From democratic fervor in Africa to nuclear tensions in the Middle East, 2025 ends with a record rich in political and geopolitical upheavals. Here is a summary of the seven major news stories that shaped the past twelve months.

1. A new lease of life at the Vatican: The election of Leo XIV

May 8, 2025, marked a historic turning point for the Catholic Church. Following the death of Pope Francis, the conclave elected the American bishop Robert Francis Prevost . Taking the name Leo XIV , the new pontiff immediately established himself as a mediator of peace, seeking to ease global tensions, particularly the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.

2. Military escalation in the Middle East

June was marked by an unprecedented surge in violence. On June 13, Israel launched targeted strikes against Iran's nuclear program. A few days later, the direct involvement of the United States, through the bombing of three strategic sites, raised fears of a regional conflagration. Despite repeated appeals for diplomacy from Pope Leo XIV, the region remains highly tense.

3. French Justice: The Shockwave of Nicolas Sarkozy

For the first time under the Fifth Republic, a former president has been imprisoned. Sentenced on September 25th to five years in prison for conspiracy in the Libyan financing case, Nicolas Sarkozy was incarcerated at La Santé prison on October 21st. He was finally released after 20 days of detention pending his appeal.

4. Ivory Coast: RHDP's hegemony confirmed

The Ivorian election year ended with a landslide victory for the ruling party.

1. Presidential election: On October 25, Alassane Ouattara was re-elected in the first round with 89.77% of the votes.
2. Legislative elections: On December 27, the RHDP consolidated its dominance by winning 197 out of 255 seats in the National Assembly.

5. Political instability: Coups d'état and mutinies

West Africa has once again faced military instability:

1. Guinea-Bissau: On November 26, a coup overthrew President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. General Horta N'Tam is now leading a one-year transition, having suspended institutions and closed the borders.
2. Benin: On December 7, an attempted coup led by Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri failed. Forces loyal to President Patrice Talon regained control of the national television station after a brief exchange of fire.

6. Gabon and the end of the Bongo era

On April 12, Gabon held its first post-transition election. Brice Oligui Nguema , leader of the 2023 coup, successfully completed the democratic process by being elected president with nearly 95% of the vote , definitively turning the page on the Bongo dynasty.

7. A continent governed by the rhythm of the ballot box

The year 2025 was marked by numerous elections across Africa, with mixed results:

1. Alternation: Victories for Peter Mutharika in Malawi and for opposition leader Patrick Herminie in the Seychelles .
2. Continuity: Contested re-election of Samia Suluhu Hassan in Tanzania (marked by violence) and 8th term for Paul Biya ( 92 years old ) in Cameroon .
3. Ongoing transitions: In Guinea and the Central African Republic , the December 28 elections placed Mamady Doumbouya and Faustin-Archange Touadéra in the position of favorites.