Eye on Africa

South Africa faces April 2026 hikes in electricity tariffs and fuel prices, adding pressure on households Electricity tariffs and fuel prices in South Africa are expected to rise in April 2026, with per‑litre fuel costs potentially increasing by up to R5, though final figures have not been confirmed. Electricity tariffs and fuel prices were expected to increase in April 2026, with the per‑litre rise at the pump possibly reaching as high as R5, a development that would further stretch household budgets. The anticipated…

Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone Leaders Meet to Address Border Tensions The leaders of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone convened in Conakry to alleviate rising border tensions following incidents involving Guinean soldiers. The leaders met in Conakry amid escalating tensions after reports surfaced that Guinean soldiers entered Liberia's northern Lofa County, raised the Guinean flag, and allegedly prevented a Liberian company from conducting mining operations along the shared river border. This situation has heightened…

North Western State of Somalia opposition Kulmiye alleges politically motivated arrests, targeting of journalists Party cites detention of Warrame Media founder and arrests of protesters in Burco; government has not commented HARGEISA — North Western State of Somalia’s main opposition party, Kulmiye, on Monday accused the government of conducting politically motivated arrests and targeting journalists and dissenting voices, warning the actions risk deepening social unrest. Speaking in Hargeisa, Kulmiye spokesperson…

Southwest State suspends cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, third region to cut ties Move follows Puntland State and Jubbaland amid disputes over constitutional changes; Mogadishu yet to respond Southwest State said it acted over alleged federal interference and military mobilization in its territory. BAIDOA — Southwest State on Tuesday announced it has suspended all cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, becoming the third regional administration to sever formal ties with Mogadishu amid…

WFP Somalia advertises multiple national vacancies across key hubs ahead of 28 May deadline The UN World Food Programme is recruiting Somali nationals for roles in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dollow/Dolow, Garowe, Beletweyne and Galkayo; women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must apply via WFP’s Workday platform. Application links were referenced in the source notice but not provided here. The World Food Programme (WFP) has opened applications for several Somalia-based positions with a stated deadline of…

Intense Clashes Erupt in Sudan's Kordofan Region The Sudanese Kordofan region has become a focal point of intense conflict as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched coordinated attacks on strategic locations. This escalation aims to isolate el-Obeid, a vital hub in the ongoing conflict. RSF targeted North Kordofan city of Bara and South Kordofan city of Dilling. The conflict marks a pivotal phase in the three-year war between the army and RSF. Tens of thousands have been displaced, exacerbating humanitarian…

Monday March 16, 2026 ARUSHA, Tanzania — Nine Somali representatives were sworn in Monday to the East African Community Legislative Assembly (EALA), marking Somalia’s first formal participation in the regional parliament since joining the East African Community in 2023. The ceremony at EALA headquarters in Arusha followed the resolution of legal challenges that had temporarily delayed Somalia’s entry into the assembly. The East African Court of Justice cleared the way for the lawmakers to take their seats, ending months of…

President Peter Mutharika has been asked to dismiss Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka and Attorney General Frank Mbeta and to suspend George Partridge, governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, over their alleged links to the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal, according to a statement released Friday. The purchase of the luxury Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) has triggered a high-stakes public finance controversy. Lawmakers on the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament have opened an…

BAIDOA, Somalia — Southwest State’s Ministry of Internal Security has barred designated senior security officers from leaving Baidoa “until further notice,” citing ongoing security operations and the need to uphold general stability across the region. In a directive issued Monday, the ministry said the travel restriction takes effect March 16, 2026, and applies to specified officers based in the regional capital. The order, framed as a measure to “ensure the security and general stability of the areas of the Government,”…

AL-MISKAD MOUNTAINS, Somalia — On a windswept ridge overlooking a maze of limestone caves, Puntland State Defence Forces soldiers huddle around a hand-held screen, tracking a lone figure sprinting through a chalky valley. “He has been to fetch water for his friends,” one says, as the dot moves toward a suspected hideout. Another adds: “He is running and carrying something on his back.” The suspected cave network below, commanders say, shelters 50 to 60 Islamic State group fighters. It is one node in a stubborn insurgency…