标签： Africa

Uganda’s political landscape is increasingly dominated by the Special Forces Command (SFC), an elite military unit that critics describe as a private army for President Yoweri Museveni and his family. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is now in his sixth term following the controversial 2021 election. The SFC, commanded for years by Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been accused of abducting, torturing, and killing opposition activists, raising fears of its role in suppressing dissent and ensuring the continuation of the Museveni dynasty. The SFC, established when Museveni first took office, is highly trained, well-equipped, and operates with significant autonomy, often described as a ‘shadow army’ answerable only to the president and his son. Its influence has grown to rival that of the regular army, leading to concerns of a potential power struggle in the post-Museveni era. Critics argue that the SFC’s elevation to an official military service in June 2023 legitimizes its role in political oppression. Meanwhile, opposition leaders like Bobi Wine have condemned the unit as a ‘torture squad’ responsible for regime survival through brutality. As Museveni seeks re-election in 2024, the SFC’s role in maintaining his grip on power remains a contentious issue, with analysts warning of potential instability in Uganda’s future.

The United Nations has strongly denounced the recent military coup in Madagascar, as Colonel Michael Randrianirina is poised to be sworn in as the nation’s president just days after leading the armed forces’ takeover. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, condemned the unconstitutional shift in power, urging a swift return to constitutional order and the rule of law. Randrianirina, who signed a statement as the president of the “refounded” republic, is scheduled to take office at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court on Friday. Ousted President Andry Rajoelina fled the country following the rebellion, citing threats to his life, and his current location remains undisclosed. The African Union has suspended Madagascar’s membership, expressing total rejection of the coup. The military takeover followed three weeks of intense anti-government protests, primarily led by young citizens frustrated with systemic corruption, poverty, and lack of opportunities. The movement, dubbed “Gen Z Madagascar,” mirrors youth-led uprisings in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Randrianirina, alongside his elite CAPSAT unit, joined the protests last weekend, leading to widespread military defections against Rajoelina. The colonel announced that a military council would govern the country for up to two years before new elections are held. Madagascar, a nation of 30 million, has faced persistent challenges, including poverty, drought, and political instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. This marks the latest in a series of coups, including the 2009 military takeover that initially brought Rajoelina to power.

YAOUNDE, Cameroon — The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), the nation’s governing party, reported on Thursday that one of its offices in the western city of Dschang was set on fire. This incident marks the latest escalation in the ongoing political turmoil following the October 12 presidential election, which has been marred by allegations of electoral fraud. Jean Nkuete, the party’s secretary general, confirmed the arson attack in a statement, vowing to pursue legal action against those responsible. Videos of the burning building circulated widely on social media and local news outlets, amplifying the unrest. The fire comes amid heightened tensions after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary prematurely declared victory last week, urging 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting president, to concede. Biya’s party has dismissed Tchiroma’s claims, accusing him of attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The constitutional court is expected to announce the final election results by October 26. Meanwhile, Tchiroma has alleged vote tampering, echoing reports from civil society groups of irregularities, including attempted ballot stuffing. Protests erupted in several cities on Wednesday night, with demonstrators in Douala, the economic capital, setting barricades ablaze. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons, though no casualties have been reported. The Prefect of Wouri, Sylyac Marie Mvogo, condemned the unrest, emphasizing that election matters should be handled by competent authorities. Analysts predict a victory for Biya, citing a divided opposition and the disqualification of his strongest rival in August. Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson, has garnered significant support from opposition parties and civic groups. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, faces ongoing challenges, including a secessionist movement in the west and widespread corruption, despite the country’s rich natural resources.