Eye on Africa: 2025 Year in Review • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Sudan Conflict: Ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to a major humanitarian crisis.
• US Foreign Policy Shift (2025): Significant changes under President Trump’s second term, including the shuttering of USAID, implementation of tariffs, and a more unpredictable approach to African nations.
• US Travel Ban & Retaliation: Expansion of US travel restrictions to include Mali and Burkina Faso, leading to reciprocal travel bans imposed by those countries.
• DRC-Rwanda Peace Agreement: A potential breakthrough after decades of conflict, though its long-term success remains uncertain.
• Gulf States’ Economic Influence: Increasing economic engagement of UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia in African economies.
• Critical Minerals: Growing importance of African nations as sources of minerals essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and AI.

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Sudan: A Deepening Crisis (2025)

The year 2025 was heavily marked by the escalating conflict in Sudan, described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – a paramilitary force that initiated conflict with the Sudanese army in April 2023 – continued to intensify. By October 2025, the RSF had gained full control of the Darfur states after capturing Alfasir, the capital of North Darfur. Subsequently, Kordofan became a new major battlefield.

A power shift occurred as the Sudanese army regained control of Khartoum state and central Sudan by March 2025, pushing the RSF towards western Sudan. This led to intensified fighting in western regions, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. The humanitarian situation is dire, with over 30 million people in need of assistance, particularly in Kordofan and Darfur. There are increasing reports of deliberate targeting of civilians and aid workers, further exacerbating the crisis.

Naba Mohudin reported that as of late 2025, the SAF controls northern, eastern, and central Sudan, while the RSF controls Darfur. Despite the dire circumstances, aid continues to arrive from international and local organizations, and there are hopes for dialogue and at least easing the humanitarian situation before 2026. Sudan is described as being at a “crossroad,” with the conflict’s continuation balanced against hopes for a peaceful resolution.

US Foreign Policy & Its Impact on Africa (2025)

Yinka Odi Goki, Africa editor for an online news website, highlighted a significant shift in the narrative surrounding Africa in 2025: for the first time in recent years, many of the most impactful stories originated in the United States, specifically due to changes in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s second term.

The most impactful change was the shuttering of USAID, the world’s largest aid agency, which had a substantial role in sub-Saharan Africa. This was followed by the introduction of unpredictable tariffs, creating economic uncertainty for countries like Liberia and South Africa. Beyond economic policies, a shift in US ideology impacted foreign relations, exemplified by a tense meeting between President Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Trump, where Trump insisted on the existence of a “white genocide” in South Africa.

This unpredictability marked a departure from the relative stability of previous US-Africa policies. The US also implemented a crackdown on visas for nationals from several African countries, prompting retaliatory travel restrictions for American citizens from Mali and Burkina Faso.

Other Notable Events Across the Continent (2025)

Beyond Sudan and the US policy shifts, several other key events shaped the African landscape in 2025:

• DRC-Rwanda Peace Agreement: A potential peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda offered a glimmer of hope after nearly 30 years of conflict, though its long-term viability remains to be seen.
• Increased Gulf State Influence: The economic engagement of Gulf nations (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) in Africa increased significantly, challenging China’s long-held dominance in the region.
• Critical Minerals & Economic Importance: The growing global demand for critical minerals – essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence – highlighted the strategic importance of African nations as sources of these resources.

Notable Quotes

• Naba Mohudin: “Sudan right now is at a crossroad. While the conflict continues, uh there are hopes for a dialogue, coordination, and of course, uh there are hopes for uh at least easing the humanitarian situation before uh peace arrives in 2026.”
• Yinka Odi Goki: “This was the year for the first time since I've been doing this that most of the story was happening here in the United States in Washington.”
• Citizen of Bamako (regarding travel ban retaliation): “It's a diplomatic struggle. often attends in a standoff. They've shown their power. It's up to us to defend our dignity and patriotism. We can no longer allow any country, whether it be a superpower or a third country, to disrespect us. Respect is mutual.”

Technical Terms & Concepts

• SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces): The national army of Sudan.
• RSF (Rapid Support Forces): A paramilitary force in Sudan, initially formed from the Janjaweed militias.
• USAID (United States Agency for International Development): The primary US agency for administering civilian foreign aid.
• Tit-for-Tat: A reciprocal action taken in response to another action, often used in diplomatic contexts.
• Critical Minerals: Elements essential for modern technologies, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, and electronics.

Logical Connections

The segment began by focusing on the immediate crisis in Sudan, establishing the human cost of the ongoing conflict. It then broadened the scope to examine external factors influencing the continent, specifically the shift in US foreign policy. This connection highlights how internal conflicts are often intertwined with external political and economic pressures. The discussion then moved to other significant developments, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of events unfolding across Africa in 2025. The concluding segment, featuring cultural highlights, served as a reminder of the resilience and vibrancy of African communities despite the challenges they face.

Data & Statistics

• 30 million+: The estimated number of people in Sudan in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
• 2-nil: The score of Bikina Fasu’s victory over Sudan’s national football team at the Africa Cup of Nations.
• October 2025: The month the RSF gained full control of the Darfur states.
• March 2025: The month the Sudanese army recaptured Khartoum.

Synthesis/Conclusion

2025 was a year of significant challenges and shifts for Africa. The devastating conflict in Sudan dominated headlines, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a peaceful resolution. Simultaneously, a dramatic change in US foreign policy introduced unpredictability and economic pressures, impacting several African nations. Despite these difficulties, the continent also witnessed potential breakthroughs in long-standing conflicts (DRC-Rwanda) and emerging opportunities related to critical minerals and increased economic engagement from Gulf states. The year underscored the complex interplay of internal conflicts, external influences, and the enduring resilience of African communities.