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UN Warns of Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern Congo
The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in eastern DR Congo, urging increased international support. During his visit to displacement camps in North and South Kivu, Fletcher described “enormous” humanitarian needs, citing a lack of medicine, food, and security. Ongoing violence involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has displaced more than 4 million people, including over 110,000 in a single week after camp closures earlier this year.
Togo Erupts in Protests Over Constitutional Changes
Protesters clashed with security forces in Lomé on Thursday, demanding President Faure Gnassingbé’s resignation over recent constitutional amendments that could allow him to remain in power indefinitely. Civil society coalition “Hands Off My Constitution” called for a three-day protest and urged the release of about 100 political prisoners. Gnassingbé has ruled since 2005, succeeding his father.
Wagner Group Accused of Atrocities in Mali
An investigation by Jeune Afrique reveals disturbing war crimes by Wagner Group mercenaries in Mali, including torture, executions, and desecration of corpses, circulated within a private Telegram channel. These revelations come amid Wagner’s withdrawal and the emergence of Russia’s new Africa Corps. Human rights monitors link Wagner to nearly 3,000 civilian deaths in Mali since 2020.
Ghanaian POW Reveals Forced Combat in Ukraine
Joshua, a Ghanaian national, has surfaced in Ukrainian custody after being duped into joining Russian military forces while seeking employment. Initially promised a guard job and legal residency, he was sent to the front lines instead. His case highlights the growing exploitation of African migrants in foreign conflict zones, with others from Ghana also reportedly missing after similar recruitment schemes.
AU Court Rejects Ivorian Opposition Leaders’ Appeals
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has dismissed appeals by former Ivorian leaders Laurent Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro to lift bans on their candidacies for the October 2025 elections. The court cited insufficient evidence and unexhausted legal options in Côte d’Ivoire. Gbagbo remains barred due to a domestic conviction; Soro is in exile, sentenced in absentia for plotting a coup.
Sudan: Darfur Groups Retain Cabinet Posts in New Government
Sudan’s new Prime Minister Kamil Idris is expected to retain ministers from Darfur armed movements in his upcoming cabinet, following tensions over their exclusion. The decision honours the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement, which guarantees these groups 25% of executive seats. Idris has begun appointing new technocratic ministers to form a transitional government.
UN: Sudan Conflict Threatens Central African Republic Stability
UN peacekeeping officials warned the Security Council that Sudan’s ongoing war is spilling over into the Central African Republic (CAR). Armed groups have attacked peacekeepers, and over 36,000 Sudanese refugees have fled into CAR. The region remains volatile, with concerns over cross-border incursions and paramilitary influence.
UN Expert Urges Reform of CAR Election Body Ahead of Polls
The UN’s human rights expert for CAR, Yao Agbetse, has called for urgent reform of the country’s National Elections Authority (ANE) ahead of the 2025 legislative and presidential elections. He cited operational dysfunctions and delays, warning that local elections scheduled for August remain uncertain without a revised electoral register.
Cameroon Minister Resigns, Announces Presidential Bid
Former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary has announced his candidacy for Cameroon’s 2025 presidential elections, ending his decades-long alliance with President Paul Biya. Tchiroma, 75, seeks to “end the old system.” The CPDM ruling party has not yet named its candidate, and opposition groups remain fragmented.
Norway to Extradite Rwanda Genocide Suspect
Norway will extradite a man wanted for alleged crimes during Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, following a Supreme Court ruling. The unnamed suspect, detained in 2022, had exhausted all legal appeals. The extradition marks another step in international efforts to bring genocide perpetrators to justice.
Kenya Faces Reckoning Over Protest Disappearances
Families in Kenya continue searching for relatives who vanished during anti-government protests. At least 74 people were reportedly “forcibly disappeared” by plainclothes officers in 2024, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Despite recent acknowledgments from President Ruto, many remain missing, with families demanding answers and accountability.
Culled from africacenter.org
