Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
SOUTH AFRICA
Rights group challenges South Africa over US Arms Exports
On 04 June, Al Jazeera reported that the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) filed a case in the North Gauteng High Court seeking to suspend South African arms export permits to the United States. The organisation argued that permits approved by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) may not comply with South Africa’s arms control legislation, which requires exports to be blocked where they risk contributing to human rights violations or undermining international peace and security. The case names the NCACC chairperson, defence minister and president as respondents. No hearing date has been set and the government had not publicly responded at the time of reporting. (“Rights group sues South African government over US arms exports,” Al Jazeera, 04 June 2026)
SOMALIA
Heavy gunfire continues in Mogadishu
On 04 June, Africa News reported that heavy gunfire and clashes between rival political factions erupted overnight in Mogadishu ahead of planned anti-government protests, leaving residents describing a “sleepless night” as smoke rose over the city and security forces deployed across key districts. The unrest followed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extending his term by one year after its scheduled expiry in May, a move rejected by opposition and regional leaders. Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire also accused government forces of attacking him before demonstrations. (“Somali capital rocked by gunfire ahead of planned protests,” Africa News, 04 June 2026)
MALI
Mali announces USD 3.5 million bounty on jihadist leader
On 05 June, Africa News reported that Mali’s military government announced a reward of two billion CFA francs (USD 3.5 million) for information leading to the capture of Iyad Ag Ghaly, one of the Sahel’s most wanted jihadist figures. Ghaly heads JNIM, an Al-Qaeda-linked armed group blamed for some of the region’s deadliest attacks, and is also wanted by the United States and the International Criminal Court. Authorities also announced rewards for intelligence on deputy leader Amadou Kouffa and two Tuareg rebel leaders as Mali continues to confront insurgency and armed violence across the Sahel. (“Mali junta's offers $3.5M reward for jihadist leader,” Africa News, 05 June 2026)
KENYA
President Ruto continues to defend US Ebola facility
On 05 June, Africa News reported that President William Ruto defended Kenya’s decision to allow the United States to establish a 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility in central Kenya for Americans potentially exposed to the virus. Speaking during a state visit to South Africa alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ruto said the US had invested 1.8 billion Kenyan shillings in related health infrastructure and argued preparedness was necessary given the outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo. The two African leaders also signed six agreements on trade, transport, education and culture, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 675 million annually. (“Kenya’s president again defends US Ebola facility decision,” Africa News, 05 June 2026)