As Thursday unfolds across the continent, “What’s going on in Africa? Here a News digest today” offers a concise overview of the major headlines impacting economic, political, and social changes from Dakar to Cape Town and beyond.
South Africa Faces Chaos from Tariffs from the U.S.
South African leaders are feeling the consequences from new tariffs that the U.S. plans to impose beginning in one month. The administration of President Trump is implementing a 30% tariff on South African goods, which, according to Central Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago, could lead to 100,000 job losses in South Africa’s economy and already constrained policymaking.
The African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) coalition government is facing new pressure, as both sides fight about diplomatic strategy and blame each other for the lack of a coordinated trade response. The DA’s independent envoy trip to U.S. has added fuel to the internal conflict within the coalition and disrupted the new government.
France Ends 65-Year Military Presence in Senegal
In a historic handover, France has returned its last military bases in Senegal to the West African nation, ending a presence that goes back to independence. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who ran on reducing foreign military, chaired the handover ceremony at Camp Geille and the Dakar airfield. Senegal’s government has stated it will continue cooperation with France, like many former colonies that overtly antagonistic relationships with France since it regained self-government. However, it would be on new and sovereign terms.
U.S. Deportations to Eswatini Cause Controversy
The U.S. deported five immigrants, all convicted of serious crimes to Eswatini, who could not be sent to their proper county of origin because it would not accept them back. The deportees sent to Eswatini come from a range of countries like Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen.
Eswatini said the men are sequestered and being kept in correctional facilities and pose no threat to the public, however Swazi activist groups and rights groups warn against the country from becoming a “dumping ground” for foreign criminals. The U.S. and Eswatini state for now it is a “temporary” arrangement, while they are transitioned to their proper country of origin and will work with the UN migration agency.
Political Changes and Humanitarian Emergencies
- Nigeria: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar left the opposition People’s Democratic Party for “irreconcilable differences”—an action that will undoubtedly impact the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Sudan: UNICEF condemned the recent wave of violence that killed at least 35 children and more than 400 civilians in North Kordofan, as combatants from both the government and Rapid Support Forces escalate conflict. The fighting continues to create humanitarian emergencies throughout the area.
Sustainable Energy and Economic Development
- Last week Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electric utility, put together complete plans to reduce its reliance on coal power and switch to clean energy entirely, by 2040. The transition has implications for extensive policy reform for one of the most distressed public utilities in the world.
- Mozambique also announced plans to construct one of Southern Africa’s largest refineries, making it a potentially dominant player in the regional energy space going forward.
Calls for Peace and Governance
- South Sudan: South Sudan president Salva Kiir reiterated calls for existing sanctions and arms embargos that have been in place for over ten years be lifted arguing the sanctions hamper the peace agreement which is in place as the country continues to recover from conflict.
- Kenya: Kenya’s President William Ruto called upon leaders to stop engendering violence and refocus attention on youth employment, which is a pressing priority for Kenya’s social stability and future success.
What is going on in Africa? Here a News digest of today: Africa is changing by the hour, from changing trade relations and diplomatic exits to urgent calls for peace and climate action, Africa is highly charged keeping policy-makers and citizens guessing on what might come tomorrow.
