Today in Africa — December 12, 2025: UK Sanctions RSF, South Africa Clears Path for Starlink, U.S. Blames Rwanda for M23 Advances

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.

UK Government Sanctions Top Commanders of Sudan Paramilitary

Several leaders of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been sanctioned by the UK government for the militia’s attacks on civilians in the ongoing civil war with Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF). One of the four sanctioned RSF commanders is Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, the group’s deputy leader and brother to RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Dagalo and the others have been sanctioned for their links to mass killings and systematic sexual violence, and will now face asset freezes and travel bans. The UK said the sanctions “sends a clear message that those who commit atrocities will be held to account,” citing RSF’s violent capture of El Fasher in the West Darfur region.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper deemed the RSF’s atrocities to be “so horrific they scar the conscience of the world.” The UK government also added that it is committing a package worth £21 million ($28 million) to help support the most vulnerable in the areas hit hardest by violence. Since taking over El Fasher, the paramilitary has been moving south in its attempt to control more resources in Sudan. Earlier this week, it stormed and took over the Heglig oilfield in South Kordofan, which is one of two oil-producing operations in the country and also houses the main oil processing facility for neighboring South Sudan.

South Africa Eases Black Ownership Rules, Opening Door for Starlink

South Africa will amend its Black ownership requirements for telecoms licensees, a move that could allow satellite internet providers like Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in the country. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi issued a policy directive saying companies can meet empowerment goals through “equity equivalent” investments, such as funding digital infrastructure, instead of selling 30% local equity to historically disadvantaged groups as required under the Electronic Communications Act.

The change follows complaints from SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, that the ownership rule was a barrier to entry. Malatsi said the update does not weaken transformation laws or favor any single company, but aims to create regulatory parity, attract investment, and expand high-speed internet access, especially in rural areas. While the proposal drew criticism from opposition parties and some lawmakers, the government said about 90% of public submissions supported the shift. Earlier this year, South Africa rejected Musk’s claim that Starlink was blocked from operating because he is not Black.

U.S. Accuses Rwanda of Fueling War in Eastern DRC as M23 Advance Raises Risk of Regional Escalation

The United States has accused Rwanda of driving instability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that a Rwanda-backed advance by the M23 rebel group threatens to derail a U.S.-brokered peace effort. Speaking at the United Nations. Security Council today, Friday, December 12, 2025, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said Rwanda was “leading the region towards increased instability and war” and vowed Washington would hold “spoilers to peace” accountable. The fighting has pushed closer to Burundi’s border, heightening fears of regional spillover after months of violence that have killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands since January.

Burundi warned that continued attacks could trigger direct escalation, while Rwanda denied backing M23 and accused both DRC and Burundi of violating a ceasefire. Congo’s foreign minister urged the Security Council to hold Rwanda accountable, saying impunity had gone on too long. The renewed violence comes just a week after Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to reaffirm a peace deal. The U.S. told the council it believes Rwanda has exercised strategic control over M23 and its political wing since 2021, including military support and direct involvement by thousands of Rwandan troops — claims Kigali rejects.

Tunisian Opposition Leader Abir Moussi Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

A Tunisian court has sentenced prominent opposition figure Abir Moussi to 12 years in prison, her lawyer said today, Friday, December 12, 2025, in a ruling critics say deepens President Kais Saied’s crackdown on dissent. Moussi, leader of the Free Constitutional Party, has been jailed since 2023 after being arrested near the presidential palace on suspicion of assault intended to cause chaos, charges she denies, saying she was exercising her right to political opposition. Her lawyer called the sentence politically motivated, while rights groups say it follows a broader pattern of arrests targeting politicians, journalists, activists, and civil society figures. Dozens of opponents are currently behind bars, including some recently given sentences of up to 45 years, as critics accuse Saied of dismantling judicial independence since dissolving parliament in 2021 — an accusation he rejects, saying he is acting against “traitors.”

About 200 External Troops Remain in Benin Republic Following Coup Attempt

Benin Republic has confirmed the presence of about 200 troops from neighboring West African countries, as tensions cool off in the aftermath of Sunday’s coup attempt. Benin’s foreign minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, said the troops remained “as part of the sweep and clean-up operation.” It marks the first time the Beninese government has shared the number of external soldiers in the country. The unsuccessful coup attempt was nullified with help from allies, with Nigeria sending in fighter jets during the attempt to drive the mutinous soldiers out of the state TV headquarters and the military base they were operating from. Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria deployed troops to secure important governance sites and ensure the attempt was completely quelled. The swift response is unique, as multiple West African countries have witnessed coup attempts without external assistance.

U.S. Government Ends Temporary Legal Status for Ethiopian Immigrants

The Trump administration has ended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopian immigrants living in the U.S., a move that could affect hundreds in the coming weeks and months. In a notice, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the department “determined that Ethiopia no longer continues to meet the conditions for the designation.” TPS was created in 1991 to enable immigration for people from countries that have experienced natural disasters and armed conflict. The Trump administration has targeted the TPS designation of many countries, as it continues its crackdown on immigration. Last month, the U.S. President announced his intention to end TPS for Somalis living in Minnesota, telling them to go back home and build their country. Several African countries are currently facing travel restrictions to the U.S., with white South Africans being the only immigrants Trump seems interested in.

Ghanaian Influencer Arrested Over Alleged $8M Romance Scam Targeting Elderly Americans

Ghanaian social media influencer Abu Trica, born Frederick Kumi, has been arrested over allegations that he orchestrated a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million, according to U.S. prosecutors. Authorities say the 31-year-old used AI tools to create fake online identities on social media and dating platforms, built trust with victims, then requested money under false pretenses, with funds routed through co-conspirators in Ghana and the U.S. Kumi was arrested in Ghana in a joint operation, faces U.S. charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted, as Washington steps up its crackdown on West Africa–linked fraud networks under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law.

U.S. and Eswatini Sign $242M Health Deal Under Trump’s Global Aid Overhaul

The United States and Eswatini have signed a five-year health cooperation agreement worth $242 million, as part of the Trump administration’s push to tie foreign health aid to greater local investment. Under the deal, Washington plans to provide up to $205 million for health data systems, disease surveillance, and HIV prevention and treatment, including deliveries of the U.S.-made HIV drug lenacapavir, while Eswatini commits to increasing its own health spending by $37 million over the same period. The agreement follows similar pacts with Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Lesotho under the “America First Global Health Strategy,” which aims to move countries toward self-reliance, and comes alongside a separate U.S. payment of $5.1 million announced last month for Eswatini to accept third-country deportees.

Ethiopia Arrests Nine TikTok Creators Over Content and Dressing, Sparking Free Speech Debate

Ethiopian police have arrested nine TikTok content creators this week, accusing them of promoting behavior that violates cultural norms in the socially conservative country. Six were detained over what police described as “indecent attire” worn at the Ethiopia Creative Awards two weeks ago, including Adonay Berhane, the event’s TikToker of the Year, who has nearly four million followers, while others were arrested over social media content deemed contrary to “good behavior and ethics,” including an alleged inappropriate act during a livestream. The arrests have triggered intense debate online, with supporters calling them an attack on freedom of expression and creativity, while conservative voices defend the move as necessary to protect public morality. Police warned that more action could follow as concerns grow over the influence of online trends on Ethiopian youth.