🌍 Pan-African Context: Urbanization Redefining Security Dynamics
Africa is urbanizing at an unprecedented pace, with cities growing by 3.5% annually. By 2050, the continent will add nearly 1 billion people, with 80% of this growth concentrated in urban areas. Key urbanization corridors—from West Africa’s Sahel to East Africa’s Ethiopia-Mozambique belt—are rapidly evolving into new security frontlines. Urban conflict, mass displacement, and criminal expansion into cities will require African states to overhaul citizen security, policing, and military strategies.
(Source: Africa Center for Strategic Studies)
🇸🇩 Sudan: Drone Attacks on Port Sudan Blamed on UAE Support for RSF
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has accused the United Arab Emirates of backing Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in recent drone attacks on Port Sudan, targeting vital infrastructure including ports, fuel depots, and diplomatic facilities. The ministry claims the UAE is supplying drones, weapons, and foreign mercenaries. The Red Sea’s maritime safety is now considered at risk.
(Source: Sudan Tribune)
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso: 100+ Killed in JNIM Attack on Djibo
More than 100 people, mostly soldiers, were killed in coordinated attacks on Djibo, a long-besieged town in northern Burkina Faso. The JNIM jihadist group claimed responsibility. The attacks highlight the continued breakdown of state control in parts of the Sahel, amid growing extremist threats.
(Source: Associated Press)
🇲🇱 Mali: Armed Group Kills 3, Kidnaps 2 Chinese Nationals in Mining Attack
A double attack on a gold mining site in Narena, southern Mali, killed three people and kidnapped two Chinese nationals. The attackers also destroyed mining equipment, with suspicion falling on JNIM. The region is witnessing growing extremist exploitation of unregulated mining for funding.
(Source: Associated Press)
🇳🇬 Nigeria: Military Base Attacked in Borno; Bandits Displace 5,000 in Sokoto
- ISWAP militants killed at least seven soldiers and seized vehicles and motorcycles in an attack on a military base in Marte, Borno State.
- In Sokoto State, over 5,000 people fled after a bandit kingpin ordered mass evacuations, accusing villagers of helping the military.
Authorities warn that bandit-insurgent alliances are deepening Nigeria’s multidimensional crisis.
(Sources: Premium Times, AFP)
🇸🇸 South Sudan: 17,000 IDPs Flooded Out in Tambura; Military Defections Raise Tensions
- Flooding has displaced 17,000+ IDPs in Tambura County, destroying makeshift shelters and raising health risks.
- Separately, two SPLA-IO factions defected to government forces in Malakal, citing a desire for peace over conflict. Analysts warn the move could destabilize fragile peace arrangements.
(Sources: Radio Tamazuj)
🇸🇳 Senegal: Mercury Poisoning from Informal Gold Mining Threatens Health
Artisanal gold miners in Senegal use mercury to extract gold, releasing 12–16 tons annually into the environment. Exposure is causing brain damage, neurological issues, and widespread contamination of water sources. Despite Senegal ratifying the Minamata Convention, mercury remains cheap and easily available.
(Source: Associated Press)
🇨🇫 Central African Republic: Journalist Arrested Over Bozize Report
Journalists condemned the arrest of Landry Ngema Ngokepele, who reported that former president Francois Bozize was in Bangui. Accused of inciting public disorder, his detention has been labeled “arbitrary” and a threat to press freedom.
(Source: AFP)
🇸🇴 Somalia: Federal Government Reopens Doolow Airport Amid Political Rift
The federal government lifted a five-month flight ban to Doolow Airport in Gedo region, ending a standoff with the Jubbaland administration. The ban had disrupted trade and medical evacuations, and its lifting is seen as a small step toward easing center-periphery tensions.
(Source: The EastAfrican)
đź‡đź‡ą 🇰🇪 Kenya Seeks Dominican Republic Support for Haiti Security Mission
Kenya, leading a UN-sanctioned mission to stabilize Haiti, has asked the Dominican Republic for expanded support. The Multinational Security Support Mission remains undermanned, fielding only 1,000 troops—less than half its projected strength.
(Source: AFP)
