Photo : UNHCR
Over 66,000 Nigerians flee jihadist violence in the north
NIGERIA
Over 66,000 Nigerians flee violence into neighbouring countries as UNHCR seeks USD 2 million funding
On 11 November, Africa News reported that more than 66,000 people had fled northern Nigeria into neighbouring Niger and Benin by mid-October, three times the figure recorded during the same period last year, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). The displacement is driven by escalating jihadist violence, criminal banditry, religious intolerance and farmer-herder clashes. UNHCR warned that 34,000 displaced people remained unregistered, limiting their access to essential assistance, and appealed for USD 2 million to support refugees and vulnerable communities still inside Nigeria. Violence has also spilled into Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting regional military cooperation against militant groups. (“UN seeks $2 million for Nigerians fleeing insecurity,” Africa News, 11 November 2026)
SENEGAL
At least 39 killed as migrant boat sinks off Senegal
On 09 November, Africa News reported that at least 39 people had died after a migrant boat capsized off northwestern Senegal while attempting to reach Europe via the Atlantic route to Spain’s Canary Islands. One survivor was rescued, while an undetermined number of people remained missing as search operations continued. The tragedy comes amid increased attempts to cross the Atlantic, with more than 3,300 migrants arriving on Spain’s El Hierro island aboard around 30 boats since the beginning of November. Senegalese authorities have stepped up efforts against migrant smuggling networks, while tighter maritime patrols in the region have pushed departures further south, lengthening the dangerous crossing. (“At least 39 killed in migrant boat sinking off Senegal,” Africa News, 09 November 2026)
EBOLA OUTBREAK
Cases in DR Congo surpasses 11,000
On 11 November, Al Jazeera reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) had recorded 11,042 confirmed Ebola cases and at least 5,387 deaths, making it the country’s largest and deadliest outbreak. Caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, the outbreak has spread across eight of the country’s 26 provinces and is now the second-largest and second-deadliest Ebola epidemic on record. Conflict, delayed detection and overstretched health services have complicated containment efforts, while the absence of a vaccine or treatment specifically targeting the strain has further hampered the response. The WHO has approved trials of two new vaccines - one from the University of Oxford and the other from Moderna - with results expected in early 2027. (“Ebola cases in DR Congo pass 11,000, with 5,387 deaths,” Al Jazeera, 11 November 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
ANC suffers major setback in municipal elections
On 08 November, Al Jazeera reported that South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) had secured just over 30 per cent of the national vote in municipal elections, down approximately 14 percentage points from 2021, while the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) received around 25 per cent. Former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secured approximately 10 per cent. The ANC failed to win an outright majority in any of the country’s eight major metropolitan areas, including Johannesburg and Pretoria, leaving it dependent on coalition negotiations. The results reflect growing voter dissatisfaction over corruption, unemployment exceeding 34 per cent and inadequate public services. (“South Africa’s ANC suffers setback in local elections,” Al Jazeera, 08 November 2026)
KENYA
Suspected Al Shabaab attack kills eight people in northeast Kenya
On 10 November, Reuters reported that eight people, including two police reservists, five construction workers and a driver, were killed in an ambush by suspected Al Shabaab militants in Mandera County, northeastern Kenya, near the Somali border. The attack occurred around 0700 hrs. at a road construction site. Regional official John Odhiambo Otieno said the assailants were believed to have crossed into Kenya from Somalia, with investigations under way to identify them. Al Shabaab, which controls large parts of Somalia, regularly conducts cross-border attacks in Kenya, targeting military and civilian interests in an effort to pressure Nairobi to withdraw its troops from peacekeeping operations in Somalia. (“Eight people killed in Kenya's northeast in suspected al Shabaab attack,” Reuters, 10 November 2026)
EGYPT
UN raises alarm over Egypt’s crackdown on press freedom
On 10 November, Reuters reported that the United Nations human rights office had voiced concern over growing restrictions on press freedom in Egypt, calling for the immediate release of detained journalists. The UN urged authorities to release six journalists from fact-checking outlet Matsaddash, arrested in September on allegations of spreading misinformation linked to the banned Muslim Brotherhood, which the publication denied. The warning followed an Egyptian court’s conviction of the editor-in-chief of independent news website Mada Masr in October and an order to shut down the outlet over licensing violations. The UN called for an end to intimidation and reprisals against journalists and for charges arising from legitimate journalistic work to be dropped. (“UN rights office voices alarm on Egypt press freedom,” Reuters, 10 November 2026)
Egypt reopens embassy in Libya’s Tripoli after 12 years
On 07 November, Reuters reported that Egypt had reopened its embassy in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, after a 12-year closure, signalling a rapprochement with the country’s western-based administration. Cairo closed its embassy in 2014 amid escalating conflict following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The reopening marks a diplomatic shift for Egypt, which has traditionally backed eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar, a rival of the internationally recognised Government of National Unity led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah in Tripoli. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two countries during the reopening ceremony. Libya remains politically divided between rival administrations in Tripoli and the east. (“Egypt reopens embassy in Libya's Tripoli after 12-year closure,” Reuters, 07 November 2026)