News updates from the African continent for June 12th, 2025:
Gabon’s Military Leader Announces Run for Presidency
What’s Happening: Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema has announced he will run in April’s presidential elections.
After the ouster of President Ali Bongo in August 2023, Nguema had vowed to give power back to civilians following a transitional period.
Source: Africa News
Burkina Faso Completes Nationalisation of Five Gold Mining Assets
What’s Happening: Burkina Faso has completed the transfer of five gold mining assets to the country’s state-owned miner
Burkina Faso is seeking to control a larger share of its resources after revising its mining code last year.
It has established the Société de Participation Minière du Burkina (SOPAMIB) as a vehicle to own, manage, and operate strategic mining assets.
Source: Reuters
China to Drop All Tariffs on African Imports
What’s Happening: China has said it is ready to drop the tariffs it charges on imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
The move was announced at a China-Africa co-operation meeting. The continent is facing the possibility of increased tariffs on its products entering the US.
Background: China is Africa’s largest trading partner, with Africa exporting goods to the Asian nation worth around $170bn (£125bn) in 2023.
Source: BBC Africa
