Photo : AFP/ICG
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP/ICG
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Amnesty report details mass atrocities by ADF rebels in eastern DR Congo
On 04 May, Al Jazeera reported that Amnesty International accused the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The report, titled “I’d Never Seen So Many Bodies: War Crimes by the Allied Democratic Forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo”, detailed widespread killings, abductions, forced labour, sexual violence and child recruitment based on interviews with 71 witnesses and survivors. The report documented brutal attacks in North Kivu, including one in Ntoyo village where more than 60 civilians were killed, as well as incidents of forced marriage, torture and the burning of medical facilities, underscoring a pattern of systematic abuse against civilians. Amnesty warned that delayed or insufficient responses by security forces have left communities vulnerable, urging the Congolese government and international partners to strengthen civilian protection, improve early warning systems and ensure accountability for ongoing abuses. (“‘Extensive brutality’: Rebel attacks reap hell on Congolese civilians,” Al Jazeera, 04 May 2026)
NIGERIA
Nigerians seek return home amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa
On 05 May, Africa News reported that Nigerians in South Africa are increasingly opting for voluntary repatriation amid renewed xenophobic tensions, with officials in Nigeria confirming that many applicants lack valid residency documents. Authorities said those seeking to return include individuals with expired visas or irregular status, choosing to leave rather than risk detention, as concerns grow following anti-immigrant protests and the deaths of two Nigerians in police custody. The situation has prompted diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Pretoria, while activists criticised what they see as a muted response from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government. With recurring incidents heightening fear among migrant communities, officials expect more Nigerians to seek evacuation in the coming days, underscoring broader tensions around migration, economic competition and security in Africa’s most industrialised economy. (“Nigerians seek return from South Africa amid xenophobia concerns,” Africa News, 05 May 2026)
Nigerian and Beninese militia raid kills dozens of Fulani herders in Nigeria
On 05 May, Africa News reported that dozens of ethnic Fulani herders were killed in a joint operation involving a state-backed militia, the military and Beninese vigilantes in Nigeria’s Niger state, with local sources alleging the victims were targeted as suspected informants for the al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru group. Community leaders said at least 41 people were killed during raids on herding settlements around Kabe, where security personnel reportedly conducted door-to-door operations, arresting young men and shooting those who resisted, while additional arrests were carried out with the involvement of the vigilantes. The incident underscores rising tensions between security forces and Fulani communities, who are often stigmatised amid Nigeria’s broader conflict with bandits and jihadist groups, with analysts warning such reprisals risk fuelling further radicalisation and deepening cycles of violence and displacement. (“Nigerian, Beninese militias kill dozens of Fulani herders in border raid,” Africa News, 05 May 2026)