South

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal administration appears to be tightening its grip on the South West State, moving toward a possible showdown after relations with its regional president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed—known as Laftagareen—collapsed. The dispute began as a political rupture late in Ramadan, but it has since hardened into a two-track strategy: federal pressure to force Laftagareen back into alignment with Villa Somalia, alongside fresh military movement. Officials close to the talks say attempts to restore cooperation…

France has revoked South Africa’s invitation to the forthcoming G7 summit, removing Pretoria from the guest list for the high-profile gathering. Paris rejected early claims that Washington had pushed for the exclusion, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa likewise dismissed suggestions of U.S. pressure. South Africa, not a G7 member, had been slated to attend as an observer. French officials said they were pursuing a “streamlined G7” and have invited Kenya instead, citing its role in helping France prepare a major…

France has rejected claims that it shelved an invitation to South Africa for the June G7 leaders' summit under pressure from Washington, saying instead that Kenya was chosen as a guest in advance of President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit there. Paris previously said the summit at Evian-les-Bains will host the leaders of India, South Korea, Brazil and Kenya as special invitees. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, making his first trip abroad since the Middle East war began, will attend alongside senior ministers from…

South Africa’s top cop, Fannie Masemola, has been summoned to court over a police health-services tender now at the center of a criminal investigation, thrusting the country’s law-enforcement leadership into fresh scrutiny. Masemola is due to appear on April 21 in relation to his alleged role in the awarding of a $21 million contract. The tender, issued in 2024 to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s firm, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was intended to deliver health services to members of the police. Amid corruption…

Tuesday March 24, 2026 Somalia’s federal authorities have thrown South West State’s leadership into fresh uncertainty, declaring late Sunday that the president and his administration have reached the end of their mandate as a bitter standoff with Baidoa deepens. In a statement, the Interior Ministry said the central government will no longer recognise any appointments or dismissals issued by the current South West State administration. It said local administrations in South West State will continue their duties until new…

In response to ongoing global fuel shortages, the South African government is engaging in discussions with Nigeria to establish a 12-month fuel agreement. This move reflects the urgency among African nations to secure necessary supplies. Meanwhile, the National Taxi Council has issued a warning that taxi fares could increase if the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to drive fuel prices higher within South Africa.

Somalia suspends Mogadishu–Baidoa flights amid Southwest rift Somalia’s federal government suspended civilian flights between Mogadishu and Baidoa on Tuesday as tensions with Southwest State escalated, local officials and sources said. Local sources said that as of Tuesday morning, commercial passenger aircraft were unable to land in Baidoa following the decision, with only United Nations and cargo flights permitted during the suspension. Officials in Southwest State condemned the measure and said travelers were left…

Activists challenge official assurances after study flags hormone-disrupting chemicals in menstrual products Activists say dismissing a University of the Free State finding does not equal proof of safety, urging clarity on possible risks in menstrual products. Activists said authorities’ assurances on menstrual product safety do not settle concerns raised by research from the University of the Free State that reported hormone-disrupting chemicals in some items. The University of the Free State, a South African public…

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…

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said U.S. Ambassador Brent Bozell III expressed regret for comments he made about a South African court’s ruling on the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant. DIRCO confirmed the South African government summoned Bozell III, who took over the ambassadorial post last month, after he publicly criticized a court decision that found the chant did not amount to hate speech. The summons was intended to register the government’s concern over the ambassador…