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The Biden administration has announced a plan to open federal waters off California, Alaska, and Florida to oil and gas drilling, including areas never previously touched. The move aims to boost energy security and industry development, despite opposition from environmentalists and some state leaders. The plan proposes multiple lease sales through 2030, with significant political and environmental debate ongoing.
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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.
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Senegal beat Sudan 3-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations, with Ibrahim Mbaye scoring a late goal after coming off the bench. Senegal, the defending champions, will face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals. Sudan was eliminated despite a spirited performance, and other matches shaped the knockout stage standings today.
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Rwanda signed nine new defense agreements in 2025, with 21 more in progress, focusing on joint training, intelligence, and peacekeeping. The Directorate General of IMC has become highly active, reflecting Rwanda's growing military engagement across Africa and beyond, including deployments in Mozambique and the Central African Republic.
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The US has announced new visa restrictions affecting 38 countries, mainly in Africa, requiring applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000. The policy aims to reduce overstays but raises concerns over affordability and fairness, especially for Nigerian travelers. It takes effect on January 21, 2026.
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Egypt's national football team secured a 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations, advancing to the semifinals. Salah scored his fourth goal of the tournament, helping Egypt hold off Ivory Coast's late comeback attempts. Nigeria also won, beating Algeria 2-0, setting up a semifinal clash with Morocco.
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Naval exercises led by China off South Africa's coast involve ships from BRICS nations, including Iran, Russia, and China, aiming to enhance maritime cooperation amid strained US relations. The drills, postponed last year, signal a strategic push by BRICS to project influence and challenge Western dominance.
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Heavy rains across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have caused severe flooding, killing at least 30 people and displacing thousands. South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces are hardest hit, with ongoing rescue efforts and infrastructure damage. The floods are linked to regional heavy rainfall since late last year.