In Nigeria, fuel prices have climbed by about 65%, one of the sharpest increases among major African economies, despite the start-up of the Dangote refinery. The surge has raised transport fares, driven up food prices and squeezed businesses that rely on petrol and diesel generators because of unstable electricity supply.

The Nigerian government has not restored fuel subsidies, choosing instead to stick with market reforms and limited relief measures. That means businesses and households could face more strain if oil prices remain elevated and the regional conflict drags on.

Damage to emergency response services has also mounted. Iran’s Red Crescent has reported that 17 of its centres have been hit and nearly 100 ambulances damaged or destroyed, limiting the ability of medics to reach casualties and transport patients, China Daily r eports.

Beyond ambulances, the Red Crescent said hundreds of facilities essential to public health have been affected, including medical, pharmaceutical and sanitation sites, alongside widespread damage to schools and education facilities, raising concern about longer-term disruptions for families and children.  

Martinez said conditions vary across the country while basic services continue in parts of Tehran, some southern cities have faced water and electricity outages, and the broader economic squeeze is making it harder for households to cover daily needs.

The IFRC has already launched an emergency appeal to support the Iranian Red Crescent response covering shelter, medical services, water and sanitation, and psychosocial support warning that needs are rising as hostilities continue. 

In an online survey published in a report titled “Tracking Iran-Israel-USA Conflict Firm-Level Impact in Zimbabwe,” CZI said the impact is widespread across the economy. Only 1% of firms surveyed said the conflict has had no effect on their operations.

Overall, CZI said 99% of firms reported that the conflict is affecting their businesses to varying degrees, with about 60% reporting a significant impact, 31% a moderate impact and 8% a slight impact.

CZI said the latest disruptions highlight how quickly geopolitical shocks can filter into Zimbabwe’s economy through higher energy prices and slower movement of goods, especially when global shipping routes come under strain.

Within hours, Iranian officials warned that any strike on Iran’s oil infrastructure would trigger retaliation against US-linked oil and energy assets across the region. Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has also vowed to keep Hormuz shut as a pressure tool, according to reports .

Iran’s threats extended beyond US assets on Saturday when Tehran warned residents to evacuate areas around major ports in the United Arab Emirates, including Jebel Ali in Dubai, as well as Khalifa and Fujairah, claiming the US used “ports, docks and hideouts” in the UAE to support strikes.

The escalation came as a missile struck inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad and debris from an intercepted Iranian drone hit an oil facility in Fujairah, adding to market anxiety about supplies and maritime security .

Trump said the US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through Hormuz “soon,” as the confrontation increasingly centres on shipping and energy exports.

Why the Strait of Hormuz is the big pressure point

Oil prices have climbed sharply as tankers and insurers reassess the risks of moving through the Strait of Hormuz , the narrow waterway linking the Gulf to global markets. Roughly a fifth of global oil supply depends on the route, making any sustained disruption a global price shock.

Shipping has also taken a major hit. Danish container giant Maersk has suspended services on routes affected by the security situation, one sign that supply-chain disruption is spreading beyond the energy market.

Silent evacuations

Commercial aviation has also been hammered by airspace closures and security restrictions. 

Governments are also evacuating people out of harm’s way. The Financial Times reported that Dubai International has been operating at a fraction of normal capacity under military-controlled corridors, while Emirates said it aims to restore its Dubai routes within days as air travel begins to recover. The US State Department has been offering assistance, including charter flights and ground transport, and US officials say tens of thousands of Americans have left the region as commercial travel remains patchy.

"It is being done quietly, but seamlessly," Trump said in a social media post. "Several flights have safely returned hundreds of Americans to the United States with additional flights scheduled to take place over the coming days, as security conditions allow," Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said

Germany has also been adjusting its posture in the region as Berlin previously moved some troops out of Erbil in northern Iraq, citing the rising tensions.

A new ripple effect in other sectors

The economic fallout is being felt far from the Gulf. In Sri Lanka, tea exporters have warned that the Middle East conflict is disrupting shipments and payment channels, putting pressure on one of the country’s key export earners and an already-fragile recovery. At this rate, could lose at least $10 to $15 million a week in the tea industry.

Sri Lanka has also been pulled into the conflict’s maritime shadow after reports that the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena sank following a US submarine strike off the island’s southern coast, an incident that has heightened regional anxiety along Indian Ocean shipping lanes.

What next?

With oil and shipping costs rising, the next signals investors and governments are watching include whether Gulf export routes stay disrupted, whether major carriers restore normal schedules, and whether diplomatic efforts, including via intermediaries, can slow the fight before energy and trade shocks worsen.

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks across parts of the Gulf, while Israel has continued strikes in Iran and intensified operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to the Associated Press.

Ramaphosa said South Africa stood ready to support international efforts to resolve global crises. “We are a global citizen and we therefore can play whatever role the UN would like us to play,” he said. “And if a gap opens or if we are asked, we always live up to obligations.”

Asked whether he would engage Trump, Ramaphosa said the US president was currently preoccupied by the conflict. “Donald Trump is very busy right now. He’s got a war on his hands, and obviously, if the opportunity were to open, we would talk and say there must be a ceasefire,” he said.

Ramaphosa also said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) was working to identify South Africans stranded in the Middle East as airspace closures disrupt travel.

“Dirco is on the ground, working a lot in trying to identify the number of people who are in the Middle East who require help, and we are going to make an effort to bring them back home,” he said. “It will definitely require periods when the airspaces are open for safe travel.”

His remarks come as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to rise, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards saying Iranian forces had “complete control” of the key shipping route for global oil and gas supplies. Trump said the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through the corridor, as several global shipping firms reroute cargo around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid risk.

Business Day reported that brent crude, the global benchmark, rose about 10% to above $82 a barrel after attacks on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane that carries a huge share of global energy trade.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters to Africa

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints. The US Energy Information Administration estimates that oil flows through the strait averaged about 20 million barrels a day in 2024, roughly 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption. It also handles around one-fifth of global LNG trade, much of it from Qatar.

That is why any sustained disruption can ripple quickly into pump prices far from the Gulf, including across Africa, where many economies rely on imported refined fuel.

Short-term upside for African crude producers

Higher crude prices can offer temporary fiscal breathing room for African producers such as Nigeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, many of which are managing tight budgets and heavy debt loads. A longer disruption to shipping could push prices into triple digits; JPMorgan analysts have warned that a severe Hormuz shock could send oil sharply higher, with some scenarios well above $100 a barrel.

For exporters, that can translate into stronger dollar inflows, improved reserves and higher government revenue, at least on paper.

Why higher oil prices can still hurt African consumers

Clementine Wallop, an analyst at Horizon Engage, warned that higher crude prices feed straight into household costs: “Higher crude prices mean higher fuel prices, and several of these countries have worked or are working hard to stop subsidy programs.”

Countries such as Nigeria and Angola have scrapped or scaled back fuel subsidies, exposing consumers more directly to global price swings. Where local refining capacity is limited, tighter supplies of imported petrol and diesel can quickly raise pump prices, pushing up transport and food costs.

Natural gas shock adds another layer

Energy markets beyond oil are also reacting as gas prices spiked nearly 50% after QatarEnergy halted production following reported strikes on its facilities. For African countries that import LNG  or rely on global gas benchmarks for power and industrial costs, the gas surge could add to inflation pressures.

Meanwhile, the African Union Commission has cautioned that further escalation could have “serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience, particularly in Africa,” urging restraint and diplomacy.

“These developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences,” the statement read in part.

Ramaphosa urged “all parties to exercise maximum restraint” and to act in line with international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. The statement also stressed that UN Charter provisions on self-defence apply when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion, adding that “anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law.”

The warning comes as the US-Israel operation triggered Iranian retaliation, with missile and drone attacks reported against targets linked to the US and Israel across parts of the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional war.

The fighting has also disrupted air travel, with multiple countries closing or restricting their airspace and major hubs suspending flights, stranding travellers and forcing airlines to reroute services .

The strikes are being carried out in coordination with Israel, which launched what it called a pre-emptive attack on Iranian targets. Explosions have been reported in Tehran and other cities, as air and missile strikes target military facilities and strategic infrastructure tied to Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.

Trump said the objective of the operation is to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, weaken its navy, and ensure the country cannot obtain a nuclear weapon, while warning that the campaign could involve casualties and further escalation. Iranian officials have vowed retaliation. Get updates as they happen here:

LIVE UPDATES

Latest on Iran war after assassination of Supreme Leader

An Iranian state TV anchor broke down in tears while announcing the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Iran has reportedly hit the French naval base 'Camp de la Paix' in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

An Iranian drone struck a residential apartment in Dubai, but didn't explode.

Footage showing the aftermath of an Iranian strike in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Multiple casualties have been reported.

Iran’s national flag in Iran's embassy in New Delhi is lowered to half-mast in honour of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 

Thousands in Tehran mourn the death of Khamenei

Trump warns after Iran threatened more attacks in the wake of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 

Casualties reported after security forces opened fire on Pakistani protesters who stormed the US consulate in Karachi.

Iranians living in Japan gather near the Iranian Embassy in Tokyo following U.S.–Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

In Pakistan, protestors storm the US consulate in Karachi.

Crowds gather in Tehran and Indian-administered Kashmir after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.–Israeli strikes

Iranian-Americans in Virginia react as news breaks of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with state media saying his “martyrdom” will mark the beginning of an uprising against “oppressors.”

Celebrations are reportedly happening in Tehran after the news of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's passing.

In a strongly worded message, Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Iran’s last shah, declared what he described as the end of the Islamic Republic.He argued that any attempt to appoint a successor would lack legitimacy and fail to survive.

In a post shared on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader is dead and said this presents an opportunity for Iranians to overthrow the current regime.

Multiple US and Israeli officials have reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes on Tehran on Saturday morning.

US and Israeli attacks continue as iran retaliates

US Central Command: “As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” Trump has warned that Iranian forces who don’t stand down “face certain death.”Tehran has launched retaliatory attacks to multiple bases across the Gulf States.

Iran has carried out another attack on Bahrain tonight, hitting a high rise building causing a massive explosion.

Iranian suicide drone seen hitting near the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE.

Videos from the scene show smoke lingering over parts of the airport zone with visible damage around the terminal and surrounding infrastructure, as authorities work to assess the impact following the reported attack and regional escalation.

The Israeli Air Force just posted a footage showing an Iranian base being bombed just as forces were preparing launchers for missile strikes against Israel.

Moment captured on tape when Iran missile hit Kuwait International Airport.

Clips shared on social media show smoke rising from the reported explosion site in Dubai, with flames visible in parts of the area.

Iran has launched ballistic missiles toward Gulf states in retaliation for recent US-Israel strikes, with explosions reported over Dubai.

"We cannot just sit and watch as they attack us." Iran says its strikes on American bases are acts of self-defence and that it cannot remain passive if attacked.Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Tehran was “handling this situation". He confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are safe “as far as I know,” and that high-ranking officials are secure. He also questioned why the United States would begin negotiations and then carry out attacks during talks.

Trump's message to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard, armed forces, and police.

A bus station in Holon, Tel Aviv, caught fire after Iranian missile strikes.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a large wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and other American interests in the Persian Gulf, with explosions reported in Doha near Al-Udeid air base and missiles heard across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Israel and Iraq.

After the escalation, several countries — including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, the UAE and Israel — closed their airspace, airlines cancelled regional flights, and US embassies in the Gulf urged American citizens to seek shelter.

The UAE’s Ministry of Defence announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed a fresh wave of Iranian missiles launched toward the country, carrying out the operation efficiently and without any reported damage.

A vehicle engulfed in flames in a residential area close to Doha, Qatar, after it was struck by missile debris following Iran’s attack on Al Udeid Air Base, where US soldiers are based.

A video captures an explosion as missile fragments descend upon a residential neighbourhood near Doha, Qatar, following Iran’s strike on Al Udeid Air Base, where US troops are stationed.

Donald Trump had warned Iran not to build a nuclear weapon, and mediators from Oman told U.S. media they had secured a breakthrough in talks, with Tehran agreeing not to stockpile enriched uranium, effectively blocking the path to an atomic bomb.

Despite this, Trump ordered strikes in coordination with Israel, initiating a conflict expected to cost many lives on both sides.

Israelis take shelter as sirens warn of incoming missiles.Israelis took shelter amid air-raid sirens and hospitals began evacuating patients on Saturday following the launch of Iranian missiles toward the country, after strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran.

‘The objective of the operation is to put an end to the threat from the Ayatollah regime in Iran’ - PM Netanyahu following strikes.

Footage of fighter jets departing from an Israeli airbase before the attack on Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as an operation to "remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran".

“The Kingdom warns of the grave consequences.”Saudi Arabia has expressed full solidarity with the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan following what it described as violations of their sovereignty, warning of serious consequences if such actions continue.

Israeli-US strikes reportedly hit areas near Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s official offices and residence (Beit-e Rahbari) in central Tehran.

"I'd rather do it the peaceful way."Less than 24 HOURS ago, Trump said this about a possible US military attack on Iran.

Footage shows Iranian students apparently celebrating U.S. strikes carried out early Saturday, which President Donald Trump described as a “noble mission” to free Iranians from their government.

In a video message, Trump urged Iranians to take over their government once the operation was finished, calling it a rare opportunity, and said that while they had long asked for America’s help, no previous president had acted as he was doing.

Explosions have also been recorded in Abu Dhabi as Iran conducts retaliatory strikes on U.S. installations following what Washington called “Operation Epic Fury.”

Explosions and air-raid sirens were reported at several U.S. military sites in the Middle East after Iran launched retaliatory strikes following the latest escalation with Washington and Israel.

Blasts were seen near the U.S. naval base in Al-Juffair, Bahrain, while alarms and explosions were also reported in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. In Qatar, authorities said a Patriot air-defence system intercepted an incoming Iranian missile.

Saudi Arabia has condemned the "treachorous aggression" of Iran on its neighbours Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Jordan. In a statement on X, Saudi says it stands by the side of the affected countries and will support them in all measures. 

Iran has released a statement calling on the international community to speak against what it calls "illegal aggression" by the US and Israel. It pointed out to the negotiation efforts of the Iranian regime and assured its citizens that the state will defend the country with "all its might". 

The UAE has condemned attacks on facilities in its country which it claims has killed one person. In a statement released by the Ministry of Defense ,  the UAE says a lot of Iranian missiles have been intercepted and described the attacks as "cowardly". 

Many countries have called on their citizens in Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait to remain indoors.

Bahrain has confirmed that the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet has been targeted by a missile attack.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards says it has launched first large-scale wave of retaliatory missile and drone strikes towards Israel.

“Understand this, we are going to war with France. We were not at war before, but now we are going to war,” he is quoted by French news, Le Figaro .

The declaration follows a decree on general mobilisation adopted by Niger’s Council of Ministers at the end of December. Military officials have said the move is aimed at confronting what they allege are French efforts to destabilise the country.

General Tchiani has repeatedly accused France, along with leaders in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, of supporting Islamist armed groups and backing attacks against Niger’s government . He claimed the countries were behind a January 2026 attack on Niamey Airport.

Meanwhile, France has strongly denied the allegations. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesperson for the French Armed Forces General Staff, said there was “no question of French involvement” in Niger and described the accusations as “information warfare.”

Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated sharply since a military coup in July 2023 ousted the elected government. The junta demanded the withdrawal of French troops and the French ambassador, accusing Paris of neocolonial interference. Military cooperation was suspended, marking a dramatic shift from years of close security ties.

Niger, which gained independence from France in 1960, has since pivoted away from Paris as anti-French sentiment grows across parts of the Sahel region.

“You treat a country, or a president, or a government like a spoilt child,” Kagame said, referring to how Congo is handled in international diplomacy. “The problem didn’t start in Rwanda, we didn’t cause it,” the East African quotes.

Kagame rejected claims that Rwanda is involved in Congo for economic gain, particularly mineral exploitation.

“If we were in Congo for precious metals and minerals, we’d be 100 times richer than we are today,” he said, insisting Rwanda’s primary concern is national security .

At the centre of Rwanda’s argument is the continued presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group linked to the Interahamwe militia responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Kagame said the group continues to promote genocide ideology and poses a direct threat to Rwanda.

“They keep saying, ‘We want to finish what we started,’” Kagame said, adding that the ideology has been passed down to younger generations despite many original fighters being elderly.

Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing the AFC/M23 rebel group fighting Congolese government forces in eastern Congo, despite United Nations Security Council demands that Kigali withdraw troops and stop supporting the rebels. Rwanda maintains that M23 fighters are Congolese citizens addressing unresolved political and ethnic grievances.

“They say Rwanda and Burundi are twins, but Burundi has chosen to be twins with Congo,” Kagame said. While the UN has acknowledged the security threat posed by the FDLR, Kagame said Congo and its allies,  including Burundi, face little scrutiny.

Speaking to a Turkish media delegation, Abdel Mutaal said some of the foreign fighters have already been sentenced to death, while others are facing ongoing trials. She added that Sudanese authorities have documented cases in which weapons were allowed to pass through neighbouring countries to reach rebel forces.

The prosecutor also claimed her office had obtained physical evidence linking the United Arab Emirates to support for the RSF, an allegation the UAE has previously denied.

Sudan’s authorities say the use of foreign fighters has worsened the conflict and contributed to widespread abuses against civilians. Abdel Mutaal accused the RSF of committing systematic sexual violence, including against minors, and of recruiting children into the fighting.

She said 135 children who had been recruited into the conflict were recently handed back to their families with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The prosecutor detailed alleged atrocities in several regions, including attacks against the Masalit community in El Geneina and assaults in Kadugli and Dilling that killed more than 100 people , mostly women and children. She also cited the shelling of a kindergarten during a graduation ceremony as part of the investigation.

Since the war began, Sudan’s National Committee for Investigating Crimes has recorded more than 188,000 criminal cases, some of which have been referred to special courts. Earlier this month, Sudan’s Anti-Terrorism Court in Port Sudan began trials against 201 defendants, including senior RSF figures and political leaders, on charges ranging from inciting war to undermining the constitutional system.

This was as Beijing is expected to step up military drills around Taiwan next year, including large-scale maritime exercises and air operations near the island’s airspace.

Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory, remains a central strategic objective for Beijing as the People’s Liberation Army approaches its 100th anniversary.

The heightened activity around Taiwan could have spillover effects across neighbouring areas, including parts of the Philippines ’ Air Defence Identification Zone, given Manila’s proximity to the island and its location along key regional sea lanes.

Mogato said a shift in control over Taiwan would significantly alter the balance of power in the western Pacific, potentially allowing China to project military force beyond what US planners describe as the first island chain. This is the area stretching from Japan through Taiwan and into the northern Philippines.

Closer to Philippine waters, Mogato identified the West Philippine Sea as another potential flashpoint in 2026, citing Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal as areas where tensions could intensify amid competing patrols and operations.

For Manila, both shoals are regarded as strategic red lines. Philippine officials have warned that losing access would threaten national security, disrupt fishing livelihoods and complicate resupply missions to Philippine-held features, including the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal.

Amid the rising tensions described by Mogato, Washington has moved to strengthen defence ties with Manila. The US Congress this month approved $3.5 billion in security assistance for the Philippines under the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

The package includes $500 million a year in Foreign Military Financing from 2026 to 2031, as well as $1 billion in long-term defence loans . Despite the assistance, Philippine defence spending remains relatively low, with the defence budget set at about $5 billion next year, or less than 1% of gross domestic product.

Recent incidents underscore the volatility Mogato warned about. Philippine authorities said a Chinese frigate was detected loitering about 40 nautical miles off Capones Island in Zambales, prompting the navy to deploy warships to monitor and escort the vessel away.

Mogato said such encounters are likely to become more frequent in 2026 as the United States and China continue to test each other’s resolve, placing the Philippines in an increasingly exposed position amid intensifying regional competition.

Here is a recap of a few:

Sudan

From April 2023, Sudan has been stuck in turmoil, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of people and left women and children vulnerable. The conflict erupted over power struggles between rival military factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The conflict led to parts of the country facing famine. Millions were displaced, health systems collapsed, and reports of mass sexual violence mounted, yet funding and diplomatic engagement remained limited as donor fatigue developed. “Each passing day brings staggering levels of violence and destruction. Civilians are enduring immense, unimaginable suffering, with no end in sight,” Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the UN Khaled Khiari told ambassadors.

DR Congo

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, fighting between armed groups intensified, particularly in North Kivu. Civilians faced killings, forced recruitment, and displacement, but the conflict received scant coverage outside Africa despite being a deadly one. The fighting resumed at the beginning of 2025 when the M23 rebel group made significant advances across the East. 

Haiti

Haiti continued to slide deeper into crisis as armed gangs expanded control over large parts of Port-au-Prince. Kidnappings surged, state authority eroded further, and humanitarian access shrank, yet international response stalled amid political paralysis. “Caught in the middle of this unending horror story are the Haitian people, who are at the mercy of horrific violence by gangs and exposed to human rights violations from the security forces and abuses by the so-called ‘self-defence’ groups,” Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, is quoted .

Myanmar

In Myanmar, clashes between the military junta and ethnic armed groups were reported, with airstrikes hitting civilian areas. The conflict’s impact on women, children and minorities remained severe, even as global focus drifted elsewhere. Four years after the military seized power in 2021, Myanmar’s junta controls just 21% of the country, while rebel groups and ethnic armed forces hold about 42%, according to a 2024 BBC investigation.

Smaller but persistent conflicts in Ethiopia’s border regions, Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, and Burkina Faso also worsened. While some of these were short-lived, they were mostly driven by a mix of insurgency and political instability.

These remarks coincided with reports of targeted immigration enforcement operations that were focusing on the Somali community in Minnesota. Nearly 58% of Somalis in Minnesota were born in the United States, and 87% of the foreign-born population are naturalised U.S. citizens, according to reports .

The notion that Somalis contribute nothing is strongly refuted by those who see their efforts on the ground, both in their homeland and abroad. 

U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, who is Somali-born and immigrated to the U.S. at age 12, responded to the "vile" remarks by highlighting that Somali Americans make considerable contributions to the U.S. and are actively working to improve the country. 

Ahmed Soliman, a Horn of Africa researcher, affirmed this view, noting that the Somali population, both in the diaspora and within Somalia, has made "huge contributions to their communities".

In the capital city of Mogadishu, individuals and civil society organisations are stepping into the dangerous gaps left by decades of conflict. 

Somalia has faced ongoing instability since the 1991 fall of the Siad Barre regime, leading to civil conflict and the rise of extremist groups like al-Shabab. 

This has displaced millions, with an estimated 10 million Somalis living in neighbouring countries and nearly 2 million in the global diaspora — about 10% of whom are in North America.

Dr Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan, a dentist and founder of the country's sole free ambulance service, said Trump “doesn’t know much about Somalis.”

“In every nation, there is some bad people… but not all of them. Somalis, I do believe there are very good people, in generosity, helping others,” he added. 

Adan’s ambulance service is a vital lifeline in a city that regularly endures terror attacks by al-Shabab. He and his staff often risk their lives, arriving at blast scenes shortly after explosions, believing that every life has an equal value. 

With an estimated population of 19.1 million residing within its borders, 10 million in neighbouring countries, and nearly 2 million in the global diaspora, Somalia is far from being a country lacking heritage. 

Despite challenges from climate change and international aid cuts, Somalia’s economic growth of 4.1% in 2024 and projected 3.3% in 2025 is higher than that of the US, which managed 2.8% in 2024 and a projected 2.0% in 2025.

The Horn of Africa nation is recognised as one of the oldest trading nations in the world, with a history dating back many centuries. 

Somalia boasts the longest coastline on continental Africa, touching the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and bordering the Gulf of Aden. 

Historically, Somalia houses some of the wealthiest trading ports, including the Mogadishu port, which is now over a thousand years old, along with notable ports such as Kismayo, Berbera, and Zeila.

Somali culture also boasts deep intellectual roots, earning the nation the title “Nation of Poets”. This widespread practice of poetry originated from the nomadic nature of the Somali tradition, where lyrical words were easier for messengers to remember when sending communications.

Somalia played a critical role in early animal domestication, pioneering the domestication of the camel between the third and second millennia BC. This practice, crucial for nomadic life, subsequently spread throughout North Africa and into ancient Egypt. 

Today, Somalia maintains this legacy, possessing the largest population of camels of any single country, with a growing population estimated at 14 million.

The county’s economy is heavily reliant on livestock, which accounts for upwards of 40% of the GDP and 50% of the country’s export earnings. Chief exports include camels and other livestock, hides, fish, frankincense, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

While the country faces significant challenges, including decades of clan-based conflict and the ongoing fight against al-Shabab, it is actively supported by international partners, such as the  World Bank , which is engaged in initiatives aimed at creating jobs, providing social protection, and enhancing climate resilience, benefiting over 738,000 Somalis.

Maduro, who has been the Venezuelan president since 2013, is locked in a conflict with Trump stemming from Washington’s growing presence in the Caribbean . 

A number of Venezuelan boats, accused by Trump of carrying drugs, have been sunk in the Caribbean in the past months.

Trump had even threatened a land attack to foil “a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela.”

Despite the US-Venezuelan tension getting fatal, Maduro insisted there was nothing to fear. 

"What are they afraid of, if it's not me? It's people standing tall in battle, Bolivarian Chavistas, masters of their own destiny, who will never be humiliated and who will defeat imperialism in any of the threats they attempt against our beloved homeland," he said.

Venezuela responded to US provocations by activating a defence plan on its coasts, which involves 27 territorial operations that would be employed in the event of a direct attack from Washington. 

While reaffirming the group's continued participation in the Doha talks, Nangaa warned that persistent military aggression by government forces could jeopardise their involvement. “We are subjected to continuous and repeated bombings… our good faith has limits. We will not allow criminals to continue killing our people ,” he said.

Local reports have confirmed an uptick in violence across the conflict-ridden Kivu provinces, including a recent attack on the Twangiza mining site, Viory reports. The clashes come as the peace process, mediated by Qatar and aimed at ending long-standing hostilities, remains fragile and under threat.

According to Gaza health authorities, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, nearly a third of them children. 

Israel insists its campaign targets Hamas, not civilians, and says at least 20,000 of the dead were militants. But a United Nations commission of inquiry last month concluded that Israel’s actions amount to genocide, citing the scale of death and devastation. Israel dismissed the finding as “biased and scandalous.”

Israel, too, has paid a heavy price. At least 1,665 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed since October 2023, including 1,200 in the Hamas-led assault that triggered the war. The military says 466 soldiers have died in combat and nearly 3,000 have been wounded. 

The U.N. Satellite Centre estimates that around 193,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including more than a thousand schools and over two hundred hospitals. Only 14 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, leaving the wounded and sick with nowhere to go. The U.N. human rights office has warned that efforts to clear Gaza City could amount to ethnic cleansing.

Displacement is near total. Only 18% of Gaza is now considered safe or outside militarised zones, and many families have fled multiple times. Since Israel renewed its campaign in Gaza City in August, more than 417,000 people have been displaced from the north to the south, where overcrowded shelters and collapsing services offer little relief. 

Famine has already taken hold. A global hunger monitor reported in August that nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population — around half a million people — face starvation. At least 177 have died from hunger or malnutrition, including dozens of children. 

Despite the partial lifting of an 11-week blockade, aid remains scarce. The U.N. says over 2,300 people have been killed while trying to access food, underscoring the desperation that defines life in Gaza, now a land of ruins where survival itself has become a daily act of resistance.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa on September 17, DRC’s Minister of Justice, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko, stated:  “In the situation we find ourselves in, they want to commit seemingly legal and legitimate acts to cover up their crimes. So it's important to remember that all these actions are null and void. The appropriate authorities will be able to impose sanctions on these magistrates who will begin their work. You know, even to be appointed magistrates, there are criteria; you cannot appoint a magistrate who is over 62 years old.”

 “The principle is to refer all cases of misconduct to mediation. As long as we have all chosen to give it a chance, the more the day goes by, the more they reveal their true intentions,” Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media, said.

“That's why it's important that all Congolese understand us and say no, because no one can ally themselves with those whose only goal is to kill and intimidate." 

The remarks follow failed efforts to establish peace in the eastern region. In July, the DRC and M23 signed a Declaration of Principles, brokered by Qatar, agreeing to a permanent ceasefire with plans for implementation by August 18. However, the ceasefire did not take effect, as M23 withdrew from the talks, citing alleged violations by the DRC and the failure to release M23 prisoners.

These developments occurred after a separate agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, mediated by the United States and Qatar, was signed in Washington on June 27.

The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, particularly in North and South Kivu. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.

“The RSF controls most of western Sudan; the army holds the east, including the capital. The centre is a battleground,” van Linge said, describing RSF methods as “genocidal” and warning that if the last major holdout city in Darfur falls, “tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of lives could be at risk.”

What’s happening on the ground?

Amongst many other strategies, the RSF has tightened its control of El Fasher, the Sudanese army’s final stronghold in Darfur and a refuge for hundreds of thousands, using berms and earth walls to cut off routes, amid shelling and ground assaults. A report from the Middle East Eye indicated that independent satellite analysis and field reporting depict a city starved of supplies and pounded by fire. 

There have also been reports of killings of fleeing civilians and summary executions. Local and international monitors have documented summary executions by the RSF and allied militias, with multiple recent incidents around El Fasher and displacement camps; a reputable Sudan outlet reported at least 15 civilians shot dead while attempting to flee the city. “At least 15 people were executed on Saturday morning by RSF gunfire while trying to reach the town of Garni, west of El Fasher,” a source told the Sudan Tribune .

The UN human rights office has repeatedly flagged continuing killings in El Fasher and Abu Shouk camp, while earlier UN alerts reported emerging patterns of summary executions in the conflict. 

The Human Rights Watch World Report 2025 details “executions, torture and ill-treatment” by RSF and army forces across multiple fronts, adding to a record of ethnically targeted attacks in Darfur that UN experts and rights groups say could amount to mass atrocities.  

Van Linge traced the war to a rupture inside the security apparatus, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) versus the RSF, a powerful paramilitary with roots in Darfur militias. The RSF advanced early across much of Darfur and parts of central Sudan, while the SAF consolidated in the east.

In one such camp, a group of young Sudanese volunteers has stepped in to ensure children don’t lose access to education. “The initiative, honestly, was launched through the efforts of young people. There is no supporting entity, no organisations or bodies backing it,” said Jamal Ahmed, a volunteer. “The youth collect contributions, identify what’s lacking, and provide it to the school. We submitted aid requests to several organisations and initiatives, but the response was that this camp is just a temporary stop and there’s no mandate to support education. That’s why we rely entirely on our own efforts, especially the children’s parents, who are the main pillar of this initiative,” he told Viory.

Despite these challenges, the initiative has managed to provide classes for children from kindergarten to sixth grade. A teacher at the camp explained the hurdles they still face, “Through the initiative, we’ve been able to provide education for children from kindergarten up to sixth grade. But we still lack so much, some children study out in the open with no mats, no school supplies, and no toys. We're grateful to anyone who offers support, and all thanks go to our brothers and sisters in the 'Our Hands for the Country' initiative,” he said.

Around 13 million people have been displaced, including 3.8 million who have fled to neighboring countries.

In Kinshasa, Romeo Limaka, a university professor, stressed that ordinary citizens primarily want the fighting to stop. “The people were going to be involved to learn the timelines and outcomes of this agreement with a view to peace, which is much more sought after because that is what is most important to the people: peace, the end of the war,” he said.

However, others fear the exclusion of key stakeholders could sow future unrest. Ngena Ewaenwa, president of EPPAF, voiced concern about armed groups and patriotic factions being left out of negotiations. “But what makes us regret is seeing how the Patriots, the Wazalendo group, the MF23, who fight day and night, were not involved in this agreement. The same goes for us, who are Patriots and carry patriotism in Africa,” he warned. “This is what worries us. So perhaps tomorrow, there could also be bad reactions to unforeseen issues.”

Opposition figures also called for greater transparency and participation. Pacifique Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, said the accord requires substantial revisions. “If there are agreements with the United States , economic agreements, we agree. But now, on this deal, there are many things to improve. There are many things to change. But not everything is bad, just as not everything is good,” he said. Epenge urged religious leaders to convene an inclusive national dialogue. “We want CENCO and ECC to quickly bring us together, including the revivalist churches, so that we can have a national and inclusive dialogue quickly,” he added

From the government’s side, officials emphasised the economic potential of the accord, particularly in the mining sector. Phillipe Undji, secretary of the ruling Sacred Union, said the agreement could finally bring development dividends to Congolese citizens if resources are properly managed. “We must now establish an economic framework that works on traceability: knowing where the minerals come from, where they are sold, at what price, with what interest, and what the DRC gains as the state that owns the minerals,” he explained.

The peace deal , signed by the foreign ministers of both countries, outlines key steps including military disengagement, the lifting of Rwandan defensive measures, and the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group that Rwanda sees as a threat.

The agreement also affirms respect for the territorial integrity of the DRC and allows either party to withdraw from the deal with 60 days' notice.

Despite this, many in Kinshasa and Kivu remain uncertain about the agreement’s effectiveness due to a history of failed peace efforts.

Romeo Limaka, a university professor in Kinshasa, emphasised the public’s desire for transparency and long-term peace. “The people were going to be involved to learn the timelines and outcomes of this agreement with a view to peace, which is much more sought after because that is what is most important to the people: peace, the end of the war,” he told CGTN.

Others have raised concerns about the exclusion of key local groups from the agreement. Ngenga Ewaenwa, President of the School of Patriot and His Patriotism in Africa (EPPAF) noted the absence of domestic armed groups and patriotic forces from the discussions. “But what makes us regret is seeing how the Patriots, the Wazalendo group, the M23, who fight day and night, were not involved in this agreement. The same goes for us, who are Patriots and carry patriotism in Africa. This is what worries us. So perhaps tomorrow, there could also be bad reactions to unforeseen issues.”

Supporters of President Felix Tshisekedi have welcomed the agreement. Phillipe Undji, secretary of the ruling Sacred Union, highlighted potential economic benefits. “We must now establish an economic framework that works on traceability… if there can be small commission agents in the sales chains and all that, in the profit, that the DRC earns a large part of its resources, well, we say that it is a victory.”

Just recently, a confidential UN report said Rwanda controls M23 rebels advancing in eastern Congo, gaining power and mineral access. Experts added that Rwanda trained M23 fighters and supplied them with advanced military tech to outmatch Congo’s army.

Recent reports indicate that over 7 million individuals have been forcibly displaced due to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Nearly 780,000 people were compelled to abandon their homes between November 2024 and January 2025.

Since January 1, over 100,000 refugees have entered neighbouring countries. Of these, 69,000 have sought refuge in Burundi, 29,000 in Uganda, and approximately 1,000 in Rwanda and Tanzania, the UN Refugee Agency reports.

What they said

“The level of hunger and destitution and desperation that was found (is) severe and confirmed the risk of famine in those areas,” said Laurent Bukera, WFP Country Director in Sudan, speaking to reporters in Geneva via video link from Port Sudan. He added, “Supplements for young children and pregnant and nursing mothers are out of reach because of a lack of resources … Without urgent support we will not be able to deliver the food package that the Sudanese need.”

The Senate voted 88 to 5 in favour of removing Kabila’s protection from prosecution, following accusations by President Felix Tshisekedi that Kabila colluded with the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, which has seized large areas of eastern DRC in recent months. Kabila, who has been abroad since 2023, did not attend the vote, and his current whereabouts remain unknown, the AFP reports.

On the streets of Kinshasa, some residents expressed support for the Senate's decision. “If he is involved, he must be subject to the strictness of the law,” said Charles Salulwa, urging authorities to act only on the basis of solid evidence. Another resident, Celestin Mani, added, “If Kabila is really among those who kill people there, then he can go to hell. That’s it.”

However, members of Kabila’s political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), dismissed the move as politically motivated. “There is a will in Felix’s regime to hide the failure of governance ,” said Ferdinand Kambere, the party’s deputy general secretary. “They want to blame Kabila to deflect from their own problems with the M23.”

In contrast, the RSF maintains control over much of the Darfur region and parts of South and West Kordofan. Areas of ongoing combat are marked in purple, while other contested or isolated pockets are highlighted in yellow. The map uses green to represent areas controlled by the Sudanese army and red for those under RSF control, Sudan Khbar reports.

The conflict, which began in mid-April 2023 in the capital Khartoum, has resulted in shifting frontlines, especially in central regions. The army reports that it has recently regained control of Khartoum, Sennar, and Al-Jazirah states after extended clashes.

The map is intended to provide an updated overview of military positions and the current distribution of forces across the country.

The RSF has not issued an official response to the map, though sources linked to the group have questioned the accuracy of the army's territorial claims.

“2,323 new cholera cases have been recorded, including 51 deaths over three weeks, 90% of which were identified in Khartoum State, especially Karrari and Jebel Aulia,” a statement from the Ministry read.

The outbreak has been fueled by severe water shortages, worsened after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled three power stations in Omdurman on May 14, causing widespread power outages across the capital. With water supply systems down, residents have turned to unsafe sources such as shallow wells and direct extraction from the Nile, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Sudan is also currently facing multiple public health threats, including dengue fever, malaria, hepatitis, measles, and diphtheria, with infection and mortality rates varying by region.

The Ministry of Health has launched several public awareness efforts, including home visits, community dialogues via interactive theatre and mobile cinema, and mass media campaigns focused on disease prevention.

The Ministry estimates that up to 80% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas and 45% in other parts of the country are no longer operational, largely due to shortages of medicine , electricity, clean water, and medical personnel.

In Port Sudan, field teams delivered food aid and household essentials to internally displaced persons at the “Peace and Happiness Between Two Homes” shelter centre, part of a broader effort to improve living conditions in displacement hubs. Similar aid operations in Gedaref have already reached thousands of families with food packages and shelter support.

Displaced individuals from across the Red Sea, Gedaref, and Kassala states welcomed the aid with gratitude, acknowledging the consistent support provided by the people of Qatar through Qatar Charity since the outbreak of the conflict.

Many recipients noted that the assistance has significantly alleviated their daily hardships and reinforced their ability to endure the ongoing crisis, Qatar News Agency reports.

The IMF mission to Kinshasa, led by Calixte Ahokpossi, IMF Mission Chief for the DRC, conducted a review from April 30 to May 13, 2025, which focused on assessing the progress made under the ECF-supported program initiated following the conclusion of the previous arrangement in 2024.

According to Mr. Ahokpossi, the Congolese economy has demonstrated resilience in the face of persistent challenges. “Economic activity has remained resilient, with robust GDP growth of 6.5 percent in 2024. Growth is projected to remain above 5 percent in 2025, driven by continued dynamism in the extractive sector,” he said in a statement released on May 13.

Inflation fell to single-digit levels in April 2025, the first of its kind since July 2022.

Despite the positive economic trajectory, the DRC continues to grapple with the fallout from intensified conflict in its eastern regions. “Since the last quarter of 2024, the DRC has faced an escalation of armed conflict in its eastern part. The intensification of hostilities has cost the lives of thousands and caused severe humanitarian, social, and economic repercussions, particularly in the provinces of North and South Kivu,” Ahokpossi noted.

The new agreement follows the conclusion of the sixth and final review of the previous ECF-supported program launched in 2021, valued at USD 1.5 billion. That program helped significantly boost the DRC’s international reserves from $1.7 billion to $6 billion, which contributed to gradual macroeconomic stabilization despite challenging circumstances.

"According to the evidence collected to date, the casualty resulted from tank fire by an IDF unit operating in the area", stated the military. Under the direction of Lt. Gen. Zamir, the investigation is set to conclude shortly, pending additional information. The IDF expressed regret for the incident and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.

On the day of the attack, reports indicated that the victims were members of a UN mine-clearance team. Eyewitness images showed personnel being transported to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza City for medical attention. In response to the attack, UN officials emphasized that the site was well known to the Israeli army and underscored the need to protect UN facilities, noting that strikes against them violate international law. They also reiterated their call for a ceasefire in the region".

Additionally, shortly after the Deir al-Balah event, another tragic incident occurred on the first day of escalated hostilities, where IDF fire in Tal al-Sultan claimed the lives of nine individuals, including medical personnel and a UNRWA employee. An IDF investigation into this strike indicated errors by a Golani Brigade unit but determined that there was no intentional wrongdoing, diverging from various allegations made by Palestinian sources and media outlets.

As of Friday morning, Farmasum Fuddang, an official with the Bokkos local government, reported that 48 bodies had been recovered — a significant increase from the initial count of 10. “Yesterday alone, we made a mass burial of more than 30 people,” Fuddang said.

A representative from the Red Cross confirmed the death toll had exceeded 40, noting that most victims were women and children .

Despite the peaceful coexistence of millions of Nigerians from various backgrounds, Plateau State remains a flashpoint for sectarian violence. Even in urban areas where Christians and Muslims live side by side, small-scale disputes have spiraled into large-scale massacres along community lines.

Maren Jushua, a resident of Manguna village, described the terrifying moment when gunmen stormed his village. “I and my other brothers managed to hide ourselves inside a small building behind our house. After they had gone, we came out to discover four people were killed,” he told AFP.

In neighbouring Daffo, John Mathew estimated the toll to be even higher. “The number of casualties would be more than 20,” he said.

Fuddang alleged on Thursday that the attackers were committing “ethnic and religious cleansing,” claiming they were heard speaking the Fulani dialect.

This assertion drew sharp criticism from a local herders' association. They denounced the characterization, arguing that Fulfulde — the formal name of the Fulani language — is widely spoken across Nigeria, including by criminals. In a statement, the Plateau chapter of the Gan Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria condemned the killings as “barbaric” but also contended that “herders should be the ones complaining about land grabbing” by farmers.

Military forces, alongside local vigilantes, reportedly engaged the attackers. “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals,” said the military. The state police spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

History of Conflict

Experts say the root causes of violence in Plateau are complex. With Nigeria’s population booming, the demand for farmland has intensified, while traditional grazing routes are shrinking, partly due to climate change . Land disputes, political rivalries, illegal mining, and poor governance all contribute to ongoing tensions, with impunity remaining a persistent issue.

A similar attack in late March on the village of Ruwi left 10 people dead. “Unidentified men came into the community shooting sporadically and killed 10 people,” said village leader Moses John at the time.

Reacting to the recent violence, Plateau State Information Commissioner Joyce Ramnap strongly condemned the killings and urged both religious and community leaders to “reinforce the message of peace , unity, and lawful engagement.” She also noted that “important arrests have been made,” though no details were provided.

Tensions in the region have been high since a brutal assault during Christmas 2023 left about 200 people dead in a mostly Christian community. Another deadly episode occurred in May last year in Wase, where around 40 people were killed and several homes burned.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Juba, Information Minister and government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth assured the public that the situation remains "normal and under full control."

“This is in accordance with intelligence and security reports, which indicate that Dr. Riek Machar, the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chairman of the SPLM-IO, has been in contact with his supporters and military bases,” Lueth stated, adding that, “As a result of these contacts, several events unfolded in March, including the assembly and attack by the White Army on the Nasir garrison.”

President Salva Kiir Mayardit ordered Machar’s house arrest as a security measure to safeguard the peace agreement and maintain stability, according to Lueth.

“In order to save the agreement and exercise his constitutional powers, President Salva Kiir directed that Vice President Riek Machar be placed under house arrest, pending investigation,” he said. “Machar will remain under house arrest while investigations determine whether he is guilty or innocent.”

The government defended its actions against criticism that the move violates the peace deal, asserting that national security must take precedence over political agreements.

“People say this is a violation of the agreement. Does the agreement authorize anyone to take the lives of others? Does it allow unlawful actions under its cover? No. The agreement is governed by law, and we must abide by that law,” Lueth argued.

The situation adds further strain to South Sudan’s already fragile political situation over the past months.

The latest company to exit is Selecta One, a global leader in plant breeding and horticulture. In a press release, the company announced that its parent group, Selecta Group, would be moving its production operations from its Kunzila site in northern Ethiopia to its main locations in Kenya and Uganda.

The company cited political instability and an unpredictable military environment as primary reasons for its decision.

“The Selecta Group will move URC-production from its Kunzila site in northern Ethiopia to its main locations in Kenya and Uganda. The unstable political situation and the uncertain military environment were the main reasons for this decision,” a press statement from the company read.

Selecta One CEO Per Ansgar Klemm also took to LinkedIn to express disappointment over the closure. “Years in which we, together with a dedicated team on the ground, have invested countless hours, built up know-how and, after the end of the civil war in November 2022, firmly hoped for a better future. Despite all the difficulties we encountered on a daily basis, we were able to see how much our joint work could create prospects for the people and their families, who gave their best every day,” Klemm wrote.

The company, which began operations in Ethiopia in 2021, will lay off more than 1,000 local employees as a result of its closure. Selecta One joins a growing list of foreign horticultural companies, including five Dutch-owned firms, that have either ceased operations or suspended production since the beginning of 2024.

Ethiopia’s flower industry is the country’s second-largest export sector after coffee, according to the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). The sector contributed nearly $600 million in export revenues during the 2022/23 fiscal year, underscoring its vital role in the nation’s economy.

As war rages on between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the dead are becoming just another part of the shattered landscape.

Civilians trapped in besieged neighborhoods speak of unbearable scenes.

“As we all know, these cemeteries in Tarb al-Shuhada are illegal due to the siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). We were unable to reach the legitimate cemeteries because of the ongoing clashes and the RSF blocking our access," said Al-Samani Mohammed Al-Samani, a volunteer gravedigger.

“I could either be with my children , or I could stay and do my duty,” says one of the doctors who remained in Khartoum in an interview with the AFP.

Since the conflict began, at least 78 health workers have been killed, according to Sudan’s Doctors’ Union, as hospitals continue to face attacks, supply shortages, and an exodus of medical professionals fleeing the violence.

For some, the decision to stay was deeply personal. Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed, a paediatrician at Al-Buluk Hospital, has not left since she arrived at the facility, determined to guide younger doctors who had been working tirelessly since the start of the war.

“Since I arrived at Al-Buluk, I have not left it. Even the specialists were once our students, and we trained them,” she says. “I was the only senior doctor. These hardworking young professionals had been working since the beginning of the war, even before I arrived. They truly accomplished great things, and I became like a mother to them, offering guidance and support,” said Dr Abdelmajed.

Others, like Dr. Safaa Ali, a gynaecologist and director of Saudi Hospital, stayed out of devotion to their country and profession.

“I have been working since the start of the war. I have not left Sudan. We find strength in our love for our country, our passion for our work, and the oath we swore,” she says.

But the decision came at a high personal cost. As her own family fled Sudan.

“My family, like many others, decided to leave Sudan because children started getting scared, and our area had become a conflict zone. It was extremely dangerous. When they made the decision to leave, and I had to make my own, I stayed up all night thinking. In the end, my professional commitment took precedence over my family obligations,” she explains. 

The hospitals still operating have increasingly relied on volunteer networks, such as the local Emergency Response Rooms, to fill the gaps.

Mead al-Fath al-Khatib, a volunteer at the donation point, reflected on the challenges faced in the early days of the war. 

“Since the start of the war, the donation point has continued to provide meals. Of course, the situation was difficult in the beginning, and providing the necessary supplies to people was a challenge. However, the situation has improved a lot.”

Despite the dangers, residents have continued to rely on these community efforts for survival.

“We have remained here since the start of the war and have not left despite all the circumstances,” said Issam al-Dien Abdallah, a resident of Omdurman. “We continued to frequent this donation point to receive our meals. This soup kitchen is not only serving the Beit El-Mal area, but rather covers the entire Old Omdurman area, including Abbasiya and other areas. People come here to receive food.”

Meanwhile, in a significant development on the battlefield, Sudan’s army recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Friday. The victory marks one of the military’s most substantial achievements in its two-year war against the paramilitary RSF. However, the RSF responded with drone attacks, killing a news crew and several soldiers, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the conflict.

“This is a great day, a day of victory,” said Issam Khalifa, an Omdurman resident to the AFP. “The liberation of the presidential palace means a lot to us and is the beginning of the end for the RSF,” he added.

Other residents expressed similar opinions, emphasising their support for the army’s advances and expressing hope for stability after months of violence and hardship.

“The armed forces displayed great valour in taking control of the palace and achieved victory after two years,” said Osama Ahmad, another Omdurman resident. “The people remained patient with the armed forces, and thank God, this is a great achievement. We are grateful for this victory.”

For others, the timing of the recapture during Ramadan also carries a symbolic weight.

“We were expecting something like this because, during the last month, there were successive victories. It’s a month of victories, and just as the war started in Ramadan, it will end in Ramadan," said Radhi Refaat.

For many Sudanese, the conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced, infrastructure destroyed, and economic hardships worsening.

Officials said the air strikes are part of a broader military campaign aimed at neutralizing armed rebel groups accused of destabilizing parts of the country. The operations are reportedly focused on areas in the Upper Nile and Jonglei regions, where clashes between government forces and rebel factions have intensified in recent weeks.

The report attributes the losses to extensive tax exemptions granted to Chinese companies, which have continued to undermine the DRC’s financial gains from the deal. It also criticises the agreement's exclusion from the Congolese Mining Code, allowing unchecked fiscal privileges.

According to CNPV, in 2023 alone, the DRC lost an estimated $443 million in tax and parafiscal exemptions—amounting to 16% of the country's total tax expenditures.

Potential $7.5 billion loss over 17 years

Speaking at the report’s presentation, CNPV member Baby Matabishi warned that if the exemptions remain in place, the DRC could forfeit up to $7.5 billion over the next 17 years. These losses stem from  Law No. 14/005, which grants sweeping tax, customs, and parafiscal exemptions to collaboration agreements and cooperative projects, including the Sino-Congolese contract.

"This contract has remained structurally imbalanced since its inception," Matabishi stated. Adding that, "For years, we have warned about the problematic nature of these sweeping exemptions and the contract’s management outside of traditional government institutions."

Although the agreement was signed in 2008 without a solid legal foundation, the Congolese government justified the exemptions as necessary for repaying loans used to fund infrastructure projects and develop mining operations. Even after the introduction of a new Mining Code in 2018, the contract continues to operate outside its framework, maintaining its independent tax structure.

A study published in the journal Risk Analysis identifies Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu as the island nations most capable of sustaining their populations with adequate food after a major "sunlight-reducing catastrophe," such as a nuclear war, supervolcano eruption, or asteroid impact.

"Australia's food supply buffer is gigantic, with the potential to feed many tens of millions of extra people. Good-quality infrastructure, vast energy surplus, the second highest health security in the world, and triple the defence spending of any other island in our analysis, all suggest that Australia has the potential to thrive during an ASRS," co-authors Prof Nick Wilson and Dr Matt Boyd wrote.

They were, however, quick to add that Australia's alliance with the UK and the US could make it a nuclear target.

New Zealand on the other hand scores big in terms of its detachment from any form of military alliance.

“We have this super efficient food export economy that could feed New Zealanders multiple times over just from exports,” said Prof Nick Wilson. 

The study finds that Iceland’s small economy would likely face challenges from a lack of imports and infrastructure breakdown. However, it might still have access to North America, the UK, and Europe, provided these regions aren't entirely devastated by war, famine, or social collapse.

In other words, these regions are characterised by their distance from major conflict zones and geopolitical hotspots, making them less likely to be drawn into large-scale conflicts.

The relative calm follows intense clashes between Congolese soldiers and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which seized control of much of Goma on Sunday. Fighting has largely subsided, but uncertainty looms as M23 fighters gain ground in the mineral-rich region.

On Thursday, January 30, M23 vowed to push further west toward Kinshasa, the DR Congo capital, signalling potential escalation. The group's capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, marks a significant development in a region plagued by decades of violence involving multiple armed groups.

Rwanda, which denies backing M23, claims its primary objective is to eliminate fighters linked to the 1994 genocide. However, critics argue the neighbouring country is motivated by a desire to exploit DR Congo's vast mineral reserves, crucial for the global electronics industry.

The appeal outlines the critical priorities for addressing 42 ongoing health emergencies, including 17 Grade 3 crises, which are the most severe and require the highest level of response.

WHO's efforts include providing emergency medical care, supporting vaccination campaigns, offering mental health services, and addressing malnutrition and maternal health needs in some of the world's most fragile settings.

“Conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters, and other health emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional – they are relentless, overlapping and intensifying,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

"From controlling cholera outbreaks to providing mental health support in conflict zones, WHO’s work extends beyond the immediate care we provide. We empower communities to protect themselves, prioritise equity, and build a legacy of preparedness. This appeal is about enabling WHO to save lives, protect the right to health, and provide hope where there is none,” he added.

Governor Purusi revealed that the arrests were the result of a secretive operation prompted by a tip-off. 

He added that some of these dealers in precious metals enjoyed good relations with influential people in the capital, Kinshasa, and this was why the mission to carry out these latest arrests had to be kept quiet.

Eastern DR Congo is rich in natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and minerals essential for mobile phones and electric vehicles. However, the region's wealth has long been a source of conflict. Since the colonial era, DR Congo's minerals have been exploited by foreign groups, fuelling instability.

Militia groups control many mines in the area, using the proceeds to fund their activities. 

These activities have fuelled a cycle of violence and conflict by financing militias and terrorist groups and have contributed to forced child labour and environmental devastation. 

The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of illegal mining in the region. Last month, Governor Purusi criticised the release of 17 Chinese nationals who were arrested for operating an illegal gold mine in the province. The group, reportedly owing $10 million in taxes and fines, was allowed to return to China.

The ongoing mineral exploitation in DR Congo has drawn global attention, including a lawsuit filed by DR Congo against Apple last month. The Congolese government alleges that minerals from conflict areas are being laundered through international supply chains, fuelling violence and environmental harm. Apple, in response, stated it had ceased sourcing materials from both DR Congo and Rwanda.

DR Congo's Minister of Human Rights, Chantal Chambu Mwavita, recently called on the international community to impose sanctions and take decisive action against companies involved in the illegal trade of "blood minerals." She described the situation as a "terrible genocide" and urged global actors to intervene.

“We are asking the international community to do even more, not to limit itself to denunciation but to sanction and take a stand,” she told Global South World.

"When I stepped on the landmine, I passed out," he recalled. "When I woke up, the sky and trees were spinning. From that instant, you are disabled; nothing is the same as before," he told the AFP.

Hla Han is one of hundreds of victims of landmines scattered across Myanmar, a deadly legacy of decades of conflict between the military and ethnic rebel groups.

According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), Myanmar recorded more landmine casualties in 2023 than any other country, surpassing war-torn Syria and Ukraine.

The ICBL's latest report revealed that at least 228 people were killed and 770 others injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Myanmar last year. The ongoing civil war, sparked by the military’s 2021 coup, has intensified the problem as new factions like the "People's Defence Forces" battle the junta, adding to the numerous mines laid across the countryside.

For families like Hla Han’s, the consequences are devastating. "Everything is different and difficult after my father lost his leg," said his daughter, Aye Mar. "When he was able to work, we didn't need to worry about anything."

In northern Shan state, 77-year-old Yar Swe Kyin urged her husband, Tar Swe Kyin, not to visit their fields on July 7, a day marked as inauspicious in the Burmese calendar. He insisted on checking their rented farmland and never returned.

Survivors like Hla Han emphasise the urgent need to clear landmines before displaced families can return safely.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group have been launching attacks on camps close to Goma in eastern DRC throughout 2024. The Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and allied militias have heightened the risk for displaced people in camps by stationing artillery nearby, according to the organisation, both factions have been involved in killing and raping camp residents, disrupting aid delivery, and committing various abuses.

“There are around 7 million internally displaced persons who lack access to water, electricity, and shelter. This is deplorable,” Mwavita stated, emphasising the scale of the crisis.

She also stressed the need for international support to ensure peace and punish companies involved in the illegal trade of “blood minerals.” She questioned why economic considerations often take precedence over human rights, asking, “Why is human consideration put aside in favour of economic consideration?”  

In April, the DRC  accused tech giant Apple of using unethically sourced minerals from the country in the manufacturing of the company's products. They expressed concerns that Apple's supply chain may be tainted by "blood minerals" obtained through unethical mining practices in the DRC.

President Felix Tshisekedi, appointed London-based law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP to represent the DRC in litigation concerning individuals and companies involved in the extraction, supply, and commercialisation of natural resources and minerals pillaged from the country.

The DRC possesses abundant reserves of tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold, commonly known as 3T or 3TG, all of which are essential for manufacturing smartphones and various electronic devices. The legal team representing the DRC submitted an official notice to Apple, which included inquiries regarding the "3T minerals utilised in Apple products."

Children are among the most affected by the DRC conflict, with many recruited into armed groups and then reportedly forced into child labour in the artisanal mining sector. To combat this, the Minister noted that the government has implemented a policy of free education, aimed at providing vulnerable children with opportunities and reducing their risk of exploitation. “Child soldiers are often street children who cannot afford to go to school,” Mwavita explained.  

In June, the testimony of a former child soldier revealed that as a result of the conflict, children in the DRC are sometimes abducted and forced to join armed groups. In the case of this 16-year-old whose identity was kept hidden, he was forced into an armed group while on his way to school.

Efforts to improve basic infrastructure and human rights were also highlighted. While the nation holds 13% of the world's potential in hydropower, mostly from the Congo River. About 80% of DRC’s population lacks access to electricity.

According to the Human Rights Minister, the government is constructing roads and hydroelectric dams to address this problem. “The right to electricity is also a fundamental right,” Mwavita stated, linking infrastructure development to human rights and national progress.  

Amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, the DRC has made strides in female representation in government. Following the resignation of Sama Lukonde as Prime Minister earlier this year, President Félix Tshisekedi appointed Judith Suminwa as his successor—the first female to occupy the position.

Mwavita pointed out that women now hold 31% of positions in the government, praising the leadership of President Tshisekedi, who has been recognised as a “champion of positive masculinity.” 

The Minister also called for transitional justice to address the violence suffered by Congolese communities and compensate victims of war. She advocated for the establishment of a criminal court for the DRC to combat impunity and deliver justice. “The promotion of human rights is one of the foundations of peace and humanity,” Mwavita said, affirming the DRC government’s commitment to these principles.  

Mwavita concluded with a plea to the international community, urging countries and organisations to take more than symbolic actions. “We are asking the international community to do even more, not to limit itself to denunciation but to sanction and take a stand,” she stated. For the Congolese people, she emphasised, the priority remains clear: “Peace in Congo is all we can ask for.”

Watch the full interview here:

However, she cautioned that the funds are not a "panacea" and called on other nations to honour their financial commitments to what she described as "the world’s worst humanitarian crisis."

World leaders committed over $2.1 billion in humanitarian aid for Sudan at a donors conference in Paris in April. Yet, US envoy Thomas-Greenfield revealed that only about a quarter of the promised funds have been received three months later.

"Three months after the April 15th pledging conference in Paris, only two-thirds of the pledges have been dispersed and only about a quarter of the response has been funded. All the while, the Adre border crossing, one of the most important in terms of humanitarian aid flow, continues to be blocked by the SAF. This obstruction is completely unacceptable," Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield stated.

Sudan plunged into chaos in April 2023 when tensions between the country’s military and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces erupted into open conflict in Khartoum. The devastating conflict has since spread, particularly affecting western Darfur, resulting in the deaths of more than 14,000 people and injuries to 33,000 others, according to the United Nations. It has also triggered the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 11 million people forced to flee their homes.

The US Mission to the United Nations detailed that the $203 million in assistance includes over $178 million from the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and nearly $25 million through the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to strengthen its relationship with Somalia following the visit of counterpart Somalia President Hassan Mohamud’s visit to Nairobi. According to Ruto, the two countries are working together to ensure greater peace and stability in the East African region. “Our collaboration with the government of the Republic of Somalia is bearing fruit. The region is witnessing greater peace and stability. We commit to grow this relationship,” President Ruto said. Their discussions also focused on joint initiatives to combat terrorism and insecurity, Kenyan media The Star reports.

UN to increase cholera efforts

The UN is increasing efforts to address a cholera outbreak in Somalia, with 120 deaths reported since January.  Over 10,000 new cases have been reported in seven states, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) disclosed on May 19. The situation is expected to worsen due to heavy rains, according to OCHA. The outbreak is attributed to a lack of access to safe water and sanitation, Xinhua reported.

Training on emergency battlefield care

Somali Security Forces and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) completed emergency battlefield care training facilitated by UNSOS and the Kenya Red Cross Training Institute. The three-day training aims to enhance medical personnel's capacity to provide pre-hospital medical support during joint military operations and benefit local communities, according to ATMIS . “This training is important in reducing the risk of losing our brave soldiers due to improper management of injuries sustained on the frontline,” said the Head of ATMIS, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef.

AU mission discharges 439 IEDS since 2017

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has discharged 439 IEDs since 2017 , preventing an estimated 1,756 potential casualties, according to the Chief of United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Justin Smith. He disclosed this at a recent training aimed to enhance the operational efficiency of the Somali Security Forces in dealing with IED risks. The UN-backed program covered various aspects of IED detection, disposal, and post-blast investigation techniques. “In 2023 alone, ATMIS Search and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams found and cleared 74% of devices assessed as targeting ATMIS troops, preventing a potential 150 ATMIS casualties,” said Smith.

Somali filmmaker to premiere debut film at Cannes Film Festival

Somali filmmaker Mo Harawe is set to premiere his debut film "The Village Next to Paradise" at Cannes, the first feature from Somalia to screen at the festival on May 21. The film focuses on a single father and his family in a Somali fishing village, navigating life amid civil war and the threat of drone strikes.

According to the statement, discussions took place from May 15 to 19, 2024, in Niamey, the Nigerien capital.

“Representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger met from May 15 to 19, 2024, in Niamey, Republic of Niger, as part of a Joint Disengagement Commission, to coordinate the orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. These discussions between the militaries were conducted in complete transparency and with perfect mutual respect between the two parties,” the statement read.

“The U.S. Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of Niger have reached a disengagement agreement to effect the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which has already begun. It is therefore agreed that this disengagement will end no later than September 15, 2024,” the statement adds.

According to the US Department of Defence, the US will continue relations with Niger despite the withdrawal of American forces from the country.

“The United States and Niger are committed to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations,” they added.

In March 2024, Niger’s military government announced the end of its accord with the US. Last year, the West African nation also ended its military agreement with France , a former colonial power, who had been sent to combat extremists.

Niger has also severed ties with regional democracies and pursued closer ties with other junta-led countries, such as Burkina Faso and Mali, by leaving the West African regional body, ECOWAS, which opposed their military takeovers.

The country remains under the rule of General Abdourahamane Tiani after he seized power on July 26, and took former President Mohamed Bazoum hostage.

The 2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement indicated that the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 significantly contributed to the surge in numbers, with the country now hosting 9.1 million internally displaced individuals, marking the highest number globally, up from 3.6 million at the close of 2022.

Further, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), plagued by persistent armed conflict, primarily in its eastern region, ranked third globally with 6.7 million IDPs while Somalia, Ethiopia, and Nigeria followed closely, each with a minimum of 3 million IDPs, the report indicated.

The International Displacement Monitoring Centre cautioned that without sustainable solutions addressing peace, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation, the number of displaced people is likely to continue rising. Globally, out of the 75.9 million IDPs recorded by the end of 2023, 68.3 million were displaced by conflict and violence, while 7.7 million were displaced by disasters.

Generally, the report highlighted that the escalation of conflicts, such as those in Sudan and Palestine, forced millions more to flee in 2023, compounding the already dire situation for tens of millions living in displacement due to ongoing or past conflicts. 

IDPs are individuals who have been compelled to leave their residences due to conflict, violence, or natural calamities but have not crossed an internationally recognised border. 

What they said

Succes Masra in a post on social media announcing his appeal of the preliminary result said, “Helped by our lawyers, we today appealed to the Constitutional Council for the truth of the ballot boxes…, we ask you to continue to remain peaceful for the love of our country because the change you want to see cannot take place in a destroyed country. This change is irreversible, it is already here and it will be implemented in one way or another by all the people so that Justice and Equality reign.”