Uganda Media Group Negotiates Reopening After Military Shutdown
Uganda’s Nation Media Group says it is in talks with the military to reopen six newspapers, television, and radio outlets after military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered them shut over the weekend. The closures have drawn condemnation from Amnesty International, while U.S. Senator Jim Risch has called for Washington to review its security relationship with Uganda over concerns about media freedom and free speech.
One Killed as Kenyan Police Open Fire at Protest
At least one person was killed after Kenyan police opened fire on protesters in Nairobi’s Mathare neighborhood during a demonstration over reported abductions. The protest followed the reported disappearance of a businessman and came amid growing concern over kidnappings and security force crackdowns on government critics.
Cabo Verde Earns Recognition for LGBTQ Rights, Activists Call for More Progress
Cabo Verde is now recognized as one of Africa’s most LGBTQ-friendly countries, with same-sex relationships legal since 2004 and workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation prohibited. Activists say legal protections have improved lives, but education and greater social acceptance are still needed as discrimination and violence persist.
Deportees Challenge U.S.-Ghana Agreement at ECOWAS Court
Advocacy groups have filed a case against Ghana before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice on behalf of 27 people deported from the U.S., seeking to block future third-country deportation agreements and to demand compensation. The complaint says many deportees were quickly removed from Ghana to countries they had fled despite previously receiving protections in the U.S.
UN Human Rights Council to Hold Urgent Sudan Debate
The UN Human Rights Council is expected to hold an urgent debate on Friday over the situation in Sudan’s Al Obeid after reports that the Rapid Support Forces and allied fighters are massing around the city. The request was submitted by several countries, including Britain and Germany, amid fears of a major escalation in the conflict.
Senegal Approves Constitutional Reforms Amid Political Rift
Senegal’s parliament has approved constitutional reforms that expand lawmakers’ powers and limit some of the president's authority, despite protests and opposition criticism. The government says the proposals will go to a national referendum, as tensions continue between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and parliamentary speaker Ousmane Sonko.
Cameroonian Billionaire Bets $900 Million on New Airline
Cameroonian billionaire Baba Ahmadou Danpullo plans to invest about $900 million to launch Danpullo Air Line and build two private airports in Yaoundé and Douala. The project aims to improve connectivity across Cameroon and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) region as the country’s struggling national airline continues to face operational challenges.
Guinea Awaits Verdict in Second Stadium Massacre Trial
A court in Guinea has concluded the second trial linked to the 2009 Conakry stadium massacre, with prosecutors seeking crimes against humanity convictions against former military commander Colonel Bienvenu Lamah. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on July 27, after Lamah denied responsibility and requested acquittal.
