First Independent Mena Newspaper
In a major development for U.S. mineral strategy in Africa, KoBold Metals, a California-based company backed by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has signed a landmark agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to explore and develop the Manono lithium project — one of the world’s richest untapped lithium deposits. The deal, witnessed […]
In a rare diplomatic move, President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of five West African nations — Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau — at the White House on Wednesday (9 July), declaring a shift in U.S. policy from aid to trade. The meeting comes amid deep cuts to U.S. foreign aid following the dissolution […]
The African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), an ambitious initiative to unify the continent’s electricity grids, is making substantial strides, according to African Union (AU) officials at a high-level technical meeting in Addis Ababa. AfSEM aims to create a seamless, affordable, and reliable continental electricity market, interconnecting all 55 AU member states. Kamugisha Kazaura, AU Commission’s […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s top cobalt producer, has extended its export ban on the metal for an additional three months, intensifying its grip on a turbulent global market. The extension, announced Saturday (21 June) by the strategic minerals regulator ARECOMS, comes as prices remain depressed and cobalt stockpiles high. Originally imposed […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda will sign a U.S.-brokered peace agreement on 27 June, aiming to end years of deadly conflict in eastern Congo. The accord follows three days of negotiations in Washington, facilitated by the U.S. and Qatar, and is expected to be signed in the presence of U.S. Secretary of […]
The United States has outlined strict conditions for brokering a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), centering on the full withdrawal of Rwandan forces from eastern Congo. A draft agreement, verified by multiple diplomatic sources, requires Rwanda to remove its troops, weapons, and equipment before any deal can be finalized. […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia have been elected to serve two-year terms as of the United Nations Security Council, beginning January 2026. The two African nations secured overwhelming support in Tuesday’s (3 June) vote, with the DRC receiving 183 votes and Liberia 181 out of 193 UN member states. They will replace […]
Africa, home to one-third of the world’s critical mineral reserves, stands at a crossroads: remain a source of raw exports or become a central player in the global energy transition. Despite abundant resources — including cobalt, lithium, copper, and rare earth elements — Africa received just 10.4% of global mineral exploration investment in 2024, down […]
In a surprising breakthrough, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire, pledging to suspend hostilities while peace talks continue in Qatar. The joint announcement, issued late Wednesday (23 April), marks the first formal commitment to peace after multiple failed ceasefires since 2021. The truce follows […]
As Africa mourns the death of Pope Francis, worshippers and leaders across the continent are reflecting on the profound legacy he leaves behind — and speculating about the future leadership of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who died Monday (21 April), is remembered for his unwavering advocacy for the poor, peace in conflict zones, and […]