West African republic on the Atlantic, grappling with regional challenges
Sir Billy Boston, one of rugby league’s greatest players, has died aged 92. A Cardiff-born winger who starred for Wigan, Boston was the first Black player to tour with Great Britain and the sport’s first knighted player. Tributes praise his pace, power and trailblazing role in diversifying the game.
The United States has expanded deportations of third‑country nationals under deals with multiple countries, including Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea. Rights groups warn of abuses as deportees face uncertain futures after removal from the U.S., with many lacking ties to the destination nations.
The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, affecting about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, with broader implications for about 1.3 million TPS holders from 17 countries. The ruling signals potential deportations and reshapes humanitarian protections in the United States.
Eswatini is temporarily housing a fourth group of third-country nationals deported from the United States, with rights protected during their stay. Officials say this follows a series of secretive agreements tied to U.S. immigration actions, and the migrants are to be held at Matsapha Prison while their status is assessed.
The United States has launched a broad campaign to isolate the International Criminal Court, aiming to weaken its authority and deter investigations involving American personnel. Rubio argues the ICC threatens U.S. sovereignty, while allies face pressure to withdraw or face penalties. Several ICC officials have already faced sanctions.
A cross-border cocaine trafficking operation involving Liberia, Spain and the UK has been revealed. Liberia’s case centers on a 237.6-kilogram seizure linked to Paul King and Global Logistics Services, with prosecutors alleging a web of false documentation and warehousing. Spain’s investigation ties a 13-ton haul to a money-laundering network connected to a California SPAC founders. San Diego’s gang sweep uncovers a retail-to-wholesale cocaine market, with 20 pounds seizing weekly. Authorities warn of Liberia as a transit hub and Europe-bound shipments.
The UK has announced a substantial reduction in overseas development aid to Africa, with direct support projected to fall by up to 90% in some countries by 2029 as the government reallocates funds to defence. The plan covers multiple nations, including Malawi, Mozambique and DRC, sparking criticism from development groups about heightened risk to health, education and humanitarian programs.
The Trump administration has broadened restrictions on U.S. funding for overseas organizations that address abortion-related issues, potentially affecting up to $30 billion in aid. The move builds on years of activism by U.S. anti-abortion groups, with Africa receiving the most attention as reports detail increased harassment of reproductive-rights workers and rising fears of unsafe abortions.
ECOWAS members have endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,800-km conduit linking 13 West African states with potential to export 30 bcm of gas annually. The project aims to diversify energy supplies, boost regional integration and support electricity generation, while weighing security and financing risks as construction eyes 2028 start.
A wave of revival is lifting traditional fabrics—Aso-Oke in Nigeria, bogolan in Mali, Krio Print in Sierra Leone, and craft-led fashion in the UK—with women artisans driving growth, formal protection, and international markets while grappling with rising costs and value retention.
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.
Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 2,536 confirmed cases and 1,033 deaths since May 15, making it the fastest-spreading outbreak to date. Bundibugyo virus is behind this wave, with no approved vaccines or treatments. The outbreak remains largely confined to the eastern provinces of Congo, with cases rising rapidly and the peak potentially still ahead.
The Assembly of States Parties has voted to remove Karim Khan as the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor after an inquiry found he committed "serious misconduct and serious breach of duty" over allegations of a sexual relationship with a junior staffer. Khan has denied the claims. The secret ballot passed with 82 of 125 votes; Venezuela has announced withdrawal from the court.
The latest updates show the Bundibugyo-virus outbreak has grown rapidly in Congo, with thousands of cases and over a thousand deaths reported. The virus has no approved vaccines or treatments, distinguishing this outbreak from the 2014-2016 crisis.
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a pygmy hippo calf born on July 31 to Gloria and Otto. The gender is pending health checks; the calf is bonding with its mother in private, away from public view, while keepers monitor its early development.
The IB Atlantic IV has been the subject of a Liberian maritime saga. Liberia’s LiMA rejected a docking request for a vessel in distress off Sierra Leone, while authorities accuse the ship’s pursuers of delaying action. A wider government shake-up coincides with the ongoing cocaine scandal that has swept multiple agencies. The story centers on accountability, jurisdiction and what this may mean for Liberian governance.
The first 20 people have arrived at Roberts International Airport under the Liberia–U.S. third-country deportation arrangement. Liberia is set to receive up to 1,200 people within a year, with most transfers involving nationals from Africa and the Western Hemisphere who have been medically cleared. Deportees can seek asylum or leave under Liberian law; the U.S. will facilitate transfers and provide support.
Frontline health workers in Bunia face rising Ebola admissions and unpaid wages as the outbreak accelerates. Communities are central to tracing, care, and safe burials, while aid funding and security conditions affect the response. The outbreak is the largest on record and growing faster than before.
The Trump administration has expanded third-country deportations, sending thousands to about 24 countries, including Liberia, Equatorial Guinea and Uganda. Deported migrants report harsh conditions, with some arriving in chains and held at facilities with limited medical care. Critics call the practice a loophole that bypasses due-process protections.