Africa·7 May 2026
Somalia faces a multi-faceted crisis with violent clashes in Mogadishu over unpaid salaries and forced evictions, a US-Somali airstrike against ISIS, a pirate kidnapping off the coast, and a worsening hunger crisis. Sudan experienced its first drone strike on Khartoum Airport in seven months, while the SAF accused the UAE of conducting UAV strikes from Ethiopia. The SPLA escalated the Western Sahara conflict with Grad rocket attacks on Smara, and DR Congo's president opened the door to a third term amid a deadly health misinformation crisis.
Somalia: Mogadishu Unrest, Counterterrorism Strikes, and Piracy Resurgence
Mogadishu remains in a state of volatility as violent clashes between military units and authorities escalate over unpaid salaries and a government-backed eviction campaign. Two Somali government military vehicles were struck by RPGs in the capital, with video footage of the aftermath circulating online. The attacks are part of broader unrest involving disgruntled soldiers protesting missed payments. Simultaneously, the Mogadishu council, supported by the Somali government, is attempting to evict residents from the Deynile district, leading to clashes in which soldiers have been aiding residents in resisting evictions. Four prominent Somali journalists covering the evictions have been arrested, adding to concerns over press freedom in the country.
In a separate counterterrorism operation, US Africa Command, in coordination with Somali forces, conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia near the Golis Mountains, approximately 75 kilometers southeast of Bossaso. The strike targeted a long-time sanctuary for ISIS cells, aiming to degrade the group's capabilities in the region. No details on casualties or damage have been released.
Off the coast, Somali pirates attacked the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25, kidnapping Indonesian captain Ashari Samadikun. The tanker was carrying fuel from Oman to Somalia, a route once notorious for piracy, highlighting a resurgence of piracy in the Horn of Africa. The captain's wife received a chilling voice note from him warning of the attack as pirates approached.
The humanitarian situation in Somalia continues to deteriorate. Aid cuts, drought, and ongoing conflict are driving Somalis into severe hunger, with internally displaced persons camps in Kismayo struggling to cope. International aid reductions have compounded the effects of prolonged drought and local violence, leaving vulnerable populations with little support.
Sudan: Drone Strike on Khartoum and Accusations of Foreign Interference
A drone attack, presumably launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeted Khartoum Airport and surrounding areas for the first time since last October. Initial reports suggest the main terminal was not hit, but witnesses reported plumes of smoke after the strikes. Additional attacks hit Obeid Khatim Street, areas south of Khartoum, and El Murkhiyat military base in Omdurman. The United Nations World Food Programme stated that its aid operations were not affected by the attack.
Separately, the Sudanese Armed Forces has accused the United Arab Emirates of conducting drone strikes from an Ethiopian airbase, claiming it shot down a UAV exported to the UAE. The accusation escalates tensions in the region, with Khartoum alleging foreign interference in its ongoing civil conflict. The UAE has not yet responded to the accusations.
Western Sahara: SPLA Strikes Smara with Grad Rockets
The Sahrawi People's Liberation Army struck the city of Smara in Western Sahara using 122mm 9M22U/9M22M Grad pattern HE-Frag artillery rockets. The attack marks an escalation in the long-running conflict between the Sahrawi Republic and Morocco over the disputed territory. Smara is a key city in the Moroccan-controlled portion of Western Sahara, and the use of Grad rockets suggests a significant military operation by SPLA forces.
DR Congo: Tshisekedi Opens Door to Third Term and Health Misinformation Crisis
DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has hinted at seeking a third term during a press conference, sparking constitutional debate. He stated he is willing to run for a third term, currently unconstitutional, if Congolese voters request it through a referendum.
In northeastern Congo, a Reuters investigation has revealed that fake rumors about health issues have led to real killings, highlighting the deadly impact of health misinformation in the region.
North Africa: Tunisia Sentences Former Minister, Egypt Rehabilitates Lebanese Gas Infrastructure
A Tunisian court sentenced former Justice Minister Noureddine Bhiri to 20 years in prison for issuing fraudulent documents in 2012. Bhiri denies the charges, calling the case politically motivated.
Egypt has agreed to rehabilitate Lebanon's gas infrastructure as part of renewed regional efforts to revive the Arab Gas Pipeline cooperation. Separately, an Egyptian court ruled that the murderer of a Russian woman in Hurghada could face the death penalty.
South Africa: Legal Challenge to Employment Targets and Hantavirus Case
Four top South African law firms are suing the government over new Black employment and ownership targets, calling them irrational and the timeline unrealistic. The Black Business Council has accused the firms of resisting transformation through their legal challenge to the Legal Sector Code's ownership targets and procurement rules.
Building on reports from recent days, South Africa's health minister announced that a cruise ship passenger is infected with the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is transmissible between humans.