Southern Africa

National Disaster Declared Amid Deadly Floods in Southern Africa South Africa and Mozambique are grappling with devastating floods that have claimed lives and displaced thousands. Authorities in both countries are working tirelessly to respond to this catastrophic event. Severe flooding declared a national disaster in South Africa. Heavy rains have affected Mozambique, with entire neighborhoods submerged. Rescue efforts are ongoing as both nations strive to recover and assist survivors. Impact in South Africa…

Mozambique floods: UNICEF warns “deadly threat” to children as rains swell rivers Maputo, Mozambique — Severe flooding sweeping southern and central Mozambique poses a “deadly threat” to children, the U.N. children’s agency warned Monday, as heavy rain and rising rivers strain already swollen dam systems and authorities brace for more water to arrive from neighbouring countries. UNICEF’s warning comes as rescue and relief needs grow in parts of the country hit by what local media described as floods as severe as those…

South African officials say the school taxi driver involved in the Vanderbijlpark crash did not have a valid operating licence, authorities announced Wednesday. The disclosure, made by provincial transport officials, raises immediate questions about the legal status of the vehicle and the oversight of school transport in the area. Officials did not provide further details about the driver’s identity, the nature or severity of casualties, or exactly when the licence lapsed. Vanderbijlpark, an industrial city in Gauteng…

Search-and-rescue teams from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have launched an emergency operation after heavy downpours and rising water levels caused severe flooding in the South African province of Limpopo, officials said Friday. The floods have killed 19 people and caused widespread destruction of homes, businesses and critical infrastructure, authorities reported. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who inspected flood damage in the area, described what he saw as "catastrophic." The South African Weather…

EU Removes Several African Countries from High-Risk Money Laundering List Several African nations, including Nigeria, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, and Tanzania, have recently been removed from the European Union's list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and financing terrorism. This significant decision follows comprehensive reforms made in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. The delisting by the EU is expected to have a positive ripple effect, facilitating…

Iran has withdrawn from a planned multilateral naval exercise in South Africa’s False Bay, officials said, after initially assembling warships in the area. South African, Russian, Chinese and United Arab Emirates vessels are still scheduled to sail this week for Exercise Will for Peace 2026, a drill organized under the BRICS+ framework. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) described the maneuvers as a joint exercise for the 10-member BRICS+ forum but said most member states will have limited or no active…

South African Protests in Support of Pro-Palestine Hunger Strikers South African civil society groups staged nationwide protests, showing solidarity with pro-Palestine hunger strikers detained in U.K. prisons. The demonstrators urged the British government to intervene and secure their release. Protests took place outside British Council offices and consulates in major South African cities. Demands were handed over to officials to act on behalf of the hunger strikers. Calls were made for both U.K. and South…

L. Brent Bozell III, the conservative activist chosen by President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to South Africa, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and is preparing to assume his post, according to reporting by RFI's Melissa Chemam. Bozell, long known on the American right for his organizational work and media activism, enters the diplomatic role as a vocal backer of Israel and a prominent conservative voice in U.S. politics. The Senate confirmation completes Washington’s formal approval process and clears the…

African Union and Member States React to U.S. Intervention in Venezuela The African Union (AU), along with several countries including Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa, has expressed significant concern over the recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela. This situation escalated when U.S. authorities seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as part of an indictment involving drug and weapon charges. In an official statement, the AU stated it would be "following with grave concern the recent developments in…

Gabon National Football Team Suspended Following Disappointing AFCON Exit Gabon's government has announced sweeping changes to its national football setup following the team's dismal performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The measures include suspending the national team, dismissing head coach Thierry Mouyouma, and imposing a ban on star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The decision was conveyed by Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula after Gabon's early exit from the tournament, culminating in a 3-2 loss…