Photo : AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DRC and M23 agree on humanitarian measures
On 19 April, Al Jazeera reported that talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo government and M23 rebels resulted in agreements to ease aid access, release prisoners within 10 days, and avoid targeting civilians, according to a joint statement shared by the United States Department of State. The measures, reached after five days of negotiations in Switzerland, also include the creation of a ceasefire monitoring mechanism to verify compliance and build confidence. Despite a US-brokered peace deal in December, fighting has continued in eastern DRC, particularly in South Kivu, where humanitarian conditions remain dire. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have accused both sides of blocking aid and restricting civilian movement. Mediators, including Qatar, Switzerland, and the African Union, are pushing for sustained progress amid a conflict that has persisted for decades. (“DRC government, M23 rebels commit to protect civilians, aid deliveries,” Al Jazeera, 19 April 2026)
TOGO
Togo positions itself as mediator between ECOWAS and Sahel states
On 19 April, Africa News reported that Togo unveiled a new 2026-2028 Sahel strategy at a high-level summit in Lomé, aiming to bridge widening divides between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States. The plan focuses on political dialogue, counterterrorism, and regional economic integration, positioning Togo as a mediator amid shifting alliances in West Africa. Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said Lomé was ready to act as a “bridge” between Sahel states and international partners. Officials from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso welcomed the initiative, as jihadist violence linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State continues spreading toward coastal states. (“Togo wants to act as 'bridge' between Sahel and international community,” Africa News, 19 April 2026)
SOUTH SUDAN
UNSC briefed on worsening humanitarian situation in South Sudan
On 18 April, Africa News reported that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was briefed on worsening humanitarian conditions in South Sudan, with officials warning of escalating violence, displacement, and famine risk. Anita Kiki Gbeho of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the security situation remains “deeply concerning,” citing a 40 per cent rise in casualties in 2025 compared to 2024. Fighting between government forces and opposition groups loyal to Riek Machar has intensified, with Akobo - a key opposition stronghold - recently retaken. Meanwhile, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, warned that over 7.5 million people will need food aid, with “emergency levels” of hunger spreading nationwide. Since December, around 250,000 people have been displaced, while 1.35 million have lost access to healthcare, raising fears the country could soon slide into full-scale famine. (“South Sudan tensions escalate as opposition retakes key stronghold,” Africa News, 18 April 2026)