January 15, 2026
Geopolitics & Diplomacy
Sudan Peace Efforts Intensify in Cairo as War Nears Three-Year Mark High-level discussions to resolve Sudan’s devastating conflict resumed in Cairo on Wednesday. Egypt and the United Nations issued an urgent call for a nationwide humanitarian truce between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt considers the collapse of Sudanese state institutions a “red line” and rejected any recognition of “parallel entities or militias.” Meanwhile, the European Union reaffirmed its support for Sudanese unity, rejecting any government formed outside the Khartoum authorities.+2
Uganda Navigates Tense Election Day Under Digital Blackout Ugandans headed to the polls on Thursday in a presidential election viewed as a critical test for incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has held power since 1986. The vote was marred by a nationwide internet shutdown, significant delays in delivering polling materials, and malfunctioning biometric identification machines. Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, remains the primary challenger in an environment the UN has described as marked by repression. Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama reported receiving threats from government figures but insisted results would be determined solely by the ballot and announced within 48 hours.+3
Business & Economy
Nigeria Secures Landmark Duty-Free Trade Deal with UAE Nigeria has signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates, securing duty-free access for over 7,000 Nigerian products. Signed in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, the deal immediately eliminates tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods, including oil seeds, cereals, and pharmaceuticals. Experts noted the deal’s potential to boost exports but warned of a “Re-export Trojan Horse” risk, urging strict “Rules of Origin” enforcement to prevent non-Emirati goods from being dumped in Nigeria.+2
Sudanese Gold Production Surges as Smuggling Drains National Wealth Despite the ongoing war, Sudan’s gold production reached a record 70.15 tons between 2023 and 2025. However, the state recorded only a fraction of this as official exports, with more than 80% of the industry controlled by artisanal miners and parallel markets. Regional networks, primarily involving the UAE and transit hubs in Chad and Ethiopia, reportedly facilitate this drain, depriving the Sudanese government of billions in revenue.
Tech & Logistics
Internet Shutdown Paralyzes Regional Trade at Mombasa Port The internet blackout in Uganda has caused an immediate ripple effect across East African logistics. Cargo handlers at Kenya’s Mombasa port suspended the movement of goods destined for Uganda and other landlocked neighbors on Thursday. The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) stated that the lack of real-time visibility and digital documentation has halted the clearing process, leaving drivers and cargo stranded.
Security
Chad and Nigeria Face Resurgent Armed Threats In southern Chad, violent clashes between the army and the MPRD rebel group (Movement for Peace, Reconciliation and Development) killed at least six people this week near Korbol. While the army characterized the rebels as “armed bandits,” researchers noted the group’s long-standing aim to overthrow the current system. In Northwest Nigeria, thousands fled their homes in Sokoto State after gang leader Bello Turji issued death threats against the Tidibale community, suspecting them of aiding security forces in a raid that killed one of his lieutenants.+2
Cameroon Separatists Kill 14 in Village Raid A resurgence of violence in Cameroon’s English-speaking Northwest region saw 14 people, including seven children, killed in Guidado village on Wednesday. This attack is part of a decade-long struggle by anglophone separatists, a conflict that has claimed over 6,000 lives to date.
Human Rights
Burundi Sentences Journalist; Tunisia Families Unite for Prisoners Burundian journalist Sandra Muhoza was sentenced on Wednesday to four years in prison for “undermining territorial integrity” and “racial hatred.” The charges stemmed from a private WhatsApp message about alleged government arms distribution. In Tunisia, families of political prisoners from diverse ideological backgrounds formed a new collective, the National Coordination for the Liberation of Political Prisoners, to unite against President Kais Saied’s crackdown on dissent.+1
Sports
Morocco and Senegal to Clash in Historic AFCON Final The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final this Sunday, January 18, 2026. Hosts Morocco booked their place after a penalty shootout victory over Nigeria, while defending champions Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0. This “dream final” pits the continent’s two highest-ranked teams against each other.
