A year of uncertainty for Africa as conflict overshadows progress

A QUARTER of the way through the 21st century, Africa continues to face numerous familiar challenges, while also making strides in entrenching democracy, the rule of law and good governance.

- KATHARINE BEBINGTON

MEMBERS of the Sudanese Red Crescent carry in a bag the exhumed remains of a person from a makeshift grave for reburial in the local cemetery in Khartoum's southern suburb of al-Azhari on August 2 after the dead were buried in a rush when the area was under control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries. As in the DRC, there are few indications that the conflict in Sudan is coming to an end, and it is set to enter its third year in 2026, says the writer.

(AFP)

2025 saw a mix of progress and setbacks across Africa, as coups and attempted coups continued to destabilize some countries.

Meanwhile, conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, alongside broader geopolitical tensions, had far-reaching repercussions for the continent.

At the same time, there has also been encouraging economic growth and infrastructure investments. What follows is a recap of some of the most significant developments in African peace and security during 2025.

In 2025, 17 countries held various forms of elections across all of the continent's regions, ranging from Egypt's senate elections in North Africa to Namibia’s local and regional council elections in Southern Africa, while the island nations of Seychelles and Comoros also went to the polls.

However, in some cases, the conduct and outcomes of these elections were disputed or gave rise to political tensions. In the case of Cameroon, President Paul Biya secured an eighth consecutive term in office, raising the prospect of a leader remaining in office until close to his 100th birthday.

Opposition figures have continued to allege that the outcome of the elections was rigged, with leaders fleeing the country, while one opposition figure detained in the aftermath of the disputed elections has died in police custody.