Today in Africa — January 6, 2026: Touadéra Wins Third Term in CAR, Israel’s Somaliland Visit Sparks Somalia Backlash

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.

CAR’s Touadéra Secures Third Term After Boycotted Vote

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has won a third term, provisional election results show, after taking more than three-quarters of the vote in the December 28 poll. The electoral commission says Touadéra won 76.15 percent, far ahead of former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Turnout was just over 52 percent. The vote followed a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed presidential term limits, allowing Touadéra, who has been in power for a decade, to run again.

The main opposition coalition boycotted the election, calling it unfair, while rival candidates accused the authorities of manipulating the results, a claim the government denies. Touadéra campaigned on improved security after relying on Russian mercenaries and Rwandan troops and signing peace deals with several rebel groups. Critics say those gains are fragile, with armed groups still embedded in state structures. The Constitutional Court has until January 20 to rule on any challenges and confirm the outcome.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Visits Somaliland, Drawing Sharp Rebuke From Somalia

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland today, Tuesday, January 6, days after Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-declared republic as an independent state. Saar met President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa and said the two sides discussed expanding ties across multiple sectors, adding that Somaliland’s leader accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel. Somaliland officials said the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with Saar also announcing future training in Israel for Somaliland water-sector professionals.

Somalia condemned the visit, calling Israel’s recognition of Somaliland unlawful and describing Saar’s trip as unacceptable interference in its internal affairs. Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia more than three decades ago, has long sought international recognition and has hinted it would join the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Analysts say Israel’s interest is likely tied to Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, though Somaliland has denied that recognition would lead to Israeli military bases or the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza.

Drone Strike Kills Eight Children in el-Obeid as Sudan War Escalates

At least 13 people, including eight children, were killed after a drone strike hit a family home in the city of el-Obeid, according to the Sudan Doctors’ Network. Most of the victims were from the same family. No group has claimed responsibility, but the medics say the attack was carried out by the Rapid Support Forces in a residential area under army control. Witnesses say the strike happened yesterday, Monday, January 5, in a civilian neighborhood.

The Doctors’ Network called the attack a dangerous escalation and accused the RSF of systematic bombing of civilian areas. The city remains under army control, though analysts say it is a strategic target because it sits between Khartoum and Darfur. The strike comes days after an RSF attack on a power plant in el-Obeid and follows an alleged attempted drone strike on Sudan’s largest hydroelectric dam near Merowe. The war in Sudan is nearing its third year, with more than 11 million people displaced and widespread reports of killings and sexual violence.

Osimhen Threatens to Quit AFCON, as Second Round Matches Wrap Up

Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly threatened to quit the men’s football team in the middle of the ongoing African Cup of Nations. While the Super Eagles were cruising on a 3-0 lead against Mozambique in their second round match, Osimhen burst out at teammate Ademola Lookman, after Lookman seemed to look him off in moves that could’ve led to a goal. The incident overshadowed an emphatic win for the Super Eagles and was even more bizarre because Lookman provided both assists for Osimhen’s two goals in the match. Osimhen asked for a substitution during the match and walked off into the tunnel alone immediately after the final whistle.

Osimhen reportedly dropped his accreditation pass and threatened to return to Turkey, where he plays professionally for Galatasaray. A voluntary exit by the striker would be a big blow for Nigeria’s AFCON-winning chances, especially as it is set to face the winner of the second round match between DR Congo and Algeria, both formidable opponents that have triumphed over Nigeria in recent years. Meanwhile, Cȏte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso will be facing off in the final second round match to determine who plays Egypt in the quarterfinal. The Pharaohs edged out Benin Republic with two goals in extra time, after Benin pulled level late into regulation time.

Truck Crash Kills 22 Migrants on Ethiopia’s Eastern Route

At least 22 migrants were killed, and 65 were injured after a lorry carrying about 85 people overturned this morning, Tuesday, January 6, in Semera, in northeastern Ethiopia, authorities say. The crash occurred along the eastern migration route through Djibouti and Yemen toward Gulf states, a path many Ethiopians take in search of work. Afar regional official Mohammed Ali Biedo said 30 of the injured are in critical condition and blamed illegal brokers who mislead migrants about the risks. The Afar regional government said emergency care is underway and warned young people against human trafficking, pledging tougher enforcement. The International Organization for Migration says the Horn of Africa–Yemen corridor is among the world’s most dangerous routes, yet more than 60,000 migrants reached Yemen in 2024 despite the risks.

Nine Nigerian Soldiers Killed in Landmine Attack in Borno State

At least nine Nigerian soldiers were killed and several others wounded after their convoy hit a landmine and came under fire in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno, security sources say. The attack happened on Sunday near Bindundul village, about 20 kilometers from Kareto, an area where Islamic State West Africa Province fighters are active. A Civilian Joint Task Force member involved in the rescue says the blast destroyed an armored vehicle and was followed by gunfire, killing soldiers instantly and seriously injuring at least five others. The troops were traveling from Maiduguri to Damasak when the attack occurred. Military officials have not commented, as violence by ISWAP and Boko Haram continues to intensify across Nigeria’s northeast.

Côte d’Ivoire Resumes Trial Over Deadly 2020 Kafolo Checkpoint Attack

The trial of 45 people accused of a 2020 jihadist attack that killed 14 soldiers at a military checkpoint in Kafolo resumed yesterday, Monday, January 5, at the Anti-Terrorism Court in Côte d’Ivoire. The defendants include the alleged leader of the unit behind the assault and the father of a suspected attacker accused of helping his son escape after the attack near the border with Burkina Faso. Authorities say the case could shed light on recruitment and support networks linked to jihadist groups operating in the region. The attack came weeks after Ivorian and Burkinabé forces dismantled a militant base in Burkina Faso, while analysts at the International Crisis Group say political stability and economic growth have so far limited the spread of such groups in Côte d’Ivoire. The hearing was adjourned and is set to resume on January 19.

Tunisia Frees Humanitarian Workers Tried Over Migrant Aid

Six humanitarian workers from the Tunisian branch of Terre d’Asile were released overnight after a court handed them two-year suspended prison sentences in a case tied to migrant assistance, their lawyers and support groups said. The workers, including former director Sherifa Riahi, had spent more than 20 months in detention on charges of facilitating the illegal entry and residence of migrants, accusations their defense says stem from aid provided under a government-approved program. A lawyer said the ruling applies to the detained defendants, with decisions on other accused to follow, including 17 municipal council members in Sousse charged over allowing the NGO to use municipal premises.