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Today in Africa — April 7, 2026: African Death Toll Rises in Ukraine War, Eritrean Players Go Missing After AFCON Win

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On April 7, coverage includes: Cameroon confirming 16 nationals killed in Ukraine as more African countries report deaths linked to recruitment schemes; seven Eritrean players missing after a historic AFCON qualifying win in Eswatini; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
A man holds a copy of a newspaper in Kampala on December 5, 2012, carrying a report on Eritrean footballers who disappeared from a hotel in Uganda.
A man holds a copy of a newspaper in Kampala on December 5, 2012, carrying a report on Eritrean footballers who disappeared from a hotel in Uganda. Seven Eritrean national team players disappeared after a game in Eswatini this week.

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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Cameroon Confirms 16 Nationals Killed in Ukraine as African Death Toll Mounts

Cameroon says 16 of its nationals have died while fighting in Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting a growing toll across Africa as citizens are recruited into the conflict, often with promises of jobs or training. The deaths add to confirmed casualties from several countries, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, as officials warn of deceptive recruitment schemes targeting Africans. Ukraine estimates more than 1,700 Africans from 36 countries have been drawn into the war, raising alarm among governments across the continent.

The bigger picture:

  • Ghana reports at least 55 nationals killed; two held as prisoners of war.

  • Zimbabwe says 15 killed, with over 60 still on the frontlines.

  • Kenya estimates about 1,000 citizens were recruited through false job offers, with 16 confirmed missing and presumed dead.

  • Nigeria and South Africa have confirmed two deaths each linked to recruitment schemes.

  • Ukraine says over 1,700 Africans from 36 countries have been recruited into the war.

Seven Eritrean Players Missing After AFCON Qualifier Victory

Seven players from Eritrea’s national football team have failed to return home after a historic win over Eswatini, with reports suggesting some may have remained in South Africa. The incident continues a long pattern of players disappearing during overseas trips, as many Eritreans seek asylum abroad, raising fresh questions about the country’s restrictive environment even as the team celebrated its return to AFCON qualifying after 19 years.

What stands out:

  • Only 3 of the 10 Eritrea-based players have returned home

  • Missing players include goalkeeper Kubrom Solomon and winger Medhanie Redie

  • The team had just secured a 4–1 aggregate win to reach AFCON qualifiers

  • Planned homecoming celebrations were reportedly canceled

  • Similar incidents date back years, including cases in 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2019

In Brief: More Stories Today

South Sudan’s President Fires Parliament Speaker and Deputy

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has removed the speaker and deputy speaker of parliament following corruption allegations raised by members of his ruling party. The move continues a pattern of frequent leadership reshuffles, which analysts say Kiir uses to maintain control amid ongoing political instability.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Singer Albert Mazibuko Dies at 77

Albert Mazibuko, a longtime member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has died at 77 after more than five decades with the group. He was part of its rise to global fame, including Grammy wins and its role on Paul Simon’s Graceland, and was remembered as a guiding figure who helped carry the group’s message of unity and hope.

Nigerian Community Challenges Army’s Hostage Rescue Claims

Residents in Kaduna state are disputing the army’s claim that 31 church attack hostages were rescued, saying the victims remain missing. Community leaders are demanding proof, while the military has yet to respond to the challenge.

Dangote Refinery Expands Role as Fuel Shortages Hit Africa

Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, the biggest in Africa, says it is now operating at full capacity and supplying fuel and fertilizer across multiple African regions as shortages deepen. While exports are rising, local fuel prices remain high due to global crude costs, prompting calls to source and price oil domestically.

Egypt Releases Prominent April 6 Movement Activists

Egypt has released several activists linked to the April 6 Youth Movement, including Sherif Al-Rouby, who had spent years in detention on charges activists say were unfounded. The move has been welcomed by his lawyer as a positive step, though concerns remain over ongoing detentions and the country’s human rights record. The movement is an activist group established in 2008. 

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