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1. Jihadist Violence in the Sahel Escalates
Jihadist groups have intensified operations in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, challenging military juntas that pledged security improvements post-coup. Recent attacks have caused hundreds of military casualties, with JNIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims) responsible for strikes in Mali and Burkina Faso, and Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) leading assaults in Niger.
Military violence against civilians, particularly the Fulani ethnic group, has aggravated local grievances and bolstered jihadist recruitment, according to the Soufan Center think tank. Analysts fear the unrest could spread to West Africa’s coastal nations.
Security experts also highlight financial difficulties faced by Sahelian juntas, including challenges in paying soldiers, raising concerns about their long-term capacity to resist militant offensives.
2. Mali: New Attack on Military Post Leaves Five Dead
An army post in Mahou, southeastern Mali, came under attack on Thursday morning, leaving five dead and multiple wounded, according to defence sources.
The assault follows deadly jihadist offensives elsewhere in Mali, including an attack in Timbuktu, where several insurgents were “neutralized.” Days earlier, 30 soldiers were killed in Boulkessi, near the Burkina Faso border.
Since 2012, Mali has battled armed militants, separatists, and criminal gangs, contributing to persistent instability.
3. Uganda Takes Control of Two DRC Towns
The Ugandan army has seized control of Kasenyi and Tchomia, towns in DRC’s Ituri province, citing efforts to prevent inter-ethnic clashes.
Uganda has collaborated with DRC forces to combat Islamist insurgents, while also maintaining strategic interests in securing gold mines and trade routes. The occupied towns lie near Lake Albert, a hub for Uganda’s oil exploration project with TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
4. Suspected Jihadist Attack in Benin Kills Security Forces
A police station in Tanougou, Benin, was attacked on Wednesday night, killing three soldiers and two police officers.
Benin has experienced a rising trend of jihadist violence, especially near Niger and Burkina Faso. April saw 54 soldiers killed in an attack at W National Park, with another 28 Beninese troops slain in January. Both assaults were claimed by JNIM.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon has lamented poor security cooperation with Niger and Burkina Faso, complicating anti-terror operations.
5. Nigeria: Militants Launch Twin Attacks in Borno
Nigerian troops repelled two militant assaults on Buratai and Mallam Fatori, Borno State, on Thursday morning.
In Mallam Fatori, Boko Haram fighters attempted multi-front attacks, only to be pushed back by alert soldiers. Nigerian Air Force units assisted in tracking and engaging fleeing insurgents.
Security forces seized AK-47s, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), and other weaponry.
6. Cybercrime Crackdown: Nigeria Jails Nine Chinese Nationals
A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one year in prison for cybercrime and financial terrorism.
The convicts were arrested in December 2024 in a major cybercrime raid, which saw over 700 individuals detained, including 158 foreign nationals. Investigators revealed a scheme to recruit Nigerian youths for identity theft and international financial fraud.
Separate convictions included eight Filipino nationals, highlighting the transnational nature of cybercrime networks.
7. Sudan: RSF Shelling Kills Civilians in Darfur
Heavy artillery shelling by the RSF has struck Abu Shouk displacement camp, killing at least 20 civilians in North Darfur over two days.
Local reports indicate daily drone and artillery attacks have devastated the camp, prompting residents to dig underground shelters. Civilians continue to die, despite attempts to fortify protection efforts.
The situation in El Fasher city, adjacent to Abu Shouk, remains critical as RSF operations intensify.
8. Sudan: Hemedti Rules Out Jeddah Talks, Vows Military Escalation
RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo has refused further Jeddah negotiations, vowing intensified military operations.
The Jeddah Platform, facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the U.S., previously hosted three negotiation rounds between Sudanese factions. However, SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces) insists on RSF withdrawal before any new talks.
RSF forces have recently captured multiple towns in West Kordofan and are threatening attacks on El Obeid and Northern State.
9. South Sudan: Kiir Reshuffles Peace Implementation Committee
President Salva Kiir has restructured the High-Level Ad Hoc Committee overseeing peace implementation, excluding members loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar.
Kiir’s latest move raises concerns over the future of the National Transitional Committee (NTC), which supervises the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
10. South Sudan: Deadly Herders’ Clashes Prompt Emergency Declaration
South Sudan’s government has declared a state of emergency following hundreds of deaths in Warrap State, fueled by cattle raids and clashes over scarce water.
Herders in Tonj County have engaged in revenge attacks, worsening regional instability. Several embassies recently warned of worsening security, citing battles between forces aligned with President Kiir and First Vice President Machar.
11. Chinese Pullback Reshapes African Energy Investment
Chinese development finance institutions (DFIs) have reduced energy investments in Africa by 85% since 2015, triggering a funding gap.
Private investors are stepping in, with clean energy projects attracting $40 billion in 2024, more than double 2019 figures. However, experts note that hard-to-reach areas remain underfunded, posing challenges to universal access.
12. Zambia: Former President Edgar Lungu Dies at 68
Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has died at age 68 while receiving treatment in South Africa.
Lungu led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, losing re-election to President Hakainde Hichilema. His tenure was marked by economic struggles and political tensions. His constitutional bar from seeking another term did not deter his criticism of Hichilema’s government.
Lungu rose rapidly in politics, starting as a member of parliament in 2011, before serving as Minister of Home Affairs, ultimately assuming the presidency following Michael Sata’s death in office.
13. Bodies of 14 African Migrants Discovered in Venezuela
Authorities in northeastern Venezuela have recovered 14 African migrants’ bodies from a boat drifting in Delta Amacuro.
Victims, identified as Malian nationals, succumbed to dehydration and hunger. Their deaths follow the discovery of 11 migrant bodies in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, also carrying Malian passports.
Migration routes via South America remain perilous, as desperate individuals face life-threatening conditions.
