Sudan: New army chief shows muscle | Abuja races to equip Air Force | AfDB’s crucial support for ATIDI

More news: DRC, Nigeria, Zambia

Friday 10 July Read this issue     Inner circles | Sudan New army head Yasser al-Atta names longstanding loyalists to key roles   Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's new chief of staff has rebuilt the regular army's high command around a core group of officers hardened by past wars, allies linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and key regional players.   Subscribers only | Politics     Congo Swiss trader Mercuria struggles with Marine XI licence   The energy and commodity group continues to lend substantial sums to the state-owned oil company in exchange for the marketing of crude oil. Meanwhile, activity on its own block remains minimal.   Subscribers only | Energy       Africa Backed by the AfDB and Nairobi, insurer ATIDI pursues quest for capital   The CEO of Africa Trade and Investment Development Insurance is planning a series of trips to attract potential shareholders. Support from the new head of the African Development Bank has given the institution a boost.   Subscribers only | Finance       Nigeria Abuja makes mad dash to arm Air Force   Nigerian officials are reaching out to defence groups to acquire large amounts of bombs, rockets and smaller-calibre projectiles for the fight against armed jihadist groups in the north of the country.   Subscribers only | Defence       Morocco OCP Group scrambles to meet new EU cadmium standards In a bid to reach a compromise on the cadmium content of its fertilisers, the Moroccan phosphate giant has entered into discussions with the European Union in order to secure a grace period that will allow it to adjust its production line.   Subscribers only | Business       Madagascar Relations between junta and SADC go south   Colonel Michael Randrianirina's government is under pressure from the Southern African Development Community, which is demanding a clear timetable for a return to constitutional order. Angered by this, the head of state suspects the regional organisation of being under the influence of his opponents.   Subscribers only | Diplomacy       Cameroon US firm Wave Mobile Money proceeds with caution   Although well established in West Africa, the fintech start-up has been struggling to gain a foothold in the Cameroonian market for the past year. Competitors Orange and MTN are defending their positions, forcing the company to adapt its strategy.   Subscribers only | Finance       Ethiopia Allied Gold launches last-ditch influence campaign to secure Zijin Gold asset sale   The sale of the Canadian miner's gold assets hinges on approval from China's top economic regulator. With the Ethiopian government yet to publicly endorse the transaction, Allied Gold has launched a media campaign aimed at removing the final obstacles before the 29 July deadline.   Subscribers only | Mining       Africa CAF general secretary appointment descends into confusion The Confederation of African Football is appointing a new general secretary. While the role has been held on an interim basis by Samson Adamu since March, the recruitment process, launched under unusual circumstances and closing on 10 July, has raised eyebrows at the organisation's Cairo headquarters.   Subscribers only | Politics       Libya, Niger Niamey speeds up rapprochement with Tripoli   Envoys sent by Abdourahamane Tchiani have travelled to the Libyan capital to further discuss security cooperation and to discreetly recover Nigerien prisoners. Niger's double-dealing is causing tensions with General Khalifa Haftar's faction.   Subscribers only | Defence, Diplomacy       Guinea France's Egis and Canada's CPCS thrown into uncertainty over Simandou   Subscribers only | Mining, Infrastructure

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