Africa: All Africa Today – February 11, 2026
Kenya rescues 27 citizens illegally conscripted in war between Russia and Ukraine
government successfully They were rescued and returned to their homeland Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi said 27 Kenyans were stranded in Russia after being illegally recruited to join the Russia-Ukraine war. Their return was secured through diplomatic efforts led by the Kenyan mission in Moscow. Most of them were misled by networks linked to the Russian military and promised jobs that turned out to be on the front lines, Mudavadi said. Some returnees reported serious injuries and being forced to work on dangerous tasks such as assembling drones without training or protection. Mudavadi said he would visit Moscow to address the issue and prevent further recruitment, adding that the government would continue to provide psychosocial support and reintegration assistance to help them recover.
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Violence and stagnation are pushing South Sudan towards instability
South Sudan has suffered from violence, political stagnation and increasing escalation Humanitarian crisisWhile funding cuts have weakened UN missions aimed at protecting civilians. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, commander of UN peacekeeping forces, told the Security Council that the clashes had displaced more than 280,000 people, raising fears of a return to past conflict. Government forces and opposition groups, as well as increased air attacks, have contributed to increased insecurity, while restrictions on aid access have exacerbated an already severe cholera outbreak. In addition, political tensions have stalled progress on the 2018 peace agreement and continued legal proceedings against opposition leader Riek Machar. At the same time, the Mission faced significant resource constraints, leading to significant reductions in patrols and human rights monitoring as local communities fled renewed violence. Lacroix urged continued international support and warned that the mission’s presence was necessary to protect and stabilize civilians.
Zimbabwe’s Cabinet supports a bill allowing Mnangagwa to rule until 2030
Zimbabwe Cabinet consent A bill would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 83, to extend his term in office until 2030. Presidents would be chosen by MPs rather than by direct vote and could serve a maximum of two seven-year terms, instead of the current five-year terms, under the proposals. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said public consultations would take place before the bill was referred to parliament, although legal experts said changing term limits would require a referendum and could not benefit the sitting president. Mnangagwa, who took power after the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, is currently scheduled to leave office in 2028. Speculation about his desire to extend his rule began two years ago, despite his public denials. The succession debate intensified after the death of his outspoken critic, Toba “Bombshell” Gizeh, who condemned Mnangagwa’s ambitions and accused him of nepotism before being expelled from Zanu-PF and forced into hiding. Supporters of the bill say it aims to enhance governance and stability, while critics see it as an attempt to prolong Mnangagwa’s rule.
Somaliland aims to deepen relations with Israel and the United States
Somaliland Planned President Abd al-Rahman Mohamed Abd Allah Ayro said that Israel will intensify its diplomatic contacts with Washington and other major capitals after Israel became the first country to officially recognize it. He said the recognition strengthened Somaliland’s standing at the international level and renewed momentum for its long-standing endeavors for wider recognition. The move sparked criticism from the African Union, the European Union and several regional powers, which Somaliland officials said was driven by geopolitical reasons. Since reasserting its independence in 1991, Somaliland has functioned as an autonomous republic with its own institutions. Abdullah said the region would continue to seek recognition cautiously while expanding partnerships, including deeper cooperation with Israel in the areas of technology, agriculture and water management. Somaliland also reiterated its offer to the United States, emphasizing its strategic location along the Red Sea coast and its natural resources. A number of supporters in Washington have argued that recognition could be beneficial to US security interests in the Horn of Africa. Meanwhile, the UAE remained the largest investor in Somaliland, with DP World investing more than $400 million in the Berbera port and economic zone.
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Cambridge University returns 100 bronzes from Benin to Nigeria
University of Cambridge He will come back About 100 bronzes from Benin have been sent to Nigeria as part of a major recovery effort, in response to a 2022 request from the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). The bronze statues, looted by British forces during the sack of Benin City in 1897, include wood and ivory sculptures and trophy heads of King Oba and Queen Mother Ljuba Idia. Seventeen pieces will remain on loan at Cambridge for three years for study and public display. Director of the National Immigration Council, Ologbile Holloway, said the return restores the pride and dignity of the Nigerian people. Director of the Cambridge Museum, Professor Nicholas Thomas, highlighted a decade of dialogue with Nigerian institutions and scholars. The move is consistent with similar recovery initiatives undertaken by other British and European museums, including the Netherlands, although the British Museum has yet to return parts of its collection.
