Photo : Reuters/Al Jazeera
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters/Al Jazeera
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DRC and Ugandan military rescue 200 civilians abducted by ADF
On 20 April, BBC reported that more than 200 civilians were rescued in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo during a joint military operation by Congolese and Uganda forces targeting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group linked to Islamic State. Children were among those freed, with survivors describing “harsh conditions in captivity” including forced labour and starvation. Major General Stephen Mugerwa told victims, “You are not under detention, we shall ensure you are handed over, so you can reunite with your families.” Several militants were killed and weapons seized in the operation. The ADF, active in eastern Congo for decades, has been blamed for widespread killings and abductions, with reports highlighting the use of women and girls as sexual slaves and civilians enduring prolonged captivity under brutal conditions. (“More than 200 rescued from IS-linked group in DR Congo,” BBC, 20 April 2026)
ETHIOPIA
Tigray peace deal under threat as TPLF reasserts control over Tigray govt
On 20 April, Al Jazeera reported that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) announced it was reasserting control over governance in Tigray, effectively undermining the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended the civil war with Ethiopia’s federal government. The TPLF said it would reinstate the regional parliament, accusing Addis Ababa of violating the peace deal and withholding funds. Getachew Reda called the move “a clear repudiation” of the post-war arrangement. The conflict between federal forces, backed by Eritrea, and TPLF rebels killed at least 600,000 and displaced millions. Renewed tensions, sporadic clashes, and worsening humanitarian conditions - affecting up to 80% of the population - raise fears of a return to large-scale conflict in the region. (“Fears over Ethiopia peace deal as TPLF restores Tigray government,” Al Jazeera, 20 April 2026)
SUDAN
Sudanese military chief meets Saudi Prince Salman in Jeddah
On 20 April, Africa News reported that Sudanese military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived in Jeddah for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Sudan’s civil war entered its fourth year. Discussions focused on ensuring Sudan’s “security and stability and preserving its sovereignty,” according to the Saudi Press Agency. Saudi Arabia has backed the Sudanese Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces and remains a key mediator alongside the US, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates - the latter is accused of supporting the RSF. Economic ties remain significant, with bilateral trade at USD eight billion and Saudi investments exceeding USD 35 billion, largely in agriculture, even as conflict continues to destabilise the country. (“Sudan's military chief meets Saudi Crown Prince in Jeddah,” Africa News, 20 April 2026)
NIGERIA
Nigeria and Türkiye sign defence cooperation pact
On 20 April, Africa News reported that Nigeria and Türkiye signed a defence cooperation agreement aimed at tackling Nigeria’s 17-year jihadist insurgency. Defence chief Christopher Musa said, “We have agreed to move into training, production, improving on our defence industry cooperation,” following talks with Ya?ar Güler at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The deal includes sending 200 Nigerian special forces to Turkey for training and establishing a military training facility in Nigeria, alongside cooperation in intelligence, surveillance, and technology transfer. Abuja is seeking to diversify security partnerships amid threats from Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and armed bandits, while reducing reliance on Western allies. (“Turkey to train 200 Nigerian special forces soldiers under new defence deal,” Africa News, 20 April 2026)
MOZAMBIQUE
Mozambique President visits China; signs agreements in green energy and biomedicine
On 20 April, Africa News reported that Mozambique President Daniel Chapo visited industrial hubs in Changsha during his first state visit to China, seeking to boost infrastructure and technology transfer. Touring advanced manufacturing facilities, Chapo highlighted Mozambique’s need to replicate such systems to modernise agriculture and expand large-scale infrastructure, including roads and ports. With nearly two-thirds of Mozambique’s population reliant on agriculture, he stressed that Chinese expertise could address productivity constraints. Agreements were signed in green energy and biomedicine, while Chapo underscored “South-South cooperation” as central to development. Hosted by Xi Jinping, the visit signals deepening bilateral ties and positions China as a key partner in Mozambique’s long-term economic transformation. (“Mozambique looks to China for industrial boost,” Africa News, 20 March 2026)