Japan Deepens Ties with Africa Through Innovation and Co-Ownership
At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to Africa through a partnership model based on co-creation, mutual benefit, and shared responsibility. Leaders from 42 African countries joined Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, alongside representatives from business, academia, and civil society. The event featured over 200 networking sessions and 300 business exhibitions. Launched in 1993, TICAD remains the oldest multilateral Africa-Asia engagement platform, meeting every three years to advance development collaboration.
DR Congo and Rwanda Commit to Washington Peace Accord
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have reiterated their commitment to the June 2025 Washington Accord, aimed at de-escalating tensions and respecting national sovereignty. A second Joint Oversight Committee meeting, held in the US and attended by the African Union, Qatar, and US officials, acknowledged delays in implementation but welcomed plans for a military and intelligence communication channel before the next talks in Doha.
Tanzanian Opposition Crackdown Draws Regional Concern
Forty-two prominent African political figures have urged Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to release opposition leader Tundu Lissu, currently facing treason charges. They also called for the unbanning of Chadema, his political party, ahead of general elections next month. Critics warn that failure to act risks undermining President Hassan’s reformist image.
Ugandan Government Faces Scrutiny Over Staged Rebel Threats
Uganda has arrested top military officials, including Maj. Gen. James Birungi, for allegedly staging rebel attacks falsely attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Critics say the revelations expose internal power struggles and raise concerns about manipulation of national security narratives under President Museveni’s regime.
UN: Food Inflation Hits Africa the Hardest
A new UN report highlights how global food inflation disproportionately affects African nations. Countries like Zimbabwe and Sudan have recorded over 350% inflation, with rising food prices directly correlating with increased food insecurity and civil unrest. Protests in Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria last year were all linked to the cost-of-living crisis.
Nigeria Boat Tragedy Leaves Over 60 Dead
At least 60 people drowned after a boat capsized on Nigeria’s Kainji reservoir. Most victims were women and children. Overcrowding, poor maintenance, and lax enforcement are blamed for frequent boating disasters, especially during the rainy season.
Somali Airstrike Kills Three Senior Al-Shabaab Leaders
Somalia’s intelligence agency (NISA) confirmed the killing of three Al-Shabaab leaders in an airstrike in the Hiran region, conducted with international partners. Among the dead were finance and regional commanders, along with 10 other militants.
AFRICOM Chief Visits East Africa Amid Security Transition
General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US AFRICOM, visited Kenya and Somalia to reaffirm support for regional counter-terrorism efforts. In Somalia, he met African Union officials to discuss operations against Al-Shabaab and the ongoing AUSSOM funding crisis, which has delayed troop deployments.
Libya and UK Boost Security and Defense Cooperation
Libyan leader Mohamed al-Menfi met with a UK delegation led by Air Marshal Edward Ahlgren to discuss enhancing bilateral security partnerships, combatting terrorism, and supporting Libya’s military institutions amid ongoing regional instability.
Russia Prioritizes Congo in Expanding Africa Strategy
Russian President Vladimir Putin has named Congo-Brazzaville a strategic partner in Moscow’s broader push into Africa. At a recent meeting, both countries reaffirmed cooperation in education, defense, and economic projects, highlighting Russia’s growing footprint on the continent.
Nigerian Airstrike Targets Militants in Sambisa Forest
The Nigerian Air Force has killed over 15 Islamist militants in an operation targeting a hideout in Borno State’s Sambisa Forest. The strike, based on surveillance intelligence, is part of ongoing efforts to weaken Boko Haram and ISWAP networks.
Cameroon Struggles with Reintegration of Ex-Combatants
Over 4,000 former fighters have passed through Cameroon’s DDR centres, but many face overcrowding and resource shortages. Experts warn that without adequate reintegration support, the risk of renewed violence remains high.
UN Cites Turkish Arms in Sudan Despite Embargo
A UN panel reported the presence of Turkish-made rifles in Sudan’s conflict zones, despite an arms embargo. The weapons were found among Sudanese forces and militias, raising concerns about export monitoring and arms diversion.
India-Africa Trade Hits Record $100 Billion
India-Africa trade has reached a historic $100 billion, according to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. India aims to deepen ties in health, renewable energy, and agriculture, and reaffirmed support for the African Union’s G20 membership.
Bridging Africa’s AI Language Gap
The African Next Voices project is building AI training datasets in 18 African languages to address underrepresentation in AI systems. The initiative has captured 9,000 hours of speech in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, covering health, farming, and education contexts.
