M23 rebels advance on DR Congo’s Goma, thousands flee
The M23’s recent gains have raised concerns about the humanitarian situation and the potential for further escalation in the conflict.
South Sudan suspends social media to quell Sudan-killing riots
South Sudanese authorities have suspended access to social media platforms for a minimum of 30 days following deadly riots sparked by videos depicting the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan.
600 escape detention in South Sudan amid unrest
The South Sudanese police reported that 600 individuals, detained on charges of “violence and looting,” escaped from a military detention center in the capital, Juba. Police spokesperson John Kassara Koang Nhial stated in a press release yesterday that 600 suspects fled the detention center in Juba and that 410 of them have been recaptured following operations. Nhial added that the police fired warning shots into the air and are continuing efforts to locate and arrest the remaining escapees. Unrest in the Country Since January 16 Since January 16, disturbances have been ongoing in the country, particularly in the capital, Juba, where shops owned by Sudanese nationals were looted and vandalized, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals. Several Sudanese homes were also set on fire during the violence. In response to these events, the South Sudanese government imposed a curfew on January 17, restricting movement nationwide between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The Sudanese army described the incidents in Wad Madani as isolated events and announced the launch of an investigation into the situation. These developments have raised concerns about the safety of the hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees who fled the conflict and sought refuge in South Sudan. South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Sudanese Ambassador last week regarding the alleged incidents, while President Salva Kiir Mayardit called for calm and restraint.
African Union hopes Trump will reconsider US exit from WHO
The African Union has urged US President Donald Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization.
Outrage as Italy releases Libyan warlord sought by ICC
The ICC had issued an arrest warrant for the warlord, but an Italian court ordered his release due to a procedural error.
Malaria jab rollout in Africa reaches 10 million doses
Africa’s malaria vaccine rollout delivered 10 million doses in a year, protecting millions of children and reducing malaria-related deaths.
200 stranded at Nairobi as Somali Airlines suspends flights
Somali Airlines Operators Association announces suspension of flights due unresolved differences with Transport Ministry and Somali Civil Aviation Authority
Al-Burhan and Muslim Brotherhood on collision course in Sudan’s war
One Sudanese political figure claimed al-Burhan, increasingly distrustful, has come to realize the Brotherhood’s support was driven by their own objectives, not loyalty
DR Congo launches world’s largest tropical forest reserve
The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched the world’s largest tropical forest reserve, the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor, spanning over 500,000 square kilometers.
Goma under threat as M23 rebels advance in eastern DR Congo
Over 100,000 people have fled their homes in eastern Congo as the M23 rebel group advances towards the city of Goma.
Belgian prison to release Malian singer after child custody dispute
Malian singer Rokia Traore will be released from Belgian prison on Wednesday following her involvement in an international child custody dispute.
France arrests another Algerian influencer over violence incitement
This marks the latest in a series of detentions, with at least six Algerians arrested in France over the past month for allegedly calling for violence
Calls to designate National Congress, MB as terrorist groups
Arman accused the Islamic Movement of fostering resentment against the Sudanese people following its rejection during the 2019 popular revolution
Tanzania’s opposition appoints new leader ahead of elections
Chadema elects Tundu Lissu as its new leader as Tanzania prepares for upcoming elections in October.
Lassa fever claims 12 lives in Nigeria with 89 new cases reported
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has urged the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
South Sudan hosts 1M new Sudanese amid conflict
UN raises alarm over scale of displacement, urges international support
UN seeks help for 7.8 million in crisis-hit northeast Nigeria
The UN is appealing for $910 million to address the severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions in northeast Nigeria due to insurgency, flooding, and economic challenges.
20 Ethiopian migrants die in Yemen boat tragedy: UN
Vessel carrying 35 sinks off Yemen’s Dubab District, says UN migration agency, urging world to address root causes of irregular migration
Sahel trio to form 5,000-strong joint force
Three junta-led countries in Africa’s Sahel region—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—are set to collaborate on forming a 5,000-strong military unit to combat the ongoing jihadist violence that has plagued the area for years, officials announced on Tuesday. According to Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Mody, the three nations will establish a “unified force” within the next few weeks. These countries, all former French colonies, experienced military coups between 2020 and 2023, which ousted civilian governments. In the wake of these coups, the three nations distanced themselves from France and last year formed a new confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). “Within this shared framework, our forces will be able to intervene collectively,” Mody stated in a televised interview, noting that the force—comprising both ground troops and intelligence capabilities—was “almost ready” to be deployed. The joint force will be equipped with personnel, aerial support, ground units, and intelligence resources, along with a coordination system designed to streamline operations. Mody added that the force is expected to be operational in a matter of weeks. The combined territories of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger span over 2.8 million square kilometers (1.1 million square miles)—about four times the size of France—and are situated in the Sahel, a semi-arid region that lies between the Sahara Desert to the north and the savannas to the south. For nearly a decade, these nations have faced relentless attacks from jihadist groups aligned with either Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State. Despite previous assistance from French forces, the violence has proven difficult to suppress. “We face the same threats—particularly from criminal groups—and we must unite our efforts,” Mody emphasized. “This initiative is a new and unique approach that will enhance the security of our territories and our people.” While the three countries have already conducted joint anti-jihadist operations, particularly in the border areas where attacks are most frequent, the new force will strengthen their coordination and response capabilities. Following the coups, the three nations expelled French troops that had been supporting their fight against jihadists, withdrew from the ECOWAS regional bloc—which they considered ineffective—and have sought new alliances, notably with Russia, which is looking to expand its influence in the region.
2.5M children face severe malnutrition in Northeast Nigeria: UN
Adequate funds required to provide aid to children, affected population in volatile region, says official
RSF demands militants in El Fasher surrender within 48 hours
Neither the SAF nor the militant groups operating in the area have issued an immediate response to the RSF’s ultimatum
M23 rebels capture key eastern town, threatening Goma supply line
The Tutsi-led M23 group has been engaged in a renewed insurgency in eastern Congo since 2022
S Africa’s Thungela selects De Beers executive Madondo as CEO
Thungela Resources has appointed De Beers executive Moses Madondo as its new CEO, succeeding July Ndlovu, who retires in August due to the company’s retirement policy.
Maputo port volumes drop after post-election unrest in Mozambique
Post-election protests in Mozambique led to a 1% decline in Maputo port volumes in 2024 due to border closures and blockages.
Seven miners killed in Zimbabwe gold shaft tragedy
Seven artisanal miners were killed in the collapse of a disused gold mine in Zimbabwe.
Ghana soldiers kill seven during clash with illegal gold miners
At least seven people described as “illegal miners” were killed in a shootout with Ghanaian soldiers at the Obuasi gold mine.
Fuel truck explosion in Nigeria: Death toll reaches 98
The accident occurred when a petrol truck overturned and exploded, attracting a crowd who rushed to collect fuel.
