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DR Congo: Ceasefire Collapses Amid Intensified Clashes in South Kivu
Renewed fighting erupted between M23/AFC rebels and the Wazalendo militia in eastern DR Congo, violating a ceasefire aimed at supporting Doha peace talks. Clashes since June 18 have spread across South Kivu’s Walungu, Kabare, and Kalehe territories. Civil society groups report panic and displacement, with fighting reaching Nyantende and near Panzi. Casualties remain unconfirmed.
ECOWAS: Sierra Leone’s President Bio Named New Chair Amid Regional Instability
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone was appointed ECOWAS Chairman as the bloc faces growing security and political turmoil. Bio pledged to prioritize democratic governance and regional security amid challenges including jihadist violence and the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who have formed the Alliance of Sahel States.
Mali: Junta Leader Goita in Russia Amid Mercenary Transition
Malian junta leader Gen. Assimi Goita arrived in Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin, following the withdrawal of Wagner forces and their replacement by Russia’s Africa Corps. Mali, under Goita, has deepened military ties with Russia while distancing from Western allies.
Wagner Group Faces ICC Scrutiny Over Atrocity Propaganda
A confidential legal brief submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) accuses Russia-linked Wagner of war crimes, citing the spread of gruesome atrocity content in West Africa via social media. Rights experts argue such dissemination could itself constitute a war crime.
Libya: Al-Khadim Airbase Becomes Russian Military Hub
Russia is reportedly redirecting military assets from Syria’s Hmeimin base to Libya’s Al-Khadim airbase. Satellite imagery tracked a Russian Antonov-124 aircraft transporting equipment as Moscow seeks to reinforce its strategic foothold in the Sahel amid Syrian instability.
Sudan: Political Divisions and Lawlessness Deepen
Sudan’s pro-army political allies demand inclusion in government formation, criticizing PM-designate Kamel Idris’s unilateral appointment. In South Darfur’s Nyala, unchecked RSF fighters have caused a collapse in law and order, marked by looting, kidnapping, and extrajudicial killings.
Somalia: Army Destroys Al-Shabaab Weapons Cache
The Somali National Army destroyed a major Al-Shabaab weapons depot in Adan Yabaal district, dealing a logistical blow to the militants. The operation targeted facilities used to rig explosive vehicles and stage attacks across central Somalia.
Nigeria: Military Kills 600 Insurgents, Fear Persists
Despite eliminating over 600 Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in three weeks, fear remains among Borno residents. Locals are reluctant to return to farming and daily activities amid concerns over renewed attacks once military units withdraw.
Guinea: ECOWAS Urges Inclusive Election Planning
ECOWAS has called on Guinea’s junta to engage stakeholders after the military announced a new electoral authority. Critics warn of growing authoritarianism as the junta plans a constitutional referendum in September and elections in December.
Ivory Coast: Ouattara Weighs Fourth Term Amid Election Tensions
President Alassane Ouattara is considering a controversial fourth-term bid after being nominated by his party ahead of October elections. Tensions have risen following court bans on opposition candidates, prompting accusations of democratic backsliding.
Sahel: Juntas Tighten Grip on Mining
Sahelian juntas are escalating pressure on foreign mining firms. Niger has nationalised French uranium firm Orano’s local operations, while Mali demands back taxes from Barrick and seized a gold mine. Industry players are increasingly turning to international arbitration.
Burundi: Ruling Party Wins All Seats in Disputed Election
Burundi’s constitutional court upheld election results granting all 100 parliamentary seats to the ruling CNDD-FDD. Opposition groups and the Catholic Church denounced the vote as rigged, citing intimidation and suppression of dissent.
Algeria: Thousands of Migrants Dumped in Sahara
Algeria has expelled over 7,000 migrants—including 700 children—into the Niger desert since April. Non-Nigeriens report being stripped of belongings and forced to walk 15km in extreme heat to reach aid stations, in violation of repatriation protocols.
Saudi Arabia: 37 Ethiopians Face Execution, Rights Groups Warn
Thirty-seven Ethiopians are among scores of foreign nationals facing imminent execution in Saudi Arabia for non-violent drug offenses. Rights groups allege coercion and human trafficking, urging international intervention as executions surge across the kingdom.
