Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
NIGER
Niger formally moves to withdraw from ICC
On 23 June, the BBC reported that Niger formally submitted its request to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), nine months after announcing alongside Mali and Burkina Faso that it would no longer recognise the court’s authority, describing it as an instrument of external influence. Under ICC rules, the withdrawal will take effect one year after notification, although Niger remains bound by its obligations until then. The move comes amid broader political realignment by the three military-led Sahel states, which have also exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and deepened regional and international partnerships, particularly with Russia. (“Niger pulls out of International Criminal Court after calling it neo-colonialist,” BBC, 23 June 2026)
SUDAN
UN warns sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war in Sudan
On 23 June, the BBC reported that a new report by the United Nations Human Rights Office found conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan had reached unprecedented levels since the civil war began in 2023, with 546 verified incidents affecting at least 838 victims, though officials said the true scale was likely far higher due to underreporting. Most documented cases were attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups, while Sudanese army-linked actors were also accused. Separately, the UK and six other European countries warned that the city of El-Obeid faced an imminent offensive and urged urgent international action to prevent mass atrocities amid worsening humanitarian conditions and fears of escalation. (“Sexual violence increasingly used as 'weapon of war' in Sudan, UN says,” BBC, 23 June 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
UNAids warns US funding cuts could harm South Africa’s HIV response
On 23 June, the BBC reported that the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS warned the United States’ decision to phase out HIV and AIDS funding to South Africa could cost lives and undermine years of progress in fighting the epidemic. UNAids chief Winnie Byanyima urged Washington to adopt a managed transition rather than abrupt withdrawal, noting that the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) had contributed roughly 17 per cent of South Africa’s HIV response funding. The move comes amid deteriorating US-South Africa relations, with Washington linking the decision to broader policy disputes, while Pretoria says it has been preparing long term to reduce dependence on external support and maintains that HIV treatment provision remains domestically funded. (“US cut to South Africa's HIV response could cost lives, UNAids chief warns,” BBC, 23 June 2026)
KENYA
Kenya halts preparations for US-backed Ebola quarantine facility after court dispute
On 23 June, Africa News reported that Health Minister Aden Duale told a court that Kenya had ordered an immediate stop to all preparations for a controversial US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, pending a final court decision. The facility, intended to treat or quarantine US citizens evacuated from Democratic Republic of the Congo during the ongoing Ebola outbreak, had triggered protests and public backlash. After being found in contempt for allowing work to continue despite an earlier suspension order, Duale apologised and said he believed the ruling applied only to cooperation with the United States rather than construction itself. The court accepted the apology, avoided imposing jail time, and warned against future non-compliance. (“Kenyan health minister halts controversial US-backed Ebola site,” Africa News, 23 June 2026)