Thursday, January 8, 2026
Across the African continent, the start of 2026 has been marked by significant shifts in military strategy, a deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, and the high-octane drama of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). As governments in West Africa undergo restructuring, East African nations are grappling with the digital transformation of democracy amidst persistent regional instability.
Security & Geopolitics
Nigeria Assumes Lead in Anti-Jihadist Operations Post-U.S. Strikes
Following a series of targeted U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Day 2025, Nigeria has announced it will take the primary role in anti-jihadist operations in its northwest region. On Christmas night, U.S. Navy vessels in the Gulf of Guinea launched more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at ISIS-linked camps in Sokoto State. While President Donald Trump defended the strikes as a defense of “innocent Christians,” Nigerian officials have clarified that the operations targeted the “Lakurawa” militant group, which primarily victimizes Muslim civilians. Under a new security pact, the U.S. will transition to a support role, providing critical aerial reconnaissance and intelligence while the Nigerian Air Force leads kinetic engagements.+1
Sudan Reaches Grim 1,000-Day Milestone of War
Sudan enters the second week of January marking 1,000 days of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war has effectively partitioned the country, with the RSF controlling much of the west and south, while the SAF holds the east. On Tuesday, a drone strike in North Kordofan claimed 13 lives, including children, highlighting the “extreme risk” to civilians.+2
Tech & Information Warfare
Propaganda and “Fake-Female” Armies in Sudan
A specialized security report has exposed a network of over 3,000 fake female social media accounts being used to amplify RSF propaganda. These accounts leverage female personas to gain trust in conservative environments and frame any criticism as “harassment.” Meanwhile, the SAF’s Moral Orientation Unit is reportedly managing its own counter-propaganda operations, turning the digital sphere into a parallel front in the ongoing war.+1
Ethiopia Modernizes Democracy with Digital Registration
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has launched a first-of-its-kind digital voter and candidate registration system for the June 1, 2026, general elections. The system includes the “Mirechaye” mobile app and online portals. While officials hail this as a “milestone in modernization,” experts warn that weak connectivity in rural zones and cybersecurity risks remain significant hurdles for a nation of 135 million people.+1
Business & Energy
Uganda’s Oil Future: Bobi Wine Promises Review of Deals
Ahead of next week’s presidential election, opposition leader Bobi Wine has vowed to review all international production-sharing agreements if he unseats long-term President Yoweri Museveni. With Uganda’s oil reserves estimated at 6.65 billion barrels, fields operated by France’s TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC are expected to begin commercial production later this year. Wine’s stance has introduced fresh uncertainty for international investors in the East African energy sector.
Human Rights & Governance
Election Turmoil in Central Africa and South Sudan
- CAR: President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has secured a third term with 76.15% of the vote, according to provisional results. However, opposition leader Anicet-George Dologuélé has denounced the outcome as “massive fraud,” while clashes between the army and the Azande Ani Kpi Gbe (AAKG) militia persist in the southeast.+1
- South Sudan: Civil society leaders warn that the December 2026 election plan is “at risk” due to critical unmet benchmarks. Violence in Jonglei and Unity states, combined with a severe cash shortage, has made credible voter registration nearly impossible.+1
- Ivory Coast: Following a landslide legislative win where the ruling RHDP party took over 75% of seats, the Ivorian government has formally resigned to allow President Alassane Ouattara to appoint a new cabinet.
Sports: AFCON 2025
Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire Complete Quarterfinal Line-up
The quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are now set following dramatic Round of 16 finishes.
- Algeria squeezed past Congo with a 1-0 extra-time winner from Adil Boulbina, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane (son of Zinedine Zidane) kept his fourth consecutive clean sheet.
- Côte d’Ivoire, the defending champions, dominated Burkina Faso 3-0, led by a standout performance from Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.
Quarterfinal Matchups (January 9–10, 2026):
- Mali vs. Senegal
- Cameroon vs. Morocco
- Egypt vs. Côte d’Ivoire
- Nigeria vs. Algeria
