Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Saudi Arabia executed five Ethiopian migrants on 27 July 2026 for non-lethal drug-related offences following proceedings that lacked due process. The rights group says at least 17 Ethiopian nationals have been executed on similar charges since the start of the year, while at least 79 others remain at imminent risk of execution.

HRW has called on governments to urgently pressure Saudi authorities under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to halt the executions and commute the sentences of those facing the death penalty. 

Unathi Batyashe spoke to Joey Shea, senior Saudi Arabia researcher at HRW.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Saudi Arabia executed five Ethiopian migrants on 27 July 2026 for non-lethal drug-related offences following proceedings that lacked due process.&nbsp;The rights group says at least 17 Ethiopian nationals have been executed on similar charges since the start of the year, while at least 79 others remain at imminent risk of execution.
HRW has called on governments to urgently pressure Saudi authorities under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to halt the executions and commute the sentences of those facing the death penalty.&nbsp;
Unathi Batyashe spoke to Joey Shea, senior Saudi Arabia researcher at HRW.

Fast-paced news and current affairs updates, dealing with topical issues & breaking stories.

Fast-paced news and current affairs updates, dealing with topical issues &amp; breaking stories.

Africa Update

At least 79 others remain at imminent risk of execution in Saudi Arabia: HRW

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), in collaboration with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), is holding a media briefing today at Freedom Park in Pretoria.

The briefing will provide an update on the second phase of the 2026/27 Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects Plan, with Angola serving as the immediate focus under the Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route (RLHR) Programme.

 Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's reporter, Michael Mbewe.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), in collaboration with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), is holding a media briefing today at Freedom Park in Pretoria.
The briefing will provide an update on the second phase of the 2026/27 Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects Plan, with Angola serving as the immediate focus under the Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route (RLHR) Programme.
&nbsp;Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's reporter, Michael Mbewe.

SA government briefs media on 2nd phase of 2026/27 Repatriation, Restitution of Human Remains, Heritage Objects Plan

Civil society groups in Zimbabwe had planned to stage anti-government protests today, but the demonstrations now appear unlikely to go ahead following a heavy security deployment and repeated warnings from authorities. Provincial Ministers, senior police officials and the military have warned that anyone taking part in the July 31 protests would face arrest.

The demonstrations, organised by activists through social media, were intended to oppose recently passed constitutional amendments that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office by two years, from 2028 to 2030, and replace direct presidential elections with the election of the president by Parliament.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's Correspondent in Zimbabwe, John Cassim.

Civil society groups in Zimbabwe had planned to stage anti-government protests today, but the demonstrations now appear unlikely to go ahead following a heavy security deployment and repeated warnings from authorities. Provincial Ministers, senior police officials and the military have warned that anyone taking part in the July 31 protests would face arrest.
The demonstrations, organised by activists through social media, were intended to oppose recently passed constitutional amendments that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office by two years, from 2028 to 2030, and replace direct presidential elections with the election of the president by Parliament.
Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's Correspondent in Zimbabwe, John Cassim.

Zimbabwean government issues threats ahead of anti-government protests over recently passed constitutional amendments

Today marks the final day of the three-day extraordinary summit of troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Kampala, Uganda.

 AUSSOM, which became operational in January 2025, is mandated to support Somalia's efforts to weaken the militant group Al-Shabaab, protect civilians, and create conditions for the gradual handover of security responsibilities to Somali security forces. However, the summit comes amid growing concerns about the mission's future funding, as the United States informed the African Union that it will end its financial support for AUSSOM on 31 December.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Professor Thomas Mandrup, Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Defence College and Stellenbosch University.

Today marks the final day of the three-day extraordinary summit of troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Kampala, Uganda.
&nbsp;AUSSOM, which became operational in January 2025, is mandated to support Somalia's efforts to weaken the militant group Al-Shabaab, protect civilians, and create conditions for the gradual handover of security responsibilities to Somali security forces. However, the summit comes amid growing concerns about the mission's future funding, as the United States informed the African Union that it will end its financial support for AUSSOM on 31 December.
Lulu Gaboo spoke to Professor Thomas Mandrup, Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Defence College and Stellenbosch University.

At least 79 others remain at imminent risk of execution in Saudi Arabia: HRW

Africa Update

In 1 playlist(s)

Africa Update

Recent clips