Africa Conflicts
66 articles
These women fought in Ethiopia's last civil war and warn against another one
Female fighters recall how the conflict in the northern Tigray destroyed their lives, as fears grow that fighting could resume.
Caf postpones Wafcon 2026 just 12 days before kick-off
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations is postponed just 12 days before the finals were due to kick off in Morocco.
Conservative Anglicans pull back from electing rival to Archbishop of Canterbury
The group had said it would choose a new leader with the same title as Sarah Mullally, the first female head of the Church.
DR Congo government says 200 killed after landslide at rebel-held mine
The M23, which controls the coltan-rich area, has not commented and the death toll is hard to verify.
The devastating conflict where both sides have reasons to keep fighting
A strong supply of weapons and a history of long wars make Sudan's conflict particularly troubling.
Allen century powers New Zealand to victory over South Africa in T20 World Cup semi-final
Finn Allen strikes an unbeaten century as New Zealand demolish 2024 runners-up South Africa by nine wickets to reach a second Men's T20 World Cup final
Nigeria halts Christian pilgrimages to Holy Land over Middle East conflict
NCPC say the measure is necessary to prioritise the "safety and comfort" of Nigerian pilgrims.
Nigerian doctors suspended over death of Adichie's son
The author's 21-month-old son died in January after complications during medical procedures at a private hospital in Lagos.
Resecurity Showcased Cyber Intelligence, ISR Capabilities in Saudi Arabia
Resecurity is showcasing its cyber intelligence and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, positioning its technologies to support defense and government organizations […]
South Africa's long-serving former defence minister and former Robben Island prisoner dies
Mosiuoa Lekota was imprisoned with former South African President Nelson Mandela on Robben Island.
Goodbye officer, hello touchscreen - a vision for policing in Ethiopia
A project to introduce unmanned sites is part of a broader adoption of digital technologies.
Senior Kenyan Officials Visit U.S. Army War College
Representatives from Kenya’s National Defence College (NDC) recently visited the United States Army War College (USAWC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to strengthen strategic-level professional military education and reinforce collaboration in military training and leadership development. War College of
Tensions Bubble Along Eritrea-Ethiopia Border
Locals in Ethiopia’s embattled Tigray region say Eritrean troops have entered border areas, raising concerns about a return to war. Infiltrations come amid a feud between the countries over Red Sea access and Asmara’s alleged support of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the region’s rulin
China Seeks to Expand Influence Through Port Development
Chinese companies are present in more than one-third of all African port developments. As noted by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, these companies in some cases dominate the entire port development process from finance to construction and operations. Sometimes, they share ownership. Port de
Terror Groups Pressure Sahel Capitals
The terrorist attack on the airport serving Niger’s capital, Niamey, in January provided another example of how Sahelian extremists threaten the security of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and West Africa as a whole. During the January 29 attack, 30 Islamic State-Sahel Province fighters used armed drones,
Deadly Cooperation Among Terror Groups in Nigeria
The killers came from the Kainji forest in central Nigeria. By the time they were done, the village of Woro was in ashes, and 170 residents were dead. The attack in early February by Boko Harm fighters brought Nigeria’s fight against terrorists out of the northern states of Borno and Sokoto and into
Belgium detains three suspected Cameroon separatists in war crimes probe
Money is reportedly being raised by them for the armed struggle, prosecutors say.
Is it time to trust South Africa as World Cup 'favourites'?
South Africa are the only unbeaten team left at the T20 World Cup and go into their semi-final against New Zealand as favourites, so it is time to trust them despite their past in global tournaments?
US sanctions Rwanda's military and top commanders over fighting in DR Congo
Rwanda accused Washington's move as “one sided” and politically motivated.
Anglican divisions deepen as rebel clerics pick rival to first female leader
Conservative clerics are meeting in Nigeria to choose a rival to the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.
South African TV personality who planned to take his life dies aged 61
Ian von Memerty had documented his choice to die in a 15-part Facebook series.
Kidnapping of foreigners soars in Africa's lawless Sahel region
Growing insecurity in the Sahel made 2025 one of the worst years on record for the abduction of foreigners in Africa.
Kidnapping of foreigners soars in Africa's lawless Sahel region
Growing insecurity in the Sahel made 2025 one of the worst years on record for the abduction of foreigners in Africa.
Will Ethiopia and Eritrea Start a Regional War?
Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are escalating, risking another war in the Horn of Africa amid political divisions in Tigray and Ethiopia's pursuit of Red Sea access. Regional rivalries from Gulf and Middle Eastern powers could intensify the conflict and potentially trigger wider destabilization, including spillover from Sudan's ongoing war.
North Africa Regional Outlook: February 25, 2026
France is pursuing renewed high-level security cooperation with North Africa to re-engage with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) following its military withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Meanwhile, Morocco and Egypt are advancing energy, mining, and logistics projects while Libya manages migration and budget challenges shaping the region's political and economic landscape.
EU delivers drones, tactical vehicles to Ivory Coast
The EU transferred 40 specialized vehicles and unmanned aerial systems to Côte d'Ivoire's armed forces on February 3, 2026, as part of a 15 million Euro assistance program to strengthen the country against jihadist threats expanding from the Sahel region. The shipment includes troop carriers, pickup trucks, recovery vehicles, and advanced surveillance drones designed to enhance tactical mobility and intelligence capabilities in remote border areas. This delivery reflects increased international commitment from the US and EU to support West African nations facing militant instability and migration pressures.
ISIL destroys multiple Nigerien aircraft in airport raid
Islamic State fighters launched a coordinated assault on January 28-29, 2026, on Niamey's Air Base 101 and Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger, destroying at least five military aircraft including surveillance planes and a Turkish attack helicopter, marking a significant security threat to the Sahel region. Despite killing 20 attackers and capturing 11, the Islamic State demonstrated advanced tactical capabilities using motorcycles, RPGs, and drones. The strike damaged critical counterinsurgency assets relied heavily on foreign support, with Russian forces helping repel the militants.
The Engineering of Modern Tactical Uniforms: The Critical Role of NIR and FR Technologies
Raff Military Textile's CEO explains that modern military uniforms must go beyond basic protection by incorporating advanced technologies. The company now develops smart uniforms with NIR (Near Infrared) technology to prevent thermal detection and flame-retardant materials that protect soldiers from extreme heat and explosives, transforming protective fabrics into tactical assets that save lives in modern warfare.
19 nations participate in Exercise Cutlass Express 2026
Exercise Cutlass Express 26 brought together 500 personnel from 19 nations in February 2026 to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea region, hosted primarily by Mauritius with support from the Seychelles. Led by U.S. AFRICOM and the 6th Fleet, the multinational drill tested new maritime domain awareness technologies and collaborative tactics, including the deployment of unmanned surface vehicles like the solar-powered Lightfish interceptor drone. The exercise complemented EU Operation Aspides efforts to protect commercial shipping from regional threats through advanced surveillance and coordinated interdiction capabilities.
South African defence budget shrinks despite Govt’s promises
President Ramaphosa pledged to reverse the SANDF's decline at the Armed Forces Day address on February 21, 2026, but the 2026/27 defence budget contradicts this commitment, shrinking by R2 billion to R57.6 billion due to withdrawal from the DRC after 27 years. The Treasury allocated modest funding increases for air defence, maritime capabilities, and domestic operations against illegal mining and organized crime, though real-term growth remains below inflation rates.
Nigerian Navy launches Marine Corps, deploys operational battalion
On February 27, 2026, the Nigerian Navy formally inducted its first class of 328 Marines, marking a major shift toward a Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy to address security threats in the Gulf of Guinea. The newly established Nigerian Navy Marines, integrated into the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command, are trained for both maritime operations and land-based combat to protect offshore assets and counter insurgency. This expansion reflects West Africa's evolving security landscape and enhances Nigeria's joint operational capabilities with its Army and Air Force.
A Sustainable Approach to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery?
Piracy and armed robbery threaten global shipping, with the Gulf of Guinea experiencing significant incidents despite recent declines from a 2020 peak of 81 cases to 18 in 2024. While international naval deployments have helped reduce attacks, experts warn that effective maritime security requires comprehensive strategies beyond counting incidents, including capacity building and training of local security forces with sustained international cooperation.
Former Iraq PM Maliki vows to pursue return to office despite US opposition
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he will not withdraw his candidacy for the top job despite US pressure, stating no one can dictate voting choices. Iraq's political parties are struggling to select a new prime minister following November 2025 elections, complicating regional tensions involving the US and Iran. The leadership stalemate is weakening Iraq as Kurdish parties also compete for the presidency.
The Algerian Case and the New Parade of Sovereignties
Over 60 years after independence from France, Algeria argues that true sovereignty requires historical justice and moral accountability for colonial crimes, not just political autonomy. While France has acknowledged colonial suffering, it has avoided full legal responsibility, creating a gap between legal decolonization and comprehensive reckoning. Algeria's demand for recognition of colonial atrocities, archives, and compensation remains central to its national identity and diplomatic strategy.
Viewpoint
West African militaries are adopting a holistic approach to security, recognizing that addressing terrorism and insecurity requires more than military force alone. Countries like Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo are combining military presence with civil-military committees, healthcare clinics, and state services to build community trust and counter terrorist recruitment in underdeveloped border regions. Similar efforts across the region demonstrate that effective security requires coordinated government, civil society, and military action targeting root causes of insecurity.
Experts Share Best Practices for Tackling Terrorism Online
African security forces and technology companies are collaborating to combat terrorism online, with Côte d'Ivoire's Cyber Defense Office monitoring terrorist communications to prevent attacks across West Africa. However, challenges include monitoring activity in indigenous languages and terror groups using online games for recruitment, requiring ongoing partnerships and AI tools to identify and disrupt terrorist networks.
Madagascar Faces Uncertain Future Under Military Rule
In October 2025, Madagascar's military, led by Col. Michael Randrianirina, ousted President Andry Rajoelina following protests over power outages and water shortages, initially celebrated by citizens. However, disillusionment quickly followed when Randrianirina announced a two-year transition period with elections tentatively scheduled for late 2027, ignoring constitutional requirements for elections within 60 days. Experts warn this reflects a familiar pattern in African coups where military leaders prioritize stability and their own interests over democratic governance.
Africa’s Mobile Money Boom Leaves Users Vulnerable to Cyber Crime
African nations dominate global mobile money usage with over 1.1 billion accounts and nearly 900 billion transactions in 2024, but weak regulation and poor digital literacy leave users vulnerable to cybercriminals who steal an estimated $4 billion annually from the continent. Despite some countries like Ghana and Kenya leading in digital payment adoption, most African nations lack adequate cybersecurity frameworks, with only 15 of 54 countries signed onto the continental Malabo Convention for data protection.
Cutlass Express Uses Tech to Combat Sea Crimes
East African nations and international partners trained during the Cutlass Express 2026 maritime security exercise in the Indian Ocean (February 2-12) on advanced technologies including unmanned surface vehicles and platforms like SmartMast and SeaVision to enhance maritime domain awareness and combat illegal activities. The exercise, hosted by Mauritius and led by the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet, aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, information sharing, and tactical capabilities in combating sea crimes and trafficking.
Kenyans drop flowers for Valentine's bouquets of cash. Not everyone is impressed
A trend of gifting money arranged into decorative bouquets has spread across African countries, prompting central banks in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, and Namibia to issue warnings. The practice, popularized by celebrities and influencers, involves gluing, taping, or otherwise damaging banknotes, which can render them unusable and costly to replace. While florists report strong demand for cash bouquets, critics argue the trend reflects materialism rather than genuine romance.
How the tide turned against the leader of South Africa's second-biggest party
South African Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is stepping down after facing multiple scandals, including criticism over his handling of foot-and-mouth disease in livestock and a financial scandal involving unpaid credit card debt. His resignation opens the way for a contested leadership race between black and white candidates, testing the party's commitment to democracy as it serves in government for the first time alongside the ANC.
The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK's vegetables
# Summary Two British-run farms in Senegal supply UK supermarkets with corn, green beans, spring onions and other produce during winter months. Located near the Sahara Desert, the farms use river irrigation to grow vegetables on 2,000 hectares of land, employing 9,000 workers, mostly women, who harvest and ship products to major UK retailers within days.
Catch of the day: Pictures from spectacular Nigerian fishing festival
Tens of thousands of fishermen returned to Nigeria's Argungu International Fishing Festival after a six-year hiatus due to Covid and security concerns, with the winner catching a 59kg croaker fish and earning two cars and prize money. The century-old festival, which formally began in 1934 to promote peace between warring kingdoms, featured traditional competitions including archery, dambe combat, and duck-catching, attracting participants and spectators from across Nigeria and neighboring countries.
How Zimbabwe returned from abyss to World Cup resurgence
Zimbabwe's cricket team has impressively returned to the global stage after years of decline, reaching the second stage of the T20 World Cup. The team, once a powerhouse in the late 1990s, suffered decades of struggles due to political interference, financial crisis, and ICC suspension in 2019. Under new leadership focused on debt reduction and player development, Zimbabwe has bounced back to remind supporters of their former glory.
Nigeria to hold inquest into death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's toddler
An inquest into the death of Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 21-month-old son, Nkanu, will begin on April 14 at a Lagos court. Adichie's family accuses Euracare hospital of negligence, claiming medics denied oxygen and over-sedated the child, causing cardiac arrest, while the hospital denies wrongdoing. The case has sparked concerns about patient safety standards in Nigeria's healthcare system.
Is Ethiopia heading back to war in Tigray?
# Summary Fears of renewed war in Ethiopia's Tigray region are driving young people to flee to the capital Addis Ababa, just three years after a devastating civil war ended. Tensions are escalating as the government clashes with the Tigray People's Liberation Front over disputed territories and unresolved peace agreement terms, with the UN describing the situation as "highly volatile.
Girl, 14, shot dead as South Africa's 'taxi wars' hit school
A 14-year-old girl and a 42-year-old taxi operator were killed in a shooting at a Cape Town school in South Africa on Wednesday. The attack, linked to violent turf wars between rival taxi associations, also injured two other pupils. Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to arrests and calling for urgent action against taxi industry violence.
Former US diplomat sentenced to life for abusing two girls in Burkina Faso
A 41-year-old US citizen from Maryland was sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing two teenage girls (ages 13 and 15) while working at the US embassy in Burkina Faso in 2022-2023. Fode Sitafa Mara was convicted of four counts of aggravated sexual abuse, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, and obstruction of justice. The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood, demonstrating US commitment to prosecuting child sexual abuse committed abroad by American citizens.
T20 World Cup: South Africa beat Zimbabwe; set up New Zealand semifinal
South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets in their T20 World Cup Super Eight match, with Dewald Brevis scoring 42 to help chase down Zimbabwe's 153-7 total. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza was standout with 73 runs and 3-29 bowling figures, but it wasn't enough as South Africa remained unbeaten and advanced to the semifinal against New Zealand on Wednesday in Kolkata.
South Africa beat Zimbabwe to set up NZ semi-final
South Africa produce an unconvincing performance with the bat as they beat Zimbabwe by five wickets to set up a semi-final against New Zealand