Central African republic facing east–west tensions and regional dynamics
Cameroon has passed a law consolidating presidential power, including appointing the vice president, with Biya expected to sign. Zimbabwe is considering extending Mnangagwa's term to 2030, shifting to parliamentary election of the president. Both countries face opposition criticism and protests.
A Russian LNG tanker, Arctic Metagaz, has been drifting in the Mediterranean since a series of explosions on March 3. Libyan authorities failed to tow it due to bad weather, raising environmental concerns. The vessel remains out of control, with risks of pollution and ecological disaster.
Since early April 2026, the US has begun deporting migrants to third countries including Costa Rica, Congo, and Uganda under new agreements. These deals, funded by the US, allow deportations of migrants whose home countries refuse them. The arrangements face criticism over legality, human rights, and the involvement of repressive governments, with legal challenges underway in Uganda.
A boat carrying over 100 migrants from Libya capsized in the Mediterranean, resulting in 2 deaths and 70 missing. Only 32 survivors were rescued by passing ships, highlighting ongoing dangers faced by migrants crossing to Europe. The incident underscores the impact of restrictive migration policies.
Cameroon's foreign ministry confirmed the deaths of 16 nationals fighting as contractors in Ukraine for Russia, marking the first official acknowledgment. The government is contacting families and investigating how citizens were recruited, amid reports of Africans being misled with promises of jobs and training.
Pope Leo has embarked on a 10-day, 11-city tour across Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, traveling nearly 18,000 km. The trip aims to draw global attention to Africa's religious and political issues, emphasizing Catholic-Muslim dialogue, peace, and resilience amid conflicts. This is the first visit to Algeria by a pope.
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Algeria for his first visit, emphasizing peace and interfaith dialogue. He is visiting Annaba, the historic home of Saint Augustine, and promoting Christian-Muslim coexistence amid regional tensions. The trip is part of an 11-day tour across four African nations, focusing on peace, migration, and resource issues.
The pope has begun a four-nation African tour, starting with Algeria, where he is promoting peace, religious coexistence, and commemorating martyrs from the civil war. His visit emphasizes dialogue between Muslims and Christians and addresses ongoing religious tensions.
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Cameroon during ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions. Separatists have announced a three-day ceasefire to facilitate the pope's visit, which aims to promote peace amid continued violence and political tensions. The pope is calling for dialogue and reconciliation in the conflict-affected areas.
Pope Leo has presided over a peace meeting in Bamenda, Cameroon, involving interfaith leaders to support dialogue amid ongoing separatist violence. He has celebrated Mass for the community and called for an end to hostilities. The pope's visit aims to promote spiritual reconciliation in a region affected by years of conflict.
Pope Leo XIV has been speaking out against war, injustice, and violence during his African tour, emphasizing hope and peace. He has criticized the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and reaffirmed his commitment to Christian unity, despite tensions with political leaders including President Trump.
Pope Leo XIV has publicly condemned the manipulation of religion for political and economic gain during his visit to Cameroon. He has called for peace amid ongoing regional conflicts and criticized global leaders, including the US, for their roles in violence and resource exploitation. Trump has responded with criticism, emphasizing real-world threats.
Pope Leo XIV has renewed his condemnation of war and exploitation during his visit to Cameroon’s anglophone region of Bamenda, criticizing leaders who use religion to justify violence. His remarks have intensified tensions with US President Trump, who has publicly attacked the pope over his opposition to the US-Israel war on Iran. The pope has urged peace amid Cameroon’s decade-long anglophone conflict.
The pope has completed an 11-day, four-nation trip across Africa, covering over 17,700 kilometers. His visit has been marked by warm welcomes, powerful moments, and a focus on peace and resource sovereignty. The trip has also played out against ongoing tensions with the Trump administration, which has criticized the pope's comments on war and foreign influence.
Pope Leo XIV has delivered a speech in Cameroon condemning the manipulation of religion for political and economic gain. He has emphasized the moral importance of avoiding war and has criticized leaders, including Donald Trump, for their roles in escalating conflicts. The pope's stance aligns with ongoing calls for peace and moral judgment amid global tensions.
The pope has addressed Angola’s past and current struggles, urging hope and social justice while criticizing corruption and the exploitation of natural resources. He is on the third leg of a four-nation Africa tour, meeting government officials and performing open-air a Mass in Kilamba before continuing to Muxima and Saurimo.
Pope Leo XIV has completed an 11-day African tour focusing on peace and justice, but his trip has been overshadowed by a public feud with US President Donald Trump. The pope has repeatedly condemned war and tyranny, including criticism of the US-Israeli war on Iran, prompting Trump to attack him on social media. Leo insists his messages target global issues, not Trump personally, and vows to continue advocating for peace.
The pope has arrived in Equatorial Guinea, the last stop on his African tour, where he has denounced resource exploitation and social inequality. The visit occurs amid criticism of President Obiang's long-standing authoritarian rule and ongoing corruption, with the church's role intertwined with the government.
Anti-immigrant groups have organised protests in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, urging stricter immigration enforcement and denouncing undocumented migrants. Demonstrations have disrupted commerce, drawn in political parties, and prompted police to monitor for violence and vigilantism.
A string of court decisions has kept Temporary Protected Status in play as the Supreme Court weighs termination actions for Haiti and Syria. Rulings have required due process reviews amid broader political battles over humanitarian protections.
Eswatini has been hosting up to 160 migrants deported from the United States under third‑country deals, with 19 detained in a Mbabane prison and others abroad. Detainees report crowded conditions; legal challenges argue the agreement bypasses parliament and violates rights. Sierra Leone and other West African nations have also agreed to accept deportees.
Reports have documented third-country deportations of migrants from the US to African nations, with multiple countries like Congo, Uganda and Cameroon hosting deportees. New flight arrangements and legal challenges are prompting scrutiny over due process and the role of IOM in confinement and decision-making.
A new wave of measures aims to curb forest loss by linking cattle tracing, land ownership, and deforestation monitoring. Brazil and Colombia are advancing systems to track cattle and publicize ownership, targeting supply chains tied to forest clearing. The changes seek to improve oversight, close loopholes, and align with international market demands.
The Supreme Court has allowed the current administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, directly affecting about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, with broader implications for nearly 1.3 million TPS holders from 17 countries. The decision is seen as a major milestone in immigration policy and signals potential deportations for those losing status.