Nigeria rescues 308 kidnap victims in one of its biggest security operations
Nigerian security forces freed 308 people abducted in northern Niger and Kwara states, in what President Bola Tinubu called the largest same-day rescue by a joint security team. Of those freed, 163 had been held since February after a deadly attack on Kwara's Woro community that killed at least 170 people, while another 145 were rescued from Niger state. All victims were found in the Kainji Lake National Park forest, in an operation involving the military, intelligence agency, and police. No word yet on whether any suspects were caught.
South Africa's anti-migrant protests leave factory jobs unfilled, unwanted by locals
Newcastle clothing factories in the KwaZulu-Natal province are struggling to replace foreign workers who fled after illegal immigration protests, even though the campaign aimed to open jobs for unemployed South Africans. Factory owners say they lost 12% to 19% of their workforce, but locals aren't taking the low-paying, piecework jobs — while a union rep argues the real issue is pay, not skills. With retailers paying little for garments and some factories still recovering from a February labor scandal, owners warn more closures and job losses could follow by year's end.
São Tomé and Príncipe sells citizenship for $90,000 to fund energy and development needs
The island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is offering one of the world's cheapest "golden passports," allowing foreign investors to buy citizenship for at least $90,000 — with no residency, property purchase, or language test required. The Central African island nation launched the program in August 2025 to raise cash amid an energy crisis and slowing growth, and has already approved 27 of its first 98 applications. It gives holders visa-free access to over 60 countries, though not Europe's Schengen zone, positioning it as a cheaper African alternative as the EU cracks down on similar Caribbean schemes.
France rebuilds military ties with Chad on a smaller scale
France is patching up its relationship with Chad, sending personnel back in April 2026 after the Central African nation ended its 65-year defense pact with France and forced out roughly 1,000 French troops in late 2024. This time, France's role will focus on training, intelligence, and air support rather than on permanent bases, following the fall through of Chad's efforts to find new security partners in Russia, Türkiye, and the UAE. The reset follows a January 2026 invitation from President Emmanuel Macron to Chadian leader Mahamat Déby, as both countries look to reshape ties for the Lake Chad Basin and Sudan border security challenges.
Ghana's opposition marches, accusing government of eroding democracy
Ghana's New Patriotic Party led hundreds of supporters through Accra in protest, accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress of silencing dissent and targeting political rivals. Marchers delivered petitions to the Supreme Court, Parliament, and the Presidency under the banner "Democracy Under Attack," pointing to the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, opposition arrests, and prosecutions over social media posts as evidence. The government denies wrongdoing, saying it's simply enforcing the law to keep public order.
