Photo : CNN/Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : CNN/Reuters
GUINEA-BISSAU
Guinea-Bissau to hold referendum on expanding presidential powers before December elections
On 07 July, Africa News reported that Guinea-Bissau's military government announced a constitutional referendum for 30 August on proposals to replace the country's parliamentary system with a presidential one ahead of planned elections in December. The proposed amendments would empower the president to appoint the prime minister and cabinet, as well as dissolve parliament. The military, which seized power in November 2025 following a disputed presidential election, said transitional leader General Horta N'Tam would not be eligible to contest the presidency. If approved, the constitutional changes would mark a significant restructuring of Guinea-Bissau's political system, in which recurring military interventions and unstable coalition governments have contributed to chronic instability since independence in 1974. (“Guinea-Bissau to hold referendum on expanding presidential power,” Africa News, 07 July 2026)
SUDAN
Over 300 children killed or injured in Sudan as fighting intensifies around el-Obeid
On 07 July, Africa News reported that the United Nations warned that children in Sudan remain trapped in a worsening humanitarian crisis, with more than 300 killed or injured in the past six months, largely due to drone strikes. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, UNICEF said the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left children caught in a cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation, with fighting concentrated in Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile states. The Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning escalating RSF violence around the strategic city of el-Obeid and called for greater protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and increased support for countries hosting Sudanese refugees. The conflict has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced around 13 million and left more than 30 million in need of humanitarian assistance. (“UNICEF: More than 300 children killed in Sudan in last six months,” Africa News, 07 July 2026)
Fighting around el-Obeid has displaced over 5,500 children, Save the Children warns
On 06 July, Al Jazeera reported that renewed fighting around the strategic Sudanese city of el-Obeid has displaced more than 5,500 children, with thousands more at risk as conditions continue to deteriorate, Save the Children warned. The charity said intensifying drone strikes, fuel and water shortages, overcrowding and a worsening cholera outbreak have left families struggling to access shelter, healthcare, clean water and education, while children face mounting psychological trauma after repeated displacement and exposure to violence. El-Obeid, a key humanitarian hub besieged for months by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has become the latest flashpoint in Sudan's civil war, prompting the UN Human Rights Council to condemn escalating attacks amid warnings that the city could face atrocities similar to those documented following the RSF's capture of el-Fasher in 2025. (“Over 5,500 children displaced by fighting in Sudan’s el-Obeid, charity says,” Al Jazeera, 06 July 2026)
NIGERIA
Bandits kill at least nine farmers in Kaduna
On 06 July, Africa News reported that armed bandits killed at least nine farmers and abducted several others during an attack on farmland near Kakangi village in Nigeria's Kaduna State, highlighting persistent insecurity in the country's northwest despite a 2024 peace agreement. According to a UN security report and local officials, the attackers opened fire on farmers working in Birnin Gwari district during the peak planting season, with the assault believed to have been carried out in retaliation after villagers reportedly killed an armed bandit during an attempted robbery. The latest attack follows similar raids on farming communities in the area, underscoring growing concerns that escalating violence, kidnappings and extortion by armed groups are disrupting agricultural production and worsening food security across northern Nigeria. (“Bandit raid leaves nine farmers dead in northwest Nigeria,” Africa News, 06 July 2026)
Nigeria protests deaths of two citizens in South Africa amid rising anti-migrant tensions
On 06 July, the BBC reported that Nigeria accused South Africa of failing to protect foreign nationals after two Nigerian citizens were killed on 28 June, saying the deaths occurred amid growing anti-migrant sentiment and recent protests targeting undocumented foreigners. Nigeria's foreign ministry alleged that Emeka Charles Iroegbu died following arrest by police in Pretoria. At the same time, shop owner Musa Yunana Joe was shot dead by unidentified assailants in eMalahleni, and warned that "all options remain on the table" if attacks against foreigners continue. South African authorities rejected claims linking Iroegbu's death to anti-migrant protests, stating he collapsed after being arrested on drug possession allegations and that an independent investigation is underway, while police said the motive behind Joe's killing remains under investigation. The diplomatic dispute follows the repatriation of thousands of foreign nationals from South Africa and escalating tensions over immigration, with Nigeria also condemning remarks by South African officials and accusing anti-migrant groups of inciting hostility against other Africans. (“Nigeria says two nationals killed in South Africa amid rise of anti-migrant attacks,” BBC, 06 July 2026)
MOROCCO
Morocco foils planned attack, arrests 10 suspected IS-linked militants
On 06 July, Al Jazeera reported that Moroccan authorities announced the arrest of 10 suspected members of a cell linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), saying they had foiled an advanced plot to carry out an attack. The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations said coordinated raids across several cities uncovered bladed weapons, bomb-making instructions, chemicals, military-style clothing and a vehicle allegedly modified for use in a bombing or ramming attack, while a warehouse contained gas cylinders and pressure cookers packed with nails and wiring. The arrests come as IS- and al-Qaeda-linked groups continue expanding across the Sahel, although Morocco has largely avoided the levels of violence seen in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Authorities estimate that around 130 Moroccan nationals have been recruited by ISSP in recent years. (“Morocco says it has dismantled ISIL-linked cell planning attack,” Al Jazeera, 06 July 2026)
EBOLA OUTBREAK
DR Congo opens second Ebola treatment centre in North Kivu as deaths surpass 500
On 06 July, Africa News reported that authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo inaugurated a second Ebola treatment centre in North Kivu province as part of efforts to strengthen the response to the country's ongoing outbreak. The 20-bed facility, located at Beni General Hospital, is intended to expand specialist care capacity and reduce pressure on existing health services. Health officials also announced Beni's first Ebola survivor, highlighting the case as evidence that early treatment can significantly improve survival rates and urging communities to seek medical care promptly. The outbreak has now surpassed 1,500 confirmed cases across three provinces, with 506 deaths, more than 250 recoveries and hundreds of patients remaining in isolation or receiving hospital treatment. (“Second Ebola treatment centre opens in North Kivu,” Africa News, 06 July 2026)
MALI
Coordinated attacks hit five locations across Mali as army claims dozens of attackers killed
On 04 July, Al Jazeera reported that Mali's armed forces said coordinated attacks targeted five locations across the country, including military positions in Aguelhok, Anefis and Gao in the north, Sevare in the centre and Kenieroba in the south. The army said it had regained control of the affected areas, claiming to have killed 26 "terrorists" while losing one pro-government fighter in Gao. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg-led separatist coalition, claimed responsibility for the assault on Anefis, where clashes reportedly continued as government forces and Russian fighters resisted the attack. Simultaneously, the Al-Qaeda-affliated JNIM also claimed responsibility, meaning the attacks were highly coordinated. The offensive follows major rebel gains in northern Mali earlier this year and underscores the deteriorating security situation as separatist and extremist groups continue challenging military control across the country. (“Mali’s army says rebels launch new attacks on towns and cities,” Al Jazeera, 04 July 2026)