– 5 January 2026
On Monday, 5 January 2026, demonstrators gathered outside the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) headquarters in Janzour, denouncing what they described as escalating foreign interference in Libyan affairs. Protesters called for respect for Libya’s sovereignty and urged an end to external influence that they say has deepened political instability.
Criticism was particularly directed at UNSMIL, with participants blaming the mission for prolonging political deadlock and obstructing electoral processes. They demanded a clear political roadmap towards forming a unified national government tasked with organising free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.
Concerns were also raised over the oil sector, with protesters condemning long-term smuggling and theft of crude oil as economic crimes and calling for an international investigation. The High National Elections Commission was urged to clarify reasons for electoral delays. Demonstrators warned that continued inaction could trigger open-ended popular escalation, holding the United Nations responsible for ensuing consequences.
Source :
https://libyaobserver.ly/news/protesters-blame-unsmil-libyas-political-deterioration
EGYPT
Egypt’s BRT Slashes Cairo Transit Costs, Accelerates Ring Road Connectivity
Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, said on Monday that Cairo’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has reduced projected transport investment costs to under $1 billion, compared with an estimated $6 billion for the previously planned Metro Line 5. Speaking during an inspection of Phase II works around Greater Cairo, El-Wazir explained that the BRT was adopted as a cost-effective alternative to the 24-kilometre underground metro line. The BRT network will instead span 110 kilometres along the Ring Road, delivered across three phases with 48 stations, largely at surface level.
Phase II extends 57 kilometres from El-Moshir Tantawy Station to the Fayoum Road interchange and includes 21 stations, while Phase I is already operating between the Cairo–Alexandria Agricultural Road intersection and the Police Academy station. Strong passenger demand during Phase I, he said, has prompted efforts to fast-track completion of the second phase. Trial passenger operations for Phase I began on 1 June, serving 14 stations along a 35-kilometre stretch. Fares are distance-based, starting at EGP 5 for up to four stations and capped at EGP 15 for the full route. Air-conditioned electric buses run every three minutes, with headways reduced to 1.5 minutes during peak hours.
The BRT operates on segregated lanes using locally manufactured electric buses, linking major Ring Road interchanges and integrating with Metro Lines 1 and 3 and the Light Rail Transit network. The project forms part of a broader strategy to expand mass transit, ease congestion, reduce travel times and costs, and limit environmental impact across Greater Cairo.
Source :
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1235/559912/Egypt/Urban–Transport/Egypt%E2%80%99s-BRT-cut-transport-costs-from–bln-to-under.aspx
SUDAN
Nearly 65,000 Displaced by Escalating Insecurity in Sudan’s Kordofan Region – IOM
Nearly 65,000 civilians have been displaced from Sudan’s Kordofan region over the past three months as insecurity intensifies, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday. In a statement, the UN agency reported that about 64,890 people were forced to flee their homes between October 25 and December 30, 2025, amid worsening security conditions. The IOM documented 56 displacement incidents during the period, including 17 in North Kordofan, 38 in South Kordofan, and one in West Kordofan.
According to the agency, 42,780 people fled North Kordofan, while 21,860 were displaced from South Kordofan and 250 from the Geibaish area in West Kordofan. The figures, the IOM noted, remain preliminary due to ongoing insecurity. The displacement follows weeks of fierce fighting across the three Kordofan states—North, South and West—between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), driving tens of thousands from their communities.
The wider conflict, which began in April 2023, has killed thousands and displaced millions nationwide. The RSF now controls most of the Darfur region, while the army maintains dominance across much of the south, north, east and central parts of the country, including the capital, Khartoum.
Source :
https://www.trtafrika.com/english/article/460eef0b85db
TUNISIA
Tunisia Advances Environmental Digitalisation with Citizen-Focused Services
On Monday, 5 January 2026, Tunisia’s Minister of Environment, Habib Abid, emphasised the need to digitalise permit-related services to enhance transparency, efficiency, and reduce citizens’ administrative burdens. Chairing a steering committee meeting at the ministry’s headquarters, attended by senior officials from the Presidency of the Government and the Ministry of Environment, Abid reviewed progress on 37 ongoing digitalisation projects.
Key initiatives include a communication platform for environmental associations, a digital library of 5,200 studies, management systems for sanitation facilities and controlled landfills, a maritime public domain system, e-learning platforms, a carbon footprint calculator, and digital mapping. Priority will be given to citizen-oriented services, including a unified portal for environmental services, online sanitation network applications, and digital permits for maritime occupation and environmental impact studies.
Additional projects cover a portal for the carbon border adjustment mechanism, digitalisation of National Waste Management Agency specifications, and an online service for requesting samples from the National Gene Bank. These measures aim to modernise Tunisia’s environmental administration ahead of the 2026 programme launch.
Source :
https://news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com/ministry-of-environment-speeds-up-digitalization-of-permit-issuance-services/amp/
AFCON /EGYPT
Egypt edge Benin after extra time to reach AFCON quarter-finals
Egypt secured a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after defeating Benin 3–1 after extra time in their last-16 encounter on Monday. Marwan Atteya opened the scoring in the 69th minute, registering his first international goal, before Benin substitute Jodel Dossou equalised in the 83rd minute to force extra time. Atteya then provided the assist in the 97th minute, with defender Yasser Ibrahim heading Egypt back in front for his first goal in 12 international appearances. Mohamed Salah sealed the victory with a late strike in extra time, taking his AFCON tally to 10 goals.
Egypt, who named a full-strength starting line-up, dominated much of the contest and created several early chances through Salah and Omar Marmoush, though Benin remained competitive and levelled late in normal time. Both sides suffered injury setbacks in the first half, while Egypt missed a number of opportunities before eventually breaking through. Benin pushed for another equaliser in extra time but were contained by a disciplined Egyptian defence. The Pharaohs will now face the winner of the quarter-final tie between defending champions Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso on Saturday.
Source :
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsAFCON2025/2025/559945.aspx
ELSEWHERE IN AFRICA
DR CONGO
DRC partially lifts copper and cobalt processing suspension after compliance review
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced a partial and temporary lifting of its suspension on copper and cobalt processing activities following a compliance review in Lualaba Province, the Ministry of Mines said on Monday. The suspension, imposed on December 19, 2025, halted the mining and commercialisation activities of all processing entities sourcing minerals from artisanal copper and cobalt production across the country as a preventive measure.
According to the ministry, a special commission set up on December 26 has completed its compliance assessment in Lualaba through three sub-commissions covering administrative and legal matters, technical compliance, and mineral traceability. Based on its preliminary findings, the ministry authorised the limited resumption of operations for processing entities operating exclusively in Lualaba.
In neighbouring Haut-Katanga Province, processing entities are, for now, permitted to receive minerals already stockpiled at legally recognised or tolerated artisanal mining sites, under the supervision of provincial mining authorities, while inspections continue. The ministry said the measures are part of broader efforts to sanitise the mineral supply chain and align operations with OECD due diligence standards and the country’s mineral traceability framework.
The December 19 suspension followed concerns that some processors were sourcing minerals illegally from industrial mining zones, a practice blamed for encouraging artisanal miners to encroach on industrial concessions and fuelling illicit transactions in the copper and cobalt sector. Authorities stressed that a final decision on whether to fully lift or maintain the suspension will depend on each processing entity’s ability to regularise its operations in line with official directives.
Source :
https://english.news.cn/africa/20260106/d0971cf7795943b4ab954ba86f81c0d3/c.html
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia’s International Bond Gains After Preliminary Restructuring Deal
Ethiopia’s sole international bond rose on Monday, trading at 109.5 cents on the dollar, following the government’s announcement of a preliminary restructuring agreement with bondholders, according to Tradeweb data. The bond added 2.5 cents to bid amid renewed market confidence.
The agreement was reached during a second round of talks in early January 2026, after initial negotiations in late September 2025 stalled over restructuring terms. Ethiopia had defaulted on the bond two years ago as part of a broader external debt overhaul under the G20’s Common Framework, which mandates uniform treatment of all creditors during restructuring.
In July 2025, the government finalised a restructuring deal with bilateral creditors to secure over $3.5 billion in cash flow relief, setting the stage for the ongoing bondholder discussions.
Source :
https://www.trtafrika.com/english/article/553b7104f449
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa Sees Fuel Price Relief in January 2026
South African consumers will benefit from a significant reduction in fuel prices this week. Effective Wednesday, 7 January 2026, petrol prices will fall by 62–66 cents per litre: Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP) will drop by 62 cents, while Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) will decrease by 66 cents, bringing the cost of a litre of Petrol 95 to R20.75 in Gauteng and R19.92 along the coast.
Diesel prices will also decline, with 0.05% sulphur diesel down by R1.37 per litre and 0.005% sulphur diesel down by R1.50 per litre. Illuminating paraffin prices will fall by R1.10–R1.48 per litre, while LPG will see a modest increase of 21–23 cents per kilogram.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources attributed the drop to an oversupply of oil in the global market from OPEC+ and other producers, along with higher inventories of middle distillates for the Northern Hemisphere winter. Brent crude oil averaged 61.47 USD, down from 63.55 USD, influencing the downward adjustment. This decrease follows a period of rising fuel prices in December 2025.
Source :
https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/petrol-prices-decrease-january-2026
ANGOLA
Angola and DR Congo Leaders Confer on Peace Initiatives Amid Ongoing Eastern Conflict
President João Lourenço of Angola, who also serves as current Chairperson of the African Union (AU), held on Monday a high‑level meeting in Luanda with his Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart, President Félix Tshisekedi, to review the security and political situation in the eastern regions of the DRC and explore avenues for advancing peace and stability. The encounter was described by Tshisekedi as “very productive,” with Lourenço presenting proposals he characterised as promising for strengthening efforts toward peace and security in the conflict‑affected areas, although he did not divulge specific details.
Tshisekedi praised Lourenço’s role in facilitating dialogue and his leadership within the AU, underscoring Angola’s commitment to supporting negotiations and conflict resolution. The discussions come against the backdrop of continued instability in eastern DRC despite broader peace initiatives, including a peace accord signed in Washington in June 2025 aimed at de‑escalating tensions between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda and laying foundations for regional cooperation.
The focus of the Luanda meeting was on reinforcing diplomatic engagement and devising practical measures to build on previous mediation efforts and international agreements, reflecting ongoing regional concern over security and humanitarian challenges in the Great Lakes region.
Source :
https://angop.ao/en/noticias/politica/pr-analisa-actual-situacao-na-rdc-com-homologo-congoles/
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Central African Republic’s Touadera Wins Third Term Amid Contested Poll
Provisional results released Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by the National Electoral Authority show President Faustin-Archange Touadera securing a third term with 76.15% of the vote in last month’s elections. First elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020 with 53.16% in the first round, Touadera was able to run again following the 2023 constitutional referendum that removed term limits and extended presidential terms to seven years.
The 68-year-old former mathematics professor credited security improvements to alliances with Russian security contractors, restructured from the Wagner Group, and Rwandan troops, which helped recapture rebel-held territories and implement recent peace deals. These partnerships have increased Russian influence over the country’s mineral wealth, including gold, diamonds, lithium, and uranium.
International observers from the African Union and the UN Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) described voting as largely peaceful, despite insecurity in eastern regions. However, the main opposition coalition, the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution (BRDC), boycotted the poll citing unfair conditions, while participating candidates, including former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra, alleged campaign restrictions.
The Constitutional Court has until January 20, 2026, to validate the results or address any legal challenges. While Touadera’s victory consolidates his rule, concerns remain over democratic erosion and foreign influence amid fragile peace.
Source :
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/central-african-republic-president-touadera-wins-3rd-term-in-office/3790814
AFRICA /USA
US expands visa bond requirement to seven more countries, deepening barriers for African travellers
The Trump administration has expanded its visa bond policy to include seven additional countries—Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan—effective January 1, according to a notice on the State Department’s travel website. Five of the newly added countries are in AFRICA. With this update, 13 countries are now subject to the requirement for visa applicants to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, a measure critics say places U.S. visas beyond the financial reach of many applicants, particularly in Africa.
The policy forms part of a broader tightening of U.S. entry rules under the Trump administration, including mandatory in-person visa interviews, extensive disclosure of social media histories, and detailed travel and residence records for applicants and their FAMILIES. U.S. officials argue that the bond system helps deter visa overstays. Payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval, but funds are refunded if a visa is denied or once the applicant proves compliance with visa conditions.
The latest additions join Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi and Zambia, which were placed under the bond requirement in August and October last year.
Source :
https://apnews.com/article/us-visa-restrictions-trump-bond-travel-7211e43ef4eb84144717c3331ab89e8e
AFCON /NIGERIA
Nigeria Storms Afcon 2025 Quarter-Finals with 4-0 Rout of Mozambique
On Monday, 6 January 2026, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique in Fes to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by two goals from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from Akor Adams in the 75th minute.
Nigeria dominated from the start, with Alex Iwobi orchestrating the attack and Mozambique struggling to respond. This performance marked Nigeria’s first clean sheet in six games at this year’s finals and the first team to score four goals in a match in the tournament so far.
The Super Eagles will face either Algeria or DR Congo in Marrakech on Saturday at 16:00 GMT, aiming to improve on their runner-up finish in 2023. While the victory boosts confidence, it comes amid lingering disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Source :
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c78v50n8v22t