Largest city in Nigeria; a sprawling megacity at the heart of West Africa
Niger's military junta has provisionally stripped opposition figure Mariama Djibrine of Nigerien nationality, citing a 2024 terrorism database. The move comes as dissent is sharply curtailed since the 2023 coup. Djibrine chairs a new Sahel-democrats alliance, which launched in Belgium in May 2026 to push for constitutional rule in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Multiple nations mobilize resources as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak expands in the DRC and Uganda. WHO-led plans total $518 million to boost surveillance, testing, and infection control over the next six months; U.S. and China weigh intensified involvement.
A growing movement in Nigeria pushes back against dog meat traditions, arguing for a compassionate, responsible relationship with pets while respecting cultural heritage. Activists and veterinarians are driving a broader conversation about public health, biodiversity and the economy as dog ownership grows in Lagos and beyond.
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.
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.
China has posted a contraction in retail sales and a sharper drop in urban investment in May, signaling a deepening economic slowdown even as factory output improves.Officials flag a need for technology development and stronger employment support amid a K-shaped recovery.
AP and FRONTLINE investigations have shown that U.S. AI models, cloud and internet providers and satellite services have been used to run industrial-scale romance and investment scams based in Southeast Asian compounds. The tools have enabled multilingual fake personas, automated replies and performance tracking; device and routing data tie much traffic to U.S.-registered firms and to Starlink connections in Myanmar.
Multiple attacks in Nigeria have left students dead or missing and communities in turmoil. In Borno and Plateau states, gunmen attacked schools, abducting pupils and killing staff, with security forces conducting rescues and authorities coordinating with local leaders.
EU investigations into Qatargate have intensified, with new arrests and ongoing probes into bribery, money laundering, and influence-peddling involving former officials, lawmakers, and NGO figures. The case has drawn in multiple EU institutions and sparked debate over governance and ethics.
As buyers increasingly seek wellness features—saunas, cold plunges and spa-like rooms—home tech and design trend toward health and longevity upgrades. The trend spans affordable upgrades to ultra-luxury builds, with Zillow data showing rising mentions of wellness.
Nigeria is becoming central to a new model of counterterrorism. AFRICOM says security outcomes depend on intelligence sharing and coordinated action, with Nigeria at the heart of operations against ISIS and other groups. US forces have withdrawn most personnel, but partnerships continue through intelligence and joint actions.
Torrential rains have submerged buildings and roads in Accra and Abidjan, with at least 12-13 deaths confirmed and rescue efforts ongoing. Authorities warn the toll could rise as the heavy rainfall continues, threatens infrastructure, and triggers drainage and power outages. Governments vow relief and desilting work while urging residents to relocate from high-risk areas.
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.
The AP and other outlets report a surge in romance scams in the United States, with 49,000 victims losing about $1.3 billion last year. The phenomenon is linked to increased loneliness and social isolation, with victims often manipulated into sending money to non-existent partners.
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.
Joshua has come from an early knockdown to stop Kristian Prenga in the second round in Jeddah, preserving a potential all-British blockbuster with Tyson Fury. Fury had earlier stopped Mariusz Wach in seven rounds in Thailand. Contracts are reportedly signed, with venue and date still unsettled.
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.
Ghana’s housing policy faces pressure as inadequate existing homes and urban growth reveal gaps beyond missing houses. A multidimensional index shows urban housing is better, but rural areas lag, highlighting the need for targeted interventions alongside supply.
Nigeria’s security forces have coordinated a mass operation involving the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the Armed Forces, the police, and the DSS to rescue 308 kidnapped citizens from Niger and Kwara states. Among them, 163 were abducted from Woro in Kwara, and 145 from Niger State. The operation, described by officials as the largest single-day rescue, has prompted government calls for stronger early-warning systems and rapid response capabilities.
Security forces have freed more than 300 kidnapped individuals in a large, intelligence-led operation across northwest and north-central Nigeria. Victims include 163 from Woro in Kwara state and 145 from Niger state. Recipients are receiving medical care and will be reunited with families as authorities tout growing security collaboration.