Today in Africa — November 28, 2025: Jacob Zuma’s Daughter Resigns After Allegations She Lured South Africans to Fight in Russia, Tunisia Jails Dozens of Opposition Figures, Kenyan Farmers Win Landmark Seed Rights Ruling

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.

Zuma’s Daughter Quits Parliament Amid Claims She Recruited South Africans to Fight in Russia-Ukraine War 

Family members have shed more light on the ordeal of the 17 South African men tricked into fighting for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war. “He's living in fear because he doesn't know what the future holds or what will happen to him when night approaches because they are always in a war zone,” a brother of one of the men told the BBC. In voice notes, one of the men in Donbas, Ukraine, said the alleged recruiters “even bought us flight tickets to get there [Russia].” One of the alleged recruiters is Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma.

Earlier today, Friday, November 28, Zuma-Sambudla stepped down as a Member of Parliament, saying she wants to focus her efforts on bringing back the 17 men. The former MP filed an affidavit after her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a criminal complaint accusing Zuma-Sambudla. In her affidavit, she says she had also been deceived, and she “was not a recruiter, agent, operator, or facilitator of any unlawful activity.” The South African government confirmed earlier this month that 17 men sent out a distress call from Ukraine; they said they were tricked into the war under the pretence that they were going for training to be part of the security team in Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe political party.

Tunisia Hands Down Harsh Sentences for Opposition Leaders in Mass Conspiracy Case

A Tunisian appeals court has issued prison sentences of five to 45 years against dozens of opposition figures, lawyers, and businessmen accused of plotting to overthrow President Kais Saied, in one of the country’s largest political prosecutions in years. Forty people were charged in the case, including 20 tried in absentia after fleeing abroad, and several prominent politicians have been detained since 2023. Those sentenced include veteran opposition leaders Ghazi Chaouachi, Issam Chebbi, Jawahar Ben Mbarek, and Ridha Belhaj, who received 20-year terms, while businessman Kamel Ltaif was handed the heaviest sentence of 45 years.

Rights groups say the case marks a serious escalation in Saied’s crackdown on dissent, pointing to the president’s moves since 2021 to dissolve parliament, sideline independent judges, and jail critics and activists. Lawyers for the defendants called the trial a “judicial farce” and claimed the charges were fabricated to eliminate opponents, while authorities insist the group attempted to destabilize the state. Several high-profile figures who remain free — including Chaima Issa, Nejib Chebbi, and Ayachi Hammami — are now expected to be arrested, deepening fears of an entrenched authoritarian turn.

Court Declares Controversial Parts of Kenyan Seed Law to be Unconstitutional

A high court in Kenya has ruled in favor of farmers’ rights to share seeds. The ruling declared sections of a 2012 seed law to be unconstitutional, with local farmers and food campaigners calling it an important win for food security. The seed law prescribed a two-year prison term and a 1 million Kenya Shillings ($7,700) fine for farmers caught sharing seeds in community banks, a measure that was put in place to curb the proliferation of counterfeit seeds but has been criticized for handing seed trading powers to corporations.

“By validating indigenous seeds, the court has struck a blow against the corporate capture of our food system. We can finally say that in Kenya, feeding your community with climate-resilient, locally adapted seeds is no longer a crime,” Elizabeth Atieno, a food campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, said. This landmark ruling could be significant continent-wide, amidst the widespread conversations about Genetically Modified (GM) seeds and the policies being pushed by African governments. The case was filed by 15 local farmers in order to preserve the decades-old, grassroots practice of seed sharing.

Embaló Exits Guinea-Bissau After Military Junta Takeover

Guinea-Bissau’s deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló landed in Senegal late last night, after a successful coup was entrenched by the inauguration of a new junta leader. Embaló landed in the neighboring country “safe and sound,” according to Senegal’s foreign ministry. His ousting came a day before presidential results were scheduled to be announced, and it followed a year-long drama that included a controversial extension of his term. Fernando Dias, the main opposition in the election, has accused Embaló of fabricating the coup due to an impending loss at the polls. General Horta N’Tam, a close ally of the former president, has taken over as head of state, and he appointed another Embaló ally, Ilídio Vieira Té, as Prime Minister. Té previously served as finance minister in the previous government.

Zambia Removes Edgar Lungu’s Daughter From Her Parliamentary Seat Vacant After Months-Long Absence

Zambia’s parliament has removed Tasila Lungu from her seat, citing her prolonged absence since the June death of her father, former President Edgar Lungu, whose unresolved burial dispute with President Hakainde Hichilema has kept her in South Africa for court hearings. Speaker Nelly Mutti rejected a committee recommendation to allow Lungu to attend sessions virtually, saying physical representation was required, after she missed multiple deadlines to return and did not appear before the privileges and absences committee. Lungu, who hinted she may challenge the decision, says she has been focused on the legal battle over her father’s funeral, but lawmakers are divided — with some arguing she needed time to mourn, while others say Chawama residents have gone too long without representation. A by-election is expected within 90 days.

Uganda Police Clash With Bobi Wine Supporters During Campaign Stop in Kayunga

Ugandan police used water cannons and tear gas yesterday, Thursday, November 27, as crowds gathered to greet opposition presidential contender Bobi Wine during a campaign stop in Kayunga, northeast of Kampala. Footage showed the National Unity Platform leader confronting officers from atop his vehicle, accusing them of firing at supporters and blocking him from addressing voters ahead of January’s presidential, parliamentary, and local elections. Wine, a former musician whose message has energized young voters, is challenging President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986 and is seeking another term after being cleared by the electoral commission.