January 12
Africa: Former CIA Analyst Now Top U.S. Africa Official at State; Dealmaking Dominates as Conflicts Spread
allAfrica
The Africa Bureau at the State Department has a new top official, Nick Checker. Unlike his recent predecessors who were career diplomats, he has been at State for only four months,… Read more »
Malawi: Announcement of Visa Suspensions [press release]
U.S. Embassy Lilongwe
In line with Presidential Proclamation 10998, as of January 1, 2026, the United States is partially suspending visa issuance for nationals of Malawi, with limited exceptions.… Read more »
Nigeria: Trump Administration Revoked Over 100,000 Visas in 2025
Premium Times
The State Department, in a post on X, disclosed that during this period, the administration revoked around 8,000 student visas. Read more »
Africa: AAI "Following the Gold Road" online conference and Afropop's "Mali Gold" Playlist
Afropop
We’re pleased to announce the launch of the Africa-America Institute's State of Education 2026 Conference – “Following The Gold Road--Global Medieval Africa in… Read more »
Congo-Kinshasa: Surge in Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Urgent Support for Survivors Needed After US Aid Cuts
HRW
Urgent Support for Survivors Needed After US Aid Cuts Read more »
Tanzania: Obama Not Addressing Tanzania's 2025 Elections, Protests in Viral Video
Africa Check
Former US president Barack Obama not addressing Tanzania's 2025 elections, protests in viral video - speech from 2018 Read more »
Kenya: iShowSpeed's Crew Member Injures Spine During Nairobi Livestream
Capital FM
A member of American streaming sensation iShowSpeed's production team sustained a spinal injury during a high-energy livestream segment in Nairobi, even as the influencer's Kenya… Read more »
Nigeria: Maduro's Kidnap - Saving the World Order From Trump's Abuses [editorial]
Premium Times
The message Mr Trump has very clearly sent across the world is that powerful countries can bully their weak, hapless neighbours without scruples. Read more »
Nigeria: Did the US Military Strikes in Nigeria Hit the Right Target?
The New Humanitarian
"I swear to you, there will be uncontrolled tears among the people such that those who bomb us will be sorry for the civilians." Read more »
January 10
Nigeria: Nigeria Vows to Strengthen Fight Against Insecurity As Trump Threatens More U.S. Strikes
This Day
Nigeria has vowed to intensify its fight against rising insecurity, signaling a renewed commitment to protecting citizens amid escalating threats. Read more »
South Africa: Why the New U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Could Strain Relations Even Further
RFI
Leo Brent Bozell III, the conservative activist picked by President Donald Trump to represent the United States in South Africa, is preparing to begin his new role as ambassador… Read more »
Nigeria: New U.S. Visa Bond Will Hurt Tourists, Legitimate Business Trips - Nigerians
Vanguard
Some Nigerians have condemned the new US visa Bond policy, requiring them to pay $15,000 when applying for a US visa saying it would hurt Nigerian tourists or those who are going… Read more »
Nigeria: Trump Warns of More U.S. Strikes in Nigeria
Premium Times
Mr Trump had disclosed to the world through a post on Truth Social that the attack was part of the US effort to stop the operations of radical Islamic groups in the country. Read more »
January 09
Africa: South Africa's Naval Exercises With China, Russia, Iran Show Its Indian Ocean Influence
RFI
Launching on Friday, South Africa's joint naval exercise with China, Russia and Iran goes beyond manoeuvres at sea. The drills signal determination to project influence in southern… Read more »
Nigeria: Trump Warns of Further U.S. Strikes in Nigeria
This Day
United States President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could carry out additional military strikes in Nigeria if Christians continue to be killed there, comments… Read more »
Africa: Over Half of African States Subjected to Travel Bans or Visa Bonds By U.S.
RFI
Of Africa's 54 countries, 36 are now subject to either travel bans or visa bonds by the United States. African states are the prime target of President Donald Trump's latest round… Read more »
Somalia: Somali, U.S.-Backed Forces Destroy Al-Shabaab Bomb Factory, Kill 18 in Middle Juba
Shabelle
Somali government forces, backed by international partners including the US military, carried out a planned operation late on Thursday night targeting Al-Shabaab in the town of… Read more »
Africa: China Says US Exit From UN Agencies Undermines Global Multilateral System
Leadership
China has said the United States' decision to withdraw from United Nations bodies and other entities was a proof that the international landscape was witnessing an effective… Read more »
Liberia: U.S.-Based Liberian Philanthropist Urges Free Medical Checkups to Curb Rising Deaths
Liberian Investigator
A U.S.-based Liberian philanthropist, Dennis Garsinii, is calling on the Liberian government to introduce free nationwide medical checkups, arguing that high screening costs are… Read more »
Nigeria: Nigeria in Trump World - the Dangers Ahead, By Jibrin Ibrahim [opinion]
Premium Times
It is the ancient Chinese curse that says, "may you live in interesting times" - meaning a conjuncture of danger, chaos and upheavals. This is where the world and indeed Nigeria,… Read more »
January 08
Ghana: U.S. Detains Ghana's Corruption-Accused Ex-Finance Minister
Leadership
Ghana's former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who is wanted at home on suspicion of corruption, has been detained by United States immigration authorities, according to his… Read more »
Africa: Aid With Strings Attached: How New Health Pact with U.S. Challenges Ethiopia's Autonomy [opinion]
Addis Standard
The adage that "there are no free lunches in geopolitics—only postponed bills" captures a core reality of international relations: engagements that appear cost-free in the… Read more »
Rwanda: Trump Pulls Us Out of UN Court That Tried Genocide Perpetrators
New Times
The United States has withdrawn from the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), the successor of a United Nations court that played a role in prosecuting… Read more »
Africa: AU Calls On All Parties to Respect Int'l Law in Venezuelan Crisis
Liberian Observer
The African Union (AU) has expressed grave concern over rapidly unfolding political and military developments in Venezuela, citing reports of the abduction of President… Read more »
East Africa: Somalia Says WFP Aid Remains Under UN Control Amid US Concerns
Shabelle
Somalia's federal government on Wednesday said food aid stored at a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse remains under the custody of the UN agency, responding to concerns raised… Read more »
