AFP Africa

Fire at Cape Town airport disrupts international flightsTue, 24 Feb 2026 13:44:37 GMT

A fire broke out at Cape Town International Airport Tuesday, prompting passenger evacuations and disrupting international flights to and from South Africa’s popular tourist city before being brought under control.Images shared online showed travellers evacuating South Africa’s second-busiest airport with suitcases as smoke filled the terminal and sirens rang to alert passengers of an emergency …

Fire at Cape Town airport disrupts international flightsTue, 24 Feb 2026 13:44:37 GMT Read More »

Jihadist threat puts eastern Senegal on edgeTue, 24 Feb 2026 06:28:05 GMT

Every time Senegalese mechanic Ibrahima Mbodj hears screeching tyres, a popping firecracker or even shattering glass, he fears another jihadist attack on the Malian border post near his village.Senegal has remained unscathed by a series of jihadist attacks in Mali, but concern among residents is growing as the assaults inch closer to the border.Gunfire early …

Jihadist threat puts eastern Senegal on edgeTue, 24 Feb 2026 06:28:05 GMT Read More »

Nigeria paid Boko Haram ransom for kidnapped pupils: intel sourcesMon, 23 Feb 2026 16:16:10 GMT

The Nigerian government paid Boko Haram militants a “huge” ransom of millions of dollars to free up to 230 children and staff the jihadists abducted from a Catholic school in November, intelligence sources told AFP.Two Boko Haram commanders were also freed as part of the deal, which goes against the country’s own law banning payments …

Nigeria paid Boko Haram ransom for kidnapped pupils: intel sourcesMon, 23 Feb 2026 16:16:10 GMT Read More »

South Africa accepts Trump’s new US ambassadorMon, 23 Feb 2026 15:13:48 GMT

South Africa on Monday said it accepted a conservative envoy highly critical of Pretoria as the new US ambassador to the country, amid frayed relations with President Donald Trump.The two countries’ governments have been at odds over a series of international and domestic policies, including South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court …

South Africa accepts Trump’s new US ambassadorMon, 23 Feb 2026 15:13:48 GMT Read More »

Senegal’s Sahad, radiant champion of ‘musical pan-Africanism’Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:52:37 GMT

With exhilarating charisma, stage energy and impassioned lyrics, Senegalese musician Sahad has created a unique body of work from a kaleidoscope of influences, culminating in his new pan-African album.At the heart of Sahad Sarr’s ingenuity lies a quest for independence, his pride in being African and a deep connection to Senegal, where he leads a …

Senegal’s Sahad, radiant champion of ‘musical pan-Africanism’Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:52:37 GMT Read More »

Hungry South Africa ‘want more’ after statement T20 win over IndiaMon, 23 Feb 2026 06:37:57 GMT

A hungry South Africa will “keep wanting more” after their statement victory over co-hosts India at the T20 World Cup earmarked Aiden Markram’s side as serious title contenders.India were swept aside by 76 runs as 80,000 fans in Ahmedabad were silenced on Sunday and their 12-match win streak at the T20 World Cup, stretching back …

Hungry South Africa ‘want more’ after statement T20 win over IndiaMon, 23 Feb 2026 06:37:57 GMT Read More »

Zimbabwe farmers seek US help over long-promised payoutsMon, 23 Feb 2026 06:12:35 GMT

As white Zimbabwe farmers again ask the Trump administration to weigh in on long-promised government compensation for their evictions 25 years ago, many of them are increasingly ageing and desperate.Farmers’ unions engaged a US lobbying firm late last year to raise their plight in Washington in the hopes of a funding breakthrough, according to a …

Zimbabwe farmers seek US help over long-promised payoutsMon, 23 Feb 2026 06:12:35 GMT Read More »

US can access minerals, military bases in Somaliland, minister tells AFPSun, 22 Feb 2026 09:53:15 GMT

Somaliland is willing to give the United States access to its minerals and military bases, a minister has told AFP, as the breakaway region of Somalia seeks international recognition.Israel became the only country in the world to recognise Somaliland’s independence in December — something the territory has been seeking since declaring its autonomy from Somalia in …

US can access minerals, military bases in Somaliland, minister tells AFPSun, 22 Feb 2026 09:53:15 GMT Read More »

As US pressures Nigeria over Christians, what does Washington want?Sun, 22 Feb 2026 02:00:04 GMT

US President Donald Trump’s decision to put Nigeria on a blacklist for religious freedom violations has sparked high-level talks between Abuja and Washington — but what they can agree on remains to be seen.Since Nigeria was labeled last year as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a State Department designation that opens the door for sanctions, …

As US pressures Nigeria over Christians, what does Washington want?Sun, 22 Feb 2026 02:00:04 GMT Read More »

Markram says South Africa Test success bodes well for T20 World CupSun, 08 Feb 2026 11:37:11 GMT

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram on Sunday said his team enters the T20 World Cup with confidence and self-belief boosted by their World Test Championship triumph last year.Runners-up in 2024, South Africa begin their campaign in the 20-team tournament against Canada at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.The Proteas in June 2025 …

Markram says South Africa Test success bodes well for T20 World CupSun, 08 Feb 2026 11:37:11 GMT Read More »