NEWS
Today in Africa — July 28, 2026: Nigeria & South Africa Move to Ease Xenophobia Tensions, U.S. Overhauls Visa Processing Across Africa
OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On July 28, coverage includes: new commitments from Abuja and Pretoria to improve protections for foreign nationals and lower diplomatic tensions; sweeping changes that will require visa applicants in more than two dozen African countries to travel to regional centers for routine U.S. visa interviews.
Nigerian passengers, who were repatriated from South Africa, disembark from a chartered plane after landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria, on June 11, 2026.
by Toyin Adedokun/AFP via Getty Images
Standing intro blurb: 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.
Nigeria, South Africa Pledge to Ease Tensions Over Xenophobic Attacks
Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to de-escalate tensions over recent attacks on foreign nationals after talks in Abuja, with Pretoria pledging to prosecute those responsible and Abuja compiling compensation claims for Nigerians who lost property. The two governments also agreed that criminal activity should be addressed through the legal system, not vigilante violence, as they seek to preserve relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
Key Developments
Nigeria is seeking stronger protections for its citizens, including an early warning system, increased police presence in violence-prone areas, and accountability for attackers.
Nigerian officials say about 1,490 citizens have been repatriated following the recent unrest.
Abuja says at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks since 2022 and raised concerns that police have sometimes failed to intervene.
South Africa says the attacks are not state-sponsored and reiterated its opposition to xenophobia, racism, and discrimination.
Pretoria acknowledges concerns about crimes allegedly involving some Nigerian nationals but says suspects must be arrested and prosecuted through the justice system rather than targeted by mobs.
U.S. to Shift Visa Processing to Regional Hubs Across Africa
The United States will end routine visa processing at 25 diplomatic posts across Africa on August 1, consolidating services into 20 regional hubs as part of a major overhaul aimed at strengthening security screening and standardizing visa operations. The changes will require applicants in more than two dozen African countries to travel to designated regional centers for routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa interviews.
What Changes
Routine visa services will end at U.S. diplomatic posts in countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
New regional visa hubs will operate in cities including Accra, Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Dakar, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, Lagos, Nairobi, and Kampala.
U.S. embassies and consulates will remain open, but many will no longer handle routine visa applications.
The new system covers tourist, business, employment, family-based, and immigrant visas.
Existing Trump administration immigration measures, including some visa suspensions, visa bond requirements, and pauses affecting certain immigrant visa categories, will remain in place.
14 Killed in Fresh Attack in Nigeria’s Benue State
At least 14 people were killed and several others injured after gunmen attacked Efeyi village in Nigeria’s Benue State, local officials said, in the latest violence linked to long-running disputes between farmers and herders. The attack comes as Benue continues to grapple with recurring clashes over land and resources that have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
What We Know
Otukpo council chairman Maxwell Ogiri blamed the attack on Fulani militia, saying nearby communities have also come under attack in recent days.
Fulani associations have previously rejected allegations that their members were responsible for similar attacks.
No group has claimed responsibility for the assault.
Police have deployed officers to the area and launched an investigation.
Benue remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest flashpoints for conflict between predominantly Christian farming communities and mostly Muslim Fulani herders.
In Brief: More Stories Today
Thousands Protest Proposed Third-Term Changes in DR Congo
Thousands of people rallied in the rebel-held cities of Goma and Bukavu to oppose proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Protesters also called for the United Nations to lift sanctions on AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa and the rebel group, while the government accused the rebels of forcing residents to join the demonstrations.
Kenya, UK Agree to Resume Military Training
Kenya and the UK have agreed to resume British military training after resolving a delay in signing a new defense cooperation agreement. The decision follows Kenyan lawmakers’ concerns over protections for local communities, though neither government addressed allegations of human rights abuses involving British soldiers.
Chad Begins Process to Leave ICC
Chad has started the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, becoming the fourth African country since 2025 to announce plans to leave the Hague-based tribunal. The government accused the ICC of being ineffective and biased against African countries, while the United States welcomed the move and renewed its criticism of the court.
Cape Town Approves Equinix Data Center Project Despite Opposition
Cape Town has approved Equinix’s proposal to build two large data centers despite objections from activist groups over the project’s environmental impact, electricity demand, and water use. Opponents are considering an appeal, while the company says it has not yet submitted a site development plan and will consult stakeholders if the project moves forward.
