Nine people were killed in an armed attack in Nigeria
Nine people have been reported dead in an armed attack in Nigeria’s Nasarawa State. According to local media, the attack took place in the Karu area, where armed gang members targeted victims, leaving nine dead and many others injured. Nigeria has long struggled with armed gang violence, as well as attacks from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Although the country imposes the death penalty for kidnapping, abductions for ransom remain common. Armed assailants often target villages, schools, and travelers, demanding ransoms.
Ethiopians sweep Dubai marathon titles
Ethiopia celebrated a triumphant performance at the Dubai Marathon on Sunday, with its athletes dominating the top spots. Bute Gemechu claimed the men’s title with an impressive time of 2:04:51. The 23-year-old, still early in his international career, has only participated in a few major races to date. In a thrilling women’s race, Bedatu Hirpa surged past her compatriot Dera Dida in the final stretch to win with a world-leading time of 2:18:27. While Hirpa marked her biggest career victory and set a personal best, Dida, who finished just four seconds behind in 2:18:31, appeared devastated at the line. It was a remarkable sight against the iconic Dubai skyline, as Ethiopian runners claimed the top 10 spots in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Tanzania activist kidnapped in Kenya and freed after quick action
Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai was abducted in Nairobi, prompting international outcry, before being freed through quick intervention.
Military operation in Zamfara tragically claims 16 civilian lives
A Nigerian military airstrike in Zamfara State mistakenly killed 16 civilians, including vigilantes, during an operation targeting bandits.
Chad ruling party secures 124 seats amid low voter turnout
The ruling MPs party dominated Chad’s parliamentary elections, winning a majority as opposition groups boycotted the process and voter turnout reached only 51.5%.
Madagascar reels from storm as Mayotte prepares for recovery
A tropical storm moved away from Mayotte after torrential rains and flash floods killed three people in Madagascar, leaving widespread devastation in its wake.
UN reports mass displacement in southern Sudan due to fighting
Thousands have fled southern Sudan’s North Kordofan as clashes between the Burhan-controlled SAF and RSF forces escalate, exacerbating the region’s ongoing displacement and hunger crisis.
RSF accuses SAF of foreign support after Wad Madani loss
In an audio message broadcast on Telegram on Saturday, Dagalo described the setback as temporary and vowed to continue the fight
Austrian woman abducted in Niger’s Agadez, sources report
The woman was reportedly forced into a 4×4 vehicle by unidentified kidnappers in the Fada district, situated near the Sahara Desert
France hands over second base in Chad
France has handed over its second military base in Chad, marking a key step in the country’s military withdrawal after an agreement with Chad’s government.
Somalia and Ethiopia restore ties after a year-long diplomatic rift
Somalia and Ethiopia have restored full diplomatic relations following a year-long rift, marking a significant step towards improving stability in the Horn of Africa.
Sierra Leone health authorities confirm first mpox case
First mpox case reported in Sierra Leone near Freetown health authorities mobilize to contain the disease and raise public awareness.
US helicopter providing medical evac support crashes in Benin
A civilian helicopter chartered by US Africa Command crashed in Benin on January 10, 2025, due to mechanical failure but caused no injuries.
Bandits kill 21 vigilante militia members in Nigeria
At least 21 government-backed militia members were killed in an ambush by criminal gangs in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina state, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by the region.
Gunmen kill 8 in South Africa shooting attack
Police say motive behind shooting unknown at this stage
Terrorists kill 21 in northwestern Nigeria: Police
Victims were members of a community security group who were ambushed while returning from a condolence earlier this week
Over 3 million Sudanese children face malnutrition: UN
The UN estimates that 3.2 million Sudanese children under the age of 5 will face acute malnutrition in 2025, with over 700,000 at risk of severe malnutrition due to ongoing conflict.
DR Congo sees over 100,000 displaced due to rebel violence
More than 100,000 people in eastern Congo have been displaced this year due to escalating violence by M23 rebels, adding to an ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Social Democratic Party slams U.S. sanctions on RSF’s Dagalo
In a statement issued on Friday, the party condemned the sanctions, arguing that they undermine efforts to resolve Sudan’s war
Turkey’s foreign minister reaffirms mediation role in Sudan conflict
The conflict has devastated the country, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread displacement and food insecurity
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency detains 105 in internet fraud operation
Investigations are currently underway, and the suspects will face court proceedings once the inquiry is concluded
Kenya’s high court rules to decriminalize attempted suicide
Kenya’s high court has ruled that treating suicide attempts as a crime is unconstitutional, signaling a shift towards mental health awareness and decriminalization.
US to return $52 million forfeited by ex-Nigerian minister
The United States will return $52.88 million in forfeited assets linked to former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, which will support renewable energy and counter-terrorism initiatives in Africa.
Gunmen kill 30 people in Nigeria in coordinated attacks
Bandits struck Charanci, Safana, Kurfi, and Kaita in Katsina State, leaving 30 dead and several people missing amid the destruction.
Benin army endures heavy losses in northern assault
In recent years, both Benin and its neighbour Togo have faced mounting threats from militants affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda
Rwanda’s president denies supporting M23 rebels
Rwandan President Paul Kagame dismissed reports claiming that his country supports the M23 rebel group, which recently seized key towns in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Kagame told reporters in the capital Kigali on Thursday that Rwanda has nothing to do with the rebel group and it does not make sense to blame Rwanda for the conflict in the DR Congo. “These leaders of M23 and the majority of their fighters came from Uganda, where they had been refugees,” he said, adding that M23 rebels are not Rwandans but speak the Rwandan language, Kinyarwanda. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim that Kagame has frequently denied. A recent report by the United Nations Group of Experts claimed that Rwandan forces were helping the rebels in DR Congo. Kagame said M23 fighters are Congolese, and even the past and present leaders admit it. ‘‘Why do we have over 100,000 refugees here in Rwanda originating for eastern Congo?” he said. He said the Rwandan government disarmed M23 fighters who crossed into Rwanda in 2012-13 and gave back their arms to the authorities in DR Congo. Kagame urged Congolese authorities to address the root causes of the conflict and negotiate with the rebel group to find a solution to end it. Angolan President Joao Lourenco had been mediating between Tshisekedi and Kagame, but talks hit a deadlock last month.
Trump says meeting being set up with Putin
US President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is being set up. “He (Putin) wants to meet, and we’re setting it up,” Trump told reporters ahead of a meeting with Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He did not provide further details about the possible meeting. “President Putin wants to meet. He said that even publicly, and we have to get that war over. That’s a bloody mess,” he said, referring to the Russia-Ukraine war. Turning to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said they have had “a lot of” communication. “We have a lot of meetings set up with a lot of people. Some have come, but I’d rather wait till after the 20th,” he said, referring to Jan. 20, the date of his inauguration.