-
Several African nations have secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with South Africa returning after 2010, Ghana qualifying automatically, and other countries like Algeria and Egypt also confirmed. Meanwhile, ongoing qualifiers in Asia and the Middle East continue to shape the final lineup for the expanded tournament.
-
South Africa secured its first World Cup appearance since 2010 after Nigeria's late win over Benin. Nigeria's qualification hopes hinge on their final match, with South Africa's points deduction and recent incidents complicating the race. The final group matches are decisive for the continent's qualifiers.
-
SIMA 2025 in Benin aims to boost African music's economic impact, with over 7,000 participants from 25 countries. Nigeria plans a record-breaking gastronomy festival in Abuja to promote cultural diversity and tourism. Both events highlight Africa's focus on cultural industries as drivers of growth and development.
-
Multiple West African countries, including Guinea-Bissau and Mali, have experienced military coups in recent days, disrupting elections and constitutional order. Regional bodies like ECOWAS condemn these actions, calling for restoration of democracy amid ongoing political instability and regional tensions.
-
On December 7-8, mutinous soldiers in Benin briefly seized state TV, declared a coup removing President Patrice Talon, and suspended the constitution. Loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian airstrikes and ECOWAS troops, swiftly regained control. The coup leaders cited governance failures and northern insecurity. Fourteen arrests were made; the leader remains at large. The incident underscores regional instability amid rising West African military takeovers.
-
Nigeria intervened militarily in Benin after a coup attempt led by soldiers. President Tinubu ordered fighter jets and ground forces to support Benin's government, which quickly regained control. The intervention was coordinated with regional bodies and followed requests from Benin's authorities. The coup was foiled within hours, amid regional insecurity concerns.
-
A surge in violence and disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has displaced over 500,000 people since December 1, including many children at risk of violence, disease, and malnutrition. UNICEF warns that ongoing conflict, underfunded health plans, and outbreaks of cholera and measles threaten vulnerable populations, especially children, amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
-
Kenya has deployed 230 police officers to Haiti as part of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, increasing its total contribution to over 700. The mission aims to combat gang violence, restore stability, and support Haitian police amid ongoing insecurity and political transition. International support and coordination continue.
-
ECOWAS leaders have declared a state of emergency amid recent military coups in West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau and Benin. The bloc is moving from reactive sanctions to proactive military and diplomatic actions, with Nigeria supporting Benin's government and deploying forces to restore order. The situation underscores regional instability.