West Africa’s federal republic facing security and economic challenges
Fury has signalled readiness for a November showdown with Joshua after both signed contracts with Saudi-backed promoters. Negotiations over location and terms center on UK versus US hosting, with New York’s Madison Square Garden favored by the Saudis and Netflix. Joshua’s team is seeking contract amendments to accommodate American tax rules and logistics.
Maro Itoje has taken a break from England’s Nations Championship fixtures to recover mentally and physically. He has rested during July and is back at Saracens with a full pre-season ahead as England prepare for four Tests in November and a Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.
Nomba has committed 2 billion naira to scale direct financing for SMEs to acquire solar energy equipment, building on a year-long collaboration with Synafare to ease up-front costs and accelerate renewable energy uptake in Nigeria.
A wave of xenophobic protests in South Africa has intensified, targeting undocumented migrants and fueling violence, looting, and displacement. Governments are coordinating repatriation, while discussions on formal migration policy and regional dialogue are accelerating ahead of local elections.
Houthis have launched repeated drone, missile and naval strikes that have damaged Yemen’s Mocha port, killed dozens and forced the port’s suspension. The group has claimed a drone hit on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery and renewed attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb, while Yemeni government forces have mounted counter‑attacks across multiple fronts.
The African Union Peace and Security Council has returned to Khartoum to press for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a Sudanese-led political process. The SAF has recaptured parts of Khartoum and central Sudan, while RSF remains entrenched in Darfur. Preparations for a broad national dialogue are underway with regional and civil society actors, amid ongoing fighting and shifting alliances.
Armed attackers have struck multiple communities in Kebbe and Ukum LGCs, killing dozens and injuring others. Residents report houses burned, livestock seized, and a heavy security response under way as authorities assess casualties and coordinate patrols.
Kevin Rideout has been released after more than nine months in captivity in Niger and is in the care of U.S. officials. SIM International has said he is in good health and will soon reunite with his wife and children. Details about who held him and where he was freed remain unclear as Sahel violence continues.
Cameroon has won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Malawi 3-0 in Rabat, ending a history of three previous final defeats. Marie Ngah Manga scored twice and Naomi Ndjoah Eto added the third as Cameroon secure their first continental title.
A landslide at an artisanal gold mine in Zamboye, CAR, near the Cameroon border, has killed more than 100 miners and left many others missing. Authorities fear the toll will rise as rescue teams continue operations; several Cameroonian workers are among the dead. An investigation has been opened into the incident.
The DRC has received an initial 16,250 doses of the Ervebo vaccine from a 70,000-dose allocation; 20,000 doses will enter a Phase III trial and 50,000 are for frontline health workers. CEPI has awarded up to $16.5m to Minapharm to advance a Bundibugyo-specific vaccine into early human trials. Uganda has received MBP134 antibody vials for immediate use if cases appear.
A boat carrying farm workers capsized near Gorau in Goronyo, Sokoto state. Officials say at least 47 people have died, with dozens more unaccounted for as rescue operations continue. Victims include many women and children, and communities fear further losses as the search extends to remote waterways.
The corruption watchdog has announced investigations into a bogus government entity and a linked office, signaling a widening probe into allegedly fake agencies that have siphoned public funds. Three senior officials have been suspended, and an arrest warrant has been issued for the alleged creator.
A federal judge has vacated a policy that would have blocked immigrant visas to 75 countries, ruling Secretary of State Rubio exceeded his authority and violated the Immigration and Nationality Act. The decision reinforces consular officers’ control over visa eligibility and sparks renewed debate over the administration’s immigration agenda.
Nigeria faces a humanitarian gap as PEPFAR funding cuts drive patients toward unproven Islamic remedies. While lenacapavir rollout offers hope in the UK, access gaps persist in low-income regions where cost and infrastructure block lifesaving care.
Nigeria’s security forces are mounting an intelligence-led rescue operation after mass abductions in Niger state’s Borgu region. Presidents Tinubu has ordered a major response; officials say dozens were killed and hundreds abducted as worshippers were seized during Friday prayers. Update notes ongoing efforts to locate abductees and neutralise threats.
The DR Congo government and M23 rebels have agreed on a roadmap for peace talks, backed by international mediators, to implement the Doha Framework. A ceasefire verification mission is set to monitor violations as fighting persists in North and South Kivu, with concerns over sanctions, detainees and political reforms.
UTM Offshore aims to reach a Final Investment Decision in September on a roughly $3 billion floating LNG plant at the Yoho field, 60 km off Akwa Ibom. It would export 1.5–1.8 mtpa LNG and supply 300,000–500,000 tonnes of LPG domestically, backed by a 15-year gas sale agreement and financing from Afreximbank, with NNPC Limited and Delta State owning stakes.
Worshippers abducted in Dekera village have sparked a national security operation. President Tinubu has ordered a coordinated rescue and security services are pursuing the attackers as relatives appeal for the return of the hostages.
Tate and Tristan Tate are in Florida custody while British prosecutors pursue extradition on rape, sex trafficking, and related charges. Their lawyers say online posts are designed to attract attention and income, though prosecutors describe them as evidence of a flight risk. The lawyers argue wealth claims are exaggerated and that rented assets are used for promotional content.
Six Frankfurt Airport employees have contracted malaria since early July; two have died and four are recovering in hospital. Officials have placed mosquito traps and sent captured insects to Antwerp for genetic testing. Authorities say the infections have been linked to Anopheles mosquitoes likely transported on aircraft; they say the public risk is low.
Attacks in Sokoto and Zamfara have killed and abducted residents, targeting families who lost relatives in a recent boat tragedy. Authorities report multiple casualties and ongoing abductions as security forces respond.
Security forces are conducting a coordinated rescue operation after mass abductions in Niger State. Reports indicate hundreds of victims and rising kidnap-for-ransom incidents; authorities vow to pursue those responsible.
The Nigeria Football Federation has seen its president, general secretary, and executive committee resign amid governance and funds scrutiny, as the government orders reforms. The moves follow the teams’ recent poor performances and World Cup qualification failures, prompting an emergency congress and potential normalization oversight.
Cambodian authorities say they have eradicated large-scale online scam operations and tightened cyber laws after a sweeping crackdown that detained thousands and shut many compounds. Critics warn that fraud networks persist and recruitment continues, highlighting doubts about the scope of the success.
Real Madrid have defeated Malaga 4-0 at the Bernabéu, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé starring. Bellingham opened the scoring, Mbappé netted a treble, and Arda Güler completed the rout in added time. Madrid move to nine points from three matches, while Napoli, Freiburg and Schalke also post results across Europe.
Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has dismissed more than 40 staff over corruption and financial malpractice. Official filings indicate that five are already facing prosecution, with case files being prepared for others. The commission says it recovered 1.23 trillion naira and reports a 75% conviction rate from Oct 2023 to mid-2026.
Zambia’s president has secured a second term after the August 13 vote with about 60% of the tally, according to official results. Opposition leader Mundubile challenges the results, citing irregularities as courts close for the window to appeal. EU observers flag deficiencies in tallying and tabulation, while critics warn of a fragile democratic backdrop as economic reforms continue. In his inauguration, Hichilema pledges unity and growth, even as living costs remain a political fault line.