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September 11, 2025
HUMAN RIGHTS
Sudan Accused of Atrocity Crimes in Detention ‘Slaughterhouses’
A UN fact-finding mission has accused both Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing atrocity crimes in the ongoing civil war. Survivors described RSF detention sites as “slaughterhouses,” with reports of torture, starvation, and denial of medical care leading to dozens of deaths. UN experts warned of ongoing violations due to the absence of accountability, urging urgent international attention.
(Source: UN News)
South Africa Jails 7 Chinese Nationals for Human Trafficking
A South African court sentenced seven Chinese nationals to 20 years in prison each for trafficking 91 Malawian workers into forced labor at a Johannesburg factory. Victims endured 11-hour shifts under armed guard, with no safety provisions. The case highlights the growing concern over transnational labor exploitation networks.
(Source: AP)
Egypt Intensifies Crackdown on Social Media Users
Human Rights Watch reports that Egyptian authorities arrested or prosecuted at least 40 individuals in one month for social media content. Many were charged under Egypt’s cybercrime law, targeting what the government deems as “indecent” or “immoral” posts. HRW condemned the campaign as a move to silence free expression.
(Source: AFP)
POLITICS
Malawi Election Looms Amid Deep Economic Discontent
Malawians head to the polls on September 16, with widespread frustration over economic stagnation and high inflation. Incumbent Lazarus Chakwera trails former president Peter Mutharika in pre-election polls. Analysts expect a runoff, as no candidate is likely to secure an outright majority.
(Source: AFP)
South Sudan Peace Talks Restart Amid Rising Violence
South Sudanese stakeholders met this week in Juba to revive the stalled 2018 peace agreement. With elections due in 2025, key pre-election milestones remain unmet. The talks, supported by UNMISS, focused on breaking the political deadlock and unifying the fragmented security apparatus.
(Source: Radio Tamazuj)
EU Warns Liberia on Sahel Instability
The EU’s Special Envoy to the Sahel, João Gomes Cravinho, cautioned Liberia on potential spillover effects from Sahel unrest. During a visit to Monrovia, Cravinho urged tighter border security and vigilance against disinformation, emphasizing Liberia’s growing regional responsibility as it joins the UN Security Council.
(Source: The Liberian Investigator)
SECURITY
Kidnappings of Aid Workers Spike in South Sudan
Kidnappings of aid workers in South Sudan have more than doubled this year, raising concerns about humanitarian operations amid escalating conflict. Over 30 workers have been abducted in 2025, with at least one fatality. Analysts warn of a growing trend of ransom-driven abductions in one of the world’s most dangerous environments for aid personnel.
(Source: AP)
Somalia, UN Discuss Youth Radicalization Prevention
Somalia’s Youth Minister held virtual talks with the UN’s counterterrorism chief to address radicalization among young Somalis. The discussion focused on education, employment, and online narrative countering as tools to prevent recruitment by extremist groups like Al-Shabaab. Nearly 70% of Somalia’s population is under 30.
(Source: Radio Dalsan)
ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT
Kenya Plans $1 Billion Debt-for-Food Security Swap
Kenya aims to launch a $1 billion “debt-for-food” swap by March 2026, following the model of recent debt-for-nature agreements. The plan would lower debt service costs in exchange for targeted investment in food security programs. The government currently spends about a third of its revenue on interest payments.
(Source: Reuters)
Ghana Opens 200 Corruption Cases in Anti-Graft Push
President John Mahama announced over 200 active corruption cases as part of a renewed effort to recover stolen state assets. Several high-profile figures, including a former finance minister and the chief justice, have been investigated. While Mahama himself faced past corruption allegations, no charges were brought.
(Source: AFP)
Congo Brazzaville Signs $23 Billion Oil Deal with China
Congo Brazzaville has inked a $23 billion agreement with China’s Wing Wah to expand oil production. The deal aims to increase output to 200,000 barrels per day by 2030, as the country seeks to leverage its oil reserves for economic recovery.
(Source: Semafor)
TECH & PRESS FREEDOM
Kenyan Police Accused of Spying on Detained Filmmakers
Four independent Kenyan filmmakers detained in May had spyware installed on their devices during police custody, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Citizen Lab researchers confirmed spyware on two phones, raising serious concerns about press freedom and digital surveillance.
(Source: AFP / CPJ)
SOCIAL IMPACT
Africa Adds 20 Million Children to School Feeding Programs
Governments in sub-Saharan Africa provided school meals to 20 million more children between 2022 and 2024, according to the World Food Programme. Countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda saw dramatic scale-ups. The initiative also boosted local economies, with programs sourcing food from smallholder farmers.
(Source: Reuters)
