Africa Update

South Africa's foreign policy is under renewed scrutiny as Parliament prepares to debate the escalating crisis in the Middle East following reported strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The debate, brought forward by Mmusi Maimane of Build One South Africa, is expected to examine not only the geopolitical fallout but also South Africa's long-standing relationship with Iran. A new report by the Middle East Africa Research Institute raises questions about whether this relationship is driven by ideology, strategic interests, or something more complex. To unpack these issues, Lulu Gaboo spoke to Benji Shulman, the Executive Director of the Middle East Africa Research Institute (MEARI).

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed to a series of coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and advance progress on the ground. This is according to a joint statement by the United States (US), the DRC and Rwanda, released by the United States Department of State on Wednesday. This follows this week's meeting hosted by the US, where senior officials from the two countries met to revive the stalled peace process in eastern DRC. The latest development comes after the collapse of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, an agreement signed in December aimed at ending decades of conflict and fostering regional stability. Lulu Gaboo spoke to DRC political analyst Didier Bayeye.

Republic of the Congo is awaiting the results of Sunday's general elections, with expectations that 82-year-old President Denis Sassou Nguesso will win.  Observers say voter turnout in the oil-rich Central African country was low. Six candidates stood against Sassou Nguesso, but the main opposition has been divided and largely absent. The former paratrooper colonel is already one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, alongside Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea and Paul Biya of Cameroon. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Amnesty International member and Activist Jurol Loemba.

Human rights concerns are mounting after four men deported from the United States were transferred to Eswatini and are now being held in a maximum-security prison . According to Amnesty International, the men, two from Somalia, one from Tanzania and one from Sudan, arrived late at night on a flight from Phoenix, Arizona and are currently being detained at the Matsapha Correctional Complex.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Nkanyiso Mtolo, Regional Campaigner for Amnesty International, East and Southern Africa.

Operations at two border posts between South Africa and Mozambique, have been temporarily suspended due to flooding in the northern parts of the country. The Border Management Authority says the Pafuri and Giriyondo Ports of Entry, both located within the Kruger National Park region, were closed after rising water levels in nearby rivers posed a safety risk to travellers and staff. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Mmemme Mogotsi, the Deputy Assistant Commissioner: Communications and Marketing, BMA.

Human Rights Watch has reported that authorities in Zimbabwe have intensified a crackdown on critics opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's time in power.  The ruling ZANU-PF party is pushing changes that would lengthen presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, potentially delaying the next national elections from 2028 to 2030. Human Rights Watch says activists, lawyers, and civil society groups challenging the proposal have faced intimidation, assaults, and police interference.  Idriss Ali Nassah, is a senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch and he spoke to Lulu Gaboo.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has expressed horror at growing accounts of serious violations during the ongoing conflict in South Sudan. These include killings of civilians, destruction and poisoning of key water sources and waves of mass displacements. The UN Human Rights office says in the past 17 days more than 160 civilians have been killed in the Ruweng Administrative Area in the north of the country. To speak to us further about what they have uncovered in South Sudan Lulu Gaboo spoke to Seif Magango, Media Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office in Nairobi Kenya.

The Border Management Authority in South Africa (SA) has dismissed more than 50 immigration officials found to be involved in corrupt activities at ports of entry across the country. BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato says a further 38 immigration officials are currently under investigation. The affected ports of entry include Beitbridge Border Post, Lebombo Border Post, Oshoek Border Post, Maseru Bridge Border Post, as well as OR Tambo International Airport. To unpack this for us Lulu Gaboo spoke to Dr. Vusimuzi Sibanda, President of the African Diaspora Forum.

Head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa is calling for the immediate release of 42 Nigerians allegedly arrested in Mozambique without charges. Dabiri-Erewa has condemned the arrests. Lulu Gaboo spoke to our correspondent in Nigeria, Jonathan James Lyamgohn.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the period in which the Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System commission, better known as the Madlanga Commission, must complete its work. The commission will now submit its second interim report by the 29th of May, with the final report expected at the end of August. The commissions Spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels spoke to Sisi Segalo.

The United Nations Secretary-General has issued a stark warning about the persistence of gender inequality across the globe. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly headquarters in New York during the opening of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women to mark International Women's Day, António Guterres said the world remains deeply shaped by a male-dominated culture. Michael Mbewe has more.

Leaders of the East African Community (EAC) gathered in Arusha for the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State, at a time when the region is facing one of its most complex security and humanitarian crises in recent years. Held under the theme "Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens," the summit took place against the backdrop of escalating conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, and the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  The meeting brought together heads of state from the bloc's eight member countries its highest decision-making body to discuss institutional reforms among other things.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Special project lead and International journalist Rading Biko in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenyan police have rescued 70 foreign nationals, mostly Ethiopians, who were being held in a house in Nairobi by a suspected human‑trafficking ring. Acting on a tip‑off, officers freed the group, which included 66 Ethiopians and four Eritreans, after discovering them confined in a house in the Ruai area, according to a police statement shared on a US‑based social media platform. Authorities say investigations are underway to identify the traffickers and determine the intended destination of the victims. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa’s Kenya Correspondent, Daniel Ominde.

Somalia’s Parliament has approved constitutional amendments that could extend President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term by one year and delay planned elections. The country has faced instability since the fall of Mohamed Siad Barre’s government in 1991. While African Union forces have weakened the militant group Al‑Shabaab, it continues to control parts of rural Somalia and carry out attacks. Opposition lawmakers have criticised the constitutional changes, warning that they could undermine democratic processes. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Advocate Sipho Mantula from the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at the University of South Africa (Unisa).

As the world prepares to mark International Women's Day on March 8, it once again pauses to recognise the contributions of women driving meaningful change in their communities. First observed in 1911, International Women’s Day has been commemorated globally for more than 115 years, celebrating the achievements of women across all sectors while highlighting the work that still needs to be done to advance gender equality. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Peggie Mars, founder of Wheel Well, a child road‑safety non‑profit organisation.

Two media‑freedom organisations, Moxii Africa (formerly Media Monitoring Africa) and the Campaign for Free Expression, have intervened in a High Court case challenging automatic publication bans on reporting sexual‑offence and extortion cases. The organisations argue that the bans are unconstitutional, saying they restrict media freedom and undermine the autonomy of survivors who may wish to speak publicly. South Africa’s Minister of Justice has withdrawn opposition to the challenge, leaving the Court to determine the matter. The organisations are seeking to have the relevant legal provisions declared invalid, paving the way for more open reporting while still protecting the rights and identities of complainants. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Nicole Fritz, Executive Director of the Campaign for Free Expression.

Healthcare Workers 4 Palestine - South Africa has strongly condemned recent attacks on civilian sites and health facilities in Iran, saying they constitute violations of international humanitarian law. The organisation states that the strikes, allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel on 28 February 2026, damaged several health centres, including hospitals, and resulted in civilian casualties. HCW4P‑SA says attacks on healthcare facilities and workers undermine protections guaranteed under international law and place vulnerable communities at even greater risk. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Professor Hassan Mahomed from Healthcare Workers for Palestine South Africa.

A family in Ghana is pleading for assistance in locating their missing relative, who is believed to have been fighting in Ukraine on behalf of Russia. The family says the last time they were in contact with him was at the end of February last year, when he told them he was going for two weeks of military training. Since then, all attempts to reach him have failed. When the family called both his Ghanaian and Russian phone numbers, they received messages stating that the numbers do not exist. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Dr Vladmir Antwi Danso, a Researcher in the fields of international political economy, conflict, security and terrorism.

Demonstrations have erupted across the world in the wake of US–Israeli strikes on Iran, with some condemning the attacks and others rallying in support. At least 550 people have been killed in Iran since the beginning of the strikes, which also resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem is now a target for elimination after Hezbollah fired at Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s killing. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, says the country remains open to talks. Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has urged travellers scheduled to depart from South African airports to the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates not to proceed to airport precincts until they have confirmed their flight status directly with their airlines. The disruption has affected many travellers, including South Africans currently in, or based in, the Middle East. South Africans caught up in the bombings carried out by Iran in Bahrain and Dubai say they are fearing for their lives and hope to return home safely once the situation allows. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Yathin Soni, Managing Director of North Star, and Amir Bagherioromi, a South African–Iranian Independent Political Analyst and Writer focusing on Iran, the Middle East and global power dynamics.

South African Cabinet has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in expressing gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of Seventeen South African men, who were recruited to fight on the Russian frontlines in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The South African government, working closely with Russian authorities, secured the safe return of the men, aged between Twenty and Thirty-nine, after distress calls were received from them seeking assistance to come home. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

Police in Kenya have charged a recruitment agent, accused of tricking young men with promises of jobs in Russia, only for some to end up fighting in Ukraine. Festus Arasa Omwamba, head of Global Faces Human Resources, allegedly recruited 22 Kenyans through deception. They were rescued near Nairobi before travelling, but three others had already gone and later returned home injured.  He has pleaded not guilty. A recent intelligence report estimates that around 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia's war in Ukraine, with lawmakers warning of trafficking networks and possible collusion by rogue officials. Lulu Gaboo spoke to our correspondent in Kenya, Alex Kiarrie.

Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Temitope Ajayi, says Nigeria is firmly backing deeper African integration, democratic governance, and reparations for historical injustices.  Speaking in an exclusive interview with Channel Africa at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria on Thursday, Ambassador Ajayi said both Nigeria and South Africa must strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties amid global geopolitical headwinds. He also voiced strong support for renewed calls for reparations for slavery and colonialism, an issue recently championed by Ghana's President John Mahama.

Kenyan President William Ruto recently announced that two Kenyan land borders with Somalia will be re-opened in April almost 15 years after they were closed because of attacks by militant group al-Shabab. Ruto said the intention to re-open two crossings follows years of security assessments, adding that there will be a heavy deployment of security forces to ensure the move does not compromise safety.The border was closed in October 2011, when the East African nation launched a major military incursion into Somalia to push back al-Shabab - an al-Qaeda affiliate, from its border. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Fergus Kell research fellow with the Africa Programme at Chatham House.

Two Ugandan women have been arrested for kissing in public. Uganda's 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations.  The law has triggered outrage among rights campaigners and condemnation from the United Nations and Western countries.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Political and Social analyst, Monday Akol Amazima.

In this year's State of the Nation Address, South African (SA) President, Cyril Ramaphosa committed to ending child stunting by 2030, expanding early childhood development, and making Grade R compulsory. But the condition of spaces where young children learn are often overcrowded and unsafe. Today, we explore why safe learning spaces are essential to giving children the start they deserve. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Warren Povey, Head of Partnerships, at Breadline Africa.

Malawi's President Peter Mutharika has directed that a fresh inquiry be conducted into the plane crash that claimed the life of former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others. The directive comes after Minister of Justice Charles Mhango, who was tasked by President Mutharika to review reports produced during the previous administration, told Parliament on Tuesday that he identified significant gaps in the investigations and recommended a new inquiry.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to political analyst, Undule Mwakasungula.

The United Nations (UN) Security Council convened Tuesday as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine entered its fifth year, with member states renewing urgent calls for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire.  Western delegations pressed for sustained diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia, citing expanded sanctions and continued military and humanitarian assistance for Kyiv. Addressing the chamber, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa accused Moscow of waging an imperial, neo-colonial war. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

A new University of the Free State (UFS) study has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested from brands sold in South Africa (SA), even those labelled organic or chemical-free.  The research detected phthalates, parabens and bisphenols in all samples, with at least two such substances in every product. UFS scientists warn that millions of women face regular exposure and are calling for clearer labelling, tougher safety regulations and urgent further research.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Team Free Sanitary Pads Founder, Nokuzola Ndwandwe.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has issued a stark warning that human rights are under what he describes as a "full-scale attack" across the globe. He was speaking at the opening of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland.  In his final address to the Council before stepping down later this year, he warned that when human rights collapse, peace, development, and social cohesion begin to unravel. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe has more.

Bellarmine Mugabe, the son of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze are expected to face more charges when they appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on the third of next month for their bail application. The accused initially faced a charge of attempted murder but just before their first appearance police confirmed that they will face a case of defeating the ends of justice and possession of a firearm. The two remain in custody. Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem says the case must be treated purely as a criminal matter, with no political interference and urges the court to deny any preferential treatment.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Activists and Citizens Forum Spokesperson, Dennis Bloem.

Youth voices are taking centre stage in the fight for cleaner air this Thursday, the 26th of February, as the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), through its Youth Programme, Youth@SAIIA, will convene the Air Aware: Youth-Led Conference on Air Pollution Policy & Implementation. Being held under the global Breathe Cities initiative, the conference brings together young leaders, policymakers, researchers among others to confront one of the city's most pressing public health and environmental challenges: air pollution.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Lehlohonolo Jack, Program Associate: Youth@SAIIA

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and a co‑accused have appeared in a South African court after their arrest last week. Bellarmine and his co-accused were arrested after a 23-year-old gardener was shot twice at Mugabe's Hyde Park residence and remain in a critical condition. Gauteng police Spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says the pair face attempted‑murder charges and another charge of defeating the end of justice.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to SABC reporter, Thabiso Radebe who was at the court and former Interpol ambassador, Andy Mashaile.

A two-day joint meeting of the Ministers of Health and other Ministers responsible for HIV and AIDS within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is beginning today in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA).  The meeting is set to discuss a number of priority health issues, review progress made on regional health commitments and strengthen collaboration in addressing shared public health challenges.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to the Director for Africa and Middle East Relations at SA's National Department of Health Dr Moeketsi Modisenyane

A fire swept through the Al-Omda displacement camp in North Darfur, in Sudan, leaving at least 60 families without shelter. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Earlier reports from the International Organization for Migration (IOM),  indicated that at least 237 families were affected and over 150 shelters destroyed. Lulu Gaboo spoke to SABC reporter, Naba Moheideen.

Amid growing anti-government protests, Gabon's government has suspended social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok. The country's media regulator, the High Authority for Communication, announced the immediate suspension, citing concerns over national security and accusing online content of spreading hate speech, defamation, false information, cyberbullying, and material that could destabilise state institutions.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Jean Donald Taladzi, a Gabonese political activist.

As South Africa approaches the February Budget Speech, the national conversation around fiscal policy, tariffs and industry pressures is intensifying.  However, one critical issue risks being overlooked: the rising burden of preventable diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension on both families and the healthcare system.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Doctor Darren Green, a medical doctor and a wellness advocate.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, says the situation in Libya is deteriorating on many fronts," including its economic conditions and judicial system. The country has been experiencing political instability, humanitarian crises, and violence, with multiple factions vying for control of the country since 2011's civil war.  Thuto Ngobeni reports.

Recent reports allege that the Zimbabwean government may be targeting diaspora critics through a "hit list" of activists, journalists, and opposition figures, particularly in South Africa and the UK. Those included in the hit list are Hopewell Chin'ono, Job Sikhala, and Tinashe Jonasi among others.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to ZANU PF Director for Information and Publicity, Farai Muroiwa Marapira.

A search and rescue operation is continuing at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, in South Africa's (SA) Northern Cape province, following a mudslide yesterday. Five mineworkers are believed to be trapped, and communication has been cut off. For an update Lulu Gaboo spoke to SABC reporter Ulrich Hendriks.

Lawyers say the United States deported another group of third-country nationals to Cameroon, just days after reports revealed that nine migrants with no ties to the country were secretly sent there last month under the Trump administration.  Eight non-Cameroonian migrants arrived in Yaounde on the latest flight.  Cameroon-based lawyer Joseph Awah Fru is assisting some of the earlier deportees and he spoke to Lulu Gaboo.

The United States (US) and Iran are holding talks in Geneva to address their long-running nuclear dispute. There is little sign of compromise as Washington continues to build a military presence in the region. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are participating, with talks mediated by Oman alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. To chat to us about the importance of such talks Amir Bagherioromi, a South African–Iranian independent political analyst and writer focusing on Iran, the Middle East, and global power dynamics spoke to Lulu Gaboo.

Gunmen on motorcycles killed at least 29 people in coordinated dawn attacks on three villages in Niger State, north-western Nigeria. The attackers shot residents, burned homes and abducted an unknown number of people, with officials warning the death toll could rise as many villagers fled into nearby bushland. The raids took place near the site of a recent massacre that left more than 100 dead. Security sources said around 41 motorcycles were used in the assault. Survivors described widespread trauma, with many displaced and too fearful to farm or trade. Lulu Gaboo spoke to our correspondent in Nigeria, Jonathan James Lyamgong.

Sam George, Ghana's Technology Minister, says he has invited Russia's ambassador in Accra to assist in securing Moscow's cooperation to extradite a man accused of filming sexual encounters with women and sharing the footage online without consent. Officials in Ghana say they will pursue accountability under the Cybersecurity Act and could try the suspect in absentia if he does not return. Lulu Gaboo spoke to our correspondent in Ghana, Eric Mawena Egbeta.

African leaders gathered over the weekend to discuss Peace and security on the continent at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) -  in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres renewed calls for stronger African representation at the United Nations Security Council, during his address. Meanwhile, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, raised concern on the instability in Sudan. Ramaphosa called on AU member states to help other African countries that are facing political and security crises, stressing that global decisions affecting the continent should not be made without Africa's participation. For more on this, Professor Mammo Muchie spoke to Lulu Gaboo.

On a lighter note ahead of Saturday's Valentine's Day, love looks different in 2026. According to Google's latest Search data people in South Africa are rethinking Valentine's Day and this year, the focus has swung from candlelit dinners to creativity, self-care, and connection. According to the global search engine, across the country, interest has spiked not only in classic romantic gestures but also in friendship, personal wellbeing, and imaginative experiences that bring people closer ahead of February the  14th. Thuto Ngobeni compiled this report

In Madagascar, Cyclone Gezani claimed the lives of at least 36 people, injured more than 370 and destroyed almost 18 - thousand homes in the 24-hours of the cyclone battering  Madagascar. Madagascar's president has declared a national disaster and has called on international leaders to help the largely poor Indian Ocean island. Just last month, Madagascar launched its first ever humanitarian hub , funded by the European Union (EU) and the World Food Programme - WFP, to strengthen emergency preparedness and response to crises for the cyclone-prone eastern and southern coasts. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Madasgar's WFP Director, Tania Goosens

Save the Children has warned that children displaced by some of the worst flooding across southern Africa in decades are facing a growing health crisis, with a lack of running water and destroyed sanitation facilities fuelling a spike in waterborne diseases. Heavy downpours across several countries in southern Africa have affected more than 1 - point - 3 million people, with houses and critical infrastructure destroyed, disrupting access to health and education services. The rainy season is expected to continue for at least another month. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Director of Programmes at Save the Children, Megan Briede.

As the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government to kick off in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2026 it remains to be seen if diplomatic and commercial ties between the United States and the continent will feature during discussions.Analysts say while US President Donald  Trump is not set to attend the 39th annual meeting of the African Union, ,his presence will still be felt as delegations from the 55 member states grapple with the new, disruptive reality of the United States president's second term. Lulu Gaboo spoke to regional analyst Areba Omwoyo Samba

The Zimbabwean social justice movement, the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), has submitted a petition to African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, urging the AU to intervene in a proposed draft legislative that could extend the presidential terms from five to seven years. The change could potentially see President Emmerson Mnangagwa remain in office until 2030. They have described this as a 'coup in motion'. Lulu Gaboo spoke to National Democratic Working Groups leader and former Zimbabwean MP Job Sikhala

Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal's top university in Dakar, has closed its doors indefinitely following the death of one of its students. The government says an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of second-year dental surgery student Abdoulaye Ba. Rights groups have condemned the violence by security forces. There is growing frustration among young people who feel betrayed by a government they helped elect. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Yankhoba SEYDI, an Associate Professor at the University