The Central African Republic (CAR) is set to hold a series of pivotal elections on Sunday, December 28, 2025, a vote widely seen as a major test of the country's democratic institutions and fragile stability after years of conflict.

The polls will take place against the backdrop of a controversial 2023 constitution, which removed presidential term limits and cleared the way for incumbent Faustin-Archange Touadéra to seek a third term in office. Voters are expected to cast ballots in presidential and parliamentary elections, alongside municipal elections being held for the first time in decades.

For more on this,  Political analyst, Jean Donald Taladzi.

The Central African Republic (CAR) is set to hold a series of pivotal elections on Sunday, December 28, 2025, a vote widely seen as a major test of the country's democratic institutions and fragile stability after years of conflict.
The polls will take place against the backdrop of a controversial 2023 constitution, which removed presidential term limits and cleared the way for incumbent Faustin-Archange Touad&eacute;ra to seek a third term in office. Voters are expected to cast ballots in presidential and parliamentary elections, alongside municipal elections being held for the first time in decades.
For more on this, &nbsp;Political analyst, Jean Donald Taladzi.

Central African Republic heads to pivotal elections amid stability concerns

The United States (US) has signed new health funding agreements with at least nine African countries under a restructured global health framework aligned with the Trump administration's "America First" agenda.

The deals reduce overall US aid, require greater financial contributions from recipient governments, and emphasize negotiated, transactional partnerships over traditional assistance delivered through USAID, which has been dismantled. Countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Lesotho and Eswatini have signed on, with some agreements linked to specific US priorities, including faith-based health care support and migration co-operation. However, questions have been raised about the political and economic implications of these agreements.

To provide more insight on these developments, political analyst, governance and social activist Diamone Siulapwa from Zambia.

The United States (US) has signed new health funding agreements with at least nine African countries under a restructured global health framework aligned with the Trump administration's "America First" agenda.
The deals reduce overall US aid, require greater financial contributions from recipient governments, and emphasize negotiated, transactional partnerships over traditional assistance delivered through USAID, which has been dismantled. Countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Lesotho and Eswatini have signed on, with some agreements linked to specific US priorities, including faith-based health care support and migration co-operation. However, questions have been raised about the political and economic implications of these agreements.
To provide more insight on these developments, political analyst, governance and social activist Diamone Siulapwa from Zambia.

Concerns raised over new US-Africa health funding agreements

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has expressed deep concern over reports that Mozal's operations in Maputo, Mozambique, may be mothballed or shut down.

The union warns that such a move could put around 5 200 direct jobs at risk, along with approximately 22 000 indirect downstream jobs in South Africa connected to the company. COSATU is urging both governments to work together to find solutions that would allow Mozal to continue operating.

For more on this, Matthew Parks, COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has expressed deep concern over reports that Mozal's operations in Maputo, Mozambique, may be mothballed or shut down.
The union warns that such a move could put around 5 200 direct jobs at risk, along with approximately 22 000 indirect downstream jobs in South Africa connected to the company. COSATU is urging both governments to work together to find solutions that would allow Mozal to continue operating.
For more on this, Matthew Parks, COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator.

COSATU warns of massive job losses if Mozal shuts down

The Forum for South Africa (FOSA), has strongly condemned proposed salary increases for senior government officials, including the President, Deputy President, Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers. The criticism follows the publication of a government gazette this week, which outlines proposed pay hikes for top office bearers. 

The move has sparked widespread outrage, drawing sharp reactions from labour unions and several political parties.

Channel Africas economics reporter innocent Semosa has more.

The Forum for South Africa (FOSA), has strongly condemned proposed salary increases for senior government officials, including the President, Deputy President, Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers. The criticism follows the publication of a government gazette this week, which outlines proposed pay hikes for top office bearers.&nbsp;
The move has sparked widespread outrage, drawing sharp reactions from labour unions and several political parties.
Channel Africas economics reporter innocent Semosa has more.

FOSA slams government gazette on salary increases

G20 is the 2025 South African (SA) Word of the year. This is according to the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), in partnership with media research company Focal Points.

This was determined after carefully considering a range of words, terms, and expressions,  G20 emerging as the winner, prevailing over other notable contenders.

Thuto Ngobeni compiled this report.

G20 is the 2025 South African (SA) Word of the year. This is according to the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), in partnership with media research company Focal Points.
This was determined after carefully considering a range of words, terms, and expressions,&nbsp; G20 emerging as the winner, prevailing over other notable contenders.
Thuto Ngobeni compiled this report.

G20 Crowned SA's 2025 Word of the Year

Rise and Shine takes a look at some of the stories making headlines in the West Africa region, where the landscape is undergoing a massive shift this morning-from the launch of a new regional investment bank to a bold new military alliance among Sahelian states. As the region grapples with security threats and a changing economic order, we look at what these developments mean for the stability of the continent. To help us unpack these stories, is Political Scientist, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga.

QUESTIONS
* Dr. Matsanga, let's start with a major move by the Alliance of Sahel States. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have just launched a "NATO-style" military force of five thousand troops. In a region plagued by insurgency, is this force truly about local security, or is it a symbolic rejection of Western military intervention?

* Staying with those three nations, they have also launched a new Confederal Investment Bank. Given their exit from ECOWAS, how significant is this move in terms of achieving true financial independence from the traditional regional blocs?

* Moving to the energy sector, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo have agreed to explore a gas import alliance. How vital is this cross-border cooperation for stabilizing energy prices and industrializing West Africa?

* In Nigeria, there is a sigh of relief as the final 130 abducted schoolchildren from Niger State have been released. However, this follows a string of mass kidnappings-what does this tell us about the current effectiveness of Nigeria's internal security apparatus?

* Senegal has just launched a nearly 200-million-dollar agro-industrial zone to cut down on food imports. With global supply chains being so volatile, do you see this as the blueprint for other West African nations to achieve food sovereignty?

* In a landmark move for the financial sector, Ghana has officially legalised crypto trading. What are the risks and rewards for a major West African economy embracing digital assets in this way?

* The Gambia has unveiled its first-ever National Land Policy to transform land governance. Why is land reform such a critical, yet often overlooked, component of preventing civil conflict in the region?

* Finally, Dr Matsanga, looking at all these developments-from new banks to new military alliances-are we witnessing the permanent fragmentation of West Africa, or just a necessary evolution of its power structures?

Rise and Shine takes a look at some of the stories making headlines in the West Africa region, where the landscape is undergoing a massive shift this morning-from the launch of a new regional investment bank to a bold new military alliance among Sahelian states. As the region grapples with security threats and a changing economic order, we look at what these developments mean for the stability of the continent. To help us unpack these stories, is Political Scientist, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga.
QUESTIONS * Dr. Matsanga, let's start with a major move by the Alliance of Sahel States. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have just launched a "NATO-style" military force of five thousand troops. In a region plagued by insurgency, is this force truly about local security, or is it a symbolic rejection of Western military intervention?
* Staying with those three nations, they have also launched a new Confederal Investment Bank. Given their exit from ECOWAS, how significant is this move in terms of achieving true financial independence from the traditional regional blocs?
* Moving to the energy sector, Benin, C&ocirc;te d'Ivoire, and Togo have agreed to explore a gas import alliance. How vital is this cross-border cooperation for stabilizing energy prices and industrializing West Africa?
* In Nigeria, there is a sigh of relief as the final 130 abducted schoolchildren from Niger State have been released. However, this follows a string of mass kidnappings-what does this tell us about the current effectiveness of Nigeria's internal security apparatus?
* Senegal has just launched a nearly 200-million-dollar agro-industrial zone to cut down on food imports. With global supply chains being so volatile, do you see this as the blueprint for other West African nations to achieve food sovereignty?
* In a landmark move for the financial sector, Ghana has officially legalised crypto trading. What are the risks and rewards for a major West African economy embracing digital assets in this way?
* The Gambia has unveiled its first-ever National Land Policy to transform land governance. Why is land reform such a critical, yet often overlooked, component of preventing civil conflict in the region?
* Finally, Dr Matsanga, looking at all these developments-from new banks to new military alliances-are we witnessing the permanent fragmentation of West Africa, or just a necessary evolution of its power structures?

West Africa wrap with Political Scientist Dr David Matsanga

The Libyan army chief has been killed in an air crash in Turkey. Authorities say General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad and four others were on board a Falcon 50 aircraft flying out of the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Tuesday evening.

The Tripoli-bound jet had issued an emergency landing request before contact was lost. The aircraft's wreckage was later found south-west of Ankara, and an investigation is now under way into what caused the crash.


Now to discussing this further and what it means for the people of Libya, We speak to Ebrahim Deen,  Middle East Africa analyst.

The Libyan army chief has been killed in an air crash in Turkey. Authorities say General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad and four others were on board a Falcon 50 aircraft flying out of the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Tuesday evening.
The Tripoli-bound jet had issued an emergency landing request before contact was lost. The aircraft's wreckage was later found south-west of Ankara, and an investigation is now under way into what caused the crash.
 Now to discussing this further and what it means for the people of Libya, We speak to Ebrahim Deen, &nbsp;Middle East Africa analyst.

Libyan Army Chief Killed in Air Crash in Turkey

The Trump administration is reportedly in the process of recalling several career ambassadors who were appointed under former President Joe Biden. Around 30 ambassadors received notices from 17 December informing them that their assignments would end in January 2026.

Africa is the continent most affected by the recalls, with 13 ambassadors expected to vacate their posts, followed by Asia. The African countries impacted by the removals are Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda.

For more on this,  International Relations expert from Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Oscar van Heerden.

The Trump administration is reportedly in the process of recalling several career ambassadors who were appointed under former President Joe Biden. Around 30 ambassadors received notices from 17 December informing them that their assignments would end in January 2026.
Africa is the continent most affected by the recalls, with 13 ambassadors expected to vacate their posts, followed by Asia. The African countries impacted by the removals are Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, C&ocirc;te d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda.
For more on this, &nbsp;International Relations expert from Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Oscar van Heerden.

Trump administration moves to recall dozens of Biden-era Ambassadors

Every Tuesday Rise and shine looks at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region, there are ongoing concerns around political stability, civic space, and socio-economic initiatives. From violent unrest in Tanzania following disputed elections and recent protest restrictions in Kenya, to preparations for peaceful polls in Uganda and major infrastructure plans in Mozambique, the region continues to experience important shifts that matter to audiences here at home. To unpack these stories, is Denis Beru, journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.

QUESTIONS
* Denis, recent reporting from Tanzania highlights the tragic killing of a local journalist while covering post-election protests, alongside widespread claims of excessive force against demonstrators. What can you tell us about the situation on the ground and how journalists are navigating reporting under such conditions?

* Alongside the killing, there have been reports of internet blackouts and restrictions during the election protests in Tanzania. From your perspective, how are these communications limitations affecting access to information and public awareness of events?

* Turning to Kenya, there was a report of Gen Z protest victims being blocked from marching to the State House and several arrests. What are the underlying grievances driving these demonstrations and how are authorities responding?

* In Narok County, tribal clashes prompted a curfew after the displacement and destruction of homes. How significant are these localised security incidents in the broader context of governance and stability in Kenya?

* Looking ahead to Uganda, campaigning is underway ahead of the January 15 vote. There are contrasting narratives about peace and political tension - what are you hearing from Ugandan sources about the atmosphere as the election approaches?

* Civil society and religious leaders in Uganda have been actively calling for peaceful, inclusive elections. How important is this kind of advocacy, and does it appear to be having an impact on voter engagement or political discourse?

* Beyond politics, Mozambique has announced ambitious plans to build major surgical and specialist hospitals with international partnerships. What could this mean for regional health infrastructure and economic development?

Every Tuesday Rise and shine looks at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region, there are ongoing concerns around political stability, civic space, and socio-economic initiatives. From violent unrest in Tanzania following disputed elections and recent protest restrictions in Kenya, to preparations for peaceful polls in Uganda and major infrastructure plans in Mozambique, the region continues to experience important shifts that matter to audiences here at home. To unpack these stories, is Denis Beru, journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.
QUESTIONS * Denis, recent reporting from Tanzania highlights the tragic killing of a local journalist while covering post-election protests, alongside widespread claims of excessive force against demonstrators. What can you tell us about the situation on the ground and how journalists are navigating reporting under such conditions?
* Alongside the killing, there have been reports of internet blackouts and restrictions during the election protests in Tanzania. From your perspective, how are these communications limitations affecting access to information and public awareness of events?
* Turning to Kenya, there was a report of Gen Z protest victims being blocked from marching to the State House and several arrests. What are the underlying grievances driving these demonstrations and how are authorities responding?
* In Narok County, tribal clashes prompted a curfew after the displacement and destruction of homes. How significant are these localised security incidents in the broader context of governance and stability in Kenya?
* Looking ahead to Uganda, campaigning is underway ahead of the January 15 vote. There are contrasting narratives about peace and political tension - what are you hearing from Ugandan sources about the atmosphere as the election approaches?
* Civil society and religious leaders in Uganda have been actively calling for peaceful, inclusive elections. How important is this kind of advocacy, and does it appear to be having an impact on voter engagement or political discourse?
* Beyond politics, Mozambique has announced ambitious plans to build major surgical and specialist hospitals with international partnerships. What could this mean for regional health infrastructure and economic development?

East Africa wrap with  Denis Beru, journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya

Over the weekend, Zimbabwe marked National Unity Day, commemorating the historic moment when ZANU-PF and PF ZAPU came together under the Unity Accord.

 The Zimbabwe Unity Accord, signed on December 22, 1987, was a landmark political agreement that brought an end to the post-independence civil unrest known as Gukurahundi, paving the way for national reconciliation. In an address to mark the occasion, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the Unity Accord as the bedrock of the nation, stressing that no attempts to divide Zimbabweans would ever succeed. He said the agreement remains a lasting symbol of national cohesion, peace, and unity.

For more on this, is Political analyst, Professor Ibbo Mandaza.

Over the weekend, Zimbabwe marked National Unity Day, commemorating the historic moment when ZANU-PF and PF ZAPU came together under the Unity Accord.
&nbsp;The Zimbabwe Unity Accord, signed on December 22, 1987, was a landmark political agreement that brought an end to the post-independence civil unrest known as Gukurahundi, paving the way for national reconciliation. In an address to mark the occasion, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the Unity Accord as the bedrock of the nation, stressing that no attempts to divide Zimbabweans would ever succeed. He said the agreement remains a lasting symbol of national cohesion, peace, and unity.
For more on this, is Political analyst, Professor Ibbo Mandaza.

Rise & Shine

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