Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan faces ongoing post-election unrest fallout and governance scrutiny after her pivotal 2021 ascent as Africa’s first female president. Bio: born 1960, became president 2021, previously vice-president.
On March 25, 2026, Sarah Mullally was formally installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral, becoming the first woman to hold the role. The ceremony was attended by Prince William, Princess Catherine, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and international religious leaders. Mullally prayed for peace in conflict zones and acknowledged the Church's past safeguarding failures. Her appointment has sparked divisions within the Anglican Communion, especially with conservative groups opposing her leadership.
African governments are taking steps to address fuel shortages and rising prices amid global tensions. Madagascar has declared a state of emergency, South Africa has cut fuel levies, Ethiopia has introduced rationing, and Senegal has restricted foreign travel for ministers. These actions respond to recent global disruptions affecting oil supplies.
Nigeria's National Broadcasting Commission has issued a directive to broadcasters to enforce stricter rules on political content, citing breaches of the broadcasting code. Critics argue the move aims to suppress dissent and limit press freedom during the upcoming elections. Amnesty International and SERAP condemn the measures as unlawful and dangerous for democracy. The government maintains it is safeguarding electoral integrity.
Tanzania has released a report attributing post-election violence to planned protests, with hundreds injured and dozens unaccounted for. The commission suggests the violence was coordinated and planned, with some victims shot inside their homes. The government has not acknowledged casualties publicly, and the report indicates the death toll may be higher than recorded.
The commission has published its 153-day inquiry into the October unrest, detailing causes, impacts, and recommended actions. It has relied on sworn testimonies, questionnaires, and public hearings to establish a factual record, while stressing fairness in any accountability processes. The report highlights underlying political, economic, and social tensions and points to external influences and domestic manipulation as factors in the violence.
France, under President Macron, has hosted Africa Forward in Nairobi, presenting a roadmap for deeper Franco-African economic ties. The Nairobi Declaration outlines investments, reform of global financial architecture, and higher African voice in international institutions. Macron and Kenyan President Ruto frame the outcome as a shift toward sovereign, mutually beneficial partnerships.
European, Indian, and Canadian policymakers are pursuing strategic autonomy while staying within the U.S.-led order, recalibrating ties with major powers. Afghanistan’s engagement with Russia raises questions about legitimacy and regional balance as Moscow and others weigh long-term commitments.