Ethiopia’s landslides and floods have killed 125+ and displaced thousands, amid ongoing climate crises and regional tensions.
At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs over Greenland, calling them "fundamentally unacceptable." Macron wore aviator sunglasses to cover a burst blood vessel, sparking jokes and memes, including from UK’s Keir Starmer. Trump mocked Macron’s eyewear and warned of tariffs on French goods. European leaders back Macron’s stance against U.S. coercion.
Fighting has resumed in Tigray, Ethiopia, with drone strikes and military movements raising fears of conflict escalation. Flights are suspended, and residents face shortages amid rising tensions after a 2022 peace deal. Humanitarian aid is limited, worsening a crisis that has already caused hundreds of thousands of deaths.
In 2025, Guinea worm cases dropped to 10 in humans, with animal infections declining. The eradication effort, led by The Carter Center, has reduced cases by over 99.99% since 1986, with only six countries remaining uncertified. Progress continues despite logistical challenges and funding shifts.
Recent satellite images and reports reveal Ethiopia's involvement in Sudan's civil war, with a camp in Benishangul-Gumuz allegedly financed by the UAE. The camp trains RSF fighters, escalating regional tensions amid ongoing conflict and refugee flows. The story highlights Ethiopia's strategic role and potential destabilization.
Ethiopia has ordered Eritrea to withdraw troops amid accusations of border incursions and support for rebel groups. Relations have deteriorated since Ethiopia's peace deal with Tigray, with recent clashes raising fears of renewed conflict. Both sides deny the allegations, but tensions remain high.
Since April 2023, Sudan's war between the military and RSF has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 11 million. The UN, US, and UAE are coordinating efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, amid ongoing clashes and accusations of foreign support for the RSF.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain diplomatically strained since December, with Bahrain mediating efforts to bridge the gap. Egypt is also involved, seeking to contain regional conflicts over Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. The situation highlights ongoing Gulf rivalries and regional instability as of February 15, 2026.
Recent attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have resulted in civilian casualties, including children, and increased displacement. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has caused thousands of deaths, widespread famine, and a severe humanitarian crisis across regions like North Kordofan and Darfur.
Regional tensions in the Horn of Africa have intensified as Gulf states, notably the UAE and Saudi Arabia, deepen their influence amid regional conflicts. The UAE backs Somaliland and invests heavily in ports, while Saudi Arabia builds alliances with Somalia and Egypt. These rivalries threaten regional stability and involve military, diplomatic, and economic maneuvers.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized investment-led cooperation with Africa during the 2026 Italy-Africa summit in Addis Ababa. The Mattei Plan, involving 14 nations and over 100 projects, aims to foster sustainable development across sectors like energy, agriculture, and AI, with African leaders calling for more action beyond dialogue.
Youssouf highlights Palestinian suffering amid ongoing Gaza siege and conflicts across Africa at the AU summit. The event emphasizes water issues, climate change, and regional instability, with calls for humanitarian aid and peace efforts amid escalating violence and resource disputes.
Ethiopian authorities declined to renew Reuters' journalist accreditation, citing a report on a secret UAE-backed fighter training camp. The move follows restrictions on foreign media and raises concerns over press freedom ahead of the June elections. Reuters plans to continue coverage independently.
Zimbabwe has announced an indefinite ban on the export of raw minerals, including lithium, to promote domestic beneficiation and industrial growth. The move follows increased mining activity and illegal stockpiling, with authorities emphasizing transparency, local processing, and revenue retention. The policy aims to boost value addition and attract investment.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been promoting efforts to gain sovereign access to the Red Sea, including provocative military displays and diplomatic moves. Tensions with Eritrea and regional powers are rising, with fears of conflict increasing as Ethiopia seeks strategic ports and challenges existing borders. Today's date: Fri, 17 Apr 2026.
Amid ongoing geopolitical crises, the push for renewable energy and climate cooperation continues to grow. Countries are investing heavily in clean energy, with Africa emerging as a key player. Experts emphasize the importance of multilateral efforts to build resilient economies and address climate challenges.
Heavy rains since early March have caused severe flooding across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, resulting in at least 125 deaths, over 11,000 displacements, and infrastructure damage. Emergency responses are ongoing amid climate change concerns, with authorities deploying military rescue teams and calling for lasting solutions.
Heavy rains in Ethiopia's Gamo Zone caused deadly landslides, killing at least 64 people and displacing over 11,000. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid continued rainfall, with authorities warning of further risks. Neighboring Kenya reports additional flood fatalities.
A shipwreck near Djibouti on March 24 resulted in at least nine deaths and 45 missing. The vessel, carrying over 300 migrants from Africa, sank during a perilous crossing of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This marks the first major incident this year, continuing a pattern of deadly migration tragedies in the region.
As of April 2026, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted global fertilizer shipments, causing nitrogen fertilizer prices to nearly double. This has hit US and global farmers during critical spring planting, raising production costs and threatening crop yields for staples like corn, wheat, and rice. The shortage risks global food security and will likely push consumer food prices higher worldwide.
Heavy rains have caused deadly floods in Kenya, displacing thousands and killing over 81 people. Meanwhile, drought persists in Somalia and Turkana, with millions facing hunger and water shortages. Climate variability is intensifying, creating contrasting weather patterns across the region.
As of April 2026, the UK government is managing the economic and diplomatic fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces strained relations with US President Donald Trump over UK non-involvement in offensive strikes. The government is implementing targeted cost-of-living support, including a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund and energy price cap reductions, while urging de-escalation and closer ties with Europe.
African countries are experiencing rising fuel prices due to global energy shocks linked to conflicts in the Middle East and supply disruptions. Governments are implementing measures to mitigate impacts, but dependence on imported refined petroleum exposes the continent to external risks, affecting economies and daily life.
The US embassy in Namibia emphasizes strict adherence to visa rules, warning travelers about overstays and document fraud. Meanwhile, the UK issues broad travel warnings for multiple countries, citing safety and legal concerns. Both stories highlight increased scrutiny on international travel and visa compliance as global mobility rises.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh has secured a sixth term in Djibouti's presidential election with over 97% of the vote. The election featured a single minor opponent and was boycotted by major opposition parties. Constitutional changes removed age limits, enabling Guelleh, 78, to extend his 27-year rule in this strategically vital Horn of Africa nation.
African governments are taking steps to address fuel shortages and rising prices amid global tensions. Madagascar has declared a state of emergency, South Africa has cut fuel levies, Ethiopia has introduced rationing, and Senegal has restricted foreign travel for ministers. These actions respond to recent global disruptions affecting oil supplies.
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy ruled that the Trump administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 13 countries violated congressional procedures. The decision challenges the administration's attempts to restrict migration and affirms the role of Congress in immigration policy. The case affects hundreds of thousands of TPS holders.
Sudan has been in a civil war since April 2023, with ongoing fighting between the military and RSF. The conflict has caused widespread displacement, famine, and infrastructure destruction. International efforts to broker peace and provide aid are ongoing, but the crisis remains unresolved as of April 2026.
Since the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has escalated, global food prices have begun to rise, driven by disruptions to shipping, fertiliser, and fuel supplies. Experts warn that ongoing delays will force higher costs and threaten food security, especially in vulnerable regions, over the coming months.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has announced it has reinstated the regional parliament, challenging Ethiopia's federal government. The move follows accusations of violations of the 2022 Pretoria Agreement, which ended the two-year civil war. TPLF aims to restore regional governance amid ongoing tensions.