Date: January 2, 2026
Region: Pan-Africa
As the new year dawns, the African continent navigates a complex tapestry of democratic transitions, historic infrastructure projects, and a tightening regulatory landscape. From the Horn of Africa to the Atlantic coast, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for both sovereign security and continental integration.
Geopolitics & Governance
Uganda’s Tense Countdown: Presidential aspirant Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) has issued a final plea for “peace and justice” as Uganda enters the final weeks before the late January general elections. Speaking at Lubaga Cathedral, Kyagulanyi warned that the country’s progress is tethered to the fairness of the electoral process. The election sees 80-year-old Yoweri Museveni seeking a seventh term amid an environment critics describe as increasingly authoritarian.
CAR Electoral Milestone: African Union (AU) observers have commended the “serene” conduct of the December 28 elections in the Central African Republic. Incumbent Faustin-Archange Touadéra is the frontrunner for a third term following 2023 constitutional amendments. Provisional results are expected by January 5, with final confirmation slated for January 20.
Somalia’s Drilling & Space Ambitions: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced a bold roadmap for 2026, including the deployment of the deepwater drilling vessel Cagri Bey to Somali waters in February. Complementing energy ties, Turkey plans to establish a satellite-focused spaceport in Somalia, leveraging the nation’s strategic location to build a regional hub for Eurasia and Africa.
Tech & Innovation
Cyber Breach Reporting Tightens: In a major shift for 2026, African corporations have “lost the luxury of silence” regarding data breaches. New regulations in Algeria now mandate a 5-day window for reporting breaches, while Kenya and South Africa have enforced 48-hour and 72-hour notification windows respectively. According to South Africa’s Information Regulator, 2,374 breaches were logged in the last financial year, 82% of which occurred after the new portal was launched in April 2025.
Critical Infrastructure Under Threat: High-profile attacks on the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and Kenya’s M-TIBA health platform in late 2025 have sparked a continental push for “Critical Information Infrastructure” (CII) protection. Countries like Zambia are now requiring designated entities to undergo annual audits and keep critical data hosted locally.
Security & Conflict
The El-Fasher Crisis: A UN humanitarian team has finally accessed el-Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region, the first such visit since the city was overrun by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in October. The mission described the city as a “massive crime scene,” with survivors lacking basic food and medical supplies after a year-long siege.
The Gambia’s Maritime Tragedy: At least seven people are confirmed dead and dozens remain missing after a migrant vessel carrying over 200 people capsized off the Gambian coast near Jinack Village. The Gambian Navy has rescued 96 survivors. This highlights the ongoing danger of the “Atlantic Route” to the Canary Islands, which saw over 10,000 deaths in 2025—a 58% increase from the previous year.
Human Rights
Nigeria’s Human Rights Dashboard: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reported a staggering threefold increase in complaints through late 2025. In April 2025 alone, the commission recorded 570 killings and 278 kidnappings, describing it as the “worst human rights situation in a year.” Violence in Plateau and Benue states remains a primary driver of displacement.
Mozambique Detention Crisis: Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has accused the government of reneging on a pardon agreement. While President Daniel Chapo issued a Christmas pardon for 751 prisoners, Mondlane claims over 2,700 opposition supporters remain in custody following post-election unrest that saw widespread riots and a massive prison break in Maputo late last year.
Business & Sport
AFCON 2025 Round of 16: The football world turns its eyes to the Round of 16 in Morocco.
- Senegal vs Sudan: Favourites Senegal face Sudan, the lowest-ranked side remaining. Sudan’s journey is being hailed as a “fairytale of fortitude” given the ongoing war at home.
- Mali vs Tunisia: A heavyweight clash featuring Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma (Mali) against a revitalized Tunisian side.
