(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Gaza's fragile calm saw mass returns as Cairo's influence held, while Tunisian authorities made arrests over a highway-works bridge collapse.

Abuja tightened treasury discipline by ending agency self-deductions; Accra clinched an IMF staff-level deal; Cameroon finalized nationwide voting logistics for Sunday's poll; and the DRC balanced outreach to Kigali with fresh clashes in the east.

Nairobi flagged a looming avocado export cutoff; Tanzania's president pledged to move on constitutional reform; South Africa's asset‐recovery drive intensified; and Mauritius crossed the 1‐million tourist mark for 2025.
North Africa
Egypt - Mass return march to Gaza City under truce
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians moved toward northern Gaza as a ceasefire took hold, with images and updates carried by Egyptian media through the afternoon.

The situation remains fluid, with aid access and verification mechanisms still being stress‐tested on the ground. Cairo's mediator role continues to shape humanitarian corridors and regional risk perception.

Why it matters: If sustained, the calm reduces cross‐border escalation risk and positions Egypt as the indispensable broker for the next phases of de‐escalation and reconstruction finance.


Tunisia - Five jailed over bridge collapse on Tunis–Jelma highway site
A judge ordered the detention of five officials after a bridge under construction collapsed on the Tunis–Jelma motorway project. The move follows a rapid investigation into worksite safety and contracting standards. Authorities signaled further accountability steps as technical audits proceed.

Why it matters: Visible enforcement on public‐works failures can improve governance signals, deter rent‐seeking in procurement, and speed safer delivery of critical transport links.
West Africa
Nigeria - Govt ends agency revenue self‐deductions, orders 100% remittance
The federal government directed revenue‐collecting agencies to cease netting off operating costs from collections and to remit gross proceeds to the federation account.

The change targets long‐criticized leakages and overlapping mandates that complicate cash management. Implementation will hinge on timely budget releases to the agencies and robust treasury systems.

Why it matters: Cleaner revenue flows can bolster fiscal transparency, improve cash forecasting, and potentially lift distributable funds to states - key for stability and capex.
Ghana - Staff‐level agreement reached on IMF 5th review (US$385m)
After meetings in Accra through October 10, authorities and IMF staff announced an SLA for the fifth review of the ECF programme, paving the way for a US$385m disbursement pending Board approval.

Officials highlighted progress on growth, disinflation and debt operations. Attention now turns to remaining bilateral and private‐sector creditor steps.

Why it matters: Continued programme traction eases near‐term financing pressure, supports cedi stability, and underpins policy credibility into 2026. ([Graphic Online][4])
Central Africa
Cameroon - Voting logistics locked for Sunday's presidential poll
Election administrators detailed more than eight million registered voters and tens of thousands of polling stations across the country and diplomatic missions.

Additional administrative measures - from restricted commercial activity to transport controls in some areas - were communicated locally. Campaigns closed with parties trading final endorsements and turnout appeals.

Why it matters: Clear logistics and predictable security measures are pivotal for perceived legitimacy, post‐result calm, and investor risk premia.
DR Congo - Outreach to Rwanda meets pushback as eastern clashes flare
Kinshasa's call for a“peace of the brave” with Kigali drew sharp domestic criticism even as fresh fighting with AFC/M23 and Wazalendo militias was reported in Walikale.

Local coverage also tracked economic chatter around exchange‐rate pressures and reserve management. The mixed signals underscore the twin tracks of diplomacy and hardened realities in North Kivu.

Why it matters: Any diplomatic thaw could reset regional security and trade, but battlefield dynamics and political optics at home will determine whether talks have space to advance.
East Africa
Kenya - One week left before avocado sea‐export window closes
Authorities reminded exporters that the sea‐freight window for avocado shipments shuts on October 20, with traders urged to clear remaining volumes within the week.

The seasonal regime is meant to protect fruit quality and export reputation. Producer groups are pushing for predictable calendaring to plan harvests and logistics.

Why it matters: Tight export windows influence farm incomes, cold‐chain utilization and FX receipts; predictable rules help Kenya defend market share in a competitive global segment.
Tanzania - President pledges movement on constitutional reform
Speaking at a rally in Butiama, the presidency publicly recommitted to advancing the long‐pending constitutional review alongside the electoral calendar.

Parallel local reporting tracked court developments around opposition candidacies and broader governance messaging. The posture seeks to blend continuity with procedural assurances before late‐October voting.

Why it matters: Credible progress on constitutional questions can temper political risk, strengthen institutions, and improve the investment climate ahead of policy set‐pieces.
Southern Africa
South Africa - Major asset‐recovery raid tied to Tembisa Hospital tenders
Investigators executed a large seizure operation at a Sandton residence linked to alleged fraud in the Tembisa Hospital procurement scandal, targeting high‐value vehicles and artworks.

The case has become a bellwether for forensic capacity and political will against systemic graft. Further civil‐recovery and criminal processes are expected.

Why it matters: Visible recovery actions can deter corruption, free up resources for strained public services, and support confidence in rule‐of‐law institutions.
Indian Ocean
Mauritius - Tourist arrivals top 1,000,000 Jan–Sep
Local data show Mauritius surpassed the one‐million‐visitor mark in the first nine months of 2025. The performance reflects strong airlift, marketing in core European markets, and resilient high‐end spend. Authorities are weighing capacity and sustainability trade‐offs ahead of peak season.

Why it matters: Tourism is a growth and FX mainstay; hitting the million‐visitor threshold early strengthens the current‐account outlook and budget math into year‐end.

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