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Today in Africa — May 26, 2026: Senegal’s Former PM Elected Speaker, South Africa’s President Challenges Phala Phala Scandal in Court

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On May 26, coverage includes: Ousmane Sonko’s return to the center of Senegal’s political power after being elected parliament speaker; Cyril Ramaphosa’s court challenge to key findings tied to the cash-theft scandal at his Phala Phala farm; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Ousmane Sonko stands behind a podium delivering remarks at a business forum in Istanbul.
Ousmane Sonko was fired as Senegal’s Prime Minister last week. Today, he was elected Parliament Speaker.

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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Ousmane Sonko Returns as Senegal Parliament Speaker After Political Fallout

Senegal’s political tensions deepened after lawmakers elected former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as speaker of parliament today, Tuesday, May 26, just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him from office and dissolved the government. Sonko’s return places one of the country’s most powerful political figures in a role that could directly influence legislation and challenge the president’s agenda at a time when Senegal is also facing mounting debt and cost-of-living pressures.

What This Means for Senegal:

 • President Faye appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, a former banking executive and ex-state minister, as Senegal’s new prime minister, yesterday, Monday, June 25. 

• Sonko said he would not use the role to settle personal disputes but promised to use all constitutional powers available to hold the government accountable. 

• Pastef controls 130 of the National Assembly’s 165 seats, giving Sonko strong influence in parliament. 

• Faye and Sonko have publicly disagreed in recent months, including over talks around an IMF loan. 

• A government audit last year found Senegal’s debt was around $13 billion higher than previously reported under the former administration.

Ramaphosa Moves to Challenge Phala Phala Report in Court

A graphic explaining the Phala Phala Cash Scandal.
Phala Phala, Explained.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed a court application seeking to overturn the findings of the independent panel's report on the Phala Phala scandal, arguing that the panel overstepped its mandate and relied on flawed evidence. The move comes after South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled earlier this month that parliament acted unlawfully in rejecting the report, thereby reviving its role in the impeachment process. The Phala Phala scandal centers on the theft of about $580,000 in cash hidden at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in 2020, raising questions about the source of the money, why Ramaphosa had foreign currency stashed in a sofa, whether the theft was properly reported, and whether the president’s private business interests conflicted with his public office.

What Ramaphosa Is Challenging:

 • Ramaphosa wants the Western Cape High Court to set aside paragraph 264 of the report, which found possible evidence of constitutional violations and conflicts of interest. 

• He argues the panel relied on hearsay and reached conclusions without sufficient evidence before it. 

• The president also questioned whether a confidential Namibian police report and audio recording may have been obtained unlawfully. 

• Ramaphosa again pushed back against claims made by former spy boss Arthur Fraser, calling the allegations speculative and unsupported. 

• The panel, led by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, released its findings in late 2022.

Rights Group Says UAE Trained Colombian Mercenaries for Sudan War

Human Rights Watch says the United Arab Emirates trained Colombian mercenaries before deploying them to fight alongside Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, adding to accusations that the Gulf state has backed the paramilitary group during Sudan’s war. The UAE denied the allegations, but the report comes as the RSF continues to face accusations of war crimes and atrocities in a conflict that has killed at least 59,000 people since 2023.

What the Report Alleges:

• Human Rights Watch says hundreds of Colombians were trained at military facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra before being sent to Sudan. 

• One mercenary interviewed by the group said he trained RSF recruits around Nyala in South Darfur, including what he described as child recruits. 

• UN experts previously reported that Colombian fighters operated drones, artillery, and armored vehicles for the RSF in areas including Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan. 

• HRW says it verified videos showing Colombian fighters alongside RSF forces during the capture of El Fasher, where UN-commissioned experts later said killings bore the “hallmarks of genocide.” 

• The organization urged countries to pressure the UAE through measures, including suspending military cooperation and arms sales.

In Brief: More Stories Today

DR Congo Asks FIFA for Ticket Relief Amid Ebola Travel Restrictions

DR Congo’s football federation has asked FIFA to refund World Cup ticket purchases for fans unable to travel to the U.S. due to Ebola-related entry restrictions. The issue comes as the Leopards prepare for their first World Cup appearance since 1974, with supporters now facing visa suspensions and travel barriers linked to the outbreak in Central and East Africa.

Republic of Congo to Go Visa-Free for All Africans in 2027

The Republic of Congo says it will remove visa requirements for all African citizens starting January 1, 2027, joining a growing movement toward freer travel across the continent. President Denis Sassou Nguesso said the measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, trade, and African integration.

Ethiopian Opposition Says Elections Are Taking Place Under Pressure

Opposition parties in Ethiopia say they are heading into the June 1 election facing arrests, media restrictions, insecurity, and barriers to campaigning. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party already dominates parliament and is running unopposed in dozens of constituencies, while some opposition groups argue the process has become largely symbolic.

Burkina Faso Livestock Export Ban Hits Traders Ahead of Eid

Burkina Faso’s decision to suspend livestock exports has squeezed traders who say they are being forced to sell animals far below previous prices. Authorities say the measure aims to increase local meat supply and support long-term plans to move from livestock exports toward processed meat production.

More Than 700 Marine Animals Trafficked From Kenya Seized in Argentina

Argentine authorities seized more than 700 marine animals trafficked from Kenya in what conservation groups say was a major operation targeting the exotic pet trade. Many animals died during nearly five days in transit, while rescue teams worked to stabilize surviving species, including lionfish, octopuses, starfish, and tropical fish.

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