The government’s move to charge Lissu with a capital offense and bar his party from contesting the elections is expected to attract heightened scrutiny of its human rights record

Over 15 million children in Sudan urgently need aid as conflict and famine intensify, warns UNICEF, calling for immediate international support.

The smuggled ants, concealed in modified test tubes and syringes designed to sustain the insects for up to two months, were intercepted by authorities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

At a conference in London marking two years since the outbreak of the war in Sudan, the European Union and Britain committed to bolstering their humanitarian assistance to the country, which has been ravaged by conflict since April 2023. The EU and its member states pledged over 522 million euros ($592 million), while Britain announced an additional 120 million pounds ($158 million) in aid. The funds are intended to address the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, which has led to the displacement of millions and severe devastation across regions like Darfur. The British government, co-hosting the conference with the African Union, the European Union, France, and Germany, aims to create a more coordinated international response to the crisis. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed the need for diplomacy to urge the warring parties to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. “We cannot resign ourselves to inevitable conflict. We must work to ensure that we’re not having the same discussions a year from now,” Lammy said at the conference’s opening. Despite the significant international focus, Sudan’s junta-led government criticized the conference for not including representatives from either side of the conflict, calling out the exclusion of Sudanese officials and expressing dissatisfaction with the participation of countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya. Sudan accuses the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a claim that has found some credibility with U.N. experts and U.S. lawmakers. The UAE has denied the allegations and is seeking to have the case dismissed in the International Court of Justice. The ongoing war between General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and the RSF has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and drawn in foreign powers. As the conflict enters its third year, the situation has become one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. UN officials reported that systematic rape is being used as a weapon of war in Sudan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) called for a more coordinated international response. “Sudanese people are tired of this war,” said Luca Renda, the UNDP Resident Representative in Sudan. The German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, described the crisis as “the greatest humanitarian catastrophe of our time.” The conference aims to put pressure on the international community to take more substantial action, with the continued focus on the urgent need for aid and a sustainable path to peace.

South Sudan’s main opposition group is calling for an international investigation into alleged government abuses, including reported use of incendiary weapons during recent clashes.

At least 40 people were killed in a late-night attack by gunmen on a Christian farming community in Nigeria’s Plateau state, prompting a presidential investigation.

Ghana has instructed foreign nationals to leave its gold trading market by April 30, as the West African nation aims to streamline gold purchases from small-scale miners, enhance its earnings, and curb smuggling. The new directive was announced by a newly established government body on Monday. As Africa’s leading gold producer, Ghana is shifting away from a system that allowed both local and foreign companies with export licenses to buy and export gold from artisanal or small-scale mining. Under the new regulations, the newly formed GoldBod, a government agency, will be the sole entity authorized to buy, sell, assay, and export artisanal gold. The statement issued on Monday clarified that previous export licenses are no longer valid. Foreigners will be required to vacate the local gold trading market by the end of April. However, they will still have the option to apply to purchase or export gold directly through GoldBod. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson emphasized in January that the establishment of GoldBod would enable Ghana to retain more revenue from gold sales while ensuring the stability of the national currency. Ghana’s gold exports surged by 53.2% in 2024, reaching $11.64 billion, with nearly $5 billion generated from legal small-scale mining operations. Gold prices recently soared above the $3,200-per-ounce mark for the first time, driven in part by the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. These geopolitical uncertainties have led investors to turn to gold as a safe-haven asset.

Tensions between Algeria and France grew as Algeria defended the expulsion of 12 French officials over a diplomatic incident.

AUC condemns attacks in Sudan’s North Darfur, urging a ceasefire and immediate action to protect civilians and restore peace.

Jonas, who currently serves as the independent non-executive chairman of telecommunications company MTN Group, will continue in this role while taking on his new diplomatic responsibilities

Vieira, who had been in Tunisia for missionary work, was arrested in March 2024 and was suspected by Tunisian authorities of espionage

President Trump promises swift action against terrorists in Somalia, with General Dan Caine leading the charge.

CHADEMA may miss Tanzania’s 2025 elections after its leader’s treason charge and party’s boycott of a mandatory ethics code event.

Togo’s president will mediate between DR Congo and Rwanda after Angola stepped down from the African Union role.

The blast occurred around 11:45 a.m. near Gidan Kaji, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Damboa, in an area known for attacks by the extremist group Boko Haram

Deadly clashes in Goma between pro-government forces and M23 rebels triggered unrest and claims of provocation from both sides of the conflict.

Algeria condemned France’s arrest of its diplomat, calling the move unjustified and damaging to long-standing diplomatic ties.

A fire broke out in Sierra Leone’s presidential building in Freetown, damaging upper floors but causing no casualties while the president was abroad.

Eleven people died and nine are missing after a boat capsized in Lake Malawi as authorities search for answers and survivors.

The UN reports that 30 million people in Sudan urgently need aid as the conflict continues, with severe health and famine crises worsening the situation.

Ukraine met African leaders at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to boost joint efforts on peace, food security, and mutual development.

Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale are denied bail by a Ugandan court, with the judge citing ongoing investigations and national security risks.

UNICEF reports that thousands of children, including toddlers, have suffered sexual violence in eastern Congo, where rape is being used as a weapon of war.

The federal government’s decision to name ex-Tigray leader Getachew Reda as minister has stirred unrest and raised political concerns.