Photo : AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP
ALGERIA
Pope Leo begins historic visit to Algeria
On 13 April, Al Jazeera reported that Pope Leo XIV began a landmark visit to Algeria, marking the first papal trip to the Muslim-majority nation. The visit includes tributes to victims of Algeria’s war of independence and engagements aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue, including visits to major religious sites in Algiers. The pope’s broader tour will take him to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, where large Catholic populations reside. Expected to deliver 25 speeches, he is likely to address issues such as political corruption, resource exploitation, and Christian-Muslim relations. The visit underscores Africa’s growing importance to the Catholic Church, while also highlighting efforts to strengthen ties between religious communities in a region shaped by diverse political and social challenges. (“Pope Leo lands in Algeria for historic visit as he starts Africa tour,” Al Jazeera, 13 April 2026)
NIGERIA
Hundreds killed in Nigeria airstrikes targeting militants
On 12 April, Africa News reported that dozens of civilians were killed in airstrikes in Yobe State during military operations targeting jihadist groups. Residents and Amnesty International said the strikes caused heavy casualties, with estimates ranging from over 100 deaths to as many as 200 killed and wounded. Nigeria’s military has not confirmed the figures. The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between security forces and armed groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, which have operated in the region for over a decade. While aimed at militants, such operations have raised concerns over civilian harm, as violence continues to spread beyond northeastern Nigeria into other regions affected by banditry and insurgency. (“At least 200 killed in airstrikes in northeast Nigeria,” Africa News, 12 April 2026)