The DRC Conflict Enters a Dangerous New Phase
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has entered a new and more destabilizing stage. A call for a pause in the fighting by leaders from the 8 member states of the East African Community (EAC) and 16 member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was dismissed by Rwandan-backed M23 rebel forces, who have continued their offensive to seize more territory in the eastern DRC. Following their taking of Goma and Bukavu, the respective capitals of North and South Kivu Provinces, the M23 has pressed farther south, capturing Kamanyola on its way to Uvira, the third largest city in the Kivus. Another prong moved north of Goma toward Butembo. With the prospect of the M23 controlling the entirety of the 124,000 km2 of the mineral-rich Kivus, Rwanda would effectively be gaining a territory nearly five times its size. Nor would this necessarily be the culmination of Rwanda’s territorial ambitions…The M23 has imposed political and administrative governance structures in the areas it controls—a practice it did not employ in its campaigns a decade ago. It is also absorbing defeated Congolese government forces, after retraining and political education, another new modus operandi. The M23 now also operates as the armed wing of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), bringing together antigovernment groups, armed movements, and political actors in parts of the DRC outside the east. Africa Center for Strategic Studies
African Nations to UN Condemn Parallel Sudan Government Plan
Three African nations members of the Security Council on Wednesday condemned plans to form a parallel government in Sudan, warning the move was dangerous and would undermine peace efforts. The “A3+” group — Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana — voiced their concern after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with allied armed factions, political, and civil groups, signed a charter to establish a government in areas they control. The charter also raised the possibility of self-determination if secularism is not enshrined in Sudan’s constitution…The A3+ group urged a reversal of the parallel government plan and called on the RSF and its allies to prioritize Sudan’s unity. The group reiterated its call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Sudan, paving the way for a “genuine, comprehensive, Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led peace process.” Sudan Tribune
Sudan Fighting Halts Food Aid in Famine-Hit Zamzam Camp, WFP Warns of Starvation
Intense fighting in Sudan’s North Darfur region has forced the World Food Programme (WFP) to suspend life-saving food and nutrition assistance in the Zamzam camp, where famine has been declared, the agency said on Tuesday. Escalating violence over the past two weeks compelled WFP’s partners to evacuate staff, halting distributions to the camp’s estimated 500,000 displaced residents. “Without immediate assistance, thousands of desperate families in Zamzam could starve in the coming weeks,” said Laurent Bukera, WFP’s Regional Director for Eastern Africa and acting Country Director for Sudan, in a statement…Famine was confirmed in Zamzam last August. Since then, the WFP has delivered only one convoy of humanitarian supplies to the camp, hampered by poor road conditions, obstruction by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which are affiliated joint forces. Sudan Tribune
Guinea-Bissau Opposition Calls for Nationwide Strike
Guinea-Bissau’s opposition has called for a nationwide strike beginning Thursday, the day it says the mandate of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo officially ends. Embalo was sworn in for a five-year term on February 27, 2020, after a disputed election in the small West African nation, and on Sunday announced elections will only be held in November…The opposition insists Embalo’s term expires on February 27, but gatherings have been banned for several weeks by the interior ministry in the run-up to the date. Security forces were deployed Wednesday at strategic points across the capital. A high-level mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met leaders of several parties earlier this week to try to renew political dialogue. AFP
Putin Hosts Guinea-Bissau Leader as Russia Builds Africa Ties
President Vladimir Putin hosted Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo for talks in the Kremlin on Wednesday, the latest sign of a drive by Moscow to build up economic and security relationships with countries in west and central Africa. State TV showed Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska was present at the talks between the two leaders. Russian and Portuguese news outlets have quoted a Guinea-Bissau minister as saying Russian aluminium company Rusal is interested in building a railway and port in the country and exploring for bauxite…Russia has built security ties in recent years with a series of African countries, sending thousands of mercenaries to support military leaders…It was not clear if any such deals were on the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting. For Moscow, the assignments are a way to make money from government fees and economic opportunities in mining or energy, while eroding the influence in the region of former colonial powers, particularly France. Guinea-Bissau is a former Portuguese colony that gained independence in 1974. Reuters
UN Report Says 4.4 Million Somalis at Risk of Hunger by June
Nearly 4.4 million people will be at risk of hunger in Somalia by June due in particular to drought, a UN-supported report said Wednesday, February 26. The number, which represents an increase of one million people from the present, comes from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed assessment…Below-average rainfall combined with high food prices, conflict and food insecurity will lead to the 4.4 million figure, which represents 23% of the country’s population, the report said. It said the number would be reached between April and June…The IPC report also estimated that some 1.7 million children under age five will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2025 (up 4% since 2024), including 466,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition. Le Monde with AFP
Ethiopian Leader Abiy Visits Somalia as Horn of Africa Neighbors Aim to Improve Strained Relations
Ethiopia’s leader is visiting Somalia on Thursday, a trip that signifies improving relations between the two neighbors after a sharp rise in tensions last year. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia was welcomed in the Somali capital of Mogadishu by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Abiy’s visit comes as the two sides are attempting to mend a rift over Ethiopia’s controversial deal with the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland. Somali state media reported that the two leaders would discuss bilateral issues ranging from trade to efforts to strengthen ties. Mohamud visited Ethiopia earlier in 2025…In December, the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia met in Turkey and agreed to initiate technical talks aimed at reaching an agreement that would uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia access to the sea. AP
Ghana’s Defence Strengthened by the EU as It Monitors Sahel Crisis
The EU’s latest donation of military equipment, valued at €50m ($52m), aims to enhance Ghana’s capacity to respond to growing security challenges. The assistance, provided under the European Peace Facility, includes advanced communication systems, riverine assets and civil engineering equipment such as foldable boats, tipper trucks and loaders…The Sahel region has witnessed a surge in violent extremist activities…Recent attacks, such as the killing of 28 soldiers in Benin in January 2025, highlight the increasing cross-border nature of the crisis. The situation has been exacerbated by political turmoil following military coups in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso…As extremist threats inch closer to the coastal states of West Africa, Ghana has positioned itself as a key player in maintaining stability. The latest EU military assistance strengthens Ghana’s ability to secure its borders and prevent the infiltration of insurgent groups. The Africa Report
Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Center Warns of Threats, Launches Review of Strategy
Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) warns that terrorist groups are getting more sophisticated — using new technologies and exploiting political and economic grievances to expand their operations. In response, authorities have launched a review of the national anti-terrorism strategy to address emerging threats. The official anti-terror strategy document was first developed in 2014 and revised two years later. Authorities say this latest revision is necessary to reflect evolving security threats and ensure counterterrorism measures remain effective…The review comes three months after Nigerian authorities warned that a new terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest region. Authorities say terrorist organizations are increasingly using advanced technology — such as encrypted messaging apps, social media recruitment campaigns and drones — to enhance their operations. VOA
Calls Grow for Uniform Criminal Justice System across Nigerian States
Scores of legal experts, human rights advocates, and senior judicial officers are pushing for a unified criminal justice system in Nigeria, arguing that inconsistencies in state laws have led to sentencing disparities, prolonged trials, and violations of defendants’ rights. Under Nigeria’s federal system, states operate different criminal laws. Some apply the Penal Code, others the Criminal Code, while a few enforce Sharia-based laws. These variations, legal experts say, create uncertainty and hinder access to justice. At the National Technical Review and Evaluation Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) Yemi Akinseye-George, stressed the urgency of harmonising the system. He said a standardised approach would ensure that all Nigerians receive equal treatment under the law, regardless of their location. He also noted that a uniform framework would improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts. Premium Times