Heavy gunfire and multiple explosions have been reported across Mali, including in the capital Bamako and key cities such as Sevare, Gao, and Kidal, as coordinated attacks target military and strategic locations.

Witnesses describe scenes of chaos as armed groups launched simultaneous strikes across the country, forcing security forces into widespread defensive operations.

The attacks mark a major escalation in Mali’s long-running conflict involving militant groups and separatist forces, with reports suggesting multiple regions are actively affected.

Gunfire Reported In Bamako: Explosions Heard In Sevare, Kidal & Gao

Pope Leo concluded his Africa tour with a massive public gathering that drew thousands of faithful on the final day of his visit. The Pope’s trip focused on messages of peace, unity, and social justice, while also strengthening ties with local church communities across the continent.

Pope Leo Draws Thousands on Last Day of Africa Tour 

In Kenya, some families are hiring professional mourners to give their loved ones the ultimate send-off.


Western Kenya: Making a Living Out of Being a Professional Mourner

Togo will ask United Nations member states to adopt ‌a world map that more accurately reflects the true size of Africa and ditch the 16th-century Mercator projection


Togo To Push The United Nations To Drop Inaccurate Mercator Map Of Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 with its strongest economic momentum in over a decade... before a new global shock abruptly altered the outlook.


Hormuz Blockade: IMF Says Africa Has Shown Some Resilience 

Taiwan said on Tuesday it had cancelled President Lai Ching-Te's trip to Eswatini this week, accusing ​China of pressing three other African countries to revoke permission ‌for his aircraft to overfly their territories.
The small southern African nation of Eswatini is one of only 12 countries to retain formal ties with Chinese-claimed ​Taiwan. Lai was due to leave on Wednesday for the ​40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession.

Taiwan Blames Chinese Pressure on African Nations, Taiwan President Cancels Estawini Visit

Governments and organizations around the world are increasingly adopting Chinese-made AI surveillance tools, raising alarms over privacy, data security, and personal freedoms. These AI systems, often used for facial recognition, behavioral monitoring, and predictive policing, have sparked intense debates about ethical boundaries and citizen rights.

Africa: Use of Chinese Surveillance AI Tools Spark Privacy and Freedom Concerns

Somalia is moving toward a historic shift — transitioning from an indirect electoral system to direct elections.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has framed the move as a step toward democracy and transparency. But the plan is facing strong resistance from regional states, raising fears of political instability.

For decades, Somalia’s political system has relied on clan-based indirect voting. Now, this ambitious reform could redefine governance — or deepen divisions within the country.

Somalia Pushes Direct Elections: Government Faces Regional Revolts Over 2026 Vote

Airlines across Africa are adding surcharges to tickets following fuel price spikes caused by disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. The region’s aviation sector faces higher operating costs as global energy supplies tighten, impacting flights and passenger fares. 

Hormuz Disruption Hits African Airlines, Fuel Price Spike Forces Surcharges | WION

The US-Iran war is sending shockwaves far beyond the Middle East, as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz triggers a severe fuel crisis across Africa. With oil shipments halted and tanker traffic collapsing, several African nations are facing shortages, rising prices, and panic buying. As global energy markets tighten and crude prices surge, the crisis highlights Africa’s heavy dependence on imported fuel and the far-reaching impact of the escalating conflict.


US-Iran War: Africa Hit by Fuel Panic as Strait of Hormuz Disruption Chokes Oil Supply

Africa is facing a growing fuel crisis as the ongoing West Asia conflict disrupts key energy supply routes.

Around 600,000 barrels of daily fuel supply to the continent are now at risk, with tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raising fears of further disruptions.

The chokepoint, crucial for global oil transit, has become a flashpoint amid the Iran war, leaving several African economies vulnerable to supply shocks and rising fuel costs.


US-Iran War: Africa Fuel Crisis Deepens as Iran War Threatens 600,000 Barrels Supply | WION

An African king long thought to be a mythical figure has been proven to have existed. Archaeologists have found proof that Nubian King Qashqash lived hundreds of years ago in the Christian kingdom of Makuria. Digging through the ruins of the ancient city of Old Dongola in northern Sudan revealed a scrap of paper carrying an administrative order issued in the name of King Qashqash. It was part of the nearly two dozen pieces of the 500-year-old paper that were found in the ruins. The study published in Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa states that excavation was carried out at a structure that was once the residence of a high-status leader. It is located near the eastern bank of the Nile, and is known as building A.1, or the House of the Mekk. The edict is in Arabic and simply carries an order on textiles and livestock for the subordinate. It bears the name of King Qashqash, who has remained a fictional person till now.<h2>Makurian history was slowly erased&nbsp;</h2>Study authors wrote that "numismatic evidence, radiocarbon dating, and written sources" were used to investigate "rulership, social interactions, and Arabization in Dongola during the Funj period." The researchers added that the discovery of a paper with the king's order, among other findings at Old Dongola, offers an insight into the network of connections before the colonial era started. The Kingdom of Makuria flourished in the medieval era. However, it started declining after the 14th century, which also caused its history to be slowly deleted. Historians did not have much to study after one point, especially empirical evidence from the 16th and 17th centuries. There was nothing to prove the existence of King Qashqash, leading to him becoming a fictional king in the absence of proof.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-cikai-korran-came-here-2-000-years-ago-indian-man-scribbled-his-name-in-tamil-on-8-egyptian-tombs-1773298022463">'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-find-unexpected-structure-hiding-for-2-000-years-7-000-feet-high-in-swiss-alps-1773647281416">Archaeologists find unexpected structure hiding for 2,000 years 7,000 feet high in Swiss Alps</a><h2>Dating the paper and other material discovered</h2>Determining the age of the paper depended on nearby organic material and the coins, since the order did not have a date. "Although the archaeological context suggests a later date, internal analysis and comparisons with other sources indicate that it most likely dates to the late 16th or early 17th century," the authors wrote. The researchers stated that the size of the building was a clue that a powerful figure higher up in the social order owned it. They came across more than 20 letters, notes, and legal records, along with textiles, jewellery, leather shoes and a dagger handle crafted from ivory or rhino horn.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/greek-oracle-entered-a-trance-and-told-people-their-future-turns-out-she-was-just-high-1772705915815">Oracle of Delphi told Alexander the Great his future. Turns out, the 'spaced-out' woman was lying to him</a> &nbsp;The 4 by 3.5-inch scrap was written by Hamad, the court scribe, and was addressed to a person named Khidr. King Qashqash ordered him to get an ewe from someone named Abd al-Jabir, give it to Muhammad al-Arab and take three textile units in exchange. The study authors wrote that it represents "a rare instance in which a figure previously confined to the domain of hagiographic literature and oral traditions can be situated within a verifiable historical framework" with archaeological evidence backing it.

Nubian King Qashqash was considered a fictional ruler from Africa since there were barely any records to show that he was a real person. But archaeologists have now come across written proof that shows he was not a mythical figure. 

An African king long thought to be a mythical figure has been proven to have existed. Archaeologists have found proof that Nubian King Qashqash lived hundreds of years ago in the Christian kingdom of Makuria. Digging through the ruins of the ancient city of Old Dongola in northern Sudan revealed a scrap of paper carrying an administrative order issued in the name of King Qashqash. It was part of the nearly two dozen pieces of the 500-year-old paper that were found in the ruins. The study published in Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa states that excavation was carried out at a structure that was once the residence of a high-status leader. It is located near the eastern bank of the Nile, and is known as building A.1, or the House of the Mekk. The edict is in Arabic and simply carries an order on textiles and livestock for the subordinate. It bears the name of King Qashqash, who has remained a fictional person till now. Makurian history was slowly erased Study authors wrote that "numismatic evidence, radiocarbon dating, and written sources" were used to investigate "rulership, social interactions, and Arabization in Dongola during the Funj period." The researchers added that the discovery of a paper with the king's order, among other findings at Old Dongola, offers an insight into the network of connections before the colonial era started. The Kingdom of Makuria flourished in the medieval era. However, it started declining after the 14th century, which also caused its history to be slowly deleted. Historians did not have much to study after one point, especially empirical evidence from the 16th and 17th centuries. There was nothing to prove the existence of King Qashqash, leading to him becoming a fictional king in the absence of proof. Also Read: 'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs Also Read: Archaeologists find unexpected structure hiding for 2,000 years 7,000 feet high in Swiss Alps Dating the paper and other material discovered Determining the age of the paper depended on nearby organic material and the coins, since the order did not have a date. "Although the archaeological context suggests a later date, internal analysis and comparisons with other sources indicate that it most likely dates to the late 16th or early 17th century," the authors wrote. The researchers stated that the size of the building was a clue that a powerful figure higher up in the social order owned it. They came across more than 20 letters, notes, and legal records, along with textiles, jewellery, leather shoes and a dagger handle crafted from ivory or rhino horn. Also Read: Oracle of Delphi told Alexander the Great his future. Turns out, the 'spaced-out' woman was lying to him The 4 by 3.5-inch scrap was written by Hamad, the court scribe, and was addressed to a person named Khidr. King Qashqash ordered him to get an ewe from someone named Abd al-Jabir, give it to Muhammad al-Arab and take three textile units in exchange. The study authors wrote that it represents "a rare instance in which a figure previously confined to the domain of hagiographic literature and oral traditions can be situated within a verifiable historical framework" with archaeological evidence backing it.

Nubian King Qashqash was considered a fictional ruler from Africa since there were barely any records to show that he was a real person. But archaeologists have now come across written proof that shows he was not a mythical figure.&nbsp;

Mythical African king is proved real as archaeologists dig up an order he wrote 500 years ago

A remarkable dinosaur skull unearthed in Africa's Sahara Desert has ignited widespread speculation online that scientists may have finally found evidence of a real dragon. Palaeontologists at the University of Chicago have uncovered a new fossil that has led people to believe that dragons might be real.


Sahara Sands Reveal Dragon Like Terror | New Species of Apex Predator Stuns Researchers

The youngest son of former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe has reportedly been taken into custody, according to local reports. Details surrounding the circumstances and official charges remain limited. The development has drawn attention given Mugabe’s lasting political legacy and influence in Zimbabwe’s history.


Africa: Youngest Son of Former Zimbabwean Ruler Robert Mugabe in Custody 

Fresh concerns are emerging over a possible return to conflict in Ethiopia, following reports of large-scale mobilisation by Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan troops.

The developments raise fears that tensions between Addis Ababa and the Tigray region could spiral into renewed civil war. Observers warn that another outbreak of violence would have devastating humanitarian and regional consequences across the Horn of Africa.

What is driving the latest mobilisation? And how fragile is the current peace arrangement? We analyse the situation and its broader implications.

Fears Of Renewed Civil War In Ethiopia | Massive Troop Mobilisation Reported

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s address at the Munich Security Conference has ignited a sharp debate across Europe and beyond. Speaking to key European allies, Rubio reflected on Western power, global leadership, and historical influence, remarks that critics say appeared to laud elements of old Western imperialism.


US Romanticising Coloniser Past? Rubio Lauds Old Western Imperialism |

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that Africa should unite and stand its ground to prevent being exploited for its ‘rock, soil and dust’ after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised imperialism.


South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Reacts on Rubio's Imperialism Praise

The United States is planning to send about 200 troops to Nigeria to train the African nation's military to fight Islamist militants, a U.S. official said on Tuesday, weeks after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against what he called Islamic State targets.


US to Send 200 Troops to Nigeria to Train African Nation's Military 

At a France-backed workshop in the DR Congo capital Kinshasa, a dozen designers from five central African countries showcase their vision after six months of free training in developing their own style and the skills needed to sell their collections. 


New Generation of Designers Learn the Art of Style at Kinshasa 'Fashion Lab'

Although their forefathers were seized from West and Central Africa centuries ago, the bond between African-Americans and their ancestral home has been a lasting one.


Why African Countries Are Courting Black American Stars

South Africa has announced plans to withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the end of a 27-year-long United Nations peacekeeping mission. The decision reflects a strategic shift in South Africa’s military commitments and has implications for regional security and UN operations in the DRC. In this video, we cover the timeline of South Africa’s deployment, the role of troops in peacekeeping, and reactions from local and international authorities.

DRC Troop Withdrawal: South Africa Ends 27-Year Peacekeeping Mission in DRC

The United States has extended its trade pact with Africa, allowing over 18,000 products from African countries to continue enjoying duty-free access to the US market. This move aims to strengthen economic ties, boost African exports, and create opportunities for African businesses.

US Extends Africa Trade Pact: 18,000+ Products Gain Duty-Free Access

The United States, China and Russia are competing for control and influence in the Sahel region, as geopolitical rivalry intensifies. Washington is seeking to edge out both Russia and China in the strategic belt, where security cooperation, resources and political alignment have become key battlegrounds.


Africa: America and Russia Jostle for Influence in the Sahel | WION

Ethiopia continues to face relentless violence as government forces battle multiple rebel groups across the country. Meanwhile, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has been accused of carrying out massacres of civilians, deepening the humanitarian crisis and raising fresh concerns over security and stability in the Horn of Africa.


Ethiopia's Unending Battles with Rebels | Ola Accused of Civilians Massacres

Ghana has paused its citizenship process for Africans, a move described as a setback for people of African descent. Authorities say the decision aims to make the process more accessible, even as the pause raises concerns among applicants and diaspora communities.


Ghana: Ghana Pauses Citizenship Process for Africa, Setback for People of African Descent

A statue of boxing icon Teddy Baldock has been stolen in Poplar after being cut from its base. The incident has sparked concern over the targeting of public memorials, with the removal suggesting deliberate damage rather than vandalism.


Boxing: Statue of Boxing Icon Teddy Baldock Stolen After Being Cut From Base in Poplar

In South Africa, soaring gold prices have helped revive abandoned tunnels and launch the country’s first new underground gold mine in more than 15 years. From illegal mining sites to billion-dollar projects, gold boom is reshaping the industry.


The New Global Gold Rush | South Africa’s Old Gold Mines Find New Life

US President Donald Trump has offered to revive American mediation in the long-running dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the waters of the Nile River, raising hopes — and questions — about a breakthrough in one of Africa’s most intractable conflicts.

US Rejects Unilateral Control of Nile River, Aims for Lasting Water Sharing Deal

Lyle Foster scored a superb winner from outside the box as South Africa defeated Angola 2-1 in Africa Cup of Nations Group B in Marrakesh on Monday, the first time they have won their opening match ⁠at the continental finals in 21 years.


Africa Cup of Nations: South Africa beat Angola 2-1 in the Africa Cup of nations 

Models, designers, and fashion lovers gathered at Goma’s Serena Hotel for the fourth edition of Kivu Fashion Week, founded in 2022 by Voyance Batinda. The runway showcased evening gowns and modern interpretations of traditional clothing while promoting solidarity, hope, and resilience in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region affected by long-running conflict. Despite ongoing violence and recent clashes involving M23 rebels, the organisers and participants say continuing the fashion show is a way to unite communities and highlight creativity, culture, and peace beyond the war.

Africa: Fourth Edition of Kivu Fashion Week Celebrates Solidarity and Resilience in Goma, DRC

Lagos’ bustling streets have transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery as the city hosts its first-ever Street Art Festival. Bold murals and striking graffiti by Nigerian artists now cover walls across the city, celebrating urban culture, identity, and creative expression.

The festival highlights Lagos’ growing reputation as a cultural and arts hub, bringing street art into the mainstream and giving local artists a global platform.

Arts Hub Lagos Elevates Nigerian Graffiti at Street Mural Festival

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