China Deepens Security Ties in Africa Amid Concerns
China is expanding its security footprint across Africa through its Global Security Initiative, aligning military cooperation with political support for ruling parties and promoting Chinese governance norms. While aiming to secure influence and favorable treatment for Chinese interests, Beijing’s involvement has faced scrutiny. Chinese weapons and surveillance tools have been implicated in conflicts in Mali, Sudan, South Sudan, and the DRC, and in the suppression of opposition, raising concerns over growing authoritarian influence and public backlash.
Sudan’s Crisis Intensifies with Hunger, Shelling, and Displacement
In El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur, at least 179 civilians were killed by RSF shelling in May, and another 12 died of starvation, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. With humanitarian access blocked, 350,000 children are at acute risk of malnutrition. Meanwhile, Sudanese refugees are abandoning Egypt due to visa restrictions, deportations, and unaffordable residency fees, turning instead to Libya as a new escape route despite its instability. Egypt’s 2024 asylum law has further complicated refugee protections.
Conflict Disrupts Health Systems in Eastern DRC
Fighting between M23 rebels and government forces in Lubero has crippled health infrastructure. Looted aid warehouses, clinic closures, drug shortages, and road blockades are hampering access to care, with malaria drugs, insulin, and antibiotics scarce. The conflict has isolated parts of North Kivu, with Goma’s airport and roadways shut.
Nigerian Military Neutralizes ISWAP Commander
The Nigerian army reported the elimination of ISWAP commander Malam Jidda and dozens of fighters in operations across Yobe and Borno states. Ground and air operations resulted in significant arms seizures and disrupted militant networks in the Timbuktu Triangle.
Violence Resurfaces in Central Nigeria
Renewed ethnic violence in Plateau State has left at least 20 dead. Clashes between Fulani herders and local farmers, rooted in land disputes and religious tensions, continue to destabilize the Mangu region, echoing earlier violence in April that killed over 150 people.
Russia Recruiting Africans for Ukraine War
Reports reveal African nationals, including former Cameroonian soldiers, are being lured or coerced into joining Russia’s war in Ukraine. Driven by economic desperation, many are recruited under false pretenses or for promised wages, with over 60 Cameroonians reported killed. Cameroon has imposed new restrictions on military personnel travel in response.
Kenya Foils Al-Shabaab Plot; Border Security Coordination Intensifies
Kenyan forces killed two Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera County during a pre-dawn raid, disrupting an attempted roadside bombing. The operation follows high-level Kenya-Jubbaland talks in Kismayo to strengthen cross-border security in the restive northeastern region.
Kenyan Blogger Death Sparks Outrage
The death of Albert Ojwang, a political commentator, while in police custody has sparked national outrage. An autopsy revealed evidence of severe assault, contradicting police claims of self-harm. Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched an investigation, citing tampered CCTV footage and signs of a cover-up.
Ethiopian Journalist Detained Again
Tesfalem Waldyes, editor of Ethiopia Insider, was arrested on charges of disseminating false information despite a court granting bail. His continued detention raises alarms about press freedom in Ethiopia, especially amid growing repression of Oromo activists and journalists.
Togo Protests Erupt Over Presidential Power Extension
Protests have erupted in Togo after constitutional changes effectively allow President Faure Gnassingbé to rule indefinitely via his new role as President of the Council of Ministers. Activists report arrests and rights violations, while opposition groups demand the regime’s end after two decades in power.
Cameroon Police End Blockade on Opposition Leader
Cameroonian opposition leader Maurice Kamto was briefly blockaded in Douala by police following his return from France. The government’s action, seen as an attempt to stifle political mobilization ahead of elections, reflects rising tensions as President Paul Biya, 92, faces growing dissent.
UN Panel Criticizes UK-Mauritius Chagos Deal
A UN human rights panel has urged the UK to renegotiate its deal with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, criticizing the exclusion of the Chagossian people’s right to return, particularly to Diego Garcia, which remains a UK-US military base. The UK maintains the agreement is internationally supported, though questions about human rights compliance remain.
