Zimbabweans Recruited Into Russia’s War as Families Plead for Help
Families in Zimbabwe are calling on authorities in Harare and Moscow to help bring home citizens allegedly trafficked into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Zimbabwean officials say at least 18 citizens have died after being recruited through networks promising high-paying jobs, while four suspects recently appeared in court on human trafficking charges linked to sending Zimbabweans to Russia.
UN Urges Equatorial Guinea Not to Deport U.S. Migrants to Dangerous Home Countries
United Nations human rights experts are urging Equatorial Guinea to halt plans to deport migrants sent there by the United States, through its third-country deportation deal, back to countries where they could face torture, violence, or death. Deportees described being held in “prison-like” conditions in a guarded hotel in Malabo, while lawyers say several had already received U.S. legal protections against being returned to their home countries.
Human Rights Watch Accuses M23 Rebels and Rwandan Army of Abuses in Eastern Congo
Human Rights Watch says M23 rebels and the Rwandan army carried out killings, rapes, and enforced disappearances during their occupation of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between late 2025 and early 2026. The group documented at least 53 summary executions and said fighters targeted civilians accused of links to pro-government militias before withdrawing from the city under U.S. pressure.
China Tightens Grip on Africa’s Critical Minerals Sector
China is deepening its control over Africa’s lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth industries through early investments, financing, infrastructure projects, and dominance in processing, according to a new industry analysis. Analysts say the U.S. and Europe are struggling to compete because Chinese firms often secure long-term supply deals years before Western companies enter projects.
Former Nigerian Power Minister Sentenced to 75 Years for Corruption
A Nigerian court sentenced former power minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison after convicting him of laundering 33.8 billion naira (about $24.7 million), tied to major hydroelectric power projects. The court ordered security agencies to arrest Mamman, who was sentenced in absentia, in one of Nigeria’s rare high-profile corruption convictions involving a former senior official.