Kagi News - Africa

Nigeria approves recruitment of 28,000 soldiers in army expansion

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:31:15 +0000

President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel and the creation of four new army divisions, expanding Nigeria’s army structure from eight divisions to 12, the presidency said. The government said the expansion aims to improve coordination, intelligence sharing and response times as Nigeria faces militant Islamist attacks, separatist violence, ransom kidnappings, banditry and communal violence across several regions. The new formations will be based in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, with the expanded structure covering parts of central, northeastern and southern Nigeria. The presidency said the plan includes equipment purchases, operational readiness and troop welfare, while Tinubu previously declared a nationwide security emergency in November and promised to put more personnel on the ground.

Highlights:

Recent attacks: An armed gang killed at least 20 villagers in Zamfara, while the army rescued 46 students within hours after they were abducted from a Borno school.
Phased rollout: The 5th, 9th and 10th divisions are due to become operational by September 2026, with the 83rd Division in Benin City scheduled for December 2026.
Recruitment pressure: Security experts told the BBC that recruiting young Nigerians could be difficult because many soldiers have been killed in recent months.
Parallel hiring: The army expansion follows a separate government recruitment drive for 50,000 police officers.

The bold step shows the President’s renewed commitment to the security of lives and property - Nigeria Governors’ Forum

Perspectives:

Nigeria Governors’ Forum: The forum endorsed the new divisions, pledged to work with the federal government and urged citizens to provide credible information to security agencies. (NigerianEye)

Sources:

Nigeria approves recruitment of 28,000 soldiers to tackle rising insecurity - africanews.com
نيجيريا تعتمد تجنيد 28 ألف جندي إضافي لتعزيز قدرات الجيش - qiraatafrican.com
Nigeria's president approves largest military expansion in recent times - bbc.co.uk
Nigeria’s Tinubu approves army expansion to 12 divisions with 28,000 new recruits - timeslive.co.za
Tinubu Approves Expansion Of Eight Nigerian Army Divisions To 12, Recruitment Of 28,000 Personnel - informationng.com
NGF Back Tinubu’s Army Expansion, 28,000 New Recruits - nigerianeye.com

Tunisian opposition leader Ghannouchi critically ill in prison, lawyers say

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 05:10:14 +0000

Rached Ghannouchi, the 85-year-old jailed leader of Tunisia’s Ennahdha party, is in “critical condition,” his lawyers said after he fainted in prison and suffered severe exhaustion. Ennahdha and his defence team said they were deeply concerned by a serious deterioration in his health. Afrik reported that he was hospitalized after falling ill in his cell. Ghannouchi has been detained since 2023 on several charges, including plotting against the state, and has received sentences totaling more than 40 years in separate cases. His lawyers said Tunisian authorities had refused visits by his lawyers and family; Ennahdha said authorities were fully responsible for his safety. On July 24, 11 human rights organizations called for Ghannouchi’s release because of his worsening health. During the national holiday period, President Kais Saied pardoned former presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel and former football federation president Wadie Jary; Ghannouchi remained in prison.

Highlights:

Family without news: Relatives say they have no direct information about Ghannouchi's condition since his hospitalization, according to Afrik.
Rights climate: Local and international NGOs say rights and freedoms in Tunisia have regressed since Kais Saied came to power in 2019.
Political status: Ennahdha played a key role in Tunisian politics for years before authorities detained Ghannouchi in 2023.

Despite this critical condition, the authorities have refused to allow any visits from our client by his lawyers or family members, in flagrant violation of the law and the fundamental rights of prisoners, - Rached Ghannouchi’s defence team

Sources:

Tunisie : l’état de santé de Rached Ghannouchi jugé « critique », Ennahdha alerte après son hospitalisation - afrik.com
Tunisia's jailed opposition leader Ghannouchi in 'critical condition,' lawyers say - africanews.com
Des ONG alertent sur l’état de santé de Rached Ghannouchi et réclament sa libération - businessnews.com.tn
Tunisie : Ayachi Zammel et Wadie Jary graciés, Rached Ghannouchi toujours en prison, dans un état « critique » - jeuneafrique.com
En Tunisie, l’opposant Rached Ghannouchi, incarcéré, est dans un état « critique », selon ses avocats - lemonde.fr
Tunisia’s Ennahda expresses concern over Rached Ghannouchi’s health in prison - middleeastmonitor.com

Africa roundup covers court rulings, diplomacy and economic data

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:50:56 +0000

Africa-focused bulletins on July 24 led with criminal justice developments in Nigeria: three men received life sentences after pleading guilty to terrorism charges linked to school abductions in Oyo State. AllAfrica said security forces had rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers weeks before the sentencing. Other regional items included Mali’s stricter enforcement of its shisha ban and the opening of the fourth Mali-Morocco joint commission in Bamako. Africa24 listed ECOWAS’ demand that detainees be freed in Guinea-Bissau, Ghana exports of $18.2 billion linked to gold, Cape Verde growth of 6.3% in 2025 linked to tourism, and an extension of Chad’s RGPH-3 census operation until Aug. 6, 2026.

Highlights:

Nigeria sentencing: Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani pleaded guilty to counts four and six, admitted concealing information and acknowledged membership in a Boko Haram affiliate, but denied conspiracy in the abductions.
Mali enforcement: Justice Minister Mamoudou Kassogué called for strict enforcement of the shisha ban, with weekend checks targeting consumers, importers and managers of shisha clubs.
Regional economy: Africa24 also listed the annulment of a $33.2 million arbitration award in Gambia and 833.8 billion CFA francs validated in Cameroon since 2023.
Public services: Africa24 noted Mozambique’s plan for 876,335 new potable-water connections by 2036 and Congo’s PAPN target of processing 2.5 million containers.

Perspectives:

Mali-Morocco cooperation: The fourth session of the Grande Commission mixte opened in Bamako, where experts and economic actors worked on new strategic agreements and measures to strengthen commercial capacity. (Maliexpress.net)
Senegal: The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) cited delays in naturalization processes, Africa24’s West Africa bulletin said. (Africa24)

Sources:

Africa: All of Africa Today - July 24, 2026 - allafrica.com
Matinale de Maliexpress.net du 24 juillet 2026 ! - maliexpress.net
Le JT de l’Afrique de l’Ouest du 23 juillet 2026 - africa24tv.com
Eritrea Alhaditha 24 July 2026 - shabait.com
Pregled dana (24.7.2026.) - n1info.hr
Latest news bulletin | July 24th, 2026 – Evening - euronews.com
July 24, 2026 Season 2026 - pbsnc.org
Най-важните новини за деня: 24 юли 2026 г. - actualno.com
Raadiouudised (24.07.2026 15:00:00) - err.ee
LIVE: SaharaTV Morning Show || July 24th - saharareporters.com
25.07.2026 - republika.mk
Weekly Roundup 24 July 2026 - khmertimeskh.com
World News in Brief: July 24 - nhandan.vn
Ημερολόγιο 23 Ιουλίου 2026 - thepressproject.gr
MESA DE NOTICIAS 24 DE JULIO 2026 - elconquistadorconcepcion.cl
From the Desk of the County Manager, July 24, 2026 - einpresswire.com
Wissenschaftsmeldungen 24.07.2026 - deutschlandfunk.de
PZ Briefing: Die Top-News vom 24.7.2026 - pharmazeutische-zeitung.de
Le podcast du 24 juillet 2026 - lafranceagricole.fr
Weather Forecast | Friday, 24 July 2026 - enca.com
Times Argus Community News for July 24, 2026 - timesargus.com
Cartoon SA 24-07-2026 - jornaldenegocios.pt
Your WoMag Rundown for July 24, 2026 - reddit.com
Országos összesítő - police.hu
Records published July 24, 2026 - wctrib.com
Announcement of events for Saturday, 25 July 2026 - fena.ba
Cartoon for July 24, 2026 - thenationalnews.com

Zanzibar targets AI investment as China pitches governance

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:30:06 +0000

China used the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai to promote a “just and equitable” global AI governance framework. President Xi Jinping called for openness, security, respect for civilizational diversity and multilateral governance under the United Nations, with priority for the Global South. In Africa, Zanzibar’s government said it wants to turn the islands into a continental hub for innovation and digital transformation as it prepares to host the Tech and AI International Expo with 1,500 participants. Communications, Information Technology and Innovation Minister Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga said the forum aims to attract global technology companies and investment in AI, fintech, agritech and smart tourism. In Ghana, writer Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah argued that infrastructure creates possibility, but people and institutional continuity determine whether AI access produces lasting economic value.

Highlights:

Training offer: China presented its AI proposal as a development issue, saying AI should support shared prosperity and common security rather than only frontier competition.
Zanzibar pitch: South Africa’s Africa Business Inc, the ministry and The Unique Touch are organizing the Zanzibar forum, which will bring policymakers and technology stakeholders together to discuss the digital economy.
Tunisia question: La Presse asked whether Tunisia could use China’s AI opening to strengthen training, governance and technology partnerships rather than remain a consumer of foreign systems.
Value creation: A Ghanaian analysis cited WorldCom and Global Crossing as examples of infrastructure-heavy technology bets whose networks enabled later digital platforms without ensuring lasting value for the builders.

Tunataka kuona kampuni kubwa za teknolojia duniani kama Google, Amazon,Meta na nyinginezo zinaweka makao makuu yake hapa au matawi yake, na Zanzibar tuwe kitovu cha ubunifu. Ili kufikia huko ndio tunakuwa na majukwaa kama haya, - Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga

Perspectives:

China: Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu wrote that countries should take a people-centered approach to AI and develop it “for the positive and for good,” describing Xi Jinping’s Shanghai address as a roadmap for global AI development and governance. (AllAfrica)
Zanzibar government: Minister Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga said Zanzibar is working on policies, investor-friendly conditions and technology-related laws to support its digital ambitions. (Mwananchi)
South China Morning Post opinion: The commentary said the ninth World Artificial Intelligence Conference shifted from technology-focused exhibitions toward an international gathering of officials, scientists and entrepreneurs, presenting China as a voice for Global South participation. (South China Morning Post)

Sources:

La Chine propose un nouveau contrat mondial pour l’intelligence artificielle : La Tunisie saisira-t-elle l’occasion ? - lapresse.tn
Liberia: Advancing People-Centered Ai for the Positive and for Good - allafrica.com
The AI infrastructure race is not the only race that matters - myjoyonline.com
China’s AI vision gives the Global South a seat at the table - scmp.com
BizTalk | China's vision for AI development and global governance - cgtn.com
The future will not belong exclusively to either humans or machines - thenationalnews.com
Meeting focuses on digital, AI cooperation - borneobulletin.com.bn
[속보] 李대통령 "AI 성과가 모두에게 기회로"…'AI 기본사회' 소개 - yna.co.kr
Waldemar Karpa: Magnifica AI. Między nową wieżą Babel a godnością człowieka - rp.pl
[속보]李대통령 "대한민국이 만들어가는 AI 황금시대, 결코 실망 않을 것" - mt.co.kr
Washiriki 1,500 kushiriki jukwaa la kimataifa la teknolojia, AI kutoka Afrika - mwananchi.co.tz
HBM 세계 1위인데 AI는 아직 ‘2% 부족’…한국 AI 3강의 승부처는 - heraldcorp.com
'AI Will Transform Every Industry': Jensen Huang's First X Post Makes Case For Open Models - news18.com
글로벌 AI 빅4 한자리에 모은 이 대통령…"지금이 AI 황금시대의 시작" - etoday.co.kr
South Korea steps up AI push with global tech summit in San Francisco - firstpost.com
[속보] 정의선 "대한민국이 피지컬 AI 산업 주도하는 중심지 될 것" - hankyung.com

Dangote refinery raises $2.5 billion for expansion

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 05:02:11 +0000

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals said it raised about $2.5 billion in new equity through a private placement that was 3.7 times oversubscribed and was Africa’s largest publicly disclosed primary equity private placement by value. The transaction brought external investors into the Nigerian refinery for the first time beyond its legacy shareholder base, ahead of a possible public listing later in 2026. The company said it would use the proceeds to expand its refinery and petrochemical complex, strengthen its balance sheet and increase financial flexibility for future growth. Qiraat African reported that Dangote plans to raise refinery capacity from about 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, while Jeune Afrique said the group aims to make the plant the world’s largest refinery by that year. The private placement included Africa Finance Corporation and India Infra Buildco, an investment vehicle facilitated by Afreximbank, according to the company statement cited by Ripples Nigeria and Qiraat African.

Highlights:

Investor mix: The offering drew international and African institutional investors, sovereign-related investment vehicles, development finance institutions, strategic partners and individual investors.
Listing plan: Qiraat African reported that the expected Lagos listing later in 2026 could value the refinery at about $40 billion and become Africa’s largest IPO.
Regional expansion: Energynews.pro reported that the fundraising also precedes expansion plans that include a new site in Kenya.

Perspectives:

Aliko Dangote: Dangote said the transaction would deepen and institutionalize the shareholder base while complementing internal cash flows and external funding for the expansion agenda. (Ripples Nigeria)

Sources:

Africa: Dangote Refinery Raises $2.5 Billion in Africa's Largest Private Equity Placement - allafrica.com
أليكو دانغوتي يؤمن استثمارًا تاريخيًا بـ2.5 مليار دولار لتوسعة مصفاة لاغوس - qiraatafrican.com
Dangote Refinery invites private investors in $2.5bn pre-IPO landmark - theafricareport.com
Dangote lève 2,5 milliards de dollars et vise la première place mondiale - jeuneafrique.com
Dangote lève 2,5 milliards de dollars pour son expansion pétrolière africaine - energynews.pro
Dangote Refinery raises landmark $2.5bn in equities placement - ripplesnigeria.com

ICC members remove prosecutor Karim Khan after misconduct probe

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:37:28 +0000

International Criminal Court member states voted Friday at U.N. headquarters in New York to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan after the court’s Assembly of States Parties concluded that he had committed “serious misconduct and serious breach of duty”. Member states removed Khan in an 82-vote decision among the ICC’s 125 members, the first time an ICC chief prosecutor has been ousted from office. The allegations involved sexual misconduct with a female aide or junior ICC lawyer; Khan, a 56-year-old British barrister, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Documents seen by The Associated Press said Khan had a sexual relationship with the woman and tried to prevent her from pursuing her allegations, findings Khan disputes. Khan’s lawyers called the process unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence, and said he would challenge the decision through available legal avenues. The removal followed months of pressure on the court, including sanctions imposed by President Trump’s administration on Khan and other ICC officials after ICC action involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. Reuters reported that Khan’s dismissal started the process for electing a new ICC prosecutor, though a successor is not expected to be chosen before next year.

Highlights:

Vote margin: The secret ballot required 63 votes for removal; 13 states voted for Khan to remain and 15 abstained, while some members did not attend.
Procedural vote: A Sierra Leone motion that would have made Khan harder to remove failed early in Friday’s session before diplomats proceeded to the removal vote.
Court pressure: The United States is not an ICC member and has sanctioned 11 ICC judges and prosecutors, including Khan, citing warrants against Israeli leaders and an earlier Afghanistan-related probe.

What I think many people don't understand is that Mr Khan was not just my boss, he was everyone's boss. - Sarah, Khan’s accuser

Perspectives:

Assembly of States Parties: ASP President Päivi Kaukoranta announced that the assembly removed Khan under Article 46, paragraph 2B, of the Rome Statute after finding serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty. (Eastleigh Voice)
Karim Khan’s legal team: Lawyer Tayab Ali said the Assembly of States Parties disregarded due process concerns and removed Khan despite what he described as the absence of a lawful finding of misconduct. (Palestinian Information Center)
Sarah, Khan’s accuser: In a CNN interview cited by Africanews, the Malaysian lawyer who worked as Khan’s direct assistant described “an escalation of attempts” that she said led to physical assault. (Africanews)
United States: A U.S. State Department spokesman described Khan as an example of ICC “corruption” and said the result would not change Washington’s plan to dismantle the court. (The National)
Norway: Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik said Norway believed Khan’s conduct had been proven beyond doubt to constitute sexual harassment and abuse of power. (Ceske Noviny)

Sources:

Destitution de Karim Khan : quel impact sur les enquêtes de la CPI en Afrique ? - afrik.com
ICC members vote to dismiss embattled prosecutor Karim Khan - africanews.com
ICC top prosecutor removed over sexual misconduct allegations - myjoyonline.com
International Criminal Court members dismiss prosecutor Khan over sexual misconduct allegation - theeastafrican.co.ke
ICC chief prosecutor Khan removed over sexual misconduct allegations, diplomats say - timeslive.co.za
ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan removed from post over sexual misconduct allegations - pbs.org
ICC Chief Prosecutor Removed From Office Amid Sexual Misconduct Scandal - algemeiner.com
ICC chief prosecutor removed from post over misconduct allegations - palinfo.com
ICC dismisses chief prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct allegations - france24.com
ICC votes to dismiss Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan - dw.com
ICC ousts chief prosecutor Karim Khan after misconduct probe - ft.com
ICC removes Karim Khan over sex abuse allegations - minutemirror.com.pk
ICC members vote to remove Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct - dailytimes.com.pk
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan removed over ‘political’ sex abuse claims - island.lk
Karim Khan Is Ousted as I.C.C. Chief Prosecutor Over Sexual Misconduct - nytimes.com
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan removed from office over alleged sexual misconduct - eastleighvoice.co.ke
ICC votes to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan over misconduct - aaj.tv
International Criminal Court members dismiss prosecutor Khan, sources say - alarabiya.net
ICC Removes Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations - news18.com
ICC member states vote to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan - gpb.org
ICC chief prosecutor removed from post over sexual misconduct claims - thenational.scot
Topaanklager ICC Karim Khan weggestuurd door lidstaten - nd.nl
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan removed over 'serious misconduct' - abs-cbn.com
Karim Khan, le procureur général de la Cour pénale internationale, est démis de ses fonctions - lesoir.be
ICC votes to remove prosecutor Karim Khan as legal team vows challenge - nst.com.my
Karim Khan dismissed as ICC prosecutor - thenationalnews.com
ICC members vote to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan - rte.ie
Het Internationaal Strafhof ontslaat hoofdaanklager Karim Khan na beschuldigingen van seksueel wangedrag - nrc.nl
ICC members dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan, diplomatic sources say - tribune.com.pk
ICC members vote to dismiss Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct - dawn.com
Soupçonné d'agression sexuelle, le procureur général de la CPI Karim Khan démis de ses fonctions - rts.ch
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan sacked from office after allegations of sexual abuse - firstpost.com
Internationaler Strafgerichtshof: Chefankläger Khan entlassen - zdfheute.de
Topaanklager ICC in Den Haag uit functie gezet om beschuldigingen van seksueel wangedrag - ad.nl
Kreise: Chefankläger des Weltstrafgerichts entlassen - maz-online.de
Procurorul Curții Penale Internaționale Karim Khan a fost demis de statele membre - stirileprotv.ro
ICC member nations vote to remove chief prosecutor - npr.org
Fiscal Karim Khan es destituido de la CPI por presunta conducta sexual indebida - elpitazo.net
Le procureur de la CPI Karim Khan, visé par des allégations d'agression sexuelle, relevé de ses fonctions - franceinfo.fr
Procurorul Karim Khan de la Curtea Penală Internaţională a fost demis de statele membre, după acuzațiile de abuz sexual (presă) - digi24.ro
ICC avsätter chefsåklagare Karim Khan - sverigesradio.se
Hoofdaanklager Internationaal Strafhof moet opstappen na beschuldigingen van seksueel wangedrag - vrtnws.be
Accusé d'agression sexuelle, le procureur de la CPI Karim Khan relevé de ses fonctions - lalibre.be
ICC member states vote to dismiss chief prosecutor Khan - krdo.com
Internationaler Strafgerichtshof: Chefankläger wegen Missbrauchsvorwürfen entlassen - sueddeutsche.de
ICC Votes today on removing chief prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct - albawaba.com
Weltstrafgericht: Staaten beschließen Aus für Chefankläger Khan - tt.com
Procurorul-şef al Curţii Penale Internaţionale, Karim Khan, revocat de statele membre după constatarea unor „abateri grave” de natură sexuală - ziarulnational.md
Internationaler Strafgerichtshof: Chefankläger Karim Khan abgesetzt - t-online.de
Surse: Procurorul Karim Khan de la Curtea Penală Internațională a fost demis, o decizie fără precedent în istoria instituției - antena3.ro
ICC members dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan over alleged sexual misconduct — diplomatic sources - reddit.com
ICC dismisses prosecutor behind Putin and Netanyahu arrest warrants - nv.ua
ICC chief prosecutor removed from post over sexual misconduct allegations - euronews.com
ICC members vote to dismiss prosecutor behind Netanyahu arrest warrant - timesofisrael.com
國際刑事法院 | ICC檢察官涉不當性行為遭罷免曾主導向內塔尼亞胡發逮捕令 - stheadline.com
Smijenjen glavni tužitelj ICC-a Karim Khan - hrt.hr
Karim Khan: Chefankläger des Strafgerichtshofs abgesetzt - handelsblatt.com
TPI destituye a Karim Khan por conducta sexual inapropiada - elperiodista.cl
International Criminal Court members dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan: sources - geo.tv
国际刑事法院检察官卡里姆·汗被解职 - chinanews.com.cn
Karim Khan: Absetzung des IStGH-Chefanklägers nach Vorwürfen sexuellen Fehlverhaltens - spiegel.de
Cour pénale internationale: Le procureur Karim Khan relevé de ses fonctions - 24heures.ch
Členové Mezinárodního trestního soudu odvolali hlavního prokurátora Khana - ceskenoviny.cz
才通緝納坦雅胡！ICC首席檢察官爆性醜聞遭免職 - ltn.com.tw
Karim Khan ousted as prosecutor of international criminal court - theguardian.com
Le procureur de la Cour pénale internationale Karim Khan relevé de ses fonctions - letemps.ch
Accusé d’agression sexuelle, le procureur général de la CPI Karim Khan est relevé de ses fonctions - liberation.fr

Ghana seeks AU debate on South Africa xenophobia

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:04:35 +0000

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama renewed his call for the African Union to put anti-foreigner violence in South Africa on its agenda, saying he raised the issue with AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf during a health summit in Accra on Wednesday, July 22. Mahama said Youssouf acknowledged the urgency of taking the matter to the AU’s next summit, scheduled for February 2027. The appeal followed figures cited by several countries showing that more than 160,000 foreign nationals had left South Africa since mid-May. Ghana had already asked the AU in May to debate the violence. The issue has also moved through regional channels: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed welcomed an ECOWAS decision to refer concerns around undocumented migration in South Africa to the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. Mahama said South African authorities had not responded as he expected and argued that AU discussion would give South Africa a formal platform to present its position. Qiraat African reported that two Ghanaian citizens had filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court seeking an investigation into recurring anti-foreigner attacks, a move it said Pretoria described as “opportunistic”.

Highlights:

AU timing: Mahama cited the AU’s next scheduled summit, set for February 2027, for discussion of the issue.
ECOWAS route: Mohammed said the recent ECOWAS summit in Sierra Leone included an emotional discussion on migration and South Africa before the matter was referred to the AU.
Sanctions demand: Travel adviser and network engineer Nana Kofi Baffour urged the AU to impose proportionate sanctions on South Africa, arguing that accountability was needed to deter attacks on migrants.

It has to come to an end. We cannot treat each other that way in Africa, in the way that we have always projected ubuntu (humanity), in the way that we have always projected that we are our brothers or our sisters’ keepers. - Amina Mohammed

Perspectives:

John Dramani Mahama: Mahama said Ghana held no hostility toward South Africa and framed the AU push as an effort to address the crisis through continental institutions. (Qiraat African)
Amina Mohammed: The UN deputy secretary-general said the AU should address migration and xenophobia, calling it Africa’s forum for seeking a continental response. (SABC News)
Nana Kofi Baffour: Baffour said South Africa may address undocumented migration through lawful and diplomatic channels, but attacks on foreign nationals are criminal and extrajudicial. (AllAfrica)

Sources:

Ghana : John Mahama appelle l’UA à agir contre les violences xénophobes en Afrique du Sud - burkina24.com
Africa: Sanction South Africa Over Xenophobia - AU Urged - allafrica.com
غانا تطالب بحل قاري لأزمة العنف ضد الأجانب في جنوب إفريقيا - qiraatafrican.com
UN supports ECOWAS decision to refer SA migration issues to AU - sabcnews.com
Mahama secures AU commitment to put South Africa xenophobic attacks on summit agenda - 3news.com
‘It’s full of pain’: UN’s Amina Mohammed supports AU talks on South Africa migration crisis - africaninsider.com

African leaders press for trade, industrial integration

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:22:42 +0000

African policymakers and economic officials this week called for deeper regional integration, stronger industrial policy and more local value addition from the continent’s resources. AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said 50 countries have signed up to the African Continental Free Trade Area, but intra-African trade remains about 15%. Africanews reported that many micro, small and medium-sized enterprises still struggle to use the pact because of poor infrastructure, complex border procedures and limited access to trade opportunities. At a Pan-African Parliament and South African Institute of International Affairs working lunch, Ghanaian MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh urged African leaders to turn critical minerals, trade opportunities and environmental assets into industrial growth, jobs and prosperity, rather than export raw materials while other economies capture refining and technology value. In Cotonou, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima inspected cotton, textile, cashew and soya bean oil facilities at Benin’s Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone and said African countries must process raw materials into higher-value products. Speakers also addressed finance and mobility. UN Economic Commission for Africa Executive Secretary Claver Gatete called for domestic resource mobilization, stronger capital markets and regional value chains to support industrialization, while Ghanaian adviser Ishmael Yamson said Africa’s transformation depends on the movement of people, skills and ideas as well as goods and capital.

Highlights:

Small firms: International Trade Centre Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton discussed how economic diversification, green certifications and expanded trade finance could help MSMEs compete in regional and global markets.
Mineral governance: The Africa Report described Sub-Saharan Africa’s mineral bounty as worth $16 trillion and said weak governance, not the minerals themselves, drives community costs tied to global decarbonization demand.
Policy coherence: Gatete listed five priorities: domestic resource mobilization, public resources to attract private investment, regional value chains, sustainable energy systems and stronger financial architecture.
Local production: Africanews cited a Togolese firm assembling computers from imported components.

People move where opportunity exists. Our task is therefore not to stop people from moving; our task is to ensure that Africa creates sufficient opportunities for its people, wherever they may choose to live and work - Dr Ishmael Yamson

Perspectives:

Wamkele Mene, AfCFTA Secretariat: Mene said lower trade barriers, cheaper logistics and freer movement are necessary to build a single African market. (The Africa Report)
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Ghanaian MP: Annoh-Dompreh asked whether Africa has a coherent continental strategy to govern, extract and commercialize critical minerals. (MyJoyOnline)
Claver Gatete, UN Economic Commission for Africa: Gatete said economies that do not produce remain vulnerable and called for financing to align with productive sectors. (News Trends)
Kashim Shettima, Nigerian vice president: Shettima said Nigeria’s industrialization drive would involve subnational governments and should revive textile value chains to create jobs and expand non-oil exports. (PM News Nigeria)
Aggie Asiimwe Konde: Konde said development institutions should generate evidence and reduce uncertainty so governments can institutionalize successful approaches and private enterprise can scale them. (MyJoyOnline)

Sources:

African Trade: How small businesses can finally tap Into the free trade zone {Business Africa} - africanews.com
Africa must turn its mineral wealth into jobs and growth – Annoh-Dompreh - myjoyonline.com
Africa’s minerals are not the problem. Weak governance is - theafricareport.com
Wamkele Mene (Zlecaf) : « Nous ne pourrons pas réaliser le potentiel de l’Afrique si nous restons fragmentés » - jeuneafrique.com
Africa’s Future Depends on Moving People, Skills and Ideas Across Borders -Dr. Ishmael Yamson - dailyguidenetwork.com
Aligning finance with production critical for Africa’s structural transformation - newstrends.co.ke
Annoh-Dompreh urges Africa to convert vast natural resources into real economic development - adomonline.com
Africa must control its resources, trade – Shettima - pmnewsnigeria.com
Africa must take its rightful place in global trade – Shettima - radionigeria.gov.ng

Morocco hosts expanded WAFCON with World Cup spots at stake

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:51:42 +0000

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations starts Sunday, July 26, in Morocco and runs through August 16, the country's third consecutive edition as host. The competition was moved from its original March start after the Confederation of African Football cited “unforeseen circumstances,” and this edition expands from 12 to 16 teams. The tournament will decide Africa's qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil: the four semi-finalists qualify automatically, while the four quarter-final losers enter a separate play-off route for the remaining two African places. CAF has doubled the champion's prize to $2 million, while the total prize fund has risen 67% to $5.8 million. Nigeria enter as defending champions after their record-extending 10th title last year, when they came from 2-0 down at halftime to beat Morocco 3-2 in the final. Nigeria will face Malawi in their opening match on July 27, before playing Zambia on July 31 and Egypt on August 4. Ghana will compete in Group D, where they face Cape Verde on July 29, Cameroon on August 2, and Mali on August 6.

Highlights:

Nigeria squad blend: Coach Justin Madugu selected a squad that combines experienced players including Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala with rising stars.
Ghana squad: Ghana coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren named a 25-player Black Queens squad, including seven players in line for their first tournament appearance.
Host ambitions: Morocco's Atlas Lionesses are seeking a first WAFCON title after the country's men's team won AFCON at home earlier this year.
Star names: BBC Sport Africa listed Nigeria's Esther Okoronkwo, South Africa's Refiloe Jane and Morocco's Ghizlane Chebbak among experienced players to watch.
Broadcast reach: CAF confirmed broadcast partners for WAFCON 2026 and said coverage would reach millions of football fans worldwide.

Sources:

Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026: What you need to know - africanews.com
Seven stars to watch at Wafcon 2026 and why - bbc.co.uk
WAFCON 2026: Black Queens name final 25 players for tournament - myjoyonline.com
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: Format, teams, prize money and all you need to know - thenationalnews.com
The ultimate WAFCON 2026 preview: Teams, players and storylines to watch this year - yahoo.com
WAFCON 2026 Set for Global TV Coverage as CAF Confirms Broadcast Partners - dailysports.net
WAFCON 2026: Nigeria set for title defence against Malawi - pmnewsnigeria.com
WAFCON 2026 Delayed At Last Minute: Here Are 7 Reasons Fans Won’t Regret The Wait - thewillnews.com
WAFCON favourites Nigeria eye World Cup slot and record prize money - citizen.co.za

South African court pauses Ramaphosa impeachment inquiry

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:04:32 +0000

South Africa’s Western Cape High Court on Friday granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim interdict that temporarily halts public impeachment hearings over the Phala Phala matter while he challenges the legality of the Section 89 independent panel report that triggered the process. Judge Andre le Grange said the National Assembly speaker and impeachment committee chair may not proceed with public hearings until the court rules on Ramaphosa’s review. The dispute stems from the 2020 theft of about $580,000 in foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo. Ramaphosa denies wrongdoing and says the money came from the sale of buffalo; a former spy chief alleged a larger theft and accused him of concealing the robbery from police and tax authorities. The review hearing is scheduled for 2-4 September, and prosecutors dropped criminal charges in 2024 after the National Assembly had earlier rejected impeachment proceedings in 2022.

Highlights:

Split ruling: The full bench issued a majority judgment; one judge said Ramaphosa had not established grounds for interim relief.
Parliament limits: The order blocks public impeachment hearings but does not prevent the committee from doing other preparatory work for pending proceedings.
Changed numbers: The ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 election, but impeachment would still require support from two-thirds of lawmakers.
Committee path: Parliament revived the process after the Constitutional Court in May found the National Assembly had acted unlawfully or irrationally when it shelved the panel report.

Perspectives:

Presidency: Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa respected the ruling, judicial independence and the separation of powers and would continue to cooperate with accountability processes. (eNCA)
African National Congress: ANC MP Mikateko Mahlaule welcomed the judgment, saying it concerned interim court relief rather than whether Ramaphosa was guilty, and called on all parties to respect it. (Sowetan)
African Transformation Movement: ATM president Vuyolwethu Zungula said the ruling put Parliament and democratic institutions in a difficult position because presidents facing a Section 89 process could seek court orders to stop Parliament’s work. (Africanews)
uMkhonto weSizwe Party: MK Party MP Andile Mngxitama accused Ramaphosa of using delaying tactics and said the ruling shielded him from immediate accountability. (The South African)

Sources:

Africa: Court Halts Impeachment Hearing Against South Africa President Ramaphosa Over $580,000 Scandal - allafrica.com
Court halts impeachment hearing against South Africa president Ramaphosa over $580,000 scandal - vanguardngr.com
Affaire Phala Phala : le coup de frein de Ramaphosa au Parlement - afrik.com
Tribunal sul-africano suspende temporariamente processo de impeachment contra Cyril Ramaphosa - opais.co.mz
'Postponing the inevitable': South Africa opposition reacts to Ramaphosa impeachment ruling - africanews.com
رامافوزا ينجو من العزل “مؤقتًا” في قضية “فالا فالا” - qiraatafrican.com
South Africa's president wins bid to temporarily halt impeachment inquiry over 'Farmgate' - bbc.co.uk
MK’s Andile Mngxitama says court ruling is “a spit in the face” - thesouthafrican.com
Court halts Ramaphosa impeachment hearings pending legal review - timeslive.co.za
South Africa’s president wins bid to temporarily halt impeachment inquiry over ‘Farmgate’ - kbc.co.ke
South African court halts Ramaphosa impeachment proceedings pending legal review - eastleighvoice.co.ke
South African court pauses impeachment proceedings against Cyril Ramaphosa - minutemirror.com.pk
Ramaphosa granted interdict to halt Phala Phala impeachment proceedings - enca.com
WATCH | Ramaphosa wins bid to suspend impeachment inquiry over Phala Phala - africaninsider.com
Huge win for Ramaphosa - businesstech.co.za
Presidency reacts as Western Cape High Court halts Ramaphosa Phala Phala impeachment proceedings - briefly.co.za
Justiça da África do Sul suspende processo de impeachment contra presidente Cyril Ramaphosa - brasildefato.com.br
South Africa halts impeachment against President Cyril Ramaphosa over stolen cash inquiry - japantoday.com
PHALA PHALA FALLOUT: Ramaphosa wins court bid to block impeachment inquiry, sparing him ‘inherent humiliation’ - dailymaverick.co.za
'This is evasion': Opposition parties express disappointment as court halts Ramaphosa's impeachment proceedings - iol.co.za
South African court pauses impeachment process against president - winnmediaskn.com
Court sides with Ramaphosa in bid to halt impeachment - citizen.co.za
A South African court temporarily halts the parliament's impeachment inquiry into president Cyril Ramaphosa over the theft of US$580,000 from his farm, pending his challenge to a report finding possible constitutional violations. - reuters.com
Five things to know about Cyril Ramaphosa’s interdict and the political fallout - sowetan.co.za