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Burkina Faso: Eight Security Forces Killed in Jihadist Attacks
A series of coordinated attacks attributed to jihadist groups killed seven police officers and one soldier in Burkina Faso, security sources confirmed. Two assaults near Fada N’Gourma, in the east near the Niger border, targeted police units, while a separate attack on June 30 near Boulsa in central Burkina Faso was claimed by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). Despite the ruling junta’s pledge to improve security following its 2022 coup, jihadist violence persists. According to ACLED, over 26,000 people have been killed since 2015—more than half in the past three years alone.
Niger: Islamist Violence Escalates Amid Leadership Struggles
General Abdourahamane Tiani’s junta continues to lose ground to jihadist groups, with severe attacks occurring despite high-profile military promotions and symbolic gestures. In late May, Islamic State fighters killed over 90 soldiers in separate attacks near Mali and Benin borders. Efforts to revive gold mining in volatile regions further underscore the security vacuum under Tiani’s rule since his 2023 coup.
Nigeria: Armed Ambush Leaves 40 Dead in Plateau State
At least 40 members of village defence groups were killed in Plateau State during an ambush and related attacks by armed gangs, often referred to locally as “bandits.” The violence highlights the increasing insecurity in central Nigeria and the limited reach of state authority. Vigilante groups have emerged as substitutes for state protection, though often facing retaliation or becoming overwhelmed.
Sudan: Journalists Detained in Darfur Amid Intensifying Conflict
Two journalists were arrested in El Fasher by forces aligned with Sudan’s Sovereign Council, deepening press freedom concerns in the war-torn Darfur region. The Sudan Liberation Movement–Transitional Council, allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces, detained the journalists under unclear charges. The incident reflects growing repression as the SAF battles the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Launches Major Assault on Strategic Town
Somali armed forces clashed with Al-Shabaab fighters over control of Moqokori in the central Hiraan region. Local militia reported a temporary retreat amid continued fighting. The town’s strategic value, connecting key routes, makes it a target for the Al-Qaeda-linked insurgency, which appears to be resurging after prior setbacks.
AU Extends Burundian Troop Mandate in Somalia
The African Union extended Burundian troop presence in Somalia by six months to compensate for deployment delays by other nations under the new AUSSOM mission, replacing ATMIS. The move aims to maintain pressure on Al-Shabaab and ensure continuity in Somalia’s stabilization efforts amid logistical and funding challenges.
Uganda: Jailed Besigye Launches New Opposition Party
Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, detained since November on treason charges, launched the People’s Front for Freedom while in prison. Supporters claim the charges are politically motivated. Besigye’s move sets the stage for Uganda’s contentious 2026 presidential election, where President Yoweri Museveni, now 80, remains in power.
Kenya: Anti-Government Protests Turn Deadly
Eleven people were killed and over 500 arrested during nationwide protests commemorating Kenya’s Saba Saba pro-democracy movement. Youth-led demonstrations targeted government corruption and police abuses. Human rights groups condemned the crackdown, citing excessive use of force and unlawful detentions.
South Sudan: Army Chief Dismissed Amid Political Tensions
President Salva Kiir dismissed Defense Chief Gen. Paul Nang Majok and appointed Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol amid escalating tensions with First Vice President Riek Machar. The change comes after intensified military operations in Upper Nile and continued political rifts within the fragile transitional government.
Cameroon: Human Rights Abuses in Kondengui Prison Spotlighted
Kondengui maximum-security prison remains a symbol of repression under President Paul Biya. Rights groups report prolonged detentions without trial, torture, and severe overcrowding. Opposition supporters and civilians arrested under Cameroon’s broad anti-terrorism law are frequently held without due process.
Chad: Lawyers Urge Macron to Intervene in Opposition Leader’s Detention
Succès Masra, detained since May on charges of inciting violence, has become a symbol of political repression in Chad. His lawyers allege the case is politically driven and have appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron to intervene. Domestic legal remedies appear exhausted amid increasing pressure on opposition voices.
Guinea: Rights Groups Demand Answers on Missing Activists
One year after the disappearance of pro-democracy activists Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Bah, rights organizations are demanding clarity from Guinea’s junta. The activists were allegedly abducted by armed men. Their fate remains unknown, highlighting concerns over enforced disappearances and suppression of dissent.
Ivory Coast: Ex-Minister Freed After Apology for Election Criticism
Former minister Joel N’Guessan was released following an apology for statements criticizing the exclusion of opposition candidates from the upcoming presidential elections. He had been arrested for “discrediting” the judiciary. The incident underscores the political sensitivities ahead of the October 2025 vote.
South Africa: National Dialogue Continues Without Key Coalition Partner
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the continuation of national dialogue despite the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) withdrawal from the process. The fallout follows the dismissal of a DA deputy minister, exposing growing rifts in the governing coalition formed after the 2024 elections.
Libya: Over 100 Migrants Intercepted, Three Bodies Recovered
Libyan authorities intercepted 113 migrants off the coast and recovered three bodies during operations this week. Intercepted migrants are routinely returned to detention centers in Libya, where UN agencies report widespread abuse. Libya remains a major transit point for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Kenya: Chebet and Kipyegon Break World Records
Kenyan athletes Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon set new world records in the 5000m and 1500m races respectively at the Prefontaine Classic. Chebet became the first woman to run under 14 minutes in the 5000m, while Kipyegon broke her own 1500m record for the third consecutive year—further cementing Kenya’s global athletics dominance.
