Today in Africa — December 19, 2025: U.S. Vaccine Trial Under Fire, UK Firms Linked to Sudan War, AFCON Injuries

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.

U.S.-Funded Hepatitis B Vaccine Trial in Guinea-Bissau Sparks Ethical Backlash

The Trump administration plans to fund a $1.6 million study on hepatitis B vaccination at birth in Guinea-Bissau, a move that global health experts are criticizing as unethical and risky. The five-year trial, backed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, would randomly assign newborns to receive or not receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, despite the World Health Organization’s recommendation that all babies get the shot immediately. Guinea-Bissau has one of the world’s highest hepatitis B rates, with about 18 percent of adults infected, and health experts warn that withholding a proven vaccine in such a setting puts infants at serious risk.

Critics say the study follows recent U.S. policy shifts under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including downgrading CDC guidance on birth-dose vaccination and cutting funding for global vaccine programs. The trial will be carried out by the Bandim Health Project, led by Danish researchers whose past work questioning vaccine safety has drawn scrutiny. Experts argue the research question is unclear, informed consent may be compromised, and the focus on “overall health effects” rather than vaccine effectiveness raises red flags. Many say the priority should be expanding access to the birth-dose vaccine, not re-testing its safety in a country where too many children remain unprotected.

UK-Linked Firms Tied to Colombian Mercenaries Fighting for Sudan’s RSF, Investigation Finds

Companies linked to individuals sanctioned by the United States have been operating from the UK while recruiting Colombian fighters to support Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, according to a Guardian newspaper investigation. The probe found that hundreds of former Colombian soldiers were hired to fight alongside the RSF, a paramilitary group accused of mass killings, rape, and ethnic violence in Sudan. Colombian mercenaries were involved in the RSF’s October seizure of El Fasher, an assault analysts say triggered killings that may have cost tens of thousands of lives.

UK company records show that a firm tied to the recruitment network, Zeuz Global, was registered in north London by individuals later sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for fueling Sudan’s war. The company abruptly changed its listed address to central London shortly after the sanctions were announced, raising concerns about oversight and enforcement. Experts say the case highlights how easily UK shell companies can be used by actors linked to armed conflicts. The British government says new identity checks and expanded powers for Companies House are meant to curb abuse, while reiterating its condemnation of RSF atrocities and support for protecting civilians in Sudan.

AFCON Injury Blow: Algeria Lose Aouar, Ivory Coast Without Haller

Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations preparations have been disrupted by injury, with midfielder Houssem Aouar ruled out after picking up a knock in training. The Algerian football federation said Aouar will be replaced by Himad Abdelli of French club Angers. No details were given about the injury. Algeria begins its Group E campaign in Morocco against Sudan in Rabat on Wednesday, before facing Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.

Côte d’Ivoire has also been hit, with star striker Sebastien Haller ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury. Haller was hurt while playing for Utrecht in the Dutch league and had been receiving treatment at the Ivorian camp in Marbella before doctors confirmed he would miss AFCON. He is replaced by 24-year-old Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand. Haller was a central figure in Côte d’Ivoire’s title win two years ago, scoring decisive goals after returning from cancer treatment and injury. The defending champions open their campaign against Mozambique in Marrakech on Wednesday. AFCON runs in Morocco from Sunday, December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Over 84,000 Flee Eastern DR Congo to Burundi as Fighting Near Uvira Intensifies

More than 84,000 people have fled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo into neighboring Burundi this month as fighting between the Congolese army and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels continues around the town of Uvira, the U.N. refugee agency said. The influx — the second major wave this year — has overwhelmed Burundi’s capacity to respond, with refugees arriving daily by foot and by boat across Lake Tanganyika, despite M23 pledges to withdraw. UNHCR warned of dire conditions in overcrowded camps, including food and water shortages, poor sanitation, and cholera outbreaks, and said at least one boat carrying refugees capsized this week, killing those on board. Burundi has launched a $35 million emergency appeal, but funding is uncertain as global aid cuts deepen, raising fears the humanitarian situation could rapidly deteriorate.

South Africa Rejects U.S. Claims of Harassment During Afrikaner Refugee Center Raid

South Africa has pushed back against U.S. accusations that it harassed and intimidated American officials during a raid on a center processing U.S. refugee applications for white Afrikaners, calling the claims unsubstantiated. The raid led to the expulsion of seven Kenyan nationals who authorities say were working illegally after their work permit applications were denied. Washington condemned the operation, alleging South Africa released U.S. officials’ passport details and warned of consequences, but Pretoria denied publishing any data and said no U.S. officials were arrested. The dispute has deepened tensions already strained by U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that Afrikaners face persecution — claims South Africa rejects — and by U.S. moves to sharply cut global refugee admissions while prioritizing Afrikaner asylum cases.

Second Trial Opens Over Guinea’s 2009 Stadium Massacre

A new trial has opened in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, 16 years after a deadly crackdown on an opposition rally at a stadium that killed 156 people and left hundreds injured. Seven people are accused of taking part in the September 28, 2009, attack and face charges including murder, rape, torture, and abuse of authority, with three defendants being tried in absentia. The case follows a landmark trial that ended in 2024, when former leader Moussa Dadis Camara was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity before being pardoned earlier this year by Guinea’s military junta. The massacre also involved the rape of more than 100 women, some of whom were held captive and subjected to sexual violence.

Nigeria Reopens 47 Federal Unity Schools After Security Closures

Nigeria’s federal government has reopened all 47 Federal Unity Schools that were shut last month over growing insecurity and mass student abductions, the Ministry of Education said yesterday, Thursday, December 18. Authorities say academic activities have fully resumed after security was strengthened in and around the schools, with students returning safely to complete December programs and exams. The closures followed attacks in several northern states that raised nationwide alarm. The government says it is working closely with security agencies to keep students safe and prevent further disruptions, stressing its commitment to education continuing despite ongoing security challenges.

Ghana Seeks U.S. Extradition of Former Finance Minister Over Corruption Charges

Ghana has formally asked the United States to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former technical adviser, Ernest Darko Akore, to face 78 corruption-related charges, Attorney General Dominic Ayine said in Accra. The request follows investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which filed charges at Ghana’s High Court, including allegations of causing financial loss to the state and abusing public office. Ayine said the extradition package was sent to the U.S. Justice Department on December 10 after meeting legal requirements, and the decision now rests with U.S. courts, where the accused can challenge the request. He said the move reflects President John Mahama’s anti-corruption drive, as authorities also reported recovering more than $15 million from a crypto-linked fraud scheme and said total asset recoveries in 2025 have surpassed $337 million.