Photo : FT/Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : FT/Reuters
CHAD
MSF report finds sexual exploitation in Chad refugee camps
On 13 June, Al Jazeera reported that an internal investigation by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) found widespread sexual exploitation and abuse involving aid workers operating in refugee camps in Chad hosting people displaced by the war in Sudan. The report documented 59 allegations, including cases where local and foreign staff allegedly exchanged food aid and employment for sex and exploited underage girls. MSF dismissed 18 staff members and acknowledged the true scale may be higher because survivors feared losing access to assistance or facing repercussions. The organisation said previous prevention measures had limited long-term impact and pledged stronger reporting and safeguarding mechanisms following the findings. (“Doctors Without Borders investigation finds exploitation by staff in Chad,” Al Jazeera, 13 June 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa repatriates over 2700 migrants in a week amid anti-immigration tensions
On 15 June, Africa News reported that South Africa repatriated 2,745 foreign nationals in the week following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge to strengthen action against illegal immigration. The move came amid renewed anti-immigrant unrest and growing security concerns after attacks and threats targeting foreign communities, prompting some citizens of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to accept voluntary repatriation. Authorities said most of those returned lacked legal residency documents, while the government stressed it would not tolerate vigilantism despite public concerns over immigration and unemployment pressures. (“South Africa repatriates 2,745 foreigners in the week,” Africa News, 15 June 2026)
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
US plans to increase third-country deportations to Central African Republic
On 12 June, Africa News reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump was preparing to deport nearly two dozen migrants, including at least two Iranian women and individuals from Afghanistan and Syria, to the Central African Republic under a third-country deportation arrangement. According to sources, the deportees would initially be housed in apartments in Bangui rather than immediately returned to their countries of origin. Lawyers representing some of those affected argued the move could expose them to persecution or torture and said several had US court protections against deportation to their home countries. Rights groups have criticised such agreements as opaque and raised concerns over eventual forced repatriations. (“Sources say women who fled Iran to be deport from US to Central African Republic,” Africa News, 12 June 2026)
SOMALILAND
Israeli recognition strengthens Somaliland's diplomatic outreach
On 14 June, Al Jazeera reported that Israel hosted Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Jerusalem following its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025. The visit marks a significant diplomatic development for Somaliland, which has long sought greater international recognition despite lacking broad global acceptance. Somaliland's leadership views expanded diplomatic engagement as central to strengthening its claim to statehood and attracting political and economic partnerships. The visit also signals growing ties between Israel and the Horn of Africa, carrying potential implications for regional geopolitics and Somalia's long-standing opposition to Somaliland's independence aspirations.
("Israel welcomes Somaliland president in 'historic' visit," Al Jazeera, 14 June 2026)
Embassy opening deepens diplomatic partnership
On 16 June, the BBC reported that Somaliland officially opened an embassy in Jerusalem, six months after Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent state. The move further strengthens diplomatic ties between the two sides and reflects Somaliland's broader efforts to gain international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. During the visit, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss cooperation in areas including trade, investment, natural resources, and regional security. The development drew criticism from Somalia, which continues to regard Somaliland as part of its territory, and from Palestinian authorities, who objected to the embassy's location in Jerusalem. ("Somaliland opens Jerusalem embassy after Israel's recognition of its independence," BBC, 16 June 2026)
ETHIOPIA
Deadly bus crash highlights road safety challenges in Ethiopia
On 15 June, Al Jazeera reported that at least 31 people were killed and dozens injured when an overcrowded bus travelling from Dessie to Addis Ababa plunged into a 100-metre-deep ravine in Ethiopia's Amhara region. The accident occurred on a mountainous road known for its difficult terrain. Reports indicated that inadequate infrastructure and limited ambulance services delayed medical treatment for several victims. The incident has renewed attention on Ethiopia's road safety challenges, with the country recording some of the highest rates of traffic fatalities globally. Poor road conditions, insufficient traffic signage, and weak emergency response systems continue to contribute to frequent and often deadly road accidents. ("Bus crash in Ethiopian mountains kills at least 31," Al Jazeera, 15 June 2026)
KENYA
President Ruto to represent Africa at G7 Summit
On 15 June, The People Daily reported that Kenyan President William Ruto will represent Africa at the upcoming G7 Summit, where he is expected to advocate for greater investment, expanded trade opportunities, and job creation across the continent. The summit will bring together leaders of the world's major economies to discuss global economic and development challenges. According to a State House statement, Ruto's participation reflects Africa's growing role in international economic discussions and efforts to secure stronger support for the continent's development priorities. The engagement also highlights ongoing African calls for greater representation in global decision-making forums and increased partnerships to promote sustainable economic growth. ("G7 summit: Ruto to champion Africa's trade, investment growth agenda," The People Daily, 15 June 2026)
EBOLA OUTBREAK
Ebola outbreak expands into new areas in DR Congo
On 12 June, Al Jazeera reported that the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo had spread into new areas in the northeast, including the crowded Kpanga displacement camp in Ituri province, raising concerns that the crisis is entering a more dangerous phase. Health authorities reported 689 confirmed cases and 139 deaths since the outbreak was declared on 15 May, with an additional 119 suspected infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), local transmission is now occurring in newly affected communities rather than only through travel-linked cases, while isolation capacity and contact tracing remain insufficient. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists, and conflict-related displacement continues to complicate containment efforts. (“Alarm as Ebola spreads into new areas of DR Congo,” Al Jazeera, 12 June 2026)
Red Cross warns DRC Ebola outbreak may worsen before improving
On 16 June, Al Jazeera reported that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has likely not yet reached its peak and could continue for up to a year. Officials said the rare Bundibugyo strain has killed 196 people and is spreading across three eastern provinces amid major gaps in surveillance and testing. Red Cross teams conducting community outreach and safe burials have reportedly faced threats and attacks, complicating containment efforts. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also warned that limited testing remains a major weakness, while Congolese health officials said fragmented reporting systems may be causing both undercounting and duplication of cases, obscuring the outbreak’s true scale. (“Red Cross warns Ebola outbreak in DRC not yet peaked, could last a year,” Al Jazeera, 16 June 2026)
NIGERIA
President Tinubu says over 13,000 fighters killed in counterinsurgency operations over the past year
On 12 June, Al Jazeera reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Nigeria’s military had “neutralised” more than 13,000 militants over the past year and that deaths linked to armed violence had fallen by 81 per cent since he took office in 2023. Speaking during Democracy Day commemorations, Tinubu also said more than 124,000 fighters and dependents had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor, a rehabilitation programme for former combatants. Despite these claims, Nigeria continues to face worsening insecurity driven by armed groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State-aligned ISWAP, alongside criminal gangs carrying out kidnappings and attacks on civilians, including schools and rural communities. (“Nigeria killed more than 13,000 ‘terrorists’ in past year, president says,” Al Jazeera, 12 June 2026)
Nigeria says nearly 10,000 former Boko Haram fighters reintegrated
On 16 June, Africa News reported that authorities in Borno State announced that nearly 10,000 former members of Boko Haram have been reintegrated into society through a government-backed rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme designed to encourage defections from insurgent groups. The announcement came during a graduation ceremony in Maiduguri where 720 former militants completed rehabilitation, bringing the total number reintegrated to 9,680. Officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce insurgent recruitment and support long-term stability in the Lake Chad region after years of conflict that have killed tens of thousands and displaced millions across the region. (“Nigeria says nearly 10,000 former Boko Haram fighters have been reintegrated,” Africa News, 16 June 2026)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Fresh clashes in Kinhasa as constitutional reform dispute escalates
On 15 June, Africa News reported that fresh clashes in Kinhasa during an opposition-led protest intensified political tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo over proposed constitutional reforms. Demonstrators organised by the Article 64 Coalition opposed plans they feared could eventually enable President Félix Tshisekedi to pursue a third term, despite existing constitutional limits. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu has emerged as the leading face of resistance, while analysts say authorities may have underestimated opposition mobilisation. The dispute intensified after parliament advanced a referendum bill to the Senate, with opposition groups pledging continued protests and portraying the constitutional debate as a defining struggle over the country’s democratic future. (“DR Congo opposition turns up pressure as referendum battle intensifies,” Africa News, 15 June 2026)
Opposition rally in Kinhasa turns violent over constitutional reform
On 13 June, Africa News reported that two opposition figures were injured during clashes at a protest in Kinhasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek another term beyond 2028. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu and politician Prince Epenge were reportedly injured after police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators following clashes with pro-government activists in the city. The opposition coalition C64 condemned the proposed reforms as a threat to stability, while authorities stated the gathering near parliament had not been authorised. (“DRC: Rally against constitution change plan turns violent,” Africa News, 13 June 2026)
SENEGAL
IMF resumes talks with Senegal amid fiscal strain
On 15 June, Africa News reported that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission arrived in Dakar to restart discussions with Senegal after a four-month pause, as the country faces mounting fiscal pressure, rising debt concerns and slower economic growth. Led by IMF mission chief Mercedes Vera-Martin, the visit comes shortly after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed a new government. Talks are expected to assess Senegal’s debt burden - estimated at around 132 per cent of GDP when state-linked liabilities are included - alongside financing needs, revenue performance and measures to improve borrowing transparency. With growth forecasts reportedly revised down from 5 per cent to around 2 per cent and external pressures adding strain, the mission’s findings could shape whether the IMF resumes broader financial support and influence Senegal’s economic path in the coming years. (“IMF returns to Dakar as Senegal seeks path out of debt crisis,” Africa News, 15 June 2026)