Sudan Peace Talks Must Accompany Concrete Steps to End War, Quintet Says
Any political process in Sudan must be paired with tangible actions to end the war that has gripped the country since April 2023, the Quintet group said on Thursday. Concluding consultations in Khartoum, the group said it maintained a “firm conviction that there is no military solution to the conflict in Sudan.” A sustainable political settlement must be coupled with concrete measures to safeguard civilians and halt hostilities, it added. The Quintet said it had wrapped up a mission to engage local stakeholders and link international diplomacy with homegrown Sudanese initiatives. Those joint efforts should eventually advance an inclusive, Sudanese-led political path toward a civilian-led democratic transition, the group said. The Quintet group comprises the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the regional IGAD bloc, and the Arab League. It has been facilitating talks among political factions and armed groups on Sudan’s future governance. During the mission, delegates met Transitional Sovereign Council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, his deputy Malik Agar, and Prime Minister Kamil Idris. The delegation also attended a working dinner hosted by Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim alongside political and civil society figures. The delegation held discussions with several civic and political coalitions, including the Democratic Bloc, and received a briefing from a committee tasked with laying the groundwork for a broader national dialogue. However, the Declaration of Principles alliance, which includes the Sumood coalition, the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur, and civic groups, has boycotted the committee-led process. Sudan Tribune
Switzerland Bans Sudanese Gold Imports amid War
Switzerland is to ban the purchase and import of gold originating from Sudan and restrict the sale of some goods used in gold mining, in line with sanctions adopted by the European Union. The Swiss government said on Wednesday that the measures were aimed at curbing trade in gold, which it described as a key resource reportedly helping to finance Sudan’s war. The measures will take effect on Thursday. Under the new rules, Switzerland will prohibit the purchase, import and transit of gold originating from Sudan, as well as related services and financial assistance. It will also ban the sale and supply to Sudan of certain goods used in gold mining and extraction, including chemicals. … Gold has become an important source of revenue for both sides of the conflict, according to the EU, which has described the trade as part of Sudan’s “war economy.” The new Swiss restrictions will be incorporated into the country’s existing Ordinance on measures against Sudan. Radio Tamazuj
Houthis Seize Strategic Red Sea Port, a Major Victory for Iranian Ally
The Iran-backed Houthi militia captured a strategic Red Sea port city on Thursday, according to two Yemeni officials, in a sweeping ground offensive that could give the group greater control over an important shipping route and further destabilize energy markets. The Houthis pushed out forces allied with the Yemeni government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, to seize the city of Mokha as well as its port, according to a local official in the city and a senior provincial official. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Mokha has been the focus of several days of fierce ground battles between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government. … Mokha is less than 50 miles from the narrow Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. … The Houthis have previously attacked ships in the Red Sea from Yemeni territory further north, but control of Mokha gives the militia a foothold closer to the strait, with implications for global trade and oil markets, analysts say. … The Houthis are expected to try to push farther south to try and take territory next to the strait and potentially an island in the waterway. The area is “arguably Yemen’s most strategically valuable real estate,” [Adam Baron, a Yemen-focused fellow at New America, a research organization in Washington] said. If the Houthis are able to take that territory, it could leave both of the Arabian Peninsula’s major maritime choke points — Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz — under at least the partial control of Iran and its allies, he added. The New York Times
Russia to Open More Cultural Centres in Africa as It Seeks to Broaden Influence
Russia is expanding its network of cultural and educational centres in Africa as it seeks to strengthen ties beyond its military and security co-operation on the continent. … Known as “Russian Houses”, eight of 11 new centres are due to open in Africa, where 16 have already been set up over the years. … [T]he juntas in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso turned to the Russian mercenaries, now Africa Corps, as they sought to shrug off influence from their former colonial power France. French and other anti-jihadist international forces have withdrawn from these countries, including the UN’s operation in Mali that ended in December 2023. … This year has also seen a surge in the reported number of African fighters caught up in the Russia-Ukraine war. Kenya, which has seen some of the highest numbers of recruits, blamed job agencies for luring men to Russia with work opportunities, only for them to end up fighting in Ukraine. … The new centres are due to open in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. BBC
Congolese Forces Turn to Aerial Bombardments to Tackle M23 Rebels
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has scaled up its aerial operations against the armed groups threatening the country’s security architecture. Over the years, the Congolese armed forces, locally known as FARDC, have faced intense pressure as M23 rebels press forward with rapid gains across several eastern provinces. The violent clashes have left state troops fighting defensively, struggling to hold their positions against the insurgents’ sustained advances and heavy firepower. However, the FARDC has now turned to the country’s air defence system to bomb rebel positions on the boundary between Masisi and Walikale territories in the North Kivu province. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Congolese air force carried out heavy strikes against M23/AFC rebel positions in Malemo, within the Bashali Mokoto community of Masisi territory, and in Luola, part of the Kisimba chiefdom in Walikale territory. The aerial bombardments targeted key rebel strongholds in both areas, marking an intensified effort by government forces to weaken insurgent control in the eastern region. … Despite the heavy bombardments, M23 rebels have maintained control of the positions targeted by the air force, sources said, suggesting the armed group remained resilient in holding its ground. After the bombardments, Congolese ground forces were seen moving into Malemo, in Masisi territory, and Ihula, located in the Walikale territory. HumAngle
Africa’s Top Health Body Warns Congo’s Ebola Outbreak Is Rapidly Spreading beyond Epicenter
The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record in eastern Congo is rapidly spreading beyond its epicenter, Africa’s top health body said Thursday. In recent weeks, new cases and deaths have declined in Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter, but risen sharply in neighboring North Kivu and Haut-Uele, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said at a weekly briefing. According to the latest government figures released on Thursday, 6,843 cases have been reported, including 3,310 deaths. Ituri province remains the hardest-hit province, with more than 5,400 cases while North Kivu has reported over 1,000 cases since the outbreak was declared in May. The outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and intense population movements. The situation is particularly concerning at displacement sites, where residents already live in extremely precarious conditions. … The virus recently reached two more health zones in North Kivu, where fighting between government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who control the provincial capital Goma, has complicated the response. AP
Human Cost of Violence in South Sudan ‘Continues to Grow’
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that renewed violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption and persistent impunity continue to put the population and the planned transition to democracy at risk. During the four-day visit, the Commission met a wide range of representatives from the Government, the political and security sectors, civil society and other stakeholders. They called for the authorities to take urgent steps to protect civilians, allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need and create conditions for inclusive political dialogue ahead of elections scheduled for December. … The Commission voiced concern over killings, displacement, civilian attacks, disruption of humanitarian operations and growing insecurity for aid workers. … They expressed alarm over a recent attack on an UNMISS patrol in Jonglei which killed two peacekeepers and left others injured, calling for an investigation and for those responsible to be held to account. … The Commission recently warned that elections without essential safeguards, including genuine inclusive political dialogue, could spark renewed conflict and increase the risk of atrocity crimes. UN News
US Delivers New Military Equipment to Nigeria for Counter-Terrorism
The United States has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to bolster Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and strengthen regional security. The equipment was flown into Nigeria by a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft over the weekend under a Foreign Military Sales agreement, according to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The command said the equipment would support Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region, further deepening defence cooperation between both countries. The latest delivery comes amid growing U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation covering areas including intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, military training and defence support. AFRICOM said the delivery demonstrated the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their partnership in confronting regional security threats. PR Nigeria
Miskine: CAR Rebel Leader Sentenced to 15 Years in Jail
After an eleven-day trial, the Chadian justice system delivered its verdict in the case involving former Central African rebel leader Abdoulaye Miskine. He was sentenced on Wednesday to 15 years in prison, while three of his co-defendants each received ten-year sentences. The Criminal Chamber of the Ndjamena Court of Appeal also ordered him to pay CFA30 million to each of the victims’ families. His three co-defendants were sentenced to ten years in prison. The judges cited mitigating circumstances. Charged with offenses including murder, torture, unlawful confinement, kidnapping, and rape, General Koumtamadji Martin – alias Abdoulaye Miskine, the former head of the Central African presidential guard – has been held at Klessoum prison since 2019. The alleged crimes took place between 2002 and 2003 in border areas between Chad and the Central African Republic, specifically around Tissi, Batangafo, and Kabo. … The defence had challenged the jurisdiction of the Chadian courts in this case and argued that the statute of limitations had expired, calling for the outright acquittal of the accused. Following the verdict, the defence announced its intention to appeal to the Court of Cassation. APA
Trafficked into Fraud: An African Crisis in Cambodia
[I]n Southeast Asia, the [online fraud] industry is powered by at least 300,000 trafficked workers from 66 countries. They are routinely subjected to torture, sexual abuse and forced labor, according to a recent UN Human Rights report. African nationals now form the largest group of those trafficked to and stranded in countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, without any viable pathway to go back home, says the NGO Freedom Collaborative. In Cambodia, one of the main obstacles to helping stranded Africans return home is that many countries on the continent, such as Uganda, Liberia, Ghana and Nigeria, lack consular representation. … Following great pressure from the international community — including threats of financial sanctions by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union — Cambodia did eventually agree to launch a crackdown on the scamming industry earlier this year. According to the Cambodian Ministry of Information, the initiative resulted in many arrests and triggered a mass exodus of dubious operatives from scamming industry. But the crackdown also created a secondary crisis: Thousands of trafficked foreign workers remain stranded in the country without documentation nor legal status; now, they also lack shelter and money in many instances, NGOs say. DW
Kenya Moves towards AI Policy as New Report Shows Growing Capabilities and Risks
Policymakers, researchers, academics and other stakeholders have met at Daystar University to deliberate on emerging trends in artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on its growing capabilities, risks and ways of managing the technology. The meeting also featured the presentation of key findings from the International AI Safety Report 2026, which provides a scientific assessment of the capabilities and risks associated with general purpose AI to support informed policymaking. The report brought together stakeholders from academia, government and international partners. … The British High Commissioner to Kenya highlighted the partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom in advancing the international AI safety agenda. … The discussions come as Kenya prepares to develop an AI policy later this year, according to the secretary of the ICT Security Directorate, Emmanuel Kata. Kata said the process is currently at the draft validation stage and that public participation will begin once the draft has been approved by the Principal Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary. The process is expected to bring together different sections of society to ensure meaningful participation and impact. The Standard
Spain Approves Citizenship for Sahrawis Born under Spanish Rule
Spain’s lower house voted on Thursday to grant citizenship to Sahrawis born when Madrid administered the North African territory of Western Sahara as a colony, a move that could inflame delicate relations with Morocco. The legislation, which a statement from parliament said was approved with 168 votes in favour, 31 against and 145 abstentions, would also allow descendants of those granted citizenship to acquire it. Some 70,000 to 110,000 Sahrawis could be eligible for Spanish citizenship, according to local media. Spain’s ruling Socialist Party and its junior left-wing partner Sumar, which filed the initiative, were among those who supported the bill, while the opposition conservative People’s Party abstained and far-right Vox voted against it. … Tensions have grown between Spain and Morocco following the mass arrival of at least 70,000 migrants in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta in July. Spain controlled Western Sahara under various administrative arrangements from 1884 until 1976. Morocco claims sovereignty over Western Sahara and began asserting control over the territory after Spanish rule ended. The Algerian-backed Polisario Front independence movement seeks recognition of an independent state called the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Reuters
Secret Son Revelation Ignites Bitter Succession Dispute in Ugandan Kingdom
A traditional Ugandan kingdom has become engulfed in a bitter succession dispute after the family of a king who recently died rejected the selection of a television news anchor as his successor. King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch when he took the throne in the kingdom of Tooro in 1995 at the age of three, died on 27 August in the US, where he was receiving cancer treatment. On Wednesday, the royal clan’s succession committee announced it had chosen Oyo’s cousin Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a news anchor and editor at the public broadcaster UBC, as crown prince. However, at a press conference held later the same day, Oyo’s sister, Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale, said that according to her brother’s will, a son whose existence had not been publicly known until his death should succeed him. … The Tooro king is selected by a succession committee appointed by the royal clan. … Uganda has several ancient kingdoms that lack formal sovereignty, but whose leaders are revered as symbols of tradition and wield vast social influence. Tooro is one of five that are recognised by the government. The Guardian