Nigeria to evacuate 130 citizens from South Africa amid anti-migrant violence

Key facts

• Nigeria plans to evacuate 130 citizens from South Africa.
• Anti-migrant protests in South Africa have turned violent.
• Two US service members are missing after military exercises in Morocco.
• Three people died in a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship off Cape Verde.
• Mali's junta leader took over the defense ministry after the minister was killed in militant attacks.
• At least 18 people were killed in Kenya by floods and landslides over a week.
• A drone strike killed five near Sudan's capital Khartoum.

Repatriation amid rising xenophobia

Nigeria has announced plans to evacuate 130 of its citizens from South Africa, responding to a wave of anti-immigrant protests that have turned violent in several cities. The decision, confirmed by Nigerian authorities, comes as foreign nationals report increasing hostility and attacks. The repatriation is voluntary, targeting those who wish to leave. The protests, fueled by economic grievances and anti-foreigner sentiment, have led to looting, property damage, and clashes with police. South African officials have condemned the violence but struggle to contain it. The Nigerian government urged its citizens to remain calm while arranging their safe return.

Political realignment in Nigeria

In a separate development, Nigeria's political landscape is shifting as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who finished third and fourth in the last presidential election, have switched parties. The move signals the formation of new alliances ahead of future polls. Obi and Kwankwaso are expected to challenge the ruling party's dominance, though their exact strategies remain unclear. Political analysts say the defections could reshape the electoral map, particularly in the north and south where the two politicians have strong support. The changes come amid growing public frustration with economic stagnation and insecurity.

Kenya battles political thugs and floods

Kenya is confronting a surge in political violence as more than 100 gangs operate nationwide, raising fears of election-related bloodshed. The government has vowed to crack down on 'goons and guns' used by politicians to intimidate rivals. The violence has already claimed lives and displaced communities. Simultaneously, Kenya's rainy season has turned deadly, with at least 18 people killed and 54,000 households affected by floods and landslides over the past week. The disasters have compounded the country's challenges, stretching emergency services and humanitarian resources.

Mali's junta consolidates power after minister's death

Mali's junta leader has taken over the defense ministry portfolio following the killing of the previous minister in a militant attack. The move consolidates military control over security policy as the country battles a persistent insurgency. The junta is also investigating soldiers suspected of involvement in attacks on military bases, indicating internal fractures. Analysts question whether the junta can stabilize the country, as militant groups continue to expand their reach. The takeover of the defense ministry signals a hardening of the regime's stance, but critics warn it may deepen the crisis.

Suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship

Three people have died and three others are ill in a suspected outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship off Cape Verde. The World Health Organization confirmed that three of six passengers who fell ill have died, and one is in intensive care. The virus, transmitted by rodents, causes severe respiratory illness. The ship's operator said the deceased include a Dutch couple and a German national. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but authorities are treating it as a hantavirus outbreak. The vessel is awaiting assistance and has been quarantined.

Sudan: drone strike and unexploded ordnance

A paramilitary drone strike killed five people near Sudan's capital Khartoum, a rights group reported. The attack is part of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. The war has left Khartoum littered with unexploded mines and weapons, endangering civilians. Residents in rural Sudan say the war has made it harder to obtain medicines, as supply chains collapse. A surgeon described keeping a hospital functioning on the front line under constant threat. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides blamed for atrocities.

Outlook: a continent in flux

Across Africa, multiple crises are unfolding simultaneously, from political violence and natural disasters to disease outbreaks and military coups. The repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa highlights the continent's persistent xenophobia, while Kenya's gang violence and Mali's junta rule underscore democratic backsliding. The hantavirus outbreak and Sudan's war add to the humanitarian toll. International attention remains focused on the search for two missing US service members in Morocco, where a search and rescue operation is underway. Meanwhile, Taiwan's leader visited Eswatini despite Chinese pressure, signaling ongoing geopolitical rivalries. Africa's challenges demand coordinated responses, but regional institutions remain weak.

The bottom line

• Nigeria is evacuating 130 citizens from South Africa due to anti-immigrant violence.
• Kenya faces over 100 political gangs and deadly floods, with 18 killed in a week.
• Mali's junta leader assumed the defense ministry after the minister was killed by militants.
• Three died in a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship off Cape Verde.
• A drone strike killed five near Khartoum, and Sudan's war leaves unexploded ordnance.
• Two US service members are missing in Morocco after military exercises.