Cameroon’s Ruling Party Meets as Questions Grow Over Biya’s Absence
Cameroon’s ruling party has called a rare meeting of senior leaders as President Paul Biya remains abroad after 45 days, his longest overseas trip since taking office in 1982. The government has not said when the 93-year-old leader will return, fueling renewed questions from opposition figures about the continuity of government.
Ethiopia Arrests 17 in Alleged Human Trafficking Network
Ethiopian police say they have arrested 17 suspects, including the alleged leader of a trafficking ring accused of moving more than 40,000 Ethiopians to Saudi Arabia through Djibouti and Yemen. Authorities allege the group extorted more than 1 billion birr from victims, tortured migrants in Yemen, and was linked to the deaths of 60 people.
Somalia Raises Security Concerns Over WhatsApp Usernames
Somalia has urged Meta to address concerns over WhatsApp’s planned username feature, warning it could make it harder to track criminals and militants. The government says anonymous usernames could increase fraud and complicate efforts to combat al-Shabab, while WhatsApp says users will still need phone numbers and the feature includes anti-scam safeguards.
Burkina Faso’s Traore Denies Rift Within Military Government
Burkina Faso junta leader Ibrahim Traore has dismissed speculation of a power struggle within the military government, insisting there can be only one leader. His comments come after the prolonged public absence of two senior officials fueled rumors of internal divisions.
Ethiopian Opposition Warns Tigray Risks Sliding Back Into War
Ethiopia’s opposition People’s Revolutionary Party has accused the federal government of pushing Tigray toward another conflict through what it calls a propaganda campaign. The warning follows renewed tensions over alleged forced recruitment by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which denies the claims but has urged residents to prepare to defend the region.
Morocco Calls for Probe Into Citizen’s Death in Italy
Morocco’s foreign ministry has called for a thorough investigation into the death of Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir, who died during a police arrest in Bologna. The case sparked anti-police protests that injured dozens of officers, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also called for a full investigation.
Kenyan Lawyers Boycott Courts Over Corruption Claims
Lawyers across Kenya staged a nationwide court boycott to protest what they describe as corruption and chronic delays in the judiciary. The Law Society of Kenya plans to continue boycotting specific judges it accuses of blocking reforms, as the country’s anti-corruption agency announced the arrest of a magistrate over an alleged bribery scheme.
