Photo : The New York Times
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : The New York Times
SOUTH AFRICA
Malawi becomes latest country to repatriate citizens from South Africa
On 08 June, the BBC reported that Malawi began repatriating 150 citizens from South Africa amid growing concerns over xenophobia and anti-migrant violence in Western Cape province, particularly around Mossel Bay, where reports emerged of intimidation campaigns and the deaths of two Mozambicans. Malawian authorities said the returnees had been sheltering in temporary camps alongside other foreign nationals. The developments come as several African countries launched similar evacuation efforts, with Zimbabwe bringing home 74 citizens, Ghana organising repatriation flights for hundreds of nationals, and Nigeria preparing multiple evacuation flights after screening more than 500 people. Anti-migrant groups in South Africa have demanded undocumented migrants leave by June 30. (“Malawians repatriated from South Africa amid xenophobia concerns,” BBC, 08 June 2026)
President Ramaphosa unveils new measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration
On 08 June, the BBC reported that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a package of measures aimed at curbing illegal migration amid growing anti-foreigner tensions and public frustration over unemployment. The plan includes tougher penalties for employers hiring undocumented migrants, specialised courts to accelerate deportation cases, stronger border controls, action against corruption in the immigration system, the gradual replacement of green ID books with a biometric-based identity framework, and quotas for employing foreign nationals across sectors. While acknowledging concerns about pressure on public services and links between irregular migration and organised crime, Ramaphosa warned against vigilantism and said only authorised officials could enforce immigration laws. He rejected xenophobia and intolerance, stressing South Africa’s history as a country shaped by migration, even as several African states continued repatriating citizens following reports of intimidation and violence targeting foreign nationals. (“South Africa's president unveils crackdown on illegal migration,” BBC, 08 June 2026)
NIGERIA
Hundreds abducted by Boko Haram freed in Borno State
On 07 June, the BBC reported that at least 360 people abducted by Boko Haram militants in March had been freed in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State, although competing accounts emerged over how the release was secured. Nigeria’s military said the captives were rescued during a weeks-long intelligence-led operation targeting a militant hideout in the Mandara mountains, describing it as one of the country’s largest hostage rescue missions in recent years, while a local civil society group claimed it had negotiated an unconditional release and put the number freed at 416. The victims were reportedly taken from the Ngoshe area near the Cameroon border during Ramadan. Officials said those released were receiving medical care, although two infants died from exhaustion during captivity. The incident highlights how Nigeria continues to struggle with kidnappings despite expanded military reinforcements. (“Hundreds of captives freed from Boko Haram mountain hideout,” BBC, 07 June 2026)
EBOLA OUTBREAK
Hospital in Bunia overwhelmed as Ebola cases continue to rise
On 06 June, Africa News reported that a hospital in the Bunia region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was coming under mounting pressure as the country’s Ebola outbreak continued to spread Medical staff at Elikya clinic said patient numbers had exceeded available capacity and authorities were racing to expand operations as new cases continued to emerge. The outbreak, declared on 15 May, has affected three provinces, with Ituri Province accounting for the majority of confirmed infections and deaths. According to the World Health Organization, there have been 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths so far. Health officials say the rare Bundibugyo strain may have circulated undetected before the outbreak was formally identified and warn that public resistance to prevention measures is complicating containment efforts. (“Clinic in DR Congo's Ebola epicenter 'overwhelmed' with patients,” Africa News, 06 June 2026)
Uganda border closures disrupt trade
On 06 June, Africa News reported that traders along the Uganda-Democratic Republic of the Congo border were facing mounting losses after Ugandan authorities tightened restrictions to prevent the spread of Ebola from eastern Congo, leaving cargo stranded and disrupting local economies. The measures follow the closure of key crossing points in late May after the outbreak was declared in eastern DRC, with only limited exemptions for humanitarian and essential movement. Traders at the Mpondwe Border Post said perishable goods were spoiling as truck movement slowed sharply, affecting one of Uganda’s most important informal trade routes. Ugandan officials defended the restrictions, citing the porous border and concern that infections could spread through unofficial crossings. Authorities said Uganda had confirmed 19 Ebola cases linked to the outbreak across the border. (“Traders disrupted as Uganda closes border due to Ebola outbreak in Congo,” Africa News, 06 June 2026)
SUDAN
Drone strike kills 11 civilians as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis deepens
On 06 June, Al Jazeera reported that at least 11 civilians were killed and dozens injured after a drone strike hit a market in Abu Zaeima in Sudan’s North Kordofan state, amid intensifying drone attacks in the country’s civil war. The rights group Emergency Lawyers said the strike targeted a market in a town controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), though responsibility was not immediately established. The group said the attack followed earlier drone strikes on nearby villages and civilian transport and warned that repeated attacks on civilian areas reflected disregard for international humanitarian law. Separate strikes also reportedly hit fuel infrastructure in El Obeid, causing additional casualties. Drone warfare has become increasingly central to the conflict, with the UN estimating at least 880 civilians were killed in drone attacks nationwide between January and April this year. Now in its fourth year, Sudan’s war between the military and the RSF has displaced nearly 13 million people and contributed to what the UN describes as the world’s largest displacement and hunger crisis. (“Rights group says drone strike kills 11 in central Sudan market,” Al Jazeera, 06 June 2026)
MAURITIUS
US planning on purchasing Chagos Island from Mauritius, reports The Telegraph
On 08 June, Africa News reported that, according to The Telegraph, the United States was considering options to purchase Chagos Island from Mauritius. The article says that this is meant to directly secure long-term control over Diego Garcia as the United Kingdom moves ahead with plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while retaining access to the joint US-UK military base through a 99-year lease arrangement. According to the report, discussions in Washington reflected concerns within the administration over Mauritius’ relationships with China and Iran and the strategic vulnerability of one of the US military’s most important overseas facilities. Located in the central Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia plays a major role in US power projection, intelligence gathering and long-range military operations across the Middle East and Asia. (“US considering plan to buy Chagos Islands from Mauritius, Telegraph reports,” Africa News, 08 June 2026)