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Today in Africa — June 3, 2026: Sudanese Women Speak Out on Wartime Abuse, Shell Faces Scrutiny Over Nigeria Oil Pollution

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On June 3, coverage includes: survivors of Sudan’s war describing abduction, sexual violence, and ransom demands allegedly carried out by RSF fighters; newly revealed internal documents raising questions about Shell’s handling of pipeline safety and environmental risks in Nigeria’s Niger Delta; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
People stand in a line waiting for humanitarian aid beside a truck in West Omdurman, Sudan.
Sudanese women who spoke to the Associated Press say they have faced and survived abduction and sexual violence during the country’s ongoing war.

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.

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Sudanese Women Describe Abduction, Rape, and Ransom in War

Sudanese women who survived abduction and sexual violence during the country’s ongoing war are speaking out about being held captive, repeatedly raped, and forced to pay ransoms for their release. In interviews with the Associated Press, three women said fighters from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) kidnapped them in different parts of Sudan, while the United Nations warns that sexual violence has become one of the defining features of the conflict, which is now in its fourth year.

Why Survivors and Advocates Are Raising Alarm:

• The UN says some women have been subjected to sexual slavery and forced to pay thousands of dollars to secure their freedom.

• Conflict monitoring group ACLED reported that ransom-related incidents have increased by nearly 195% since the war began, with most attributed to RSF fighters.

• Rights groups and UN agencies say sexual violence has been reported across several conflict zones, including Khartoum, Darfur, Gezira, and South Kordofan.

• Aid workers say many families fall into severe debt after selling homes, cars, or jewelry to pay ransoms for relatives.

• The Trump administration ended funding for the UN Population Fund last year, cutting more than $370 million in grants that supported programs addressing sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan and other countries.

Shell Kept Operating Nigeria Pipeline Despite Internal Pollution Warnings, BBC Reports

Internal Shell documents obtained by the BBC suggest the company continued operating a major oil pipeline in Nigeria’s Niger Delta for years despite repeated warnings from its own staff about the environmental risks posed by oil theft, sabotage, and infrastructure failures. The documents were disclosed as part of a U.K. lawsuit brought by Niger Delta communities seeking $1 billion in compensation and cleanup costs over pollution linked to more than 100 oil leaks between 2011 and 2013. Shell argues that most of the damage was caused by large-scale oil theft and illegal refining, and says it invested heavily in spill prevention and response.

Inside the Documents:

• A senior Shell executive warned in 2008 that continuing to operate the Nembe Creek Trunk Line outside normal guidelines made him “pretty uncomfortable” and raised concerns about pipeline integrity.

• A 2012 internal assessment classified parts of the pipeline as “red” because of extensive illegal tapping points, a status that Shell’s own standards said required immediate shutdown or corrective action.

• A 2013 email from a Shell manager warned that an audit into oil theft and pipeline management could leave the company vulnerable to government claims and compensation demands.

• Another confidential 2013 project estimated that about 100 illegal refineries around the pipeline had polluted roughly 9,000 hectares of water and 9,000 hectares of land.

• Communities represented in the lawsuit say key decisions affecting Shell’s Nigerian operations were ultimately made in London, a claim the company disputes as it prepares to defend itself at trial next year.

Cape Town, Marrakech, and Cairo Rank Among World’s Top Cultural Cities

Three African cities have earned spots on Time Out’s list of the world’s best cities for art and culture in 2026. Based on a survey of more than 24,000 people across over 150 cities, Cape Town ranked fifth globally, while Marrakech and Cairo placed 12th and 16th, respectively, highlighting the growing global influence of Africa’s creative and cultural hubs.

Why They Stood Out:

• Cape Town received an 84% approval rating for its arts scene, with residents highlighting its live music, festivals, and cultural institutions such as Zeitz MOCAA and the Norval Foundation.

• Marrakech has strengthened its reputation as a cultural destination through events like the 1-54 African Art Fair and a growing network of galleries, foundations, and artist studios.

• Cairo’s ranking was boosted by the full public opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in late 2025, one of the largest archaeological museums in the world.

• Time Out’s rankings assess both the quality and affordability of local cultural offerings, including museums, galleries, literature, theater, festivals, and public events.

• Residents in both Marrakech and Cairo praised the accessibility and affordability of cultural experiences compared to many other major global cities.

In Brief: More Stories Today

U.S. Proposes New Tariffs on Exports From Eight African Countries

The United States is considering a new 12.5% tariff on exports from Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa due to concerns about compliance with forced labor standards. The proposal is part of a broader review of 60 economies and signals a shift toward linking access to the U.S. market with labor standards and supply-chain oversight.

Malawi to Repatriate Citizens Seeking to Leave South Africa

Malawi has announced plans to repatriate citizens who have requested assistance to leave South Africa amid growing fears linked to anti-immigrant sentiment and reported attacks on African migrants. The move follows similar efforts by other countries, including Ghana, as tensions rise ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.

Zimbabwe Bill Seeks to Extend Mnangagwa’s Presidency

Zimbabwe’s government has introduced a bill that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years to 2030 and increase presidential terms from five to seven years. The proposal is expected to pass parliament, where the ruling ZANU-PF holds a two-thirds majority, despite opposition from activists, war veterans, and a group of retired generals.

U.S. Sanctions Armed Group Commanders in Eastern DRC Conflict

The United States has imposed sanctions on senior commanders from the M23 rebel movement and the FDLR militia, accusing them of fueling violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Washington said the measures are intended to support peace efforts in a conflict that continues despite ongoing mediation and a December agreement signed by Rwanda and the DRC.

Macron and Kagame Open Rwanda Genocide Memorial in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron and Rwandan President Paul Kagame inaugurated a new memorial in Paris honoring victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis. The monument, called L’Archive, comes four years after Macron acknowledged France’s responsibility for failing to prevent the genocide that killed an estimated 800,000 people.

DR Congo Offers Closed-Door Friendly After Ebola Fears

DR Congo has proposed playing its World Cup warm-up match against Chile behind closed doors after Spanish authorities canceled the game over concerns about the Ebola outbreak in the country. Coach Sébastien Desabre said the team is prepared to adapt, stressing that all FIFA medical protocols are being followed during its training camp in Belgium.

Gabon Opposition Leader Loses Appeal Against Detention

A court in Gabon has rejected a bid by former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze to have legal proceedings against him thrown out, meaning he will remain in detention. The opposition figure, who lost the 2025 presidential election to President Brice Oligui Nguema, is being investigated over alleged fraud and breach of trust dating back to 2008, charges his lawyers say should no longer be prosecutable.

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