AFP Africa

Can a prominent exiled imam critical of Mali’s junta rally the population against the west African country’s authoritarian rulers in the midst of jihadist expansion and economic crisis?Mahmoud Dicko, who inspired protests that preceded the fall of former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in a 2020 coup, has been living in Algeria since 2023.With his new …

Can an exiled Malian imam unite people against the junta?Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:14:24 GMT Read More »

The planet logged its third hottest year on record in 2025, extending a run of unprecedented heat, with no relief expected in 2026, US researchers and EU climate monitors said Wednesday.The last 11 years have now been the warmest ever recorded, with 2024 topping the podium and 2023 in second place, according to the EU’s …

2025 was third hottest year on record: EU, US expertsWed, 14 Jan 2026 03:12:59 GMT Read More »

The United States said Tuesday it would end a special protected status for Somalis, telling them they must leave the country by mid-March under an escalating crackdown on the community. There is a large Somali community in Minnesota, the Midwestern state at the forefront of raids and searches by immigration officers, one of whom shot and killed …

US ends protection for Somalis amid escalating migrant crackdownWed, 14 Jan 2026 01:14:51 GMT Read More »

Ugandan authorities shut down internet access nationwide on Tuesday, two days ahead of elections in which President Yoweri Museveni has overseen a crackdown on the opposition as he seeks to extend his 40-year rule.The 81-year-old leader, who once said African rulers should not overstay their time in office, is widely expected to win a seventh …

Uganda shuts down internet ahead of electionTue, 13 Jan 2026 16:07:00 GMT Read More »

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni held his final campaign rally in the capital Kampala on Tuesday, in a grand show most international media were blocked from covering.The 81-year-old leader, who has held power in the east African nation for four decades, is widely expected to win elections on Thursday due to his total control over state …

Uganda’s Museveni holds final rally as foreign media barredTue, 13 Jan 2026 13:36:56 GMT Read More »

Nigeria star Alex Iwobi on Tuesday hailed coach Eric Chelle for creating a team spirit which has taken the Super Eagles to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations only two months after their dreams of World Cup qualification were ended in agonising fashion.The Nigerians take on AFCON hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday …

Iwobi hails Nigerian ‘unity’ with Super Eagles set for Morocco AFCON semiTue, 13 Jan 2026 13:02:23 GMT Read More »

Widespread destruction, massive military spending and plummeting oil and gold revenues have left Sudan’s economy in “very difficult times”, army-aligned finance minister Gibril Ibrahim said, nearly three years into the army’s war with rival paramilitary forces.In an interview with AFP from his office in Port Sudan, Ibrahim said the government is eyeing deals for Red …

Sudan ‘lost all sources of revenue’ in the war: finance minister to AFPTue, 13 Jan 2026 12:29:19 GMT Read More »

Since Israel recognised Somaliland last month, the self-declared republic on the Gulf of Aden has become central to a struggle over military access, ports and regional influence across the Red Sea corridor.Somaliland sits astride one of the world’s most strategic maritime choke points, flanked by multiple conflicts in the Horn of Africa and the Middle …

Somaliland: Horn of Africa territory at heart of geopolitical scrambleTue, 13 Jan 2026 09:49:05 GMT Read More »

As dark clouds gathered overhead, young and old members of Uganda’s long-embattled opposition gathered for prayers at the home of an imprisoned politician — the mood both defiant and bleak.The mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago, told the gathering on Sunday that this week’s election was a “face off” between ordinary Ugandans and President Yoweri Museveni.”All …

Ugandan opposition denounces ‘military state’ ahead of electionTue, 13 Jan 2026 06:20:13 GMT Read More »

While Brahim Diaz scored in five straight matches and steered Morocco to an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria on Wednesday, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has also played a key role. Popularly known as Bono, the 34-year-old conceded only once in three group and two knockout matches — and it took a penalty kick to beat …

Morocco’s Bono ‘one of best goalkeepers in the world’Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:11:29 GMT Read More »