuals facing acute food insecurity, including 44 million who are at emergency levels.
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