Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
TANZANIA
518 killed in Tanzania post-election unrest, inquiry finds
On 23 April, BBC News reported that a commission of inquiry in Tanzania found that 518 people died from “unnatural causes” following widespread protests after the October 2025 elections. Commission chairman Mohamed Chande Othman said the deaths stemmed from “long-standing issues” such as unemployment, political grievances, and social tensions, but did not assign responsibility, recommending further investigations. Opposition groups and rights organisations have accused security forces of a violent crackdown, while President Samia Suluhu Hassan - who won 98% of the vote - maintained the election was fair and blamed “foreigners” for the unrest. Critics have questioned the commission’s independence, arguing it lacks impartiality, as the findings highlight deep-rooted tensions in Tanzania’s political landscape. (“More than 500 people killed in Tanzania election violence, inquiry finds,” BBC, 23 April 2026)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Deported US migrants in DRC allege pressure to return
On 22 April, Al Jazeera reported that 15 South American migrants deported from the United States to the Democratic Republic of the Congo say they are being pressured to return to their home countries despite fears for their safety. The group, including women from Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, were transferred under a controversial third-country agreement linked to President Donald Trump’s stricter immigration policies. One Colombian woman said, “We feel pressured to agree to go back regardless of the risks,” despite a prior US court ruling warning she could face torture if returned. Rights advocates argue such deportations are designed to coerce migrants into abandoning asylum claims by placing them in unfamiliar and insecure environments. (“South American migrants deported to DRC say facing pressure to return home,” Al Jazeera, 22 April 2026)
US considering sending 1000 Afghan allies to DR Congo, according to NYT
On 22 April, Africa News reported that the administration of Donald Trump is considering relocating more than 1,000 Afghan allies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo instead of the United States, according to the New York Times and to the AfghanEvac non-profit. The proposal involves up to 1,100 Afghans currently stranded in Qatar, many of whom worked with US forces during the Afghanistan war, including interpreters and their families. Over 400 are children, and many have already spent more than a year awaiting resettlement. The move follows the suspension of a programme that previously allowed their entry into the US. Advocacy groups argue that around 900 are already eligible for resettlement and urge Washington to admit them, warning that sending them to a conflict-affected country risks further instability and raises humanitarian concerns. (“US considers sending 1,100 Afghans to DR Congo amid resettlement halt,” Africa News, 22 April 2026)
THE SAHEL
Sahel rift deepens as Mali & Niger accuse neighbours of backing militants
On 23 April, Africa News reported that tensions in West Africa escalated as Mali and Niger accused neighbouring states and foreign actors of supporting armed groups in the Sahel. Speaking at a forum in Senegal, Mali’s foreign minister alleged some states were “harbouring” militants, while Niger’s counterpart said certain partners were “fuelling and sustaining” violence, later pointing to France. The accusations come as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso deepen their break from ECOWAS after recent coups, forming a separate alliance. Despite rising rhetoric, Mali signalled that limited cooperation with ECOWAS remains possible, even as jihadist violence continues to destabilise the region. (“Mali and Niger accuse neighbours of backing terrorism in Sahel rift,” Africa News, 23 April 2026)