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UN Accuses M23 of Massacring Civilians in DR Congo
The United Nations has accused the M23 rebel group of killing at least 169 civilians—mostly farmers—on July 9 in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province. The UN report, shared with Reuters, stated the M23 targeted individuals suspected of links to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The attack comes as the U.S. prepares to host DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame in Washington to reinforce a June peace deal. The agreement mandates Kinshasa to dismantle the FDLR and Kigali to withdraw its troops, though implementation appears stalled.
Angola Fuel Protests Turn Deadly
Violent protests over a diesel price hike in Angola have left 22 people dead and nearly 200 injured. The unrest began with a three-day strike by taxi unions and escalated into looting and clashes in Luanda and six other provinces. The government, under pressure to reduce fuel subsidies, faces criticism over heavy-handed crackdowns. President João Lourenço’s cabinet convened on Wednesday to assess the security response.
Ugandan Troops Accused of Border Attack in South Sudan
Ugandan forces allegedly crossed into South Sudan’s Kajo Keji county and killed eight South Sudanese soldiers on July 28, in an unprovoked attack according to South Sudanese officials. The incident marks a rare clash between traditional allies, raising concerns about the fragile stability in South Sudan. The motive remains unclear, though tensions in the region have been rising amid political unrest.
Ugandan Opposition Leader Alleges State Suppression Ahead of 2026 Vote
Bobi Wine, Uganda’s main opposition leader, has described a worsening climate of repression ahead of the 2026 presidential election. Speaking to the AP, Wine said he and his supporters face threats and constant disruption of rallies by security forces. Wine, a former pop star, plans to lead a “protest vote” against President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
Ivory Coast’s Ouattara to Run for Fourth Term
President Alassane Ouattara, 83, has confirmed his bid for a fourth term in Ivory Coast’s upcoming October election. His announcement comes amid rising tensions after several opposition candidates were barred from running. Though the constitution was amended to reset term limits, Ouattara’s continued rule remains controversial, especially after deadly protests marred his 2020 re-election.
Sudan Peace Talks Delayed by Diplomatic Dispute
The U.S. has postponed planned talks with Gulf and Egyptian diplomats aimed at resolving Sudan’s civil war. The delay follows Egypt’s objection to a proposed statement that excluded both warring factions—the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces—from a post-war government. The deadlock underscores deep regional divisions as Sudan’s conflict enters its third year.
Deadly Floods Displace Thousands in Nigeria
Flash floods in Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, have killed at least 23 people and displaced over 5,500. The UN’s OCHA reported 11 missing, with the toll expected to rise. Nigeria faces one of its worst flood seasons in decades, with over 300 deaths and more than a million people displaced nationwide since May.
Massacre in Benue State Highlights Nigeria’s Farmer-Herder Crisis
At least 160 villagers were killed in Yelwata, Benue State, in a July attack by suspected armed herders. The violence is part of the broader farmer-herder conflict affecting Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Nearly 300 people have been killed and almost 500,000 displaced in Benue since April, according to the UN.
Kenya Tops Global ChatGPT Usage
Kenya leads the world in ChatGPT adoption, with 42.1% of internet users aged 16+ using the AI tool monthly, according to Datareportal. This places it ahead of nations like the UAE and Israel. Analysts attribute this trend to Kenya’s youthful, tech-savvy population and growing digital ecosystem.
