Uganda Man Sentenced to Death for Nursery School Killings
A Ugandan court has sentenced Christopher Okello to death for the machete killings of four children at a nursery school in Kampala earlier this month, rejecting his claim that he was mentally unwell at the time. The fast-tracked public trial, held in an open-air “mobile court,” drew cheers from mourners, though legal groups criticized it as lacking fairness and raised concerns about Okello’s mental health.
JNIM Calls for Uprising as Mali Crisis Deepens
Al Qaeda-linked group JNIM has called on Malians to overthrow the military government and embrace Sharia law, days after coordinated attacks that killed Mali’s defense minister and saw rebels seize more territory in the north. Security sources say militants have set up checkpoints on major roads leading into Bamako, while the Azawad Liberation Front has captured the northern town of Tessalit.
U.S. Rebukes Zambia Over Stalled $1 Billion Health Deal
The United States has criticized Zambia for failing to enter into a new health aid agreement that would provide more than $1 billion in support for HIV, malaria, maternal health, and disease preparedness. Outgoing U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzales says months of outreach went unanswered, leaving funding to continue without a clear long-term plan, while Zambia says it remains open to dialogue through diplomatic channels.
Sahel Alliance Launches Air Campaign After Mali Attacks
Niger says the joint anti-jihadist force formed with Burkina Faso and Mali carried out heavy air operations in Mali following last weekend’s major insurgent assault. The response comes after coordinated attacks by jihadists and Tuareg separatists killed Mali’s defense minister, captured Kidal, and pushed the region’s military-led alliance deeper into crisis.
U.S. Sanctions Former DRC President Joseph Kabila
The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of backing Rwanda-linked M23 rebels and fueling instability in eastern Congo. The move freezes any U.S.-held assets and blocks him from the U.S. financial system, as Washington tries to revive a fragile peace process in the conflict-hit region.
