Africa: All of Africa Today - September 3, 2026
Voters in Guinea-Bissau approved a new constitution expanding presidential powers, while Uber announced its exit from Nigeria and Uganda. Madagascar's former Senate chief was jailed for his role in protest crackdowns, and a UN report warned the world is set to overshoot t…
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
This compilation of African news highlights significant political, economic, and environmental developments across the continent. Guinea-Bissau is undergoing a constitutional shift towards a stronger presidency, Uber is scaling back its operations in key West and East African markets, and Madagascar is grappling with accountability for past political violence. Broader concerns about c…
Imagine a big newspaper for all of Africa! Today's news includes a country called Guinea-Bissau giving its president more power, like a school principal getting more say over rules. A taxi app called Uber is leaving Nigeria and Uganda because it's too hard to make money there, like a shop closing because it can't sell enough. In Madagascar, a powerful old leader was sent to jail for hurting people during protests. Also, a big report says the world is getting too hot too fast, and many people in Sudan are walking far to ask for food because they don't have enough.
Analysis
This daily digest from allAfrica.com provides a snapshot of the continent's multifaceted landscape, revealing both internal political dynamics and external pressures. The developments in Guinea-Bissau, Uber's strategic withdrawal, and the judicial proceedings in Madagascar each offer insights into the evolving governance, economic viability, and rule of law across different African nations.
Guinea-Bissau
The approval of a new constitution in Guinea-Bissau, which significantly expands presidential powers, marks a pivotal moment for the nation's political future. With 70% of voters backing the changes, the president will now have the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, and dissolve parliament during crises. This move, championed by military leaders who seized power in November 2025, is framed as a necessary step to curb persistent political instability and infighting that has plagued the country for years. However, the main opposition party boycotted the vote, expressing strong concerns that these reforms will concentrate excessive power in the presidency, thereby undermining democratic principles and potentially paving the way for authoritarian tendencies. Critics have also raised questions about the legitimacy of the referendum process itself, urging the regional bloc Ecowas to intervene and ensure a fair transition.
Uber
Uber's decision to immediately cease operations in Nigeria and Uganda signifies a notable shift in the ride-hailing market dynamics within Africa. After launching in Nigeria in 2014 and Uganda two years later, the company cited increasingly difficult operating conditions, including escalating fuel costs, intense competition from rivals like Bolt and inDrive, and ongoing disputes with drivers over low fares and high commission rates. This withdrawal follows similar exits from Ivory Coast and Tanzania, indicating a broader re-evaluation of its sub-Saharan African strategy, even as it claims to see growth opportunities elsewhere on the continent. The departure creates a vacuum that local and international competitors are expected to fill, potentially leading to a reshuffling of market share and service offerings for consumers and drivers in these two populous nations. The company has pledged to support affected employees and drivers, with help centers remaining open temporarily to address outstanding issues.
Richard Ravalomanana
The sentencing of Madagascar's former Senate president, Richard Ravalomanana, to 10 years of hard labour for his alleged role in a violent crackdown on protests underscores the ongoing efforts to establish accountability for political violence. Ravalomanana, a retired general and close associate of former President Andry Rajoelina, was found guilty of complicity in murder, with prosecutors alleging he directed security forces to use force against demonstrators in late 2025. These protests, initially sparked by power and water shortages, escalated into a broader movement against the Rajoelina government, resulting in 22 deaths and over 100 injuries according to the UN. Ravalomanana has vehemently denied the charges, asserting a lack of direct evidence linking him to the orders, and his legal team plans to appeal the verdict. This case is part of a wider trend of legal proceedings against senior figures from the previous administration, signaling a push for justice and potentially a reassertion of the rule of law following a change in power.
Key points
- Guinea-Bissau voters approved a new constitution granting the president expanded powers, including appointing/sacking the prime minister and dissolving parliament.
- Uber is immediately closing operations in Nigeria and Uganda due to difficult conditions like rising fuel costs and driver complaints, following exits from Ivory Coast and Tanzania.
- Madagascar's former Senate president, Richard Ravalomanana, was sentenced to 10 years hard labour for complicity in murder during 2025 protest crackdowns.
- A UN Environment Programme report warns the world is set to exceed the 1.5°C global warming target, with severe consequences for communities.
- Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad walked 20km to demand humanitarian assistance after four months without food or cash support.
The upcoming December elections in Guinea-Bissau offer a chance for the military authorities to fulfill their promise of restoring civilian rule, potentially bringing stability. Uber's exit could create opportunities for local ride-hailing companies to thrive and innovate, fostering domestic economic growth and competition. The legal proceedings in Madagascar, despite their severity, could signal a commitment to justice and accountability for past human rights abuses.
The expanded presidential powers in Guinea-Bissau risk concentrating too much authority, potentially undermining democratic checks and balances and leading to further political instability. Uber's departure from Nigeria and Uganda could lead to job losses for drivers and reduced service options for consumers, impacting the digital economy. The UN's climate report highlights a dire future with worsening extreme weather and irreversible changes, posing significant threats to vulnerable African communities.