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1. Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Deepens Following Deadly Attack on Aid Convoy
A deadly attack on a World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF convoy near El Fasher, North Darfur, has left five Sudanese aid workers dead and several others injured. The convoy, transporting life-saving nutritional supplies across over 1,800 kilometers from Port Sudan, was targeted while awaiting clearance—despite all warring parties having been informed of its route. This was the first aid delivery to El Fasher in over a year. UN agencies condemned the attack as a violation of humanitarian law amid a worsening famine in the region.
2. Over 165,000 Displaced in South Sudan Amid Escalating Violence
The UN reports that renewed violence has displaced more than 165,000 people across South Sudan in the past three months, with 100,000 fleeing to neighboring countries. Internal conflict and movement restrictions, particularly in Upper Nile state, have stalled critical humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, amid a cholera outbreak and worsening rainy season conditions.
3. DRC and Liberia Elected to UN Security Council
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia have secured non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. The DRC, battling conflict in its east, sees the election as a signal of international support. Both countries are expected to represent African Union interests and advocate for Security Council reform.
4. Nigeria Deploys Military to Benue State Amid Surge in Killings
In response to ongoing violence by suspected herders and militias in Benue State, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has deployed additional troops and senior officers to assess and contain the crisis. The surge in attacks has led to increased displacement and public outcry.
5. Nigerian Court Jails Eight Filipinos for Cyber-Terrorism
A Lagos court sentenced eight Filipino nationals to one year in prison each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud following their arrest in the EFCC’s record-breaking anti-cybercrime operation in December 2024. The suspects were part of a larger international network targeting both local and foreign victims through digital scams.
6. African Women Allegedly Recruited to Build Russian Suicide Drones
A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime has revealed that young African women are being deceptively recruited to work in Russian drone factories like Alabuga, under the guise of educational programs. The UN warns that the practice may constitute human trafficking. Ukrainian officials have urged African governments to act amid rising ethical and legal concerns.
7. Kenyan Software Developer Arrest Sparks National Outcry
Rose Njeri, a Kenyan developer, was arrested for creating a tool allowing citizens to automatically email lawmakers opposing the controversial Finance Bill 2025. Her arrest under cybercrime laws has sparked widespread condemnation as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in East Africa. Regional civil society voices are decrying increasing repression and digital rights violations.
8. Tanzania Deregisters Church After MP Criticizes Government
Tanzanian authorities shut down Glory of Christ Church, led by ruling party MP Josephat Gwajima, after he accused the government of human rights abuses. The closure sparked protests in Dar es Salaam. Gwajima, a rising opposition figure, is viewed as a growing critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan ahead of the October elections.
9. Ugandan Clergy Demand Electoral Reform Ahead of 2026 Polls
Catholic and Anglican leaders in Uganda used Martyrs Day events to call for political reforms and a peaceful electoral process. Highlighting rising repression and silencing of dissent, Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere emphasized that leadership should be rooted in service, not fear.
10. ICC Approves First In Absentia Hearing for Uganda’s Joseph Kony
The International Criminal Court has authorized a September confirmation of charges hearing against Lord’s Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony, despite his fugitive status. Kony faces multiple war crimes and crimes against humanity charges, including murder and sexual slavery. This marks the ICC’s first case to proceed in absentia at this stage.
11. Ivory Coast Bars Opposition Figures from October Election
Ivory Coast’s electoral commission has excluded four major opposition figures—including Tidjane Thiam and former President Laurent Gbagbo—from the October presidential race, citing past convictions or nationality issues. The decision, which will not be reversed before the vote, raises concerns over electoral fairness.
12. Gold Price Surge Spurs African Government Action
With global gold prices soaring above $3,300 per ounce, African producers like Ghana anticipate a production boost, led by artisanal mining and new projects. In Mali, Barrick Mining is contesting potential nationalization of its mines by the military-led government at an international tribunal. Countries are increasingly asserting control over their mineral resources.
13. Flooding Displaces Thousands in Southern Ethiopia
More than 8,000 people have been displaced by flooding from Lake Turkana and the Omo River in Ethiopia’s South Omo Zone. The displaced are now sheltering in highlands, as erratic flooding patterns—now occurring up to three times annually—compound the effects of conflict and food insecurity in the region.
Source Credits: UN News, AFP, The Guardian, The East African, AP, Premium Times, Addis Standard, France 24, The Economist, JURIST
