South African president navigating impeachment and migration crises
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.
President Trump has completed a two‑day state visit to Beijing with US business chiefs, holding talks with Xi Jinping on trade, Taiwan, Iran and AI. Leaders have agreed to set up trade and investment councils; Trump has touted unspecified "fantastic" deals including a reported 200‑plane Boeing order while Chinese statements remain cautious.
Human rights groups warn of a new wave of xenophobic violence as anti-immigration movements organise protests across major cities, with vigilante actions and calls for foreigners to leave by a set date. Attacks have been reported against migrants and foreign-owned businesses, prompting court actions and concerns about state protection.
Uganda has sworn in President Yoweri Museveni for a seventh term after winning the January vote with about 72%. The ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds signals continuity in leadership, but observers say the election was marred by tensions, internet blackouts, and crackdowns on opposition. Analysts expect ongoing influence over Uganda’s political future and potential questions about succession.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has faced renewed scrutiny over the Phala Phala scandal as Parliament is ordered to restart impeachment proceedings. Ramaphosa has rejected resignation and will challenge the process in court, including a judicial review of the 2022 Section 89 panel report that flagged prima facie constitutional concerns.
The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak has prompted safety-burial rules that trigger protests in Ituri and Rwampara. Authorities report communities are grappling with misinformation, and aid teams are maintaining safe burial protocols amid rising tensions.
Parliament's Section 89 Impeachment Committee, revived by a Constitutional Court ruling, is moving to elect a chair and begin hearings on the Phala Phala scandal. President Cyril Ramaphosa has challenged the process in court while opposition parties push for accountability.
Lungu has died in a South African hospital at 68. A dispute over the former president’s burial persists between his family and President Hakainde Hichilema. Pretoria has ordered repatriation for a state ceremony, while the family seeks a South Africa burial; the South African courts have yet to rule on the matter.
South Africa has announced a set of diplomatic initiatives to address migration, including deploying envoys to engage origin, transit, and destination countries. The talks with Kenya's President Ruto emphasised continental cooperation, economic development, and regional integration as ways to ease migration pressures and boost AfCFTA-driven trade.
Nigeria says screening of volunteers for evacuation from South Africa is ongoing; five evacuation flights have been approved, with more than 500 Nigerians cleared. The first batch is expected to depart once permits are secured as tensions over xenophobia persist.
Parliament’s impeachment committee has resolved to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent interdict to halt its work on the Phala Phala report. Ramaphosa seeks to revive the report’s legal status after a Constitutional Court ruling, while the committee and key parties push forward. The High Court will consider orders to pause parliamentary proceedings as the process resumes.
UNAids warns that funding cuts and tightening civic space threaten progress against HIV. Six-month lenacapavir injections are rolling out in South Africa, with early results showing promise but concerns over access and equity persist as external aid declines.
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim has died at 91 in Germany after a short illness. A pioneering force in South African jazz, Ibrahim had a career spanning seven decades and helped fuse local traditions with international styles. He devotionalised Mannenberg as an anti-apartheid anthem and performed at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.
Twelve people have been shot dead and nine wounded after more than 10 armed men entered the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, shortly after 11pm on Tuesday. Police have launched a manhunt after the attackers were dropped off and later fled in a white Toyota Quantum; investigators are treating motive as under investigation, with illegal mining links suspected.
Tanzania has unveiled its 2026/27 budget and national development plan, highlighting 38 flagship projects across seven transformational programs. The plan aims to push inclusive growth, with private sector investment and human capital development at the fore. Infrastructure, irrigation, energy, and digital transformation feature prominently, while costs for the year are set against a challenging fiscal backdrop.
Migrants face renewed risk as anti-immigrant protests and a June 30 deadline raise fears of xenophobic violence. Nigeria and other countries are organising evacuation flights for their citizens from South Africa, while regional governments warn against vigilante action.
Health authorities have reported at least 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases and about 600 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo since mid-May, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain. The World Health Organization has enrolled the first patient in a trial testing MBP134 and remdesivir; treatment centres are strained and insecurity and funding shortfalls are hindering response.
South Africa has processed more than 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation after sustained anti‑migrant protests and door‑to‑door searches. Thousands have fled to temporary centres such as Musina and Lindela; Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and others have arranged buses and flights. Governments and NGOs are warning of overcrowding, poor conditions and rising diplomatic tensions.
Protests in South Africa have intensified, with demonstrations targeting foreign nationals and calls for their expulsion. Authorities report arrests and a heavy security presence as municipal elections approach, while international observers warn of a humanitarian crisis.
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has been found dead at a home in Cape Town's Schotsche Kloof neighbourhood. Police have opened an inquest and are investigating; authorities have not released a cause of death. Adams had played in South Africa's three World Cup group matches and had helped the nation reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Kenya's High Court has dismissed a bid by Rastafarians to legalise cannabis for religious purposes, stating the law does not violate freedom of religion. The ruling urges a broader national discussion on cannabis policy, acknowledging widespread use while underscoring the colonial-era roots of drug laws.
Nelson Mandela Day is marked with community service across South Africa. Volunteers highlight Ubuntu and cross-community solidarity, while anti-migrant groups push a stricter stance. The Nelson Mandela Foundation condemns xenophobia as tensions surface amid economic strain.
A group of UK-based millionaires have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Burnham to tax the very wealthy. The letter argues wealth tax could fund public services and reduce inequality. Signatories include Gary Lineker, Val McDermid, Richard Curtis and Brian Eno. The government says any changes will be announced in due course at the budget.
Kenya’s Deputy President has reiterated that intergovernmental coordination remains under his chair, amid ongoing speculation that his role may shift. Analysts say constitutional safeguards keep IBEC under the Deputy President, while some officials describe online claims as fake news.
Protests against foreign nationals in South Africa have intensified, prompting mass departures of foreigners and straining diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries. Nigerian citizens are evacuating, and Nigeria has removed Tyla’s Lagos date amid backlash over xenophobic sentiment.
A British family’s deaths in a July incident are being investigated as an extradition fight unfolds over a Zimbabwean man suspected of involvement. UK and South African authorities continue to pursue charges while tributes are paid at funerals in Bulawayo.
South Africa faces a sustained outflow of migrants amid protests and policy clashes. Officials report hundreds of thousands returning to neighboring countries as tensions rise over undocumented migration and xenophobia. The flow is reshaping regional labor markets and prompting calls for policy clarity.