The move marks a new phase in the investigation by the National Assembly’s ad hoc committee, which is examining claims that the December 2024 dissolution of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) may have been politically motivated. The questions focus on whether Ramaphosa authorised or was consulted about decisions that ultimately ended the unit’s mandate.

The inquiry has unfolded against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of police leadership and political oversight in South Africa, where allegations of corruption and interference in law enforcement have repeatedly tested public trust in institutions.

Oversight and authority under scrutiny

The PKTT was established in 2018 by Ramaphosa to investigate politically related murders, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, a province that has long experienced violence linked to local political rivalries. The unit operated under the supervision of an inter-ministerial committee (IMC) comprising the ministers of police, state security, defence, justice and correctional services.

In December 2024, then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disbanded the task team. He later told the parliamentary committee that he had not consulted Ramaphosa before issuing the instruction. Mchunu said he acted on the basis of a police research study recommending that violent crime investigations be consolidated within the murder and robbery unit.

Members of Parliament are now asking whether Ramaphosa gave any directive to dissolve the IMC overseeing the task team, and whether the IMC itself continued into the seventh administration formed after the May 2024 general elections.

One of the written submissions asks: “If the IMC was disbanded, on what date was this done and on whose authority? Did the IMC continue into the 7th administration or did it lapse at the end of the 6th administration?”

The committee is also probing whether the absence of new appointment letters for ministers in the seventh administration created uncertainty about the IMC’s status. Mchunu has stated that he never received such a letter and that the committee was not established under the current administration.

Allegations of unilateral action

The parliamentary investigation was prompted by testimony last July from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that the disbandment of the PKTT may have been politically motivated. He told lawmakers that the IMC had been established by Ramaphosa in 2018 and accused Mchunu of acting unilaterally without consultation or approval from the committee.

Mkhwanazi’s claims were reinforced by allegations from crime intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, who suggested that criminal networks may have benefited from the task team’s dissolution. Both allegations have intensified scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the decision, though no formal findings have yet been made by the parliamentary inquiry.

In his testimony, Mchunu rejected suggestions of impropriety. He said the task team had “outlived its function” and noted that political killings predated South Africa’s democratic transition in 1994. His position has been that restructuring law enforcement operations was an administrative decision aimed at improving efficiency.

Questions on presidential oversight

Among the 120 written questions sent to Ramaphosa are four from legal counsel assisting the committee, 102 from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), nine from the uMkhonto weSizwe party, 14 from the African National Congress (ANC), and seven from the Democratic Alliance (DA). The breadth of submissions reflects cross-party interest in clarifying the chain of command and oversight responsibilities.

Lawmakers have asked whether the president approved the continued existence of the PKTT and whether the absence of the IMC effectively shifted authority over the unit to the police minister.

Another question asks: “Does the President accept that the absence of appointment letters may have caused confusion?” The committee is also seeking clarity on what authority, if any, individual IMC members retained over the operational status of the task team.

The inquiry is expected to conclude in March, and Ramaphosa’s responses could shape its final findings. The outcome may have implications not only for individual officeholders but also for how executive oversight of law enforcement structures is interpreted in future administrations.

South Africa has faced recurring concerns about political interference in policing, particularly in provinces where intra-party rivalry has sometimes turned violent. While the PKTT was intended to address such crimes, its dissolution has raised broader questions about institutional continuity and accountability during transitions between administrations.

Ramaphosa is expected to submit his written replies before the committee finalises its report. Until then, the focus remains on clarifying the sequence of decisions that led to the task team’s closure — and on determining whether established oversight mechanisms functioned as intended.

Source: Mail & Guardian – Ad hoc committee on police corruption sends Ramaphosa 120 written questions

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At least 20 protesters have been arrested in Cameroon following demonstrations over the disputed October 12 presidential election, officials said Tuesday. The arrests come as tensions rise across the country ahead of the expected announcement of official results later this week, with opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declaring victory and urging longtime President Paul Biya to step down.

Government Confirms Arrests, Warns of “Acts of Provocation”

Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, confirmed the arrests in a statement Tuesday, saying several individuals had been detained in the northern city of Garoua for allegedly engaging in “insurrection and incitement to rebellion.”

“The government watches with concern acts of provocation and disorder carried out by some troublemakers,” Nji said, adding that those arrested were being “manipulated by political actors.”

According to the ministry, 20 of the protesters will be brought before military courts, while others have been transferred to Yaounde for further investigation. Authorities did not specify the total number of arrests or when they occurred.

Opposition Claims Victory, Government Rejects Results

Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared victory last week, urging 92-year-old President Paul Biya — Africa’s oldest sitting leader — to concede defeat. Biya’s ruling party swiftly dismissed Tchiroma’s claims, accusing him of attempting to “disrupt the electoral process” and “incite unrest.”

Cameroon’s Constitutional Council is expected to announce official election results by October 26, amid rising political tension and sporadic street demonstrations.

Analysts predict a likely victory for Biya, citing a divided opposition and the exclusion of one of his strongest challengers, who was barred from running in August. Eleven candidates appeared on the ballot.

Protests Erupt Amid Allegations of Election Fraud

Following the vote, small protests erupted in several cities, with opposition supporters alleging widespread irregularities and ballot manipulation.

Tchiroma and several civil society groups claimed the election was marred by vote tampering, unequal ballot paper distribution, and attempted ballot box stuffing. The National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, which deployed observers, also noted major procedural flaws, including relocation of polling stations and an outdated voter roll containing names of deceased persons.

Eight civil society organizations that monitored the vote echoed these findings, citing “systemic irregularities” and lack of transparency in several regions.

Tchiroma Publishes “Unofficial Results” Online

In a bold move, Tchiroma began posting what he claimed were vote tallies from 18 administrative units on his Facebook page, representing about 80% of the electorate. He said the figures “confirmed” his victory.

The posts quickly went viral, drawing both praise and ridicule. Supporters hailed them as proof of an opposition win, while government loyalists — including several ministers — dismissed the data as fabricated.

Tchiroma, in his late 70s, previously served as Biya’s government spokesperson and employment minister before breaking ranks earlier this year to launch his presidential campaign. Backed by a coalition of opposition parties and civic groups, his rallies drew large crowds across major cities.

Decades of Power and Deep-Rooted Challenges

President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him the country’s second president since independence from France in 1960. Now in his 43rd year in power, Biya has long faced criticism for his government’s handling of corruption, repression, and regional conflicts.

The Central African nation of nearly 30 million people continues to grapple with a violent secessionist movement in the English-speaking western regions, persistent poverty, and underdevelopment despite its rich reserves of oil, timber, and minerals.

What Comes Next

As Cameroon awaits the Constitutional Council’s proclamation of results, observers warn that tensions could escalate if the process lacks transparency or if the opposition rejects the outcome.

International organizations have urged calm and called on authorities to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest. Meanwhile, security forces remain deployed in key cities amid fears of further unrest.

Source: AP News – Cameroon arrests at least 20 protesters as tensions escalate after presidential election

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Published: October 13, 2025, 22:55 EDT

Madagascar’s political crisis deepened this week after reports emerged that President Andry Rajoelina had left the country aboard a French military aircraft, following growing anti-government protests and military defections. The reported departure, first disclosed by French radio RFI, follows days of unrest driven by youth anger over corruption, poverty, and power shortages.

Rajoelina’s Reported Exit and French Involvement

According to French broadcaster RFI, President Rajoelina was flown out of Madagascar on a French military plane after reaching an undisclosed agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron. The report, citing diplomatic sources, suggests that Rajoelina’s exit followed mounting pressure from the military and the public amid worsening protests.

The Madagascar presidency has not issued an official comment on the report despite repeated requests for clarification.

The development marks a sharp turn for Rajoelina, who has faced growing isolation in recent weeks. His loss of support from key army factions — notably the elite CAPSAT unit that once helped him seize power in 2009 — further weakened his grip on authority.

Protests Erupt Over Corruption and Basic Services

What began as demonstrations over chronic water and electricity shortages on September 25 has grown into a nationwide movement against corruption and poor governance. Thousands of mostly young protesters, many from Gen Z, have flooded the streets of Antananarivo and other cities, demanding the president’s resignation and systemic reform.

Protesters have accused the government of enriching itself while living standards stagnate. Madagascar’s economy remains one of the weakest in Africa, with three-quarters of its 30 million citizens living in poverty, according to World Bank data.

“I joined because in 16 years, the government has done nothing for us,” said Adrianarivony Fanomegantsoa, a 22-year-old hotel worker earning about 300,000 ariary ($67) a month. “We work hard, but we can barely afford food.”

Military Divisions Deepen the Political Crisis

Rajoelina’s authority suffered a major blow when CAPSAT, the elite army unit that backed his 2009 rise to power, switched allegiance to protesters.
On Sunday, Rajoelina warned of a possible coup attempt, claiming that rogue elements within the security forces were planning to seize control of the government.

By Monday, CAPSAT announced it was assuming command of the military and installed a new army chief. A separate faction of the gendarmerie, also sympathetic to protesters, formally declared its support for the movement during a ceremony attended by senior officials, according to Reuters correspondents on the ground.

In a related development, the president of the Senate, long viewed as a political ally of Rajoelina, was relieved of his duties amid public outrage. Jean André Ndremanjary was appointed as interim Senate leader, in line with the country’s constitutional procedure that places the Senate head in charge during a presidential vacancy.

Opposition Launches Impeachment Effort

As the protests intensify, opposition lawmakers have begun impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina.
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko confirmed to Reuters that a coalition of National Assembly members is moving to formally remove the president, citing alleged corruption and failure to uphold constitutional obligations.

The move underscores the growing political momentum against Rajoelina, who once enjoyed strong control over both parliament and the military. Analysts say the opposition’s unity, combined with popular unrest, leaves him with few remaining options for political survival.

Youth-Led Movement Echoes Global Protests

The uprising in Madagascar mirrors a wave of youth-driven protests across multiple regions, including Nepal, Kenya, and Morocco, where Gen Z demonstrators have mobilized against economic hardship and entrenched elites.

Protesters in Madagascar have adopted the “One Piece” skull-and-straw-hat symbol, inspired by the Japanese manga series, which has also appeared in rallies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The shared iconography, observers note, has become a global emblem of generational frustration with inequality and corruption.

According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces since late September, though the true toll may be higher in rural areas beyond Antananarivo.

Madagascar’s Economic and Social Struggles

Home to a youthful population — median age under 20 — Madagascar’s development challenges have deepened over decades of political turmoil.
Despite rich natural resources, the country’s GDP per capita has fallen by 45% since independence in 1960, driven by weak governance, recurrent coups, and limited access to education and healthcare.

The island’s economy depends heavily on vanilla exports, which account for the majority of global supply, as well as nickel, cobalt, shrimp, and textiles. However, fluctuating commodity prices and infrastructure gaps have stifled growth and job creation.

Political Future Uncertain

With the president’s reported departure, Madagascar’s political future remains uncertain. Under the constitution, the Senate leader is expected to serve as interim president until new elections can be organized.
However, deep divisions within the military and public distrust of political elites threaten to complicate any transition.

Regional observers warn that without rapid reforms and credible leadership, the crisis could destabilize not only Madagascar but also southern Africa’s fragile political balance.

Source: REUTERS – Madagascar’s president has left the country on French military plane – French radio RFI

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Washington, D.C. – A White House meeting between President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took an unexpected turn Wednesday when Trump confronted Ramaphosa with a video depicting what he described as the mass killing of White farmers in South Africa.

During the meeting, Trump presented a video showing a roadside lined with white crosses, claiming they were grave markers for Afrikaner farmers allegedly murdered in ongoing violence. The Afrikaners are a White minority in South Africa, largely descended from Dutch settlers who arrived in the 17th century.

“These are burial sites — over a thousand — of White farmers,” Trump said, pointing to the video. “Each one of those white things you see is a cross. The cars you see are stopped to pay respects. It’s a terrible sight.”

President Ramaphosa appeared taken aback and asked for clarification: “Have they told you where that is, Mr. President? I’d like to know where that is. Because this I’ve never seen.”

Trump replied, “I mean, it’s in South Africa, that’s where.”

Ramaphosa responded calmly, “We need to find out.”

Trump Raises Refugee Concerns

Trump also claimed that large numbers of White South African farmers are fleeing to the United States due to violence. “We’ve had a tremendous number of people, especially since they’ve seen this,” he said. “Generally they’re White farmers, and they’re fleeing South Africa. It’s very sad to see.”

According to the Trump administration, 50 Afrikaners were recently brought to the U.S. as refugees, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting that more are expected.

South Africa Rejects Genocide Claims

President Ramaphosa strongly denied any systemic targeting or genocide of White farmers. “If there was Afrikaner farmer genocide, I can bet you these three gentlemen wouldn’t be here — including my Minister of Agriculture,” he said. “It will take President Trump listening to their stories, their perspectives — that is the answer to your question.”

When asked by a reporter what he hoped Ramaphosa would do in response to the situation shown in the video, Trump appeared uncertain. “I don’t know. I don’t know,” he said, flipping through a stack of printed news reports.

“Death of people. Death. Death. Horrible death,” he said, before adding, “White South Africans are fleeing because of the violence and racist laws. So when you ask what I would like done — I don’t know what to do.”

Key Takeaways:

• Trump confronted Ramaphosa with a video he claimed shows the aftermath of violence against White farmers.
• Ramaphosa questioned the video’s origin and reaffirmed that there is no genocide taking place.
• The meeting underscored tensions around a controversial and emotionally charged topic, with both leaders offering sharply different views.

Source: FOX News – Trump confronts South African president with video on treatment of White farmers

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MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — In a significant political shift, the leader of Somaliland’s opposition party was declared the winner of last week’s presidential election on Tuesday, marking a boost to the region’s ongoing effort to gain international recognition.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 amidst a period of conflict, and since then has maintained its own government, currency, and security forces. However, it has not been recognized as an independent state by any country.

Despite its lack of global recognition, Somaliland has developed a stable political system, in stark contrast to Somalia’s continued struggles with insecurity and instability.

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, leader of the Waddani Party, won more than 50% of the vote, defeating incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi, who was seeking a second term after seven years in office. Abdullahi, 69, had previously served as the speaker of Somaliland’s parliament in 2005. His campaign focused on democratic reforms and improving the region’s economy, which has been hindered by the lack of international recognition.

The election was delayed twice since 2022 due to funding issues, but ultimately went ahead without major disruptions.

“This result, and especially the credible electoral process leading to a peaceful transfer of power, will further solidify Somaliland’s reputation as one of the more stable democracies in the Horn of Africa,” said Murithi Mutiga, Africa program director for the International Crisis Group.

Abdullahi’s victory marks the end of President Abdi’s tenure, who had championed Somaliland’s efforts to gain global recognition but secured just over 30% of the vote.

The U.S. Embassy in Somalia praised the election, calling Somaliland’s history of peaceful transitions a “model for the region and beyond” in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

Somaliland’s recent agreement with neighboring Ethiopia—allowing Addis Ababa access to the Indian Ocean in exchange for recognition—has sparked political tensions with Somalia. Somalia accuses Ethiopia of undermining its territorial integrity. The opposition has raised concerns about the deal, criticizing how it was negotiated in secrecy and with limited benefits for Somaliland.

Mohamed Husein Gaas, director of the Raad Peace Research Institute in Mogadishu, told The Associated Press that there are doubts about the economic advantages of the Ethiopia deal for Somaliland, which the opposition sees as hastily arranged.

Leaders in Somalia have expressed hope for improved relations with the breakaway region, including former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, who said the new president-elect should work to “strengthen the brotherhood and unity of the Somali people.”

Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, also congratulated Abdullahi on his victory, signaling positive regional diplomatic relations.

Source

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