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Two Nigerian nationals have been killed in separate incidents in South Africa amid renewed anti-migrant tensions and growing concerns over xenophobic violence targeting foreigners. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the victims as James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle. Nwankwo reportedly died in Cape Town on September 5 following what the Nigerian government described as alleged “gruesome interrogation techniques” by South African police officers. Fakunle was killed at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4. Authorities have not identified a suspect or established a motive in Fakunle’s death. The latest killings come amid months of anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, where some protesters blame migrants for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. The violence has increased diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigeria’s National Assembly has responded by indefinitely suspending official visits and legislative engagements with South Africa, highlighting the seriousness of the diplomatic fallout. Nigeria says at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022 in mob attacks, hate-related violence and alleged extrajudicial killings, according to figures cited by Nigerian officials. Source: https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-south-africa-killings-immigration-e6c0b25aa9ac584970cf7a1ef7cb80c0

At least 26 children have died, and another 25 were injured after a fire triggered a stampede at a school in Bukavu, South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to UNICEF. citeturn0search10 The fire broke out on Thursday morning while students were in class. As the blaze spread, pupils reportedly rushed to escape, with some jumping from upper floors. Congolese education inspectors said some children were trampled during the stampede, while others trapped inside died from asphyxiation. The disaster occurred in Kadutu, a densely populated area of Bukavu, where fires are relatively common because of tightly packed buildings and limited firefighting infrastructure. Authorities have called for an investigation into the cause of the blaze. The M23 administration in Bukavu declared three days of mourning, while funerals for the victims were expected to take place on Saturday. The tragedy has generated widespread grief across the country. SOURCE:https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/09/dr-congo-school-fire-stampede-death-toll-rises-to-26-unicef

Kenya is intensifying its response to a worsening mpox outbreak, with health authorities reporting 1,298 confirmed cases and 19 deaths as of September 6, 2026. The infections have now been recorded in 40 of Kenya’s 47 counties. Mombasa has the highest number of cases Mombasa is the hardest-hit county, with 452 confirmed cases, followed by: Nairobi — 320 cases Busia — 115 Makueni — 85 Kiambu — 44 Kilifi — 38 Nakuru — 31 Kenyan health authorities have identified seven counties as particularly high-risk, largely because they sit along major transport corridors or near international border crossings. Why authorities are concerned The outbreak is no longer confined to a small number of locations. Its spread across 40 counties has raised concerns about continued community transmission and the possibility of further infections through travel and contact networks. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has urged Kenyans to strengthen hygiene practices, remain vigilant, support vaccination efforts and cooperate with disease-surveillance measures. Authorities are also increasing screening at border points. Regional concern The development comes as Kenya manages several other public-health threats, including measles, polio and a regional Ebola-related emergency, placing additional pressure on the country's disease-surveillance and healthcare systems. Bottom line: Kenya's 1,298 confirmed cases and 19 deaths make the current mpox outbreak a significant national public-health concern. Officials are particularly focused on the seven high-risk counties and on preventing further transmission through transport corridors and border crossings. Sources: Kenya News Agency, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Kenya Ministry of Health reporting and Daily Nation.

A new investigation by former senior Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons officials has raised fresh alarm over allegations that chemical weapons may have been used during Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The 32-page investigation cites testimony from eight Sudanese witnesses, supported by photographs, videos and other digital evidence. Investigators identified several incidents involving unusual odours, coloured emissions and sudden respiratory and eye problems following military attacks. However, they said they could not conclusively identify the chemical substance involved and called for a formal investigation by the OPCW. The allegations come amid separate investigations reporting evidence of a suspected chlorine-based chemical weapons programme linked to Sudanese military forces. Sudan’s government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons. The latest findings are likely to intensify international calls for accountability and an independent investigation into the alleged use of prohibited weapons in the conflict. Copied from Euronews.com #Sudan #SudanWar #ChemicalWeapons #UN #OPCW #Africa #HumanRights #BreakingNews

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar. Hafidh Ameir died on Monday, September 7, at about 8:00 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, according to Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi, who announced his death and conveyed condolences to the President and her family. Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021 after his wife assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli. He largely maintained a low public profile despite his historic position alongside Tanzania’s first female president. Agricultural Academic and Public Servant Before becoming First Gentleman, Ameir worked primarily in agriculture and academia. He served with Zanzibar’s Ministry of Agriculture and later taught at Kizimbani Agricultural College after retiring from government service. He married Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978, and the couple had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is involved in politics and serves as a lawmaker in Zanzibar. Regional Leaders Pay Tribute News of Ameir’s death prompted condolences from leaders across East Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto described him as President Samia’s lifelong companion, a beloved father and a distinguished Tanzanian. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye also expressed condolences to President Samia and the Tanzanian people. Zanzibar’s President, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, also joined the mourning, while Ndayishimiye travelled to Zanzibar to convey his condolences. Ameir was buried in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar, on September 7, with government, religious and political leaders attending the funeral. His death marks the loss of a figure who, despite remaining largely outside the political spotlight, occupied a unique place in Tanzania’s recent history as the country's first First Gentleman. Source: The Citizen Tanzania / Associated Press — September 7–8, 2026. Editorial note: The cause of death has been reported as complications related to a heart condition, based on the official announcement by Tanzania’s Vice President.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Sixty-six years after apartheid-era police opened fire on an unarmed crowd in Sharpeville, survivors and families of those killed are renewing their demand for justice and reparations. The Sharpeville Massacre took place on March 21, 1960, when police fired on protesters demonstrating against apartheid-era pass laws. Official records put the death toll at 69, with more than 180 people injured, although research cited by the current claimants indicates that the number killed and wounded may have been higher. The massacre became one of the defining moments in South Africa's struggle against apartheid and contributed to international condemnation of the country's racial segregation system. March 21 is now observed annually in South Africa as Human Rights Day. Families Renew Legal Fight The decades-old grievances have recently returned to the courts. Survivors and relatives of victims announced in September 2026 that they had launched legal proceedings against the South African government seeking compensation and reparations. The legal action, supported by Lawyers for Human Rights and other legal representatives, also challenges the apartheid-era Indemnity Act of 1961, which has been cited as a barrier preventing victims from pursuing compensation claims linked to the massacre. More than 70 survivors and relatives have reportedly expressed support for or interest in joining the legal action. Lawyers argue that the case could provide an opportunity for victims who were left without adequate redress after the post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission process. A Pain That Has Endured For many families, the issue extends beyond financial compensation. Survivors say the consequences of the 1960 shootings have continued to affect their families and communities, with some carrying physical and psychological scars more than six decades later. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission process resulted in reparations for only a limited number of Sharpeville survivors. The new legal action seeks to reopen the question of accountability and compensation for those who say they were left without meaningful redress. The case forms part of a broader effort in South Africa to revisit unresolved apartheid-era human rights abuses and address what campaigners describe as unfinished business from the country's transition to democracy. Remembering Sharpeville The Sharpeville Massacre remains a powerful symbol of the dangers of state violence, racial discrimination and the struggle for human rights. As South Africa remembers the victims 66 years after the killings, their families continue to seek recognition, accountability and justice for one of the darkest episodes of the apartheid era. Source: Associated Press (AP), The Guardian, Lawyers for Human Rights and Leigh Day — September 2026. Editorial Note: Historical casualty figures vary between official apartheid-era records and later research. The legal claims and allegations contained in this report remain subject to judicial determination.