Photo : AFP/Al Jazeera
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP/Al Jazeera
SUDAN
Sudan accuses Ethiopia and UAE of backing drone strikes on Khartoum airport
On 05 May, BBC reported that Sudan accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of orchestrating drone strikes on Khartoum’s main airport and nearby military installations, describing the assault as “direct aggression”. Sudan’s army claimed it had “conclusive evidence” that drones involved in Monday’s attack were launched from Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia and linked them to Emirati support, while Khartoum recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations. Ethiopia rejected the allegations as “baseless”, and the UAE has previously denied supporting the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The strikes disrupted operations at the airport, which had recently resumed international flights after months of relative calm following the Sudanese military’s recapture of much of Khartoum from the RSF last year. (“Sudan accuses Ethiopia and UAE of orchestrating drone attacks on airport,” BBC, 05 May 2026)
UGANDA
Uganda passes controversial “foreign agents” law criticised by rights groups
On 06 May, Africa News reported that Uganda’s parliament passed the controversial “Protection of Sovereignty Bill”, which, legislation critics warn, could be used to silence dissent and restrict civil society activity under President Yoweri Museveni’s long-running government. The law criminalises actions deemed to promote “the interests of a foreigner against those of Uganda” and labels individuals or organisations receiving foreign funding as “agents of foreigners”, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison. Although lawmakers removed clauses classifying Ugandans abroad as foreigners and exempted some medical, academic and religious institutions from restrictions, rights groups including Human Rights Watch said the legislation’s vague wording could be broadly applied to target activists and opposition figures, drawing comparisons to “foreign agent” laws used in countries such as Russia to suppress dissent. (“Uganda parliament passes controversial ‘Sovereignty Bill' after amendments,” Africa News, 06 May 2026)
CHAD
Boko Haram attack kills at least 24 Chadian soldiers near Lake Chad
On 06 May, Africa News reported that at least 24 Chadian soldiers were killed and 46 wounded in an overnight attack by Boko Haram militants on an army post in the Lake Chad region of Chad. The assault targeted the Barka Tolorom military base on the shores of Lake Chad, an area long used as a refuge by Boko Haram and rival extremist factions including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). President Mahamat Idriss Déby offered condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to continue military operations against militant groups “with renewed determination”. The attack follows a resurgence in violence by Boko Haram’s JAS faction in recent months, despite previous Chadian military offensives claiming the group no longer had sanctuary within the country. (“At least 24 soldiers killed in suspected Boko Haram attack in Chad,” Africa News, 06 May 2026)