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Date: July 13, 2025
đź”´ Sudan: RSF Accused of Mass Killings in North Kordofan
Human rights monitors report that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed nearly 300 civilians during raids on villages in North Kordofan over the weekend. According to the Emergency Lawyers group, the attacks began on July 12 near the city of Bara, a frontline in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. Over 200 people were killed in the village of Shag Alnom, largely by gunfire and arson, while 38 others died during subsequent raids on nearby villages. A further 46 civilians, including women and children, were killed the following day in Hilat Hamid. The UN estimates more than 3,400 people have been displaced. The rights group stated that the villages had no military presence, describing the attacks as violations of international humanitarian law. The RSF has not responded to the allegations.
🦠Sudan: Cholera Spreads Amid Health System Collapse
Sudan is grappling with a worsening cholera outbreak as its healthcare infrastructure continues to deteriorate due to ongoing conflict. Thousands of cases have been recorded since late 2024, with hundreds of deaths. Humanitarian experts warn of a looming catastrophe, citing widespread contamination of water sources, overcrowded shelters, and shortages of medical personnel. The situation is especially dire in Darfur, where access is restricted by RSF-controlled blockades, severely hindering aid delivery.
⚔️ Border Tensions: Ethiopian Militias Raid Sudanese Villages
Sudanese farmers and local activists report that armed Ethiopian militias have carried out cross-border raids in Al-Fashaga, a disputed and fertile border region. At least three villages in Sudan’s Gedaref state—Wad Kouli, Wad Aroud, and Barakat Nourain—were reportedly attacked in recent days. Armed groups looted livestock and equipment, interrupting the critical sowing season. While no casualties were confirmed, community leaders warn the raids threaten already fragile food security amid Sudan’s internal war.
🛰️ Ghana: Ukraine Offers Border Security Tech
Ukraine has pledged to support Ghana in strengthening its border security using advanced surveillance technology, including combat-tested drones. The offer followed high-level talks between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and John Dramani Mahama. Ghana faces mounting insecurity along its northern border with Burkina Faso, where Sahel-based extremist violence continues to escalate. The partnership also includes cooperation in cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
🗳️ Togo: Security Forces Vote Early in Municipal Polls
Togolese security and defense personnel cast early ballots on July 14 ahead of municipal elections set for July 17. The political climate remains tense, with civil society organizations calling for days of mourning and digital activists planning protests. Though campaigning remains peaceful, observers note underlying unease as Togo’s democracy enters another crucial electoral test.
🇺🇬 Uganda: Army Denies Role in Extrajudicial Killings
Uganda’s military faces renewed scrutiny over allegations of extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups, including Chapter Four Uganda, report hundreds of such incidents over the past decade. Legal experts warn of growing impunity amid increased military involvement in civilian affairs. The government denies systemic abuses, but data remains limited and judicial redress sparse.
🕊️ CAR: Rebel Leaders Disarm Under Peace Deal
Two major Central African Republic rebel factions—Union for Peace (UPC) and Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation (3R)—formally disbanded their political and military wings as part of an April peace accord brokered by Chad. Former fighters are being disarmed and registered at cantonment sites, with some set to join the national army, while others will enter a reintegration program. The move is seen as a critical step toward stabilizing the war-torn country.
🛑 Libya: Over 100 Migrants Freed from Smugglers
Libyan authorities have rescued more than 100 migrants held captive by a trafficking gang in Ajdabiya, eastern Libya. The group, including five women, had been tortured and ransomed. Five suspects—Libyan, Sudanese, and Egyptian nationals—were arrested. Libya remains a key departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.
⚖️ Tunisia: UN Accuses Government of Silencing Lawyers
UN human rights experts have condemned Tunisia’s government for detaining lawyers in politically motivated prosecutions. Cases include that of Ahmed Souab, arrested on terrorism charges after publicly criticizing the judiciary. The experts said such actions appear aimed at stifling dissent. Tunisia’s president Kais Saied has ruled by decree since dissolving parliament in 2021.
âš“ Nigeria: Dangote Files to Build Atlantic Seaport
Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has filed for approval to construct a deep-sea port in Olokola, Ogun State, aimed at supporting exports from his sprawling industrial complex. The new port will ease logistics for fertilizer, petrochemical, and potential LNG shipments, and could rival existing ports in Lagos. The proposal revives earlier plans shelved due to local disputes.
🪧 Egypt: Hunger Strike Ends for Jailed Activist’s Mother
Laila Soueif, mother of detained Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, has ended her 10-month hunger strike. Her son, a prominent figure in the 2011 uprising, remains imprisoned despite completing his sentence. Rights advocates continue to pressure Egyptian authorities for his release amid a broader crackdown on dissent.
🌊 Guinea-Bissau: Bijagos Archipelago Gains UNESCO Status
The Bijagos Archipelago has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its exceptional biodiversity and cultural heritage. The region hosts endangered marine species, sacred sites, and traditional fishing practices. This marks Guinea-Bissau’s first UNESCO listing and follows years of local engagement and ecological research.
