Central Africa

Legal Challenges Emerge Over U.S.-Congo Minerals Deal Congolese lawyers and human rights defenders are challenging a controversial "minerals-for-security" deal signed between the government of President Félix Tshisekedi and the United States in December. Critics argue that the agreement not only bypassed necessary parliamentary approval but may also require a national referendum under the Congolese constitution. The deal, designed to grant the U.S. preferential access to vital minerals such as cobalt and coltan—critical…

In Cairo’s June 30 Stadium, under the bright floodlights and the pressure of a continent watching, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan took command of the CAF Champions League final between Egypt’s Pyramids FC and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. The match, which Sundowns edged 2–1, had all the urgency the occasion demands. Yet the deeper story was not the scoreline. It was the whistle in Artan’s hand — the first time a Somali official had been entrusted with African club football’s ultimate stage. For Somali sport,…

KABALE, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has awarded his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Kabalega Star Medal, Uganda’s second-highest military decoration, citing his leadership in operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Museveni conferred the honor Friday during the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations at Kabale National Teachers’ College in southwestern Uganda, held under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifice.” The Kabalega Star,…

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame firmly stated that his country should not be held accountable for the internal issues plaguing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During a recent address at the National Umushyikirano Council in Kigali, Kagame underscored the principle that each nation must confront and resolve its own challenges. Highlighting the significance of national security, Kagame asserted that Rwanda remains committed to safeguarding its citizens, particularly against threats posed by the Democratic Forces for…

Suffering and Survival in Eastern Chad: A Refugee Crisis Unfolds Authorities and aid organizations in eastern Chad are grappling with a surge of Sudanese refugees fleeing a brutal conflict. The humanitarian emergency is highlighted by severe shortages in medical and mental health support. Wounded refugees suffer from both physical and psychological trauma. The conflict involves drone attacks and ground combat, creating casualties. Chad's medical facilities are overstretched, struggling to cope with the influx.…

RIYADH — Türkiye and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s one-day visit to the kingdom, rejecting what they called separatist moves and parallel structures that threaten the Horn of Africa nation’s unity. In a statement released Wednesday by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate following Erdogan’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, the leaders stressed their “unwavering support” for the Federal Republic of Somalia and…

Tottenham’s stirring fightback — lit by a scorpion-kick equalizer from Dominik Solanke — dented Manchester City’s chase and handed Arsenal clear daylight in the Premier League title race on Sunday. Solanke scored twice in the second half to rescue a 2-2 draw for Spurs after City had cruised to a 2-0 halftime lead. The point leaves Arsenal six clear at the top with 14 games left, a cushion that widened as Aston Villa lost at home to 10-man Brentford. It was a wild, consequential day across the league, shaped by late drama,…

Tragic Mine Collapse in Eastern Congo Claims Over 200 Lives At least 200 people were killed when a coltan mine collapsed after heavy rains in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident highlights not only the dangers associated with artisanal mining but also the broader implications of illegal resource exploitation in conflict zones. According to rebel authorities, women, children, and artisanal miners were among the victims of this catastrophe, with around 20 survivors receiving treatment in local…

Brutal Separatist Attack Rocks Northwest Cameroon, Escalating Ongoing Conflict Cameroonians have been left in shock following a brutal separatist attack on a remote village in the country's Northwest region, resulting in more than a dozen people dead or injured. Residents describe harrowing scenes of entire families being slain and homes reduced to ashes—an escalation that highlights the relentless violence plaguing the Anglophone regions. According to estimates from the International Crisis Group, the toll of the…

Somalia resolves rare public spat between embassies in Kenya and Tanzania MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government says it has resolved a rare and public dispute between its embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, closing ranks after an internal review and new guidance meant to prevent a repeat. The rift surfaced in September after Somalia’s embassy in Tanzania criticized a visit by the Somali ambassador to Kenya to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a statement at the time, the Tanzanian mission said the…