The Republic of Mali is facing proceedings at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR) over alleged violations of citizens’ rights linked to the conduct of its armed forces and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries, civil rights groups announced Monday. Three organizations — TRIAL International, the Pan African Lawyers Union, and the International Federation for Human Rights — jointly filed the case before the AU’s human rights court in Arusha. The complaint centers on “serious human rights violations allegedly committed against civilians in Mali in 2022,” the groups said in a statement.

The applicants argue that Malian authorities bear responsibility not only for abuses allegedly carried out by state forces, but also for failing to investigate or sanction perpetrators, including foreign fighters operating alongside the military. The filing contends that this inaction constitutes a breach of Mali’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Following a deterioration of relations with France in 2021, Mali’s ruling junta enlisted Russian support to combat jihadist insurgents and Tuareg separatist groups. Wagner Group operatives deployed to the country and participated in operations that helped the army retake key northern strongholds. However, the intervention has not led to improved overall security, according to observers. Wagner forces have faced repeated accusations of abuses against civilians during joint operations.

United Nations human rights investigators have also documented incidents in which Malian troops and foreign forces — believed to be Wagner personnel — were implicated in violations against civilian populations. The case before the ACtHPR seeks accountability for the alleged 2022 violations and urges Malian authorities to comply with their duty to investigate abuses and protect civilians under international and regional human rights law. Mali’s government had not issued a public response to the filing at the time of publication.

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Spain has taken a bold stance against the US-led conflict in Iran by closing its airspace to American military aircraft involved in the war. This decision builds upon Spain’s earlier refusal to allow the US to use jointly-operated military bases, including Rota and Morón air bases in southern Spain.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced that Spain won’t authorize the use of its military bases or airspace for actions related to the Iran war, citing international law. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo emphasized that this decision aligns with Spain’s refusal to participate in a unilaterally initiated war.

The move has heightened tensions between Spain and the US, with President Donald Trump threatening trade cuts. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has vocally opposed the US-Israel war on Iran, labeling it “illegal,” reckless, and unjust.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has nullified Senegal’s win in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, stripping Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and awarding it to Morocco. This follows an appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) after Senegal’s 1-0 win over Morocco in the final was marred by controversy.

CAF’s Appeals Board ruled that Senegal’s walk-off in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco constituted a forfeiture, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations. The decision overturns Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win, with Morocco now awarded a 3-0 victory.

The issue stems from the January 18th final in Rabat, where Senegal players led by their coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch for about 15 minutes after a penalty in favor of Morocco was awarded. Morocco lost the penalty and Senegal won 1-0 in extra time through Pape Gueye’s goal. However, CAF’s Appeals Board ruled that Senegal’s actions fell under Articles 82 and 84 of tournament regulations, which stated that a team in the course of playing a match that left the field withhout any authorisation from the refereee deemed it as forfeiting the match.

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Senegal’s government has proposed a new law that would significantly increase prison terms for individuals found guilty of same-sex relations. The bill which was proposed by the country’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and has been approved by the cabinet, would double the maximum prison sentence from 5 to 10 years and impose fines of up to 10 million CFA francs ($18,000; £13,000).

The bill to double the maximum prison term for same-sex relations from 5 to 10 years has been sent to Senegal’s National Assembly where the Prime Minister’s Pastef party controls the majority, but no date has yet been set for the voting.

The proposed law is part of a broader crackdown on LGBT rights in Senegal, where same-sex relationships are already illegal.

The move is part of a regional trend, with several African countries tightening anti-LGBT laws. Uganda, for example, has some of the world’s harshest anti-homosexuality laws, including the death penalty for certain same-sex acts. Other countries, like Burkina Faso and Mali, have introduced similar sanctions against the LGBTQ community.

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Sudan’s military has made a significant breakthrough by breaking the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) siege of Dilling, a key town in South Kordofan province, after nearly two years of blockade. The Sudanese army’s forces entered Dilling on January 26, 2026, reopening vital supply lines and potentially shifting the balance in the region. According to other analysts, this move as a “very significant gain” for the army, which may lead to further advances in the province, targeting not only RSF but also its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.

The siege had severely impacted Dilling’s residents, with reports of severe hunger and limited access to medical supplies. With the army’s takeover, there’s hope for improved humanitarian conditions, as medical aid and food can now reach the area. The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has led to massive displacement, hunger, and instability, making it one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.

Sudan’s civil wars have a long and complex history, rooted in colonial legacies, ethnic diversity, and competition for resources. The First Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972) was sparked by southern regions rebelling against the central government’s marginalization. The conflict reignited in 1983 as the Second Sudanese Civil War, driven by the imposition of Sharia law and economic disparities, lasting until 2005. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011. The current war, which started in April 2023, is between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), fueled by power struggles, resource disputes, and ethnic tensions. Factors like the legacy of Omar al-Bashir’s rule, disputes over gold mines, and the role of external actors also contribute to the ongoing conflict.

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The plight of veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye has sparked concern, with his wife Winnie Byanyima alleging his life is at risk due to inadequate medical care in prison. Besigye, 69, is experiencing severe stomach pain and dehydration, rendering him extremely frail, Byanyima said in a statement.

Byanyima, a prominent human rights advocate and head of UNAids, described finding Besigye in a dire state, struggling to walk and suffering intense leg pain. He was returned to a makeshift cell after a brief medical visit, fueling fears for his well-being.

The authorities maintain Besigye’s condition is stable, attributing his hospital visit to a routine check-up. However, his party, the People’s Front for Freedom, disputes this, citing lab results showing a worsening infection.

Besigye’s detention since November 2024 has drawn international attention, with his supporters decrying the charges against him as trumped-up and politically motivated. A court recently rejected his lawyers’ plea to transfer him to a better-equipped medical facility, citing lack of evidence his condition can’t be managed in prison.

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Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has won a seventh term in office, securing 71.65% of the vote. His main rival, Bobi Wine, got 24.72% of the votes. Bobi Wine, a musician turned politician, has rejected the results, claiming widespread fraud and irregularities, including ballot stuffing and intimidation by security forces.

Bobi Wine said he won’t challenge the results in court, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary. Instead, he’s urged his supporters to peacefully protest the outcome. The African Union observers noted no evidence of ballot stuffing but criticized the internet shutdown, which hurt access to information and economic activities.

Pres. Yoweri Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986 and is expected to serve another five-year term. His son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is seen as a potential successor. Parliamentary elections are set to continue, with the National Resistance Movement likely to keep its majority.

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Benin’s President Patrice Talon has declared the country secure after a tumultuous attempted power seizure, with government forces swiftly quashing the insurrection. A faction of soldiers, styling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), had momentarily commandeered state television, proclaiming President Talon’s removal.

The coup attempt, spearheaded by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, was purportedly driven by concerns over northern Benin’s security situation and alleged neglect of military personnel. However, Talon condemned the coup as a “brazen power play” and vowed to punish those responsible.

Loyalist troops, reinforced by Nigerian military assets, rapidly reclaimed key positions, including the state television station. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union have denounced the coup attempt, with ECOWAS deploying a standby force to Benin to reinforce stability.

President Talon, who has been at Benin’s helm since 2016, is set to complete his term in April 2026. His government has been lauded for revitalizing the economy, but has faced criticism for its handling of security and governance issues.

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A prominent figure in Cameroon’s opposition, Anicet Ekane, has passed away while in custody, sparking widespread outrage and fueling concerns about human rights transgressions in the country. Ekane, 74, led the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) party and was taken into custody on October 24, 2025, following post-election unrest.

Ekane’s demise has been confirmed by his party and family, who are reeling from the loss. The Cameroonian Ministry of Defense has pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ekane’s death, stating that he received medical attention for a chronic condition while in detention. However, Ekane’s supporters and party allege that he was denied adequate medical care and vital medication, precipitating his decline. They claim that repeated pleas for his transfer to a hospital were disregarded, and his detention was unlawful.

Ekane’s passing has triggered demonstrations and calls for accountability, with many questioning the government’s treatment of dissenting voices and human rights in Cameroon. The international community is being urged to take notice and pressure the Cameroonian government to uphold human rights and ensure justice for Ekane’s family.

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Ex- Gabonese President’s wife Sylvia Bongo Ondimba is facing a corruption trial in absentia, accused of misusing Gabon’s presidential resources for personal gain. The trial, which began on Monday, involves 13 individuals charged with embezzlement, money laundering, and corruption, among other offenses.

The defendants, including Sylvia and son of Ali Bongo, Noureddin Bongo, who is also facing the corruption trial in absentia, were arrested in August 2023 following a coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, ending the Bongo family’s 55-year rule. After spending nearly 20 months in detention, they were released in May 2025 and are currently in exile in London.

Noureddin Bongo son of Ali and Sylvia Bongo has been vocal on social media, sharing hidden camera footage to highlight alleged mistreatment by the current administration.

The Bongo family denies all accusations, claiming they were subjected to torture during their imprisonment. They have expressed determination to clear their names, stating, they will fight to the end to ensure that the truth is known and justice is done.

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