Tunisian Journalist Sentenced to Four Years in Absentia
A Tunisian court has sentenced journalist and TUMEDIA founder Khaoula Boukrim to four years in prison in absentia under the country’s cybercrime law, Decree-Law 54. Boukrim, who fled to Paris last year, says the case is linked to her criticism of President Kais Saied, while rights groups argue the law is increasingly being used to target journalists and government critics.
Mali Journalists Arrested Amid Press Freedom Concerns
Malian authorities have arrested two prominent journalists, Abdramane Keita and Chahana Takiou, on separate charges tied to comments critical of the state and military authorities. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders, condemned the arrests, saying Mali’s cybercrime laws are increasingly being used to silence independent media and dissenting voices.
Kuwait Bars Domestic Worker Recruitment From 24 African Countries
Kuwait has introduced new restrictions on domestic worker recruitment, excluding applicants from 24 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Mali, Cameroon, and DR Congo. Officials say the changes are aimed at tightening oversight of the labor sector, while the move adds pressure on African countries that rely on Gulf labor markets and remittance income.
HRW Accuses M23 and Allies of War Crimes in Eastern DR Congo
Human Rights Watch says M23 rebels and the Rwandan army committed numerous war crimes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including forced recruitment campaigns following the capture of Goma earlier this year. The report also accuses the Congolese government of supporting armed groups linked to abuses against civilians and calls for independent investigations into all parties involved in the conflict.
Nigeria’s Coastal Highway Sparks Environmental Concerns
Nigeria’s $11 billion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being promoted as a major economic and tourism project, but environmentalists and local communities warn it could worsen erosion, threaten forests, and disrupt livelihoods. Critics are also raising concerns about possible displacement, damage to coastal farmland, and plans for the route to pass through a protected forest reserve.
U.S. Presses Europe on Ebola Travel Restrictions
The Trump administration is urging European countries to tighten travel measures related to the Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo and Uganda, warning that inaction could affect future travel rules between Europe and the U.S. The U.S. says it wants stronger funding commitments and restrictions on travel from affected areas to prevent the virus from reaching American shores.
