Photo : BBC
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : BBC
RWANDA
Court rules UK does not owe compensation to Rwanda over scrapped asylum deal
On 01 June, the BBC reported that an international tribunal ruled that the UK does not have to pay compensation to Rwanda over the cancelled asylum agreement, rejecting Kigali’s claim for more than GBP 100 million after the scheme was scrapped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government in 2024. The deal, introduced under the former Conservative government of Rishi Sunak, would have transferred asylum seekers arriving irregularly in the UK to Rwanda for processing and potential resettlement. Rwanda argued it had incurred significant preparation costs and accused London of abandoning its obligations without prior notice, while the UK maintained that ending the policy after a change in government was lawful and that no additional payments were owed. Rwanda said it respected the ruling despite noting a dissenting opinion within the tribunal, while the UK government welcomed the decision and reiterated its focus on broader border and migration reforms. (“UK wins court case over collapsed Rwanda asylum deal,” BBC, 01 June 2026)
NIGERIA
Nigeria warns against violence amid anti-migrant tensions in South Africa
On 01 June, the BBC reported that Nigerian police warned citizens against targeting South African nationals or businesses following rising tensions over anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where demonstrations have called for stricter action against undocumented migrants. While South African authorities have not confirmed attacks on Nigerians, Abuja said concerns over reports of hostility were being handled through diplomatic channels and urged restraint, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation. Security around foreign missions and sensitive sites in Nigeria has been strengthened, and authorities said any attacks on South African interests would be treated as criminal acts. The protests in South Africa, led by the group March and March, have intensified debate over immigration and public services, prompting some African governments, including Ghana, to advise citizens to remain cautious and, in some cases, organise evacuations. (“Nigeria police warn against reprisal attacks against South Africans,” BBC, 01 June 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
Mozambique reports five deaths in South Africa’s anti-migrant unrest
On 02 June, Al Jazeera reported that at least five citizens of Mozambique were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa over the weekend, marking the first officially confirmed deaths linked to the country’s recent anti-immigration unrest. According to Mozambican authorities, around 800 nationals were affected by violence in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, with seven total deaths reported - five due to the attacks and two in a road accident while returning home. Around 300 Mozambicans had already returned by Saturday, while more than 500 were relocated to a safe area and repatriation efforts began. South African police said they were investigating the deaths of two men in Mossel Bay but had not confirmed any link to the protests or disclosed their nationalities. The unrest comes amid broader anti-migrant demonstrations across South Africa and revives concerns over recurring waves of xenophobic violence that previously erupted in 2008, 2015 and 2021, as political tensions build ahead of local elections in November. (“Mozambique says 5 citizens killed in ‘xenophobic attacks’ in South Africa,” Al Jazeera, 02 June 2026)
EBOLA OUTBREAK
Three new Ebola vaccines in development to contain Bundibugyo outbreak
On 01 June, the BBC reported that three new vaccines are being developed to combat the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo surpasses 1,000 suspected cases and nearly 250 deaths, raising fears it could become one of the worst Ebola epidemics on record. The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), Moderna and the University of Oxford are each pursuing different vaccine technologies, backed by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi), with trials expected within months. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, Bundibugyo has no approved vaccine and has only caused outbreaks twice before. Health officials, including WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, say a vaccine could be critical not only for containing the current epidemic but also for strengthening preparedness against future outbreaks. (“Three Ebola vaccines in development amid growing outbreak fears,” BBC, 01 June 2026)