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Today in Africa — April 2, 2026: Report Says Government Forces Kill Majority of Civilians in the Sahel, Nursery School Attack Shocks Uganda

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On April 2, coverage includes: new data showing government forces in Burkina Faso and Mali are responsible for more civilian deaths than jihadist groups; a deadly nursery school stabbing in Uganda that has raised urgent concerns about child safety; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
A combined image of Burkina Faso and Mali Junta leaders, Captain Ibrahim Traore and General Assimi Goïta.
Burkina Faso and Mali Junta leaders, Captain Ibrahim Traoré and General Assimi Goïta, where data shows that their government forces are responsible for more civilian killings than jihadists.

Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

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Government Forces Linked to Majority of Civilian Killings in Burkina Faso and Mali: Data

A split comparison chart with four side-by-side bars showing who is killing more civilians between the Burkina Faso and Mali governments and their allies or jihadists.
Government forces in Burkina Faso and Mali are responsible for more civilian killings than jihadist groups, according to recent data from HRW and ACLED.
A split comparison chart with two side-by-side bars showing the increase in drone strikes in Mali between 2022 and 2025.
Drone strikes by Mali’s military have surged in recent years, rising sharply as the country expands its use of armed drones.

Government forces and their allies in Burkina Faso and Mali have killed more civilians than jihadist groups over the past two years, according to data from Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED). In Burkina Faso, security forces and allied militias killed 523 civilians in 2025, compared to 339 by militant groups, while in Mali, the military and allied forces were responsible for 918 civilian deaths versus 232 by jihadists. The findings point to a broader pattern of abuses by state forces in the Sahel, where violence has surged since 2021, raising concerns that heavy-handed tactics could fuel militant recruitment and undermine counterinsurgency efforts.

What the data shows:

  • HRW documented 1,837 civilian deaths across 57 incidents since 2023

  • Government forces and allies accounted for 1,255 of those deaths

  • Mali has seen a sharp rise in drone strikes, from 4 in 2022 to 66 in 2025

  • A 2024 drone strike at a gold site in northern Mali killed at least 50 civilians

  • Jihadist groups have also carried out mass killings, including over 130 civilians in Burkina Faso in 2024

Four Young Children Killed in Nursery School Stabbing in Kampala

Four children aged between one and three have been killed in a stabbing at a nursery school in Kampala, Uganda, after a 34-year-old man allegedly attacked them shortly after paying admission for a child at the school. Police say the suspect, who had visited the school earlier this week to enquire about enrolling his child, used more than one knife. He was detained after angry parents attempted to lynch him. The motive remains unclear as investigators continue their work, with senior police officials visiting the scene amid fresh concerns about safety at early childhood centers.

Key developments:

  • The suspect was nearly lynched by parents before being taken into custody

  • Ten other children at the school were unharmed and returned home

  • Senior police officials, including the police chief, visited the scene

  • Authorities are urging the public to remain calm during the investigation

  • Videos from the scene show distressed crowds gathering outside the school

In Brief: More Stories Today

Fire at Burundi Military Camp Triggers Explosions, Kills 13

A fire caused by a short circuit at a military camp in Bujumbura set off explosions that killed 13 people and injured at least 57, Burundi’s army says. The blasts sent munitions flying and forced residents to flee, with authorities urging the public to report any unexploded ordnance as calm returned the next day.

Uganda Receives First Group of U.S. Deportees Under New Deal

A group of 12 deportees from the U.S. has arrived in Uganda under a new agreement allowing transfers to third countries, officials confirmed. The move has drawn criticism from Uganda’s law society, which called the process dehumanizing and plans to challenge it in court, as questions remain about the deportees’ identities and future.

DR Congo Launches First Census in Over 40 Years

The Democratic Republic of Congo has begun its first national census since 1984, backed by a $30 million government commitment and UN support. Officials say the data will guide where schools, clinics, and infrastructure are built, even as teams use AI and local networks to reach conflict-hit areas in the east.

Guinea-Bissau Activist Found Dead After Reported Beating

Civil society activist Vigário Luís Balanta, a vocal critic of Guinea-Bissau’s military rulers, has been found dead after what activists say was a violent attack. His death has sparked calls for an independent investigation, with authorities condemning the killing and urging a probe.

Suspected IS-Linked Attack Kills Civilians in Eastern DR Congo

At least 15 civilians have been killed in an attack blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province, with homes burned and some victims killed with machetes. Officials say the toll could rise as searches continue, highlighting ongoing violence despite joint military operations.

UN Urges African Countries to Invest in Infrastructure for AI Growth

African countries should boost borrowing, tax collection, and tap pension and sovereign funds to build the infrastructure needed for AI, a UN report says. With less than 1% of global data centers on the continent, the report warns Africa risks missing out on digital growth without urgent investment.

Mozambique Clears IMF Debt Ahead of Schedule

Mozambique has fully repaid over $630 million in IMF debt ahead of schedule, clearing its balance months earlier than planned. The move could strengthen its position in talks for new funding after a previous IMF program was suspended in 2025.

Ethiopia Set to Join WTO After Two Decades of Talks

Ethiopia is expected to join the World Trade Organization this year following years of economic reforms, despite global trade uncertainty. Officials say membership could open new markets and support recovery from recent economic challenges, though concerns remain about increased competition.

Russia, Egypt Discuss Plans for Grain and Energy Hub

Russia and Egypt are exploring plans to establish a grain and energy hub, as Moscow seeks new export routes amid Western sanctions. Egypt, already a major buyer of Russian wheat, could serve as a key logistics center for supplies to Africa and the Middle East.

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