Unexploded Weapons in Sudan Are Injuring Children as Families Return Home
As families return to Khartoum after months of fighting, unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines are leaving a deadly trail, with children among the hardest hit. Aid groups say clearing the city will take years, as thousands of explosive remnants remain scattered across neighborhoods, parks, bridges, and public spaces.
U.S. Denies Funding Congo’s New Mine Security Force
The U.S. has denied claims that it is financing a new paramilitary unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo after Congolese officials linked Washington to a $100 million mine security project. Congo later clarified that funding for the new force, which will protect mining sites and mineral transport routes, would come from multiple stakeholders rather than directly from any single government.
Mali’s Goïta Reappears and Vows to Crush Armed Groups
Mali’s junta leader Assimi Goïta has made his first public appearance since coordinated attacks rocked the country over the weekend, declaring that armed groups behind the violence will be “neutralized.” His return comes as militants threaten to isolate Bamako, Russian-backed forces regroup in the north, and fighters linked to the Islamic State move into the northeastern town of Ménaka.
Madagascar Detains Former French Serviceman Over Alleged Destabilization Plot
Madagascar has detained a former French serviceman accused of helping plan a plot to destabilize the country through sabotage, unrest, and efforts to incite mutiny within the security forces. Authorities say the alleged plan included power outages, traffic disruption, and mobilizing young people to spark disorder, while a French embassy official has also been declared persona non grata.
Senegal Lawmakers Back Electoral Changes That Could Clear Sonko’s Path
Senegal’s National Assembly has approved changes to the electoral code that could remove a legal barrier blocking Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from running for president in 2029. The bill, passed by a wide margin in a parliament dominated by Sonko’s Pastef party, now heads to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for approval, amid growing speculation over Sonko’s future political ambitions.
