Photo : Reuters/AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters/AP
MALI
Mali probes military complicity in recent attacks as rebels seize key town
On 02 May, Africa News reported that Malian authorities are investigating alleged collusion between some military personnel and armed groups following a wave of coordinated attacks by jihadists and separatists that mark the most intense escalation in over a decade. Prosecutors said there was “solid evidence” that serving and former officers were involved in planning and executing the assaults alongside Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which targeted multiple locations including Bamako. The developments come amid major battlefield setbacks, with separatists claiming control of the strategic northern town of Tessalit following the withdrawal of Malian and Russian Africa Corps forces, days after the fall of Kidal and the killing of Defence Minister Sadio Camara. The crisis has also seen militant-imposed blockades around the capital, disrupting travel and supplies, as junta leader Assimi Goita vowed to continue operations to restore control. (“Mali probes alleged military links to jihadis after major attacks,” Africa News, 02 May 2026)
SOMALIA
Second oil tanker seized by Somali pirates off Yemen’s coast
On 02 May, Al Jazeera reported that Yemen’s Coast Guard is attempting to recover an oil tanker, the MT Eureka, after it was hijacked off the coast of Shabwa province and redirected toward Somalia, marking the latest in a series of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden. Officials said armed assailants boarded and seized control of the vessel, with the crew’s fate still unknown, as authorities coordinate with international partners despite limited operational capacity due to Yemen’s economic crisis. The incident is part of a broader resurgence in piracy near Somalia, with at least four attacks reported in recent weeks, which analysts link to shifting regional security dynamics following the US-Israel conflict with Iran and the diversion of naval patrols toward the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea routes. Maritime agencies have raised threat levels, warning vessels to exercise caution, as the region risks returning to conditions reminiscent of peak piracy in the early 2010s. (“Yemen reports hijacked oil tanker headed for Somalia,” Al Jazeera, 02 May 2026)
SUDAN
Drone strike kills five civilians in Khartoum amid renewed violence
On 02 May, Al Jazeera reported that a drone strike attributed to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed five civilians in Khartoum, according to the NGO Emergency Lawyers, marking the second such attack in the capital within a week after months of relative calm. The group accused the RSF of violating international humanitarian law, noting a broader pattern of civilian-targeted strikes, with UN data indicating nearly 700 civilian deaths from drone attacks in early 2026. The incident comes despite the Sudanese military previously declaring Khartoum “completely free” of RSF control, as fighting continues elsewhere, particularly in Darfur and Blue Nile state, raising fears of a prolonged and fragmented conflict that has already displaced around 14 million people and left millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. (“Khartoum drone strike kills five in Sudan, NGO reports,” Al Jazeera, 02 May 2026)
NIGERIA
Nigeria plans repatriation amid violence against nationals in South Africa
On 04 May, BBC reported that Nigeria is preparing to repatriate its nationals from South Africa who wish to return voluntarily, as concerns grow over escalating anti-immigrant violence, with Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirming that at least 130 Nigerians have already registered for evacuation flights and warning that attacks marked by xenophobic rhetoric and violence against foreign-owned businesses could worsen. The move comes as Nigeria formally protests the killings of its citizens and summons South Africa’s envoy, while President Bola Tinubu has prioritised the safety of Nigerians abroad and demanded accountability for recent incidents. The unrest, which has also seen Ethiopians and other African nationals targeted, reflects rising tensions in South Africa over migration, unemployment, and crime, with President Cyril Ramaphosa condemning the violence but urging respect for local laws, even as critics warn that deepening xenophobia risks straining regional relations. (“Nigeria plans to repatriate nationals willing to leave South Africa after attacks,” BBC, 04 May 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship kills three
On 04 May, Africa News reported that a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has killed three people and sickened several others during a voyage in the Atlantic, prompting an international public health response led by the World Health Organization. Authorities said the vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions and carrying around 240 passengers and crew, had travelled from Ushuaia to Praia, stopping at remote South Atlantic islands, when the illness emerged. Among the victims were an elderly couple, with the husband dying onboard and his wife later succumbing after evacuation to Johannesburg, while another patient remains in intensive care. South Africa’s health ministry confirmed at least one case of hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly disease transmitted through contact with infected rodents, as officials continue investigations and monitor risks to passengers and crew. (“Three dead from suspected outbreak of hantavirus on Atlantic cruise ship,” Africa News, 04 May 2026)
ESWATINI
Taiwan leader visits Eswatini amid diplomatic pushback
On 03 May, Africa News reported that Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini for a state visit aimed at reinforcing ties with one of Taipei’s few remaining diplomatic allies amid growing pressure from China. Lai held talks with King Mswati III and attended a military welcome ceremony, with both sides signing a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement and issuing a joint communiqué affirming continued cooperation. During the visit, Eswatini reiterated its support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations, while Lai emphasised Taiwan’s sovereignty and its right to engage globally, underscoring the island’s efforts to maintain diplomatic recognition as Beijing intensifies efforts to isolate it internationally. (“Taiwan President Lai Ching-te tours Eswatini amid diplomatic support,” Africa News, 03 May 2026)