Photo : Reuters/ICG
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters/ICG
SOUTH SUDAN
UN warns South Sudan nearing famine amid escalating conflict
On 17 April, Al Jazeera reported that the United Nations warned South Sudan is at risk of sliding into full-scale famine as conflict and climate shocks deepen a worsening humanitarian crisis. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told the Security Council that hunger is tightening its grip, with more than 7.5 million people expected to require food assistance this year and emergency levels of food insecurity likely across all states. He cited looted aid facilities, destroyed nutrition centres, and flooding that continues to isolate communities and disrupt livelihoods. Meanwhile, the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) warned that renewed fighting between government forces and opposition groups has displaced hundreds of thousands, with civilians bearing the brunt. UN officials urged immediate action to ensure humanitarian access, increase funding, and prevent further deterioration toward famine. (“UN warns South Sudan at risk of ‘full-scale famine’ as fighting intensifies,” Al Jazeera, 17 April 2026)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DRC receives 15 US-deported migrants under controversial deal
On 17 April, Al Jazeera reported that 15 migrants deported from the United States arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under a new “third-country” agreement between the two governments. The group, including nationals from Peru and Ecuador, landed in Kinshasa and is expected to remain temporarily, with Washington covering associated costs. The arrangement has drawn criticism from rights advocates, who question the legality and human rights implications of deporting individuals to countries where they are not citizens, particularly when some reportedly had legal protections against removal. The International Organization for Migration said it may provide humanitarian support and voluntary return assistance if requested, which the US termed “alarming”. The deal reflects a broader US policy of relocating migrants to third countries, with several African nations participating, raising concerns over due process and long-term protections for deportees. (“Fifteen South American people deported from the US arrive in DR Congo,” Al Jazeera, 17 April 2026)
CAMEROON
Pope urges Cameroon’s youth to reject corruption
On 17 April, Africa News reported that Pope Leo XIV called on young people in Cameroon to resist corruption and work toward the common good during a mass in Douala attended by tens of thousands. Addressing a predominantly young population, he urged youth to reject violence, discouragement, and “temptations that waste your energies,” encouraging them instead to act with integrity and hope despite widespread poverty and inequality. The pope also criticised entrenched corruption, calling for the “chains of corruption” to be broken, and emphasised the role of youth in shaping the country’s future. His message comes amid broader concerns over governance and inequality under long-serving leadership, highlighting tensions between Cameroon’s young population and political elites, even as the country experiences modest economic growth driven by oil revenues. (“Pope urges young Cameroonians to resist temptation of corruption,” Africa News, 17 April 2026)