Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa

1.    Senegal -Dakar

Senegal parliament speaker resigns, paving the way for Ousmane Sonko to replace him

The speaker of Senegal's parliament, El Malick Ndiaye, said Sunday he was resigning, two days after his close ally Ousmane Sonko was fired as prime minister, deepening a political crisis in the debt-laden West African country.

In a Facebook post, Ndiaye described his decision to step down as a “personal choice guided above all by my understanding of institutions, public responsibility, and the best interests of the nation.”

2.    DR Kongo –  Tshop Province 

New wave of drone strikes hits Kisangani Airport

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a new wave of drone strikes has hit both rebel-held and government-controlled areas.

Multiple explosions struck Bangboka airport in Kisangani, in the Tshopo province. Local authorities report nine blasts between Sunday night and early Monday morning.

3.    Benin – Niger 

Benin-Niger relations show signs of thaw as Wadagni takes office

Niger PM’s appearance at inauguration signals possible reopening of dialogue after months of regional tensions

Benin’s new president, Romuald Wadagni, officially took office this weekend with promises of stability, security and regional cooperation — but it was the presence of Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine at the ceremony that drew particular attention across West Africa.

4.    In our historical archives, it was on this day, 26 May 1994, when the first Black President, Tata Madiba Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela, announced his intentions to promote national unity and reconciliation amongst political organisations.