Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
04 June 2025 | 10:15 CAT

Africa at a Crossroads: New Leadership, Climate Tragedy, and Political Turmoil Define the Continent’s New Year.

Africa enters the new year amid seismic shifts in leadership, climate disaster, and deepening conflict, according to Sison Nkala, a research fellow at the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Africa-China Studies. Speaking on Radio Islam’s Africa Report, Dr Sizo Nkala shed light on three major developments gripping the continent — the election of a new African Development Bank (AfDB) president, deadly floods in Nigeria, and political turbulence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

New Leadership at the AfDB

Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah has been elected as the new president of the AfDB, succeeding Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, who led the bank since 2015. Securing over 70% of the vote from member states, Ould Tah now becomes the ninth head of Africa’s largest development finance institution.

His appointment comes at a turbulent time. In 2023 alone, the AfDB approved $10 billion for 180 infrastructure projects. Yet the U.S. recently announced a withdrawal of its $550 million funding commitment — a financial gap that will likely test the incoming president’s capacity to steer the bank through stormy waters.

Dr Nkala noted that Ould Tah’s pressing challenges include expanding the bank’s capital base, sourcing alternative public-private financing, assisting over a dozen African nations in debt distress, and asserting Africa’s unified stance at the upcoming G20 Summit in November.

Nigeria’s Deadliest Floods in 60 Years

Meanwhile, Nigeria grapples with one of its worst climate disasters in decades. The town of Mokwa in the country’s north was struck by devastating floods last week following torrential downpours.

“This is being described as the worst flood in 60 years,” Dr Nkala reported. Over 200 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 500 still missing and presumed dead — pushing the potential death toll to over 700. At least 3,000 people are displaced, 500 homes destroyed, and vital infrastructure obliterated, making aid delivery difficult.

Dr Nkala issued a dire warning: “Africa and the world must take climate change seriously.” He called for early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and urgent reforms in urban planning to mitigate the escalating impact of extreme weather events.

Kabila’s Return Fuels Tensions in the DRC

In a dramatic political turn, former DRC president Joseph Kabila returned to the conflict-ridden city of Goma last week, ending his two-year self-imposed exile in South Africa. His arrival was welcomed by the M23 rebel group, which controls parts of North Kivu province, raising alarm bells in Kinshasa.

The government of President Félix Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of backing the M23, levelling serious charges of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity against the former leader. Days before his return, the DRC Senate stripped Kabila of his immunity, paving the way for possible prosecution.

Dr Nkala warned that the political fallout could worsen the fragile situation: “The government is adopting a harder stance, the M23 rebels may follow suit — all of this sets the stage for a dangerous escalation of violence in eastern DRC.”

As Africa continues to navigate leadership transitions, intensifying climate impacts, and political instability, the continent’s resilience and ability to adapt will be tested in 2025 and beyond.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabahul Muslim with Muallimah Shakirah Hunter and Dr Sizo Nkala.