Zambia Opposition Leader Held in Treason Probe: Police
The Zambian opposition leader who was runner-up in this month’s disputed presidential election was taken into custody Thursday over treason allegations, police said. Opposition leader Brian Mundubile surrendered to police on Thursday after two weeks in hiding following a summons over an alleged national security threat, state media reported. President Hakainde Hichilema won 60 percent of the vote and is due to be sworn in for a second term next week, amid uncertainty over a legal challenge to his victory. Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu were “interviewed by investigators and are currently in police custody”, police said in a statement. … Mundubile took refuge the day after the August 13 election at an international human rights organisation after police raided his home. Former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and killed during the operation, which saw 11 people arrested. Police alleged they were involved in insurgency or militia activity. … Mundubile has dismissed the allegations as fabricated. While this month’s vote was largely peaceful, international observers said it was marred by opposition claims of intimidation, arrests, abductions and violence. Mundubile, who scored around 38 percent in the vote, had vowed to challenge the result but Zambia closed down its entire judiciary on Monday, the last day for filing an objection, citing “security reasons”. … The timing of the abrupt closure of the courts drew criticism from legal and rights groups. AFP
Fighting, Road Closures Raise Fears of Imminent Famine in Sudan’s Kordofan
The Kordofan Observatory warns of signs of an imminent famine in several parts of the region, reporting that families in the localities of El Nahud, Wad Banda, El Khuwei, and Muglad are being forced to rely on ambaz — the residue left after pressing groundnuts for oil, normally used as animal feed — as living conditions deteriorate, food prices soar, and humanitarian aid is cut off. In a statement on Wednesday, the observatory says testimonies from residents in the localities point to a sharp decline in sources of income, while the price of a malwa of millet has risen to 35,000 Sudanese pounds, putting it beyond the reach of many families. The growing reliance on ambaz has itself driven up demand, making it scarce in local markets and pushing the price of a malwa to about SDG 10,000, the observatory says. The observatory blames the worsening food crisis on recent fighting around El Obeid and the military build-up by both sides of the conflict. … The observatory warns that continued fighting, the closure of trade routes, and restrictions on humanitarian access could lead to a widespread humanitarian catastrophe. Dabanga
Piracy Attacks off Somalia Surge in 2026: AFP Analysis of IMO Data
Piracy off the Horn of Africa has reached its highest levels since 2013, according to an AFP analysis based on data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). At least 15 attacks were reported since the start of the year, according to reports from the IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System analysed by AFP. The reports cover incidents since 1994 in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean within 2,000 km (1,240 miles) of Somalia. The region had recorded no more than a handful of pirate attacks a year since 2013, and five in 2025. But attacks have multiplied in 2026, particularly in the Gulf of Aden between Somalia and Yemen, which links the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. Eight attacks have occurred in the area since May. The region — which hosts some of the world’s busiest shipping routes — has seen traffic heavily disrupted since the war between Iran, the United States and Israel began on February 28, affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. AFP
Somalia: Puntland Warns Ransom Payments Could Fuel Renewed Piracy
Somalia’s Puntland state has warned against paying ransoms to pirate groups, saying such payments could provide financial incentives for further attacks on ships off its coast. Puntland’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said ransom payments could give pirate groups the resources and motivation to continue their activities and could encourage new groups to join maritime criminal networks. The ministry said it was closely monitoring what it described as an increase in piracy attacks along Puntland’s coastline and surrounding waters, adding that maritime security operations had been strengthened. In a statement, Puntland authorities said preliminary information received by local agencies indicated that outside groups were attempting to revive individuals and networks previously linked to piracy by offering financial incentives. The administration said such efforts could undermine Puntland’s security and reputation and disrupt ongoing efforts to combat maritime crime and armed groups. … Puntland, which controls much of Somalia’s northeastern coastline, has historically been at the centre of international efforts to combat piracy and has carried out operations against pirate networks operating from coastal areas. Garowe Online
Nigeria: Opposition Lawmakers Ask Tinubu to Deploy Overwhelming Force against Terrorists
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to end the worsening wave of terrorism, banditry, killings and abductions across Northern Nigeria. The caucus said the scale and frequency of attacks had become intolerable, with Nigerians being killed in their homes, farms and communities, while others were abducted while observing religious services. The call was contained in a statement signed by Fredrick Agbedi, Leader of the Minority Caucus, and Afam Ogene, its spokesperson, on Thursday. …The lawmakers urged Mr Tinubu to replicate on a larger scale the strategy used to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to the caucus, the victims were rescued following an intelligence-led operation targeting the kidnappers’ networks and hideouts. … The lawmakers also called on the federal government to provide whatever resources are required to prosecute the war against terrorism and banditry. They specifically proposed that the government draw $5 billion from the country’s external reserves for an “extraordinary national security intervention” if funding was a constraint. Premium Times
Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Congo Spreads to 2 New Health Zones with a Total of 60 Areas now Affected
The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history has spread to two new health zones in eastern Congo, with a total of 60 now affected, according to the latest government figures published on Friday. The two new zones affected are Biena and Manguredjipa in Congo’s North Kivu province, where the case fatality rate is much higher than the overall rate of 48%, due in part to delayed response efforts, according to Congo’s Ministry of Health data. It said the outbreak has recorded 5,794 confirmed cases, including 2,786 deaths, as it is spreading at an unprecedented speed, faster than efforts to track and slow it. AP
Congo Starts Ebola Vaccinations for Health Workers
Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday began vaccinating frontline health workers with a vaccine approved for a different Ebola species, as authorities seek to contain the country’s largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak on record. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said Congo had received more than 50,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine and would begin vaccinations in provinces affected by the outbreak, prioritising health workers. Ervebo is licensed against the Zaire species of Ebola and was used successfully in previous outbreaks. The current epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo species, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment. Early animal studies suggest Ervebo could provide some protection against Bundibugyo, and authorities are using 20,000 of the 70,000 doses allocated to Congo in a clinical trial to assess its effectiveness in humans. Several vaccines specifically targeting the Bundibugyo species are also under development, including candidates from the University of Oxford and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). Reuters
Ethiopia Renews Reuters Journalists’ Reporting Licenses after Six-month Suspension
The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has renewed the reporting licenses of three Reuters journalists based in Ethiopia, ending a six-month suspension that followed the government’s decision earlier this year not to renew their accreditation. The Authority said the decision followed discussions between EMA Director General Haymanot Zeleke and Reuters Executive Editor Nick Tattersall and Africa Editor Silvia Aloisi. … The accreditation decision came days after Reuters published an investigation showing that Ethiopia hosted a training facility for fighters linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the western Benishangul-Gumuz region near the Sudanese border. Citing diplomatic, security, and government sources, as well as satellite imagery analysis, Reuters said the site may have been used to train new RSF recruits amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war. … The restoration of Reuters’ licenses comes against the backdrop of a broader crackdown by EMA against independent media organizations in Ethiopia over the Authority’s use of its regulatory powers. Addis Standard
Tanzania: Lissu Closes Defence, Prosecutors to Prove Treason Case
Tanzanian prosecutors will now have an opportunity to prove their treason case against Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu, days after he rejected the charge and described it as a political witchhunt. Lissu formally closed his defence on Thursday, paving the way for the prosecution to test his testimony over remarks he allegedly made and which it says were aimed at disrupting Tanzania’s 2025 General Election. Lissu, who is representing himself before the High Court of Tanzania, faces a single treason charge. … His defence has consistently challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of his remarks, arguing that statements being relied upon as evidence must be viewed in the broader context of his campaign for a new constitution, electoral reforms and democratic accountability. The East African
Uganda Political Rivals Set Aside Differences to Back Otunnu for Top UN Job
Uganda’s top political figures are setting aside their differences to back veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu’s bid for the United Nations Secretary-General seat, with opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, publicly endorsing the government-sponsored candidacy. Uganda has formally nominated Ambassador Otunnu, a former UN Under-Secretary General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, to join the race for the UN’s top diplomatic post. The nomination places Otunnu in a competitive global field seeking to lead the world body. In a statement released on Thursday, the National Unity Platform (NUP) party leader expressed pride in Otunnu’s nomination, highlighting his extensive international career, his track record in championing human rights, and his work protecting children affected by armed conflict. … Kyagulanyi praised Otunnu’s core vision for global institutional reform, adding that his experience equips him with the leadership required at a crucial juncture for global diplomacy. Monitor
Oyo Nyimba, Ugandan ‘Boy King’ Who Mesmerized World Leaders, Dies at 34
Oyo Nyimba, a tribal monarch in Uganda who ascended his ancient throne as an infant and fascinated world leaders as a boy king, has died. He was 34. The death of the king of Tooro was announced early on Friday by Prime Minister Calvin Rwomiire Akiiki. “The continuity of the Crown is assured,” the Tooro premier’s statement said. “His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.” … King Oyo, as he was best known, was coronated in 1995 at the age of 3 after his father’s death. He was a curious child in colorful robes and an object of adoration for his hundreds of thousands of subjects. At his coronation, he went through a series of tribal rituals and emerged as King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Oyo held the unofficial title of the world’s youngest king, a mesmerizing figure even for world leaders introduced to him at national events. He led his people via regents appointed by the kingdom until he came of age at 18. … Tooro is one of the ancient kingdoms of Uganda. Banned after independence from British colonial rule by a republican president who said he wanted to unify the country, traditional kingdoms were restored in 1993. Although they have no political authority and are legally not allowed to engage in partisan politics, monarchs wield authority as guardians of tribal culture. AP
Algeria Mourns Wildfire Victims as Firefighters Battle Deadly Blazes
Algeria entered a second day of national mourning on Friday as firefighters continued to battle wildfires in the north of the country that have killed at least 12 people and injured dozens. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning on Thursday and cancelled all cultural events and sporting competitions. … Five people died in Jijel province, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou, Interior Minister Said Sayoud said on Wednesday. Another 54 people were being treated in hospital for burns, including six in a serious condition. Algeria’s civil protection service said on Thursday morning that 46 fires were still burning out of 193 recorded over the previous 24 hours. … Three major roads connecting regions in eastern Algeria were closed because of forest fires near the cities of Bejaia, Jijel and Setif, the gendarmerie said. Weather conditions were complicating firefighting operations, the interior ministry said. RFI
Why Smugglers Are Stealing Kenya’s Ants
A global craze for pet ants has fuelled a booming black market in live queen ants. An African harvester queen can sell for more than $200 in the black market (it costs barely $3 in Kenya). The country has become a hub for illegal trading because it has abundant populations of the species, alongside established smuggling networks that have long trafficked wildlife. … African harvester ants are especially prized because they are among the world’s largest ant species and display complex social behaviours, making them “the tigers of the ant world”, says Dino Martins, an entomologist and evolutionary biologist based in Kenya. Scientists worry that removing large numbers of ants could damage Kenyan ecosystems. … Ants play a crucial role in east Africa’s savannahs. As they forage, they collect and disperse grass seeds, helping maintain the diverse grasslands on which much wildlife depends. The ants’ vast underground nests add oxygen to the soil and create nutrient-rich hotspots where plants grow more easily. Meanwhile many other animals, such as pangolins, feast on the ants themselves. Authorities are scrambling to stop the illegal exodus. … Alongside tougher enforcement, Mr Martins argues, authorities should educate collectors and local communities about the insects’ ecological importance. Unless demand falls, smugglers will find new ways to keep ants marching across borders. The Economist