AU, UN, Arab League Launch Unified Push for Sudan Peace Deal
A trilateral diplomatic initiative is underway to end Sudan’s civil war, with the African Union (AU), Arab League, and United Nations (UN) pledging coordinated action. The announcement followed consultations during the Arab League Summit in Baghdad, where leaders emphasized a shared framework for a permanent ceasefire.
This joint approach draws on key mechanisms, including UN Security Council resolutions, the Jeddah Declaration, and AU-Arab League decisions. Core priorities include halting violence, restoring humanitarian access, and creating conditions for political stabilization.
Sudan’s Health System Collapse Drives Spike in Maternal Deaths
Sudan’s conflict continues to devastate public health, especially for women and children. According to the Federal Ministry of Health:
- 870 pregnant women died between June 2023 and July 2024, with 350 deaths occurring in medical facilities.
- Maternal mortality now stands at 295 per 100,000 live births.
- 90% of health institutions are no longer functional.
- Over 176,000 pregnant and 850,000 lactating women are severely malnourished.
- Cholera and dengue outbreaks have killed over 316,000 and infected 576,000, respectively.
- An estimated 45,000 children have died from malnutrition.
The data highlights a systemic health collapse, requiring urgent international medical and humanitarian intervention.
Nigeria Secures $400M Investment for Industrial Zone in Ogun
Nigeria is receiving a major industrial investment boost amid shifting global trade dynamics. Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) has committed $400 million to develop a large-scale industrial zone in Ogun State, just outside Lagos.
Expected to be operational by July 2025, the project will include one of the world’s largest textile manufacturing hubs. Arise IIP CEO Gagan Gupta cited Nigeria’s vast consumer market and the government’s new “Nigeria First” policy as key drivers.
With rising global trade unpredictability, African countries are turning inward. Gupta noted, “Volatility in global trade is encouraging countries to prioritize national interests.” The new policy underscores a pivot toward domestic production, import substitution, and local job creation.
South Africa–U.S. Relations: Reset or Realignment?
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump on May 21, amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Washington has criticized Pretoria’s positions on Israel-Palestine, deepening ties with China and Russia, and alleged anti-Western rhetoric. U.S. trade penalties—such as a 31% “Liberation Day” tariff and 25% duties on car exports—have added economic strain.
Yet South Africa holds strategic leverage. The country is the world’s top producer of platinum, vanadium, and manganese, all critical for electric vehicles, defense, and battery storage, and now prioritized under U.S. industrial legislation.
The upcoming meeting may offer a recalibrated relationship, depending on whether Washington seeks cooperation or compliance.
Rwanda Scales Up EV Infrastructure with 224 New Charging Stations
Rwanda is set to develop 224 new EV charging stations nationwide, marking a significant expansion of its clean transport strategy. The Ministry of Infrastructure says the initiative aims to accelerate electric mobility, reduce emissions, and decrease fuel imports.
From just 19 electric vehicles in 2020, Rwanda now has over 500 EVs. However, the country only had 24 public charging stations as of late 2023. The government will offer tax incentives and electricity subsidies to encourage investment and speed up rollout.
Charging sites will prioritize urban centers, highways, and logistics corridors, aligning with Rwanda’s climate goals and long-term transport modernization agenda.
Mali Faces Rights Backlash Over Political Crackdown
Mali’s military authorities have drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations for dissolving political parties and removing legal protections for political engagement.
The UN’s top human rights office labeled the moves “draconian”, noting a 120% increase in rights violations over the past year. The political crackdown comes amid a worsening security vacuum following the exit of MINUSMA, French forces, and EU military advisers.
Civilians continue to face deadly attacks from JNIM and Islamic State–Sahel Province. Malian troops, reportedly working with foreign operatives dubbed “Africa Corps” (Wagner), also face allegations of extrajudicial killings and abuses.
Borno State Under Siege: Boko Haram Attacks Resurge
Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction have launched 12 deadly attacks in Borno State over the past three weeks, targeting military posts and civilians. Governor Babagana Zulum warned the state is “losing ground” to insurgents and called for immediate federal intervention.
Despite past security gains, insurgent activity is surging, displacing civilians and straining military resources. The attacks raise alarm about the sustainability of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy in the northeast.
Somalia: Suicide Bomber Kills 13 at Mogadishu Recruitment Center
A suicide attacker disguised as a recruit detonated explosives on May 18 at a Mogadishu military center, killing 13 and injuring 21. While no group has claimed responsibility, al-Shabab is the prime suspect.
The bombing mirrors a similar attack in July 2023, when 25 soldiers were killed at a military academy. Al-Shabab continues to target security forces in its effort to impose strict Sharia rule across Somalia.
Tanzania: Treason Charges Raise Alarm Ahead of Elections
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu appeared in court on May 19, facing charges of treason and incitement for a speech challenging the legitimacy of Tanzania’s upcoming October elections.
Lissu has refused virtual proceedings, demanding a public trial. His arrest has intensified scrutiny of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s record on political freedoms as she seeks re-election. His CHADEMA party continues to demand electoral reform to prevent systemic bias toward the ruling party.
Mozambique: Militant Attacks Halt Conservation in Niassa Reserve
Militants attacked Niassa Reserve on April 29, killing two anti-poaching scouts. Two others remain missing, and conservation operations have been suspended.
The attackers, claimed to be from al-Shabaab, also conducted a deadly raid on April 19 at a nearby safari lodge, killing six soldiers and beheading two civilians. Over 2,000 people have since fled the area.
The violence jeopardizes decades of wildlife conservation work, including efforts to restore lion, elephant, and antelope populations. Northern Mozambique remains volatile amid a growing insurgency that has displaced more than 1 million people since 2017.
Libya: Armed Clashes Rock Tripoli After Militia Leader Killed
Tripoli has seen renewed violence after the killing of Abdelghani al-Kikli, head of the Support and Stability Apparatus, by the 444 Brigade, aligned with Libya’s UN-backed government.
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah called on all militias to align with official state institutions. However, protests demanding his resignation have followed the clashes, underlining deep frustrations with ongoing instability.
The unrest underscores Libya’s fragile peace and the urgent need for security sector reform ahead of long-delayed national elections.
