Africa: All Africa Today – February 12, 2026
200 American soldiers head to Nigeria for anti-terrorism training
The United States is scheduled to do so sends About 200 soldiers have been sent to Nigeria to train the army in its war against Islamist militants, adding to a small US team already in the country after the first recognized US ground presence since Christmas Day air strikes ordered by President Donald Trump. The forces will be deployed within weeks to provide training and technical support in multiple locations, but will not participate in combat operations. This followed previous US reconnaissance flights over Nigeria from Ghana and Trump’s warning of possible additional military action, which came after he accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians and spoke of a “genocide of Christians.” US officials said the Christmas Day strikes, launched with support from Nigerian intelligence, targeted fighters linked to the Islamic State, although residents reported the missiles hit empty fields. Nigeria has rejected allegations of systematic persecution of Christians, insisting its operations targeted extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province affiliate.
Kenyan court charges cult leader Paul McKenzie over 52 more deaths
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Kenyan preacher Paul McKenzie Seven others were charged in the deaths of at least 52 people whose bodies were found in shallow graves in KwaBinzaru, Kilifi County, a year after the start of the wider investigation into the Shakahula sect. Prosecutors said the group was involved in organized criminal activity, extremism and facilitating terrorist acts, and accused them of promoting extremist beliefs, rejecting government authority and ordering their followers to starve themselves and their children. All defendants pleaded not guilty, and the next hearing was scheduled for March 4. McKenzie was already facing separate charges linked to more than 400 bodies recovered from the Shakahola Forest, where most of the victims were found to have died of starvation. Authorities say he continued to direct sectarian activities even after his arrest in 2023. The case sparked calls in Kenya for tighter controls on extremist religious groups, with official reports saying the deaths could have been prevented.
31 dead after Cyclone Jizani devastated Madagascar
At least 31 people subsequently died Cyclone Jizani It struck Madagascar, causing severe destruction in the coastal city of Toamasina. Madagascar’s disaster management office said there was “total chaos” as houses collapsed in the impact area where the bodies were found. Wind speeds reached 250 kilometers per hour, ripping off roofs, uprooting trees, and plunging neighborhoods into darkness. Military commander Colonel Michael Randrianrena said the damage had affected the country’s ability to respond, with nearly three-quarters of Toamasina destroyed. Dozens of injured residents and hundreds of others were evacuated, while survivors described the storm as the most violent storm they had ever witnessed. Jizani, the second cyclone to hit Madagascar this year, weakened to a moderate tropical storm as it moved inland, days after Cyclone Vitya killed 14 people and displaced more than 31,000.
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The president prepares for SONA with a message of cautious optimism
President Cyril Ramaphosa said many South Africans felt the country “corner turning,But the government remained aware of key problems that still required urgent attention. Speaking at Drakenstein Prison, where he opened the Nelson Mandela Grammar Training Academy ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address, he spoke of the national mood and the balance of optimism and realism that will shape his speech. He acknowledged that the past decade had been difficult for citizens, but said this moment had allowed the nation to look back, take stock of the present and think about the future. Ramaphosa added that he was confident and ready for SONA, which he will deliver in 12 February at Cape Town City Hall.
Ghanaians embrace ‘Fogo Day’ after online discussion sparked cultural pride
The government has designated Wednesdays as day That Ghanaians wear traditional northern clothing to enhance national identity. The move followed online mockery of President John Dramani Mahama Fogo during his visit to Zambia, sparking a strong cultural response. Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashe said the weekly show aims to highlight Ghana’s heritage and promote local weavers and designers. Many Ghanaians appeared wearing the colorful costume, celebrating its comfort, symbolism and history, with some calling for them to wear it after Wednesdays. The trend has also boosted the business of fugu makers, with orders rising from Ghana and abroad. The online cultural exchange has even sparked interest from Zambia’s president, who said his country would order the fudge, while Mahama suggested exporting it in large quantities.
