Today in Africa — May 7, 2026: African States Turn Up Pressure on South Africa, DRC President Opens Door to Third Term

South Sudan Replaces Army Chief and Finance Minister in Fresh Shake-Up

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed the country’s army chief and finance minister in the latest reshuffle at the top of government, moves analysts see as part of a wider effort to tighten his grip on power. Kiir brought back close ally General Santino Deng Wol as army chief and appointed career technocrat Kuol Daniel Ayulo as finance minister, as the country struggles to implement key reforms promised under its 2018 peace deal.

Uganda Passes Sovereignty Bill Despite Rights Concerns

Uganda’s parliament has approved a controversial new law aimed at curbing foreign influence, granting the government broad powers to punish anyone accused of advancing foreign interests at the expense of Uganda’s own. Lawmakers softened earlier rules that could have hit remittances and foreign exchange flows, but rights groups warn the bill’s wide language could still be used to target political opposition and dissent.

Côte d’Ivoire Dissolves Electoral Commission After Years of Disputes

Côte d’Ivoire’s government has dissolved its long-criticized electoral commission, saying it wants to rebuild trust in the country’s voting system ahead of future elections. The commission has been at the center of nearly every major election dispute since 2001, including the deadly 2010 post-election crisis, while opposition parties have long questioned its independence.

UAE Rejects Sudan’s Drone Strike Claims

The United Arab Emirates has denied Sudan’s accusation that Emirati drones launched from Ethiopia were used in recent strikes on Khartoum airport and other locations inside Sudan. The denial comes as regional and international pressure grows to end outside support for both sides in Sudan’s war, which has spread through drone attacks and opened new fronts near the Ethiopian border.

“Goonism” Becomes Flashpoint in Kenya’s Heated Political Climate

Political violence is taking center stage in Kenya’s run-up to next year’s election, with the term “goonism” now widely used to describe gangs accused of disrupting rallies, intimidating rivals, and deepening fears over democratic backsliding. Opposition leaders blame state-backed violence, government officials deny sponsoring gangs, and religious leaders are warning that the country’s political rhetoric is turning dangerous.

Nigerian Troops Rescue Children Abducted From Orphanage

Nigerian troops have rescued seven children and two women who were abducted during an attack on an illegally run Islamic orphanage in Kogi State last month. Authorities say gunmen kidnapped 23 pupils during the raid, but security forces quickly recovered most of the victims, with the latest rescue bringing more children safely home.

Russia and SADC Extend Military Partnership Through 2028

Russia and the Southern African Development Community have extended their military and technical cooperation deal until 2028, moving a long-running partnership into a new phase of implementation. The next stage will focus on defense capacity building, logistics support, and technical help for regional security structures, while also expanding cooperation in medical and humanitarian areas.

Algeria Bets Big on Oil With $1 Billion Field Expansion

Algeria has signed a deal worth more than $1 billion to expand the Hassi Bir Rekaiz oilfield as it pushes to raise output, attract foreign investment, and strengthen its role as a major energy supplier. The project is expected to nearly double current production at the field in the coming years and supports Algeria’s wider plan to grow exports to Europe and deepen energy ties across Africa and the Arab world.

Mali Names New Army Chief as Crackdown Deepens After Attacks

Mali’s junta has appointed a new armed forces chief less than two weeks after coordinated attacks rocked the country and killed senior defense figures. The reshuffle comes alongside arrests, abductions, and growing accusations that the military is using the crisis to purge suspected opponents within both the armed forces and political opposition.

RSF Chief Says Sudan War Could Last for Decades

Rapid Support Forces leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo says his fighters are prepared to keep battling Sudan’s army for decades if necessary, signaling no sign of an end to the war. His warning comes as drone attacks intensify, civilians continue to die, and millions displaced by the conflict face worsening hunger, damaged infrastructure, and little hope of a ceasefire.