Niger in the spotlight after a deadly attack on Niamey’s airport and accusations of foreign meddling; ruled by a military junta led by Tiani.
New genetic research published in Science reveals prehistoric mating favored male Neanderthals and female modern humans. This conclusion is drawn from patterns of Neanderthal DNA in modern human genomes, particularly the scarcity of Neanderthal DNA on the human X chromosome. The findings shed light on ancient human-Neanderthal interactions dating back roughly 250,000 years.
Recent attacks across Nigeria and the Sahel highlight escalating jihadist activity, with regional forces struggling to contain violence. Nigeria's military faces criticism for failures at home, while ECOWAS plans a regional troop deployment amid growing insecurity and regional fragmentation. The threat is intensifying and spreading.
Over half of Yemen's population faces severe food insecurity in early 2026, with projections warning of famine affecting over 40,000 people. Aid funding shortages and conflict have worsened malnutrition, especially among children and nursing mothers. Urgent action is needed to prevent further deterioration.
Muslim communities have been observing Eid al-Fitr this March, marking the end of Ramadan with prayers, family gatherings and traditional customs. Celebrations have been shadowed by the Iran war and heightened anti-Muslim rhetoric and immigration fears in the United States. In Indonesia, Malaysia and Egypt routine homecoming and festive practices are continuing.
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.
A Human Rights Watch report reveals that between January 2023 and August 2025, Burkina Faso's government forces and allied militias killed over 1,200 civilians, more than twice the deaths caused by jihadist groups like JNIM. The military targets Fulani communities, resulting in ethnic cleansing and widespread displacement of over 2 million people. Violence and abuses continue amid ongoing jihadist insurgency in the Sahel.
Russia has announced the rescue of two hostages, Oleg Gret and Yuri Yurov, who were captured in Niger by Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin. The operation was conducted by Russia's Africa Corps in Mali, and the hostages are now being transported to Moscow for treatment. The event highlights Russia's expanding military presence in Africa and its efforts to displace Western influence in the region.