Change of Chair and AfCFTA at the top of The African Union Summit agenda 2023

Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) met at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 36th Ordinary Session last weekend, where the Chair of the African Union switches guard, this year being awarded to Comoros. Pan Africanism and intra African trade and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were front and centre at this year’s Session.

Global Affairs

Shutterstock 350201117 Large — African Union flag pattern on the fabric texture ,vintage style

Qonversations

Front of mind

India’s political troubles explained

Rahul Gandhi calls out the ECI for “vote theft,” but the Commission demands proof or apology.

On August 7, 2025, Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of enabling “vote theft” during the 2024 general elections. He pointed to alleged irregularities in voter rolls in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency, citing thousands of duplicate entries, invalid addresses, bulk registrations, and faulty photographs. Gandhi labelled the claims as the result of six months of research by his team and demanded transparency, including access to digital voter lists and CCTV footage.

How a Senegalese engineer is using 3D printers to tackle plastic pollution

Senegal struggles with a severe plastic waste crisis, producing around 250,000 metric tons annually.

In Dakar, a young self-taught engineer is changing the perspective of plastic waste. Francois Mbengue has developed a device that converts discarded plastic bottles into filament for 3D printers to produce o produce rulers, plant pots and hospital equipment.