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NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
ZIMBABWE
Constitutional amendment to replace direct presidential elections advances
On 19 June, Al Jazeera reported that opponents of Zimbabwe's Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 are increasingly turning to the courts as the legislation advances to the Senate. Several legal challenges have already been filed, including cases brought by citizens against Members of Parliament who supported the bill and petitions seeking to block provisions that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's political influence. Human rights activist Youngerson Matete has approached the High Court to stop the enactment of the bill without a referendum. However, concerns persist regarding judicial independence, with critics arguing that some cases have already been dismissed on technical grounds. The legal battle is expected to become a key arena in the broader contest over Zimbabwe's constitutional and democratic future. ("Zimbabwe bill to scrap presidential elections sparks backlash," Al Jazeera, 19 June 2026)
SOMALIA
Mogadishu condemns Israel-Somaliland engagement
On 18 June, Al Jazeera reported that Somalia warned Israel against engaging with Somaliland following the latter's growing diplomatic ties with Israel. The warning came after Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi's visit to Israel and the opening of a Somaliland diplomatic mission in Jerusalem. Somalia described any engagement with Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty and reiterated its position that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somali territory. The development has heightened tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa while drawing broader regional attention to Somaliland's efforts to secure international recognition and expand diplomatic partnerships. ("Somalia warns Israel against meddling in Somaliland," Al Jazeera, 18 June 2026)
EBOLA OUTBREAK
Ebola deaths surpass 200 in DR Congo
On 19 June, Africa News reported that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had killed more than 200 people just over a month after being declared, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 202 deaths from 875 confirmed cases. Officials warned that weak contact tracing remains a major concern due to insecurity and limited access in affected areas, according to Africa CDC official Wessam Mankoula. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or treatment, continues across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where conflict and displacement complicate containment efforts, while neighbouring Uganda has also recorded limited cross-border cases. (“Ebola death toll passes 200 in DR Congo from 875 confirmed cases,” Africa News,19 June 2026)
Over 70 healthcare professionals infected by Ebola in DRC
On 19 June, Al Jazeera reported that the World Health Organization said 17 medics had died and 75 healthcare workers had been infected during the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the growing strain on a fragile health system. WHO emergency director Marie Roseline Belizaire warned that the Bundibugyo strain outbreak was evolving rapidly and had likely circulated for months before being officially declared on 15 May, exposing frontline staff without adequate protection. Congolese authorities reported 232 deaths and 896 infections across 31 health zones, while concerns intensified in displacement camps where overcrowding, poor sanitation and resistance to testing may be masking transmission. Aid agencies also warned that reductions in international support for water, hygiene and sanitation programmes, alongside chronic underfunding and conflict, were making containment more difficult as the outbreak has yet to reach its peak. (“More than 70 medics infected with Ebola as DRC outbreak spreads ‘fast’,” Al Jazeera, 19 June 2026)
GHANA
Ghana continues push for concrete slavery reparations
On 19 June, Africa News reported that Ghana hosted a major international conference aimed at turning growing support for slavery reparations into concrete commitments, following a recent UN resolution that described the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity”. Backed by President John Mahama and highlighted by Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa, the gathering brought together leaders from Africa and the Caribbean to discuss restitution, compensation and legal pathways for reparatory justice. Speakers including French President Emmanuel Macron and Nigerian rights activist Wole Soyinka stressed that recognition must move beyond symbolism, while proposals raised included compensation mechanisms, debt relief and the return of looted artefacts. (“Ghana pushes for concrete slavery reparations,” Africa News, 19 June 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
US to phase out HIV funding for South Africa amid diplomatic tensions
On 20 June, the BBC reported that the United States announced it would begin a phased withdrawal of funding for HIV and Aids programmes in South Africa that had previously been channelled through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which until 2025 contributed roughly USD 400 million annually to South Africa’s HIV response. The decision was linked by the United States Department of State to what it described as insufficient progress by South Africa on policy concerns raised by the administration of Donald Trump, including allegations regarding treatment of Afrikaners and broader diplomatic disagreements. South Africa has rejected claims of anti-white discrimination and defended policies such as Black Economic Empowerment as measures to address apartheid-era inequalities. South Africa’s health ministry said it had not formally received notice but stressed that antiretroviral treatment funding primarily comes from domestic sources and that the government had already been preparing a longer-term self-reliance strategy. (“US to stop funding HIV programmes in South Africa,” BBC, 20 June 2026)
MADAGASCAR
Russia signals cautious optimism on US ties during Madagascar talks
On 19 June, Africa News reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia saw signs that relations with the United States could again shift following earlier understandings reached after talks in Anchorage and discussions between Vladimir Putin and US representatives. Speaking alongside Madagascar Foreign Minister Alice N'Diaye in Moscow, Lavrov also commented on delayed US-Iran talks, suggesting obstacles may have emerged and noting that not all actors necessarily wanted negotiations to proceed, while reiterating Russia’s willingness to assist on technical issues such as management of enriched uranium stockpiles if requested. N'Diaye emphasised expanding cooperation between Russia and Madagascar across sectors including energy, agriculture, infrastructure, health, mining and education, framing the visit as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties. (“Russia, Madagascar foreign ministers hold talks in Moscow,” Africa News, 19 June 2026
NIGER
Niger launches manhunt after deadly airport attack in Niamey
On 19 June, Africa News reported that authorities in Niger launched a large-scale security operation after an attack on Diori Hamani International Airport killed at least 11 soldiers and two civilians. The assault was later claimed by Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, which said it carried out a suicide attack targeting the airport and a nearby military installation. Niger’s defence ministry said security forces killed 22 attackers, wounded four people and arrested around 20 suspects while continuing sweeps in surrounding neighbourhoods. The attack renewed scrutiny of security arrangements around the strategically sensitive airport, which had also been targeted earlier this year and sits near key military infrastructure and export routes. Authorities have again blamed foreign-backed destabilisation - accusations denied by France - while analysts pointed to continued operational capabilities of jihadist groups despite expanded surveillance and tightened security measures under the military government led by Abdourahamane Tiani. (“Niger: search underway for attackers who killed 11 soldiers at Niamey airport,” Africa News, 19 June 2026)
Benin and Niger move toward reopening border after years of tensions
On 18 June, Africa News reported that Benin and Niger reaffirmed plans to reopen their shared border through a joint communiqué following talks in Niamey between Benin’s newly inaugurated President Romuald Wadagni and Niger’s leader Abdourahamane Tiani. The discussions produced a nine-point framework aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, establishing a committee to assess reopening conditions and expanding joint efforts against terrorism and banditry. The border has remained closed since Niger’s 2023 coup, when sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) disrupted regional ties; although those sanctions were later lifted, Niamey kept restrictions in place while accusing Benin of facilitating foreign-backed destabilisation - claims Benin rejected. The renewed engagement signals a broader attempt to normalise regional relations and restore cross-border movement and cooperation. (“Benin and Niger formalise commitment to reopening shared border,” Africa News, 18 June 2026)
NIGERIA
UN warns impunity is deepening perceptions of religious persecution in Nigeria
On 20 June, Africa News reported that United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Nazila Ghanea warned that repeated attacks on religious leaders and places of worship in Nigeria, combined with weak prevention and limited accountability, were causing many victims to view violence as persecution or even genocide. Following a two-week visit involving interviews with more than 200 people in Abuja, Kano and Plateau State, Ghanea said insecurity had overshadowed broader religious freedom concerns and that communities increasingly interpreted recurring unpunished attacks through that lens. While acknowledging the severity of violence, she noted that her mission did not find evidence of a direct government policy aimed at destroying a religious group. Her remarks come amid continued debate over claims previously advanced by US President Donald Trump about a Christian “genocide” in Nigeria - allegations widely contested by researchers, who point to a more complex mix of insurgency, communal conflict, land disputes and weak state protection affecting both Christians and Muslims. (“Spreading violence and impunity spreading perceptions of genocide in Nigeria, UN says,” Africa News, 20 June 2026)