Photo : DW
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : DW
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Former president Kabila strengthened ties with AFC/M23, finds UN report
On 02 July, Africa News reported that a new UN Group of Experts report estimated the AFC/M23 rebel alliance commands around 30,000 fighters and is increasingly positioning itself as a long-term political force in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The report said former president Joseph Kabila has strengthened ties with the movement through meetings in rebel-held areas, with discussions reportedly underway to restructure the alliance and broaden its political appeal. The experts also alleged that between 14,000 and 18,000 Rwandan troops remained deployed in eastern DRC, while accusing all major parties to the conflict of human rights abuses and arms embargo violations. (“New UN report links Joseph Kabila more closely to AFC/M23,” Africa News, 02 July 2026)
UN report links surge in Uganda's gold exports to smuggling from eastern DRC
On 2 July, Africa News reported that a new UN report found gold smuggling from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo into Uganda has increased, citing a large gap between Uganda's reported gold production and its record 62 tonnes of gold exports in 2025. The report said much of the discrepancy was likely due to gold smuggled from Ituri province, where production in rebel-controlled areas is subject to sanctions over concerns it finances armed groups. The findings come after the United States sanctioned a Rwandan refinery accused of processing illegally sourced gold from eastern DRC. (“Gold smuggling from DRC's Ituri province to Uganda on the rise, says UN,” Africa News, 02 July 2026)
THE SAHEL
ICC expresses concern over Sahel states' withdrawal from court
On 02 July, Africa News reported that the International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed concern over the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, warning that the move could undermine global efforts to combat impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court's Assembly of States Parties said it regretted the decision, after the three military-led governments described the ICC as an instrument of "neo-colonial repression" and formally moved to leave the court as members of the Alliance of Sahel States. (“ICC 'concerned' over withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger,” Africa News, 02 July 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
Anti-immigration protests largely peaceful despite arrests, South African police says
On 02 July, Africa News reported that South African police said nationwide anti-immigration protests were "mostly peaceful", despite isolated incidents of looting, vandalism and violence. Authorities said around 900 people were arrested, most of them undocumented foreign nationals and South Africans accused of looting, while police investigated the fatal shooting of a man during unrest in Johannesburg's Alexandra township. The demonstrations followed weeks of campaigning by anti-immigration groups calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country. (“South African police say anti-immigrant protests were 'mostly peaceful',” Africa News, 02 July 2026)
SUDAN
Amnesty accuses Sudan's RSF of crimes against humanity in El-Fasher
On 01 July, Africa News reported that Amnesty International accused Sudan's Rapid Support Forces of committing crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during its campaign to seize El-Fasher between 2024 and 2025. Based on interviews with 247 victims and witnesses, the report alleged systematic attacks on Zaghawa communities, including killings, torture, rape, child abductions and forced recruitment, and said the destruction of civilian areas suggested an intent to render them uninhabitable. Amnesty called for an immediate ceasefire and an international protection force, while noting its investigation remains ongoing. (“Sudan's RSF committed ethnic cleansing, Amnesty report alleges,” Africa News, 01 July 2026)
Sudanese army says it has retaken strategic border town of Kulbus
On 01 July, Africa News reported that the Sudanese army and its allied Joint Forces said they had recaptured the strategic town of Kulbus near the Chadian border, marking what appeared to be their biggest territorial gain in western Darfur since the fall of El-Fasher last year. The army said it had regained full control after intense fighting with the Rapid Support Forces, although the claims could not be independently verified and the RSF has not commented. The capture comes amid intensified fighting along the Chad-Sudan border and growing warnings of a possible RSF offensive on el-Obeid. (“Sudanese army claims recapture of Kulbus, key Darfur town on Chadian border,” Africa News, 01 July 2026)
UN Human Rights Council holds urgent debate on atrocity risks in Sudan's el-Obeid
On 01 July, Africa News reported that the United Nations Human Rights Council convened an urgent session on the deteriorating situation in el-Obeid after Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom warned that around 500,000 civilians faced the risk of large-scale atrocities amid escalating fighting. The countries cited increasing drone strikes, siege-like conditions and collapsing access to essential services, and said they would table a draft resolution following the debate. Separately, the Sudan Doctors Network alleged that the Rapid Support Forces had detained 20 doctors since capturing El-Fasher in October 2025, with their whereabouts remaining unknown. (“UN Human Rights Council to hold urgent meeting on Sudan crisis,” Africa News, 01 July 2026)