Africa: All Africa Today – February 9, 2026

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Tinubu is making the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in 37 years

King Charles III and Queen Camilla Invited Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on a state visit. The visit, which the Nigerian leader accepted, will be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years. The last state visit was in 1989 when General Ibrahim Babangida met with Queen Elizabeth II. Unlike regular official trips, official visits involve full royal protocol and are used to promote diplomatic relations. Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, is expected to be accompanied by his wife, Remi Tinubu. The UK Embassy in Nigeria announced that the visit will take place on March 18 and 19, 2026, with the King and Queen hosting the couple at Windsor Castle. This visit aims to deepen the long-term partnership between the two countries.

Ethiopia orders Eritrea to withdraw its forces from its territory

Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea It escalated After Ethiopia demanded that Eritrean forces withdraw “immediately” from its territory, raising fears of a new conflict. In recent months, Ethiopia accused Eritrea of supporting rebels on its territory, which Eritrea denied. In a message, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gideon Timotheus said Eritrea’s recent actions, including alleged incursions along the northwestern border and joint operations with rebel groups, amount to aggression. He added that diplomacy is still possible if Eritrea respects Ethiopia’s sovereignty. The dispute came against the backdrop of long-standing hostility, including a deadly border war from 1998 to 2000 and renewed friction in the wake of the Tigray conflict, where the two countries once cooperated before falling out over a 2022 peace deal. Ethiopia said Eritrea was preparing for war, while Eritrea accused Ethiopia of trying to seize the port of Assab to secure access to the sea.

Ghanaian highlife legend Ebo Taylor has died at the age of 90

Ibo TaylorA Ghanaian guitarist, composer and bandleader who helped shape highlife and influenced generations of African musicians has died at the age of 90. Born in Cape Coast in 1936, he became prominent in the late 1950s and 1960s, playing with top bands and developing a distinctive guitar sound. His six-decade career has blended Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk, soul and early Afrobeat, inspiring artists across Africa and beyond. His music gained renewed international attention in his later years, with pieces such as Love and death Attract new fans. A key moment in his development came in the early 1960s when he studied music in London and worked with artists such as Fela Kuti, helping to shape the roots of Afrobeat. Returning to Ghana, he became a sought-after bandleader, arranger and producer. His subsequent albums and world-class performances cemented his legacy. Many hip-hop and R&B artists have sampled his work, expanding his influence. Tributes hailed him as a humble mentor, cultural bridge builder and one of Ghana’s most important musical figures, whose works remain pivotal in African popular music.