Today in Africa — Mar 17, 2026: Deadly Bombings Rock Nigeria, Sudan Faces Looming Medical Supply Crisis

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.

 Suicide Bombings Kill at Least 23 in Nigeria in One of Deadliest Attacks in Years

At least 23 people were killed, and more than 100 were injured after suspected suicide bombers carried out coordinated attacks in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, last night, Monday, March 16. Explosions hit crowded locations, including a major market, the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and a nearby business hub, within minutes of each other. Police say 108 people were wounded, while witnesses described chaos as victims were rushed to hospitals, which quickly faced blood shortages. No group has claimed responsibility, but suspicion has fallen on Boko Haram and its factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province.

The attack is one of the deadliest in the city in recent years and comes less than a day after the military repelled militant assaults on Maiduguri’s outskirts. The city, long seen as a stronghold against insurgents, has experienced relative calm compared to surrounding areas. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and ordered security chiefs to take control of the situation. Authorities have since deployed heavy security across the city as investigations continue, while public spaces remain closed amid heightened fear.

Sudan Clinics Face Imminent Drug Shortages as Global Supply Routes Disrupted

Medical supplies to clinics serving Sudan’s humanitarian crisis could run out within two weeks if aid shipments are not quickly rerouted, Save the Children warns. About 90 government-run clinics, supporting roughly 400,000 patients, rely on the charity for essential medicines, including antibiotics, antimalarials, and pediatric treatments. The disruption follows airspace closures and shipping halts linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which have affected key routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Aid normally enters through Port Sudan before reaching areas like badly hit Darfur, but delays now threaten access to basic healthcare.

The crisis is being worsened by rising transport costs and reduced funding. Shipping costs have jumped by 25–30% as vessels reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to delivery times, while Save the Children’s Sudan budget has been cut by $4 million. The World Health Organization has also warned of growing shortages, with limited capacity to absorb further disruptions after earlier aid cuts. Officials say demand is increasing while resources are shrinking, raising concerns that patients could soon be left without critical care.

South Africa Rejects U.S. Pressure to Cut Iran Ties Amid Strained Relations

South Africa says it has no reason to cut ties with Iran, pushing back against comments from the new U.S. ambassador who warned the relationship could harm ties with Washington. Zane Dangor, the country’s top foreign affairs official, says South Africa will not be drawn into “sphere of influence” politics despite growing pressure as the U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran reshapes global alliances. He added that while South Africa is not uncritical of Iran, it will maintain its independent foreign policy stance.

Dangor also rejected other demands linked to improving relations with the U.S., including dropping its genocide case against Israel, changing Black empowerment laws, or accepting a refugee program for white South Africans. Tensions between the two countries have deepened, with the U.S. imposing a 30% tariff on South African imports and making claims about the persecution of white farmers that South Africa disputes. South Africa says it remains open to engagement with Washington, but only on areas of mutual agreement.

Demolition Gone Wrong Leaves Four Dead in Nairobi Building Collapse

At least four people were killed and four others injured after a building collapsed during a planned demolition in Nairobi yesterday, Monday, March 16, with rescue teams searching for more victims under the rubble. The structure, located in the Shauri Moyo area, was one of several marked for removal under the Nairobi River Regeneration Project, though authorities say it remains unclear what caused the collapse. At least two people were rescued as emergency crews, including the army, responded to the scene. Building collapses are a recurring issue in Nairobi, where weak enforcement of construction standards has left many structures unsafe, with past audits finding more than half of the city’s buildings unfit for habitation.

Tinubu Heads to UK for First Nigerian State Visit in 37 Years

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is in the United Kingdom this week for the country’s first state visit since 1989, where he will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle in talks expected to focus on trade, investment, and security cooperation. The visit comes as Nigeria seeks to deepen economic ties with Britain, one of its key partners, with bilateral trade already exceeding £8 billion. Tinubu is expected to promote his government’s economic reforms and attract foreign investment into sectors such as energy, mining, and the creative industries, while discussions may also cover migration, climate financing, and security challenges. The trip takes place as Nigeria faces rising cost-of-living pressures, security concerns, and ongoing economic reforms that have driven inflation higher since Tinubu took office in 2023. While officials see the visit as a chance to strengthen ties and secure investment, reactions among Nigerians in the UK are mixed, with some questioning whether it will deliver tangible benefits. Analysts say the outcome will be judged on concrete results, including investment commitments and stronger cooperation, rather than ceremonial optics.

Eswatini Rolls Out Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Injection to Strong Uptake

Eswatini has begun rolling out the HIV prevention drug lenacapavir, with 2,000 people already receiving the twice-yearly injection since December as demand quickly strains initial supplies. The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences in the U.S., is designed to address challenges with daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, including missed doses and inconsistent access. Health officials say the goal is to expand availability across all 206 facilities that currently offer PrEP. Eswatini, where about a quarter of people aged 15 to 49 are living with HIV, has seen new infections drop sharply in recent years, from 14,000 in 2010 to about 4,000 in 2024, driven by improved prevention and treatment efforts.

Senegal PM Rallies Party Base Ahead of 2027 Elections, Sets First Congress

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has begun organizing his political base ahead of the 2027 local elections, holding meetings with allies and party members and announcing the first-ever congress of his Pastef party for June 6. Over the weekend, Sonko met with his coalition and later convened Pastef’s national council, outlining plans to expand the party’s reach by launching a membership drive to recruit 1 million supporters, with membership cards set to go on sale in April. Analysts say the move reflects growing political competition between Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as both leaders build parallel political structures just months into their mandate. Sonko also urged supporters to mobilize at the local level and made clear he intends to remain the prime minister as his political strategy takes shape.

FIFA Fines Nigeria and DR Congo After Play-Off Crowd Incidents

FIFA has fined the football federations of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo over disciplinary breaches during their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off in November, citing crowd-related incidents. Nigeria’s federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs (about $1,270) for failing to maintain order after spectators threw objects, while the DRC’s federation received a 5,000 Swiss franc (about $6,400) fine for fans using laser pointers during the match. The game, played in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, ended in a 1-1 draw before the DRC won 4-3 on penalties to knock Nigeria out of World Cup contention. Nigeria has since filed a protest questioning the eligibility of some DRC players, but FIFA has already included the DRC in the upcoming intercontinental play-offs while awaiting a final decision.