Sudan War Death Toll Exceeds 59,000 as Continent Faces Five-Region Crisis Wave
More than 59,000 people have been killed in Sudan’s war, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund. The UN Human Rights Council has condemned escalating RSF violence in El Obeid and ordered an urgent investigation into abuses. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said at least 45 civilians were killed in 15 drone strikes over a single month, with markets, schools, hospitals and residential areas among the targets.
“We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe of historic proportions,” Türk told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. More than 13 million people have been displaced and parts of the country are experiencing famine conditions. UNICEF reported that more than 300 children have been killed or injured in the past six months alone.
West Africa: Nigeria Hunger Crisis Deepens as 17 Million Face Severe Food Shortages
The World Food Programme has warned that 17 million people across nine conflict-affected states in northern Nigeria are facing severe hunger. The crisis is particularly acute in Borno State, where more than 750,000 people are experiencing severe food shortages.
The WFP said it urgently needs $89 million over the next six months to sustain food assistance, warning that shrinking humanitarian funding and ongoing violence are forcing families to flee and driving some young people to join armed groups in search of survival. “The window to prevent mass starvation is closing rapidly,” a WFP spokesperson said.
Sahel: Coordinated Militant Attacks Deepen Mali Security Crisis
In West Africa’s Sahel belt, militant fighters linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and Tuareg separatist allies launched coordinated attacks across northern and central Mali, striking Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok and Sevare. The assaults come just months after the same armed coalitions captured Kidal and key army bases.
Security has deteriorated sharply since Mali’s military junta staged coups in 2020 and 2021, turned away from French military support and pivoted toward Russian security partnerships. “The junta is losing control of large swaths of the country,” said one regional security analyst.
Central Africa: Ebola Kills 506 as Health Workers Strike
Health workers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are threatening to strike as the Ebola outbreak has killed at least 506 people out of 1,561 confirmed cases since the outbreak was declared on May 15. The World Health Organization said the first month of this outbreak was the worst on record for the Bundibugyo strain.
Workers in Ituri province say they have faced attacks from residents, widespread skepticism about the virus and chronic supply shortages. No approved vaccines or treatments currently exist for this strain. Cases have spread to three eastern provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
Southern Africa: Anti-Migrant Violence Claims Lives, Triggers Diplomatic Row
South Africa is facing mounting diplomatic pressure after two Nigerian citizens were killed amid escalating anti-migrant violence. Emeka Iroegbu was allegedly killed by members of the Tshwane Metro Police, while Musa Yunana Joe was fatally attacked outside his shop in eMalahleni.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry said it may pursue regional and international action if attacks continue, and condemned remarks linking Nigerians to drug crime as hate speech. Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria repatriated some citizens ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups.
East Africa: Tanzania Reimposes Ban on Political Rallies
Tanzania has reimposed a nationwide ban on public political rallies for the second time in a decade, marking a reversal of President Samia Hassan’s reform agenda that had lifted the previous prohibition in 2023. Security forces have arrested dozens of people, including opposition leader Tundu Lissu, and deployed soldiers and police across Dar es Salaam.
“This is a direct assault on the fundamental right to peaceful assembly,” said a Tanzanian human rights lawyer. Political analysts warned the ban signals a further erosion of democratic freedoms across the continent.
The African Union is under mounting pressure to convene an emergency heads-of-state summit as crises converge across all five of Africa’s regions simultaneously.
