Today in Africa — Mar 13, 2026: Eritrean Cartoonist Freed After 15 Years Without Charge, Jihadist Violence Kills 1,300 in Niger’s Tillabéri Region

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.

Eritrean Satirical Cartoonist Freed After 15 Years in Detention

Eritrean satirical cartoonist Biniam Solomon, known by the pen name Cobra, has been released after spending 15 years in prison without charge, according to his family and friends. The artist, now in his early 60s, was arrested in the capital, Asmara, in 2011 and was never tried or formally told why he was detained. During his imprisonment, he had no contact with his family and received only occasional medical treatment. A relative says he spent the latter part of his detention at Asmara’s “crime investigation” prison, which is widely reported to hold political prisoners and conscientious objectors.

Cobra rose to prominence for sharp cartoons that criticized political and social issues, published in Eritrean newspapers between 1997 and 2001, during a brief period when private media operated after independence from Ethiopia. The government shut down the private press in 2001, jailing several journalists and critics. His release follows reports of other long-term detainees being freed in recent months, though thousands are still believed to be held without trial in Eritrea. Human rights groups have long documented harsh conditions in the country’s prisons, allegations the government denies.

Tillabéri Emerges as Niger’s Deadliest Region Amid Expanding Jihadist Conflict

Western Niger’s Tillabéri region has become the deadliest frontline in the Sahel’s jihadist conflict, with fighters linked to the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda’s affiliate JNIM carrying out attacks that have devastated communities. Situated along Niger’s porous borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, the region has seen militants kill civilians, loot villages, and extort residents. Conflict monitor ACLED recorded 1,939 deaths in Niger last year, nearly 1,300 of them in Tillabéri alone, split between clashes with security forces and direct attacks on civilians. Some of the worst incidents included a baptism ceremony attack that killed 22 people, a sermon attack that left 71 dead, and a mosque assault that killed 44 worshippers.

The violence has forced schools, health centers, and markets to close while many officials and residents have fled. Communities have formed local militias for protection, but these groups are often poorly armed and have suffered heavy losses, including an attack in late February that killed at least 25 militia members near the Malian border. Analysts say Tillabéri’s strategic location at the crossroads of three conflict-hit countries allows militants to move freely, while illegal gold mining sites provide funding for weapons and fighters. With insecurity spreading, travel often requires military escorts, and residents say economic life has collapsed under emergency measures and market closures.

Eswatini Receives More U.S. Deportees Under Controversial Third-Country Deal

Eswatini has received four additional deportees from the United States, bringing the total number of third-country nationals sent to the southern African country to at least 19 as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The latest group includes two men from Somalia and one each from Sudan and Tanzania, according to a government statement released yesterday, Thursday, March 12. Eswatini says the transfers were carried out under a third-country deportation agreement with the U.S., which has paid the country $5.1 million to accept deportees who are not Eswatini citizens.

Previous deportees sent to Eswatini last July included nationals from Vietnam, Cuba, Laos, and Yemen. Although many had already completed prison sentences in the United States, most remain detained in Eswatini while authorities negotiate their return to their home countries. The arrangement has faced criticism and legal challenges from local human rights lawyers, though Eswatini’s High Court recently dismissed a case seeking to block the deal. The lawyers have appealed the ruling.

Côte d’Ivoire Marks 10 Years Since Deadly Grand-Bassam Beach Attack

Côte d’Ivoire is marking ten years since the March 13, 2016, terror attack in the seaside town of Grand-Bassam, when three gunmen opened fire along the beach and stormed three nearby hotels, killing several people. The victims included Ivorians as well as foreign nationals from Nigeria, France, Germany, Macedonia, and Lebanon. The attack, claimed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, was carried out in retaliation for anti-terror operations in the Sahel led by France and its allies. Authorities later arrested 15 people in connection with the assault, which was the first jihadist attack in Côte d’Ivoire and came during a wave of extremist violence in West Africa that targeted tourist areas and threatened the country’s efforts to rebuild its tourism sector after years of civil conflict.

Somalia Warns Against Reports of Israeli Military Base in Somaliland

Somalia has warned against reports that Israel may establish a military base in Somaliland, saying any foreign military arrangements must be approved by the federal government in Mogadishu. Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Omar, says the country does not want its territory used for external military operations that could destabilize the region. The warning follows media reports that Israel is considering a base near the port city of Berbera in Somaliland, a self-governing region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not widely recognized internationally. Somaliland officials have said they are open to deeper ties with Israel but have not confirmed plans for a base. Some leaders say the idea has not been formally discussed, while others say it could be considered in the future. Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent state in December, though Somalia continues to claim the territory. Somali officials say any military agreements made outside the federal government's authority would have no legal standing.

Middle East Conflict Raises Shipping Costs and Inflation Fears in Nigeria

Shipping companies and port operators in Nigeria say the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is already disrupting cargo shipments and could drive up inflation if it continues. Industry groups warn that rising security risks around the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, are increasing operational costs for shipping lines. According to the Shipping Association of Nigeria, vessels are taking longer routes and incurring higher fuel and insurance costs, including new war-risk insurance charges. Freight agents say the added costs could reach $3,000 to $4,000 per container for cargo headed to Nigerian ports, which would likely raise prices across the economy. Maritime analysts also warn that some shipping companies could shift their focus to more profitable European routes if the crisis drags on, while Nigerian importers say they are already reassessing their business plans amid growing uncertainty.

Senegal Moves to Renegotiate Energy Deals and Revoke Mining Licenses

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has declared a major gas contract with BP for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project “unfair” and signaled broader reforms to resource deals signed under previous governments. In a televised address, Sonko said the government would review and renegotiate contracts in sectors including gas, fishing, and infrastructure as part of efforts to stabilize the country’s finances. Senegal is dealing with heavy debt that reached 132 percent of GDP at the end of 2024, and the government says revisiting these agreements could lower gas costs for industries and households.  As part of the crackdown, the government revoked 71 mining licenses, including 14 related to gold, citing contract violations. Authorities also froze the accounts of Industries Chimiques du Sénégal, controlled by Singapore-based Indorama Corporation, until the company pays about 250 billion CFA francs (about $437 million) in outstanding obligations. Sonko said negotiations are also nearly complete to nationalize the Yakaar-Teranga gas project, currently operated by Kosmos Energy, as Senegal pushes to regain greater control over its natural resources.

South African Troops Dismantle Illegal Gold Mining Sites Near Johannesburg

South African soldiers deployed to crime-hit areas have dismantled illegal gold mining operations near Randfontein, about 40 kilometers west of Johannesburg, forcing miners to flee and abandon equipment, including generators and drilling machines. Security forces also destroyed makeshift camps and trenches used by the miners, leaving behind food supplies, utensils, and clothing. The operation forms part of a rare government deployment of troops to high-crime areas in Gauteng and the Western Cape as authorities step up efforts to curb illegal mining. Illegal mining is widespread around Johannesburg, where thousands of abandoned mine shafts attract informal miners known as “zama zamas,” often linked to organized crime networks. Authorities estimate that about 30,000 illegal miners operate across roughly 6,000 abandoned shafts in South Africa, with gold losses to criminal syndicates valued at more than $4 billion a year. President Cyril Ramaphosa says the military deployment will work alongside strengthened police and prosecutorial task forces targeting the leadership, finances, weapons, and logistics of these networks.

Egypt Caps Bread Prices After Fuel Hike Raises Cost-of-Living Concerns

Egypt’s trade ministry has introduced price caps on bread as households brace for rising living costs following recent fuel price increases. The directive requires bakeries to clearly display bread prices and quantities and imposes penalties for overcharging. The move comes days after the government raised gasoline prices by up to 30 percent and cooking gas cylinder prices by about 22 percent, increases linked to higher energy costs tied to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has warned that businesses accused of manipulating prices could face trial in military courts. Inflation stood at 13.4 percent last month, significantly lower than the 40 percent peak recorded in August 2024 during Egypt’s economic crisis, though many Egyptians are still struggling after years of soaring prices that eroded savings.