The Central African Republic's political parties and civil society groups have welcomed the U.N. Security Council's decision to extend the mandate of the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) until November 2025. This extension aims to protect civilians and support the electoral process amid ongoing political tensions. MINUSCA is tasked with updating voter registration lists, with a focus on increasing female voter participation. The mission has developed a security plan with local military and police to ensure safe elections. The extension is seen as a diplomatic victory for President Faustin-Archange Touadera, with government forces ready to collaborate with U.N. troops.

Chad is preparing for legislative, local, and district elections on December 29, with concerns raised about the underrepresentation of women candidates. Despite women making up over 51% of the population, they constitute just over one-third of the candidates. The elections mark the end of a three-year transition from military to civilian rule under General Mahamat Idriss Deby. Activists criticize the low female representation, citing financial barriers and societal resistance. The government, led by Prime Minister Allamaye Halina, has reduced the number of female ministers, contrary to a national dialogue resolution advocating for more women in government. Efforts are underway to promote women's political participation, but challenges remain.

Chadian women leaders and activists express concerns over underrepresentation in the upcoming December elections, despite promises from General Mahamat Idriss Deby to ensure gender equality. Women make up just over one-third of the candidates, with financial barriers and societal resistance cited as obstacles. Activists criticize the government for not adhering to resolutions for increased female representation in government positions. The Patriotic Salvation Movement and the national elections management body, ANGE, face criticism for low female participation and nomination rejections.

Several hundred rebels in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) have surrendered to government and U.N. forces following a recent agreement with Chad to secure their shared border. The Union for Peace and anti-balaka groups are among those disarming, driven by hardships and military pressure. The C.A.R. aims to reintegrate these fighters and prepare for local elections postponed due to insecurity. Chad has committed to deploying troops to prevent supplies from reaching rebels, while the C.A.R. government continues operations against those who resist surrender. The goal is to have half of the estimated 21,000 rebels disarm by 2025.

Several hundred rebels in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) have surrendered to government and U.N. forces following a recent agreement with Chad to secure their shared border. The C.A.R. government attributes the surrender to hardships faced by rebels and effective military raids. The Union for Peace and anti-balaka groups are among those disarming. The government aims to reintegrate surrendered rebels and plans to hold local elections on December 29, postponed from October due to insecurity. Chad has committed to deploying troops to prevent supplies from reaching rebels, and the C.A.R. aims to have half of its estimated 21,000 rebels surrender by 2025.

Chad's President Mahamat Idiss Deby has announced plans to withdraw Chad's troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force, citing insufficient assistance and lack of coordination among member states in combating Boko Haram. This decision follows a deadly attack by Boko Haram that killed over 40 Chadian soldiers. The task force, supported by the African Union and the United Nations, was established to combat terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin. Chad's government has communicated its decision to the task force, while neighboring countries have yet to respond. The announcement comes amid reports of mistaken attacks on civilians by Chad's military, which the government denies.

Chad's President Mahama Idriss Deby has initiated a military operation named 'Haskanite' to combat Boko Haram fighters following an attack that killed over 40 government troops in the Lake Chad Basin. The operation aims to track and eliminate the jihadists, with Chad deploying experienced troops to the region. The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, saw heavily armed fighters take control of a garrison, resulting in significant casualties and damage. Chad has called on the Multinational Joint Task Force for assistance, highlighting the need for a collaborative effort among Lake Chad Basin countries to effectively counter the militant threat. The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced millions since 2009.

Chad is working to connect to a regional fiber-optic network after flooding in Cameroon caused a prolonged internet blackout. The European Union and African Development Bank are supporting the project, which aims to link Chad to the trans-Saharan network via Niger. This initiative is expected to improve internet access, create jobs, and reduce poverty in Chad and neighboring countries. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance connectivity across Africa, addressing issues like outdated equipment and frequent blackouts.

Gabon's national dialogue, aimed at establishing civilian rule, concluded with proposals for governance reforms. Delegates in Libreville discussed rebuilding political, economic, and social structures after decades of Bongo family rule and recent military control. Key proposals include addressing poverty, underdevelopment, youth unemployment, and creating an independent election body. Recommendations for presidential term limits and decentralization were also made. The dialogue's outcomes will be reviewed and presented to transitional President General Brice Oligui Nguema, who has pledged to respect the resolutions and transition to democratic rule by August 2025.

Cameroon's opposition and civil society have initiated a mass campaign to combat voter apathy and encourage youth voter registration ahead of the 2025 presidential elections. The campaign aims to counteract the belief that President Paul Biya, who has been in power for over four decades, will rig the elections. The Cameroon Renaissance Movement and other groups are urging citizens to register and vote to combat electoral fraud. Despite skepticism, there are signs of increased voter registration, and the elections management body, ELECAM, asserts its neutrality. The campaign also addresses broader issues such as underdevelopment, economic hardship, and the ongoing separatist crisis.