Momentum Insights From Africa is Momentum Africa’s newsletter covering stories of interest in policy, governance and corporate spaces from across West Africa, East Africa and South Africa.
Here’s a round-up of the latest headlines from the countries and organisations we follow, curated from top media sources on August 18 2025.
- APC Calls for Dialogue Between President Bio and Former President Koroma
- Ivory Coast’s Gbagbo Rallies Opposition Against Ouattara’s Fourth-Term Bid
- Helicopter Crash Was a Coup Plot to Remove Mahama from Power – Abraham Koomson
- Five Days of Presidential Immersion in the Heart of Senegal: Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Direct Contact with the Land
West Africa
Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
APC Calls for Dialogue Between President Bio and Former President Koroma (Sierraloaded)
The APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Sidi Yayah Tunis, has called for dialogue between President Bio and former President Koroma, stressing the need for reconciliation and national unity. He noted that despite facing treason allegations, Koroma holds no grudge and remains open to offering advice and engagement.
Death of a Constitution and the Betrayal of a Nation – Op ed (Sierra Leone Telegraph)
An op-ed in the Sierra Leone Telegraph argues that the 1991 Constitution has failed to protect citizens because parliament and the judiciary have allowed its abuse. It calls on the Constitutional Review Committee to produce a stronger, fairer document that limits presidential powers, expands inclusion, and safeguards the rights of the people.
Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮
Ivory Coast’s Gbagbo Rallies Opposition Against Ouattara’s Fourth-Term Bid (Africa News)
Africa News reports that thousands of Ivorians protested on Saturday against President Alassane Ouattara’s fourth-term bid, with tensions rising ahead of October’s election over opposition restrictions.
Ghana 🇬🇭
Helicopter Crash Was a Coup Plot to Remove Mahama from Power – Abraham Koomson (Ghana Web)
The Ghana Federation of Labour’s Secretary General, Abraham Koomson, has alleged that the 6 August helicopter crash that killed eight senior officials was a failed coup attempt against President Mahama, not an accident. He has urged tighter security measures and a full investigation to determine the true cause of the tragedy.
Akwatia By-election: I Am Confident of Victory – NDC’s Bernard Bediako (Citi Newsroom)
The Akwatia constituency is preparing for a by-election on September 2, following the death of MP Ernest Kumi. NDC candidate Bernard Bediako has begun grassroots engagement in the community, while the NPP showcased its strength with a unity walk led by regional and national executives.
The Rebound of John Mahama (The Nation)
A feature in The Nation reviews Manasseh Azure Awuni’s book on President John Mahama, dissecting his political journey and setting it against the recurring challenges of African governance.
Senegal 🇸🇳
Five Days of Presidential Immersion in the Heart of Senegal: Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Direct Contact with the Land (Sene Web)
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye spent five days in Sine-Saloum and Niombato, engaging directly with communities, local farmers, and conservationists to highlight the role of traditional agriculture, tourism, and environmental preservation in Senegal’s sustainable development.
Central Africa
Gabon 🇬🇦
Analysis of the Speech by President Oligui Nguema on the Occasion of the 65th Anniversary of Gabon’s Independence (7 Jours Info)
President Oligui Nguema’s independence address called for national unity and meritocracy, while setting out economic and social priorities including youth empowerment, digitalisation, and a strategic plan to ensure inclusive growth and sovereignty over Gabon’s resources.