Cameroon’s constitutional court has ruled in favor of President Paul Biya, allowing him to stand for a record-breaking eighth term in the October 12, 2025 election. If re-elected, this would extend his tenure to nearly 43 years, raising profound questions about leadership longevity, institutional checks, and democratic health.

Several opposition figures, including Akere Muna, expressed concerns that Biya’s advanced age may hamper his effectiveness in governing.

Meanwhile, a splintered opposition, with defectors such as Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma running on their own, could dilute anti-incumbent votes and strengthen Biya’s position. This development reflects and intensifies a larger pattern of long-term rule across the region. Mugabe’s late-career candidacy in Zimbabwe and Bouteflika’s later years in Algeria are similar trajectories.

Burkina Faso Terminates Bill Gates-Backed GMO Mosquito Experiments

Burkina Faso has officially ended the controversial genetically modified mosquito initiative by Target Malaria, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project, which involved the release of sterile male mosquitoes to combat malaria, has been halted by the government as of August 22, 2025, with immediate destruction of all remaining samples ordered.

The suspension follows mounting opposition from local communities and civil society groups, who raised ethical, ecological, and consent-related concerns. This decision underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue and precaution when introducing novel interventions—even those with promising goals.

Gold Rush 2.0: South Africa Set to Open Its First New Underground Mine in 15 years

South Africa is gearing up to launch its first new underground gold mine in 15 years, signaling a rare moment of revival for a country once dominant in gold production. The Qala Shallows project, spearheaded by West Wits Mining Ltd., is set to begin production in 2026 near Johannesburg. The venture represents a US$90 million investment in a mining sector that has severely contracted over recent decades.

The mine is projected to yield around 70,000 ounces of gold per year, modest by global standards but highly significant for the struggling local industry. It’s expected to generate US$2.7 billion in revenue over a 17-year lifespan, while keeping production costs under US$1,300 per ounce. To streamline operations, ore will be processed at an existing Sibanye facility instead of building new infrastructure.

This development comes at an opportune time: gold prices have surged approximately 27% in 2025 (following a similar rise in 2024), making new projects economically viable again. Despite this opportunity, the broader South African gold sector has contracted dramatically; output has dropped by over 70% in the past 20 years, and employment in mining now stands at under 90,000 workers, a fraction of its peak during the 1980s.