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Category: Inside Africa

Abuja Electricity Firm AEDC Lays Off 800 Workers Amid Power Sector Crisis

Fola Badmus04 mins

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has laid off about 800 employees in one of the largest retrenchment exercises in Nigeria’s power sector in recent years. The mass layoff, which began on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, marks a key phase in the company’s ongoing internal restructuring programme aimed at addressing operational inefficiencies and revenue challenges. AEDC, which distributes electricity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States, has been battling financial strain, mounting debts, and declining revenue collection. According to The PUNCH, multiple company sources confirmed that the management had initially proposed dismissing about 1,800 employees, but later reduced the figure to 800 following intense negotiations with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC). “Management wanted to sack 1,800, but after much pressure, they brought it down to 800,” one affected worker said, speaking anonymously. “The unions initially insisted that nobody should be sacked.” Another source confirmed that the affected workers began receiving their disengagement letters on Wednesday after earlier delays. A sample of the termination notice, titled “Notification of Disengagement from Service” and signed by Adeniyi Adejola, AEDC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, stated that the retrenchment formed part of the company’s ongoing “rightsizing process.” The letter read in part: “We regret to inform you that your services with the company will no longer be required, effective 5th November 2025. This decision follows the outcome of the company’s ongoing rightsizing exercise… Completion of exit clearance and return of company property will be required before the processing of your exit payment.” The company assured outgoing staff that the decision was taken after “careful consideration” and in line with corporate policy, while acknowledging their contributions and wishing them success in future endeavors. Industry Concerns Over Growing Sector Instability The layoffs come amid worsening instability in Nigeria’s electricity distribution sub-sector, where weak liquidity, poor infrastructure, and regulatory uncertainty continue to threaten sustainability. Analysts warn that AEDC’s retrenchment may be a signal of deeper distress in the power industry, as many Distribution Companies (DisCos) struggle to stay afloat amid rising operational costs, huge unpaid consumer debts, and declining power supply levels. The development has sparked renewed calls for urgent reforms to stabilize the sector, improve efficiency, and ensure consumer protection amid widespread service complaints.

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Attack on Funeral in Sudan’s Kordofan Region Kills 40 – UN

Attack on Funeral in Sudan’s Kordofan Region Kills 40 – UN

Fola Badmus04 mins

At least 40 people have been killed in an attack on a funeral in el-Obeid, the capital of Sudan’s North Kordofan state, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Citing local sources, OCHA said on Tuesday that the attack took place in the government-held city, though it did not specify the exact date or identify those responsible. The assault comes amid rising tensions in the region, with reports suggesting that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — a powerful paramilitary group — may be preparing a major offensive on el-Obeid, while Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) troops fortify positions to defend the city. “The security situation in the Kordofan region continues to worsen,” OCHA warned. “Once again, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law.” Worsening Violence Across Kordofan and Darfur Fighting in the oil-producing Kordofan region has escalated sharply in recent weeks. Thousands of residents fled to el-Obeid last week after the RSF recaptured Bara, a city located about 60 kilometres (37 miles) to the north, from the Sudanese army. Meanwhile, the RSF has also seized control of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, following the withdrawal of SAF forces. The UN reports that more than 70,000 people have fled el-Fasher and its surrounding areas since the takeover. Witnesses and human rights groups have documented widespread atrocities, including summary executions, sexual violence, and civilian massacres. Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale’s School of Public Health, told Al Jazeera that RSF fighters had “begun to dig mass graves and collect bodies throughout the city.” UN officials fear that thousands remain trapped in el-Fasher amid worsening humanitarian conditions. A War of Devastating Scale Sudan’s devastating civil war erupted in 2023, following a power struggle between the RSF and the SAF, plunging the capital, Khartoum, into chaos and spreading across multiple states. The RSF now controls over a third of the country, according to the UN, in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced 12 million people — nearly a quarter of Sudan’s population. The crisis is now considered the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. On Tuesday, Sudan’s Defence Minister Hassan Kabroun said the army would continue its campaign against the RSF after the country’s Security and Defence Council met to deliberate on a United States proposal for a ceasefire. As violence continues to engulf Sudan, the UN and humanitarian agencies are renewing calls for peace talks, protection of civilians, and unimpeded access for aid delivery in one of the most dire crises of the 21st century.

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Tanzanian President Hassan Declared Winner of Disputed Election with 98 Percent Amid Deadly Protests

Fola Badmus06 mins

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the overwhelming winner of the country’s highly contentious presidential election, securing nearly 98 percent of the vote in a contest marred by violence, opposition crackdowns, and widespread accusations of fraud. The Independent Electoral Commission announced on Saturday that Hassan had won 97.66 percent of the ballots cast in Wednesday’s vote, sweeping every constituency. Her victory, however, came after the main opposition parties were barred from contesting, triggering days of violent protests across the country. Opposition party Chadema, which was excluded from the race, rejected the result, describing it as “a mockery of the democratic process.” Party spokesperson John Kitoka called for an international intervention to oversee a new, credible election. “We are calling for the intervention by a credible body to oversee another fresh election,” he said. In her victory speech in Dodoma, Hassan condemned the protesters, calling their actions “neither responsible nor patriotic.” She vowed to maintain security, saying, “When it comes to the safety of Tanzania, there is no debate – we must use all available security avenues to ensure the country remains safe.” The disputed election sparked mass unrest across major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, as demonstrators decried what they called a “sham” vote. Witnesses reported fires, the destruction of government buildings, and clashes with security forces who responded with live ammunition and tear gas. Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed that mobile and social media access had been restricted during and after the vote. Chadema claimed on Saturday that at least 800 people had been killed by security forces since protests began, while the UN human rights office cited “credible reports” of at least 10 confirmed deaths in three cities. The African Union chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, congratulated Hassan but expressed regret over the loss of life, extending condolences to victims’ families. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo defended the government’s handling of the crisis, insisting that “no excessive force has been used” and claiming the government had “no official figures” for protester deaths. “I’ve not seen these 700 anywhere,” he told Al Jazeera. Analysts have condemned the election as one of the most repressive in Tanzania’s recent history. Alex Vines, Africa director at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), described the polls as “a campaign of harassment and intimidation,” adding that the scale of violence was “unexpected” for the country. “This is a very serious crackdown,” he said, noting that most protesters were young Tanzanians frustrated by political exclusion. President Hassan, who succeeded John Magufuli in 2021 following his sudden death, faced only 16 minor candidates after her two strongest rivals — Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo — were either jailed or disqualified. Lissu remains imprisoned on treason charges stemming from his calls for electoral reform. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said he was “deeply concerned” by reports of deaths and injuries, calling for restraint and an independent investigation into the violence. Human rights groups, meanwhile, accuse Hassan’s administration of orchestrating a “wave of terror” marked by abductions, media restrictions, and intimidation of civil society in the lead-up to the vote. As the country reels from the unrest, observers warn that Tanzania — once seen as a bastion of stability in East Africa — is now facing its most severe political and human rights crisis in decades.

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No Mercy: Survivor Recounts RSF Mass Killings in Sudan’s El-Fasher as Thousands Flee Amid Atrocities

Fola Badmus05 mins

Thousands of civilians remain trapped in el-Fasher, Sudan, as harrowing accounts emerge of mass killings carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following their capture of the city on October 26. Survivors describe scenes of horror, accusing the paramilitary group of executing civilians “without mercy” in what humanitarian officials warn may amount to ethnic cleansing. For 550 days, Abubakr Ahmed, a 29-year-old fighter in the city’s “popular resistance” unit, battled alongside the army to defend el-Fasher — the last government stronghold in Darfur. But when the army surrendered and withdrew under a deal it claimed was meant to prevent a bloodbath, tens of thousands of civilians were left behind. “The RSF killed civilians and left their corpses in the streets,” Ahmed told Al Jazeera after escaping. “They were killed without mercy.” According to Sudan’s Doctors’ Network, the RSF killed at least 1,500 people in the first three days after seizing control, including 460 patients and companions at al-Saud hospital — a figure also verified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Videos authenticated by Al Jazeera’s Sanad unit show RSF troops standing over piles of bodies and executing unarmed men. More than 33,000 people have already fled to nearby towns like Tawila and Tine, but most civilians remain trapped, hiding from RSF patrols. Those escaping face a perilous journey through the desert with little food or water. “The majority of people won’t stay in el-Fasher because they are terrified of the RSF,” said one survivor, Mohammed, who arrived in Tawila on October 28. “They don’t trust them. The Arabs will live in one place and the non-Arabs in another — that’s just the way it is now.” The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) reported evidence of “mass killings” as people attempted to flee the city, warning that current death estimates are likely undercounted. UNICEF’s Sudan representative, Sheldon Yett, described el-Fasher as “killing fields,” drawing parallels to the Rwandan genocide. “The kind of slaughter we are seeing, and the pride [the perpetrators] have in killing innocent people, is what scares me,” he said. Aid efforts have nearly collapsed as RSF fighters target local relief workers, accusing them of collaborating with the army. UNICEF has lost contact with many of its community partners, including those running food kitchens. “Many are on the move and hiding, and they’re afraid,” Yett said. International outrage has followed the massacre, with the UN, United States, and European Union issuing condemnations and urging the RSF to protect civilians. However, analysts and survivors accuse the global community of failing to act before the atrocities unfolded. “This is a case of refusal and betrayal by the international community,” said Sudan expert Hamid Khalafallah. “They didn’t do anything serious to protect civilians.” Human Rights Watch researcher Jean-Baptiste Gallopin said the RSF’s actions in el-Fasher mirror previous atrocities in el-Geneina and Ardamata, warning that impunity has emboldened RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo. “Diplomats are focused on getting to an elusive ceasefire, but by avoiding sanctions or accountability, they’ve effectively washed their hands of the atrocities that occur,” Gallopin said. The fall of el-Fasher marks one of the bloodiest chapters in Sudan’s two-and-a-half-year civil war — and leaves Darfur’s civilians once again at the mercy of militias accused of genocide two decades ago.

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Hundreds Feared Dead in Tanzania Post-Election Protests as Opposition, UN Clash With Government Over Death Toll

Fola Badmus05 mins

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has claimed that hundreds of people have been killed in violent protests following this week’s disputed general elections, while the United Nations says it has “credible reports” of at least 10 deaths. Chadema spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP on Friday that the party’s internal assessment put the number of deaths at roughly 700 nationwide, including around 350 in Dar-es-Salaam and more than 200 in Mwanza. The opposition said it based its figures on visits to hospitals across the country. A security source and a diplomat in the capital also confirmed that deaths were “in the hundreds.” The Tanzanian government has rejected the opposition’s claims. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo denied that excessive force had been used by security agencies and insisted the government had “no official figures” of protesters killed. “I’ve not seen these 700 anywhere … there’s no number until now of any protesters killed,” Kombo said, adding that “pockets of violence and vandalism” had occurred, with government offices and vehicles attacked and electricity facilities set ablaze. The UN Human Rights Office, however, expressed alarm over reports of killings by security forces. Spokesperson Seif Magango called on Tanzanian authorities to refrain from using lethal force against demonstrators and to “make every effort to de-escalate tensions.” Later on Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged a full investigation into the allegations, citing “deep concern” over reports of disappearances and detentions ahead of the polls. Protests erupted on Wednesday in Dar-es-Salaam and other cities following elections marred by allegations of fraud and the exclusion of key opposition candidates. Witnesses reported clashes between demonstrators and police, with several vehicles, police stations, and a petrol station set on fire. The government deployed the military to the streets and imposed an internet shutdown to quell unrest. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, faced the election without her two main challengers, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo. Both were barred by the electoral commission under controversial circumstances that opposition groups and rights organizations have condemned as politically motivated. The UN and human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch (HRW), have long warned of rising repression, disappearances, and violence against opposition figures in Tanzania. HRW recently documented multiple cases of abduction, torture, and intimidation of activists and journalists, warning that the October elections were at “great risk.” Meanwhile, in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party claimed victory, with incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi declared winner with nearly 79% of the vote. Opposition parties rejected the results, alleging “massive fraud,” as soldiers patrolled the streets amid growing unrest. As demonstrations spread nationwide, the government postponed the reopening of colleges and universities and vowed to restore order. The army chief, Jacob John Mkunda, condemned the violence and pledged that the military would work with police “to contain the situation.”

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AU, AFRIMA Confirm January 7-11, 2026 for 9th Awards in Lagos

Fola Badmus06 mins

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have officially announced the 9th edition of Africa’s global music awards will now take place between Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. Previously scheduled for November 25–30, 2025, the awards’ date adjustment followed extensive consultations with partners, artistes, and stakeholders across Africa and the diaspora. “The African Union Commission is proud to continue its partnership with AFRIMA in celebrating Africa’s creative excellence and global influence,” said Ms. Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports and Head of the Culture and Sport Division, AUC. “This relationship aligns perfectly with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and the AU Agenda 2063, which prioritise the creative economy as a driver of sustainable development, youth empowerment, and continental integration. The new dates for the 9th AFRIMA in January 2026 provide an exciting opportunity to further showcase the rich diversity, innovation, and unity of Africa’s music and culture to the world.” Explaining the decision, Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa and Cameroonian music star popularly known as Wax Dey, said the new dates in January will allow for broader participation and ensure a top-quality experience for everyone involved. “AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage,” said Ndifonka, who is also a lawyer. “Rescheduling the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver the kind of world-class celebration that truly reflects Africa’s creative power. It also ensures that more of our stakeholders, artistes, fans, media, and partners can participate fully. This is about giving African music the grand platform it deserves.” The 9th AFRIMA, held in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria as the Official Host Country and Lagos State as the Official Host City, will feature a week-long lineup of music, culture, and entertainment. The continent’s biggest music festival will commence officially on Wednesday, January 7 with the exclusive Welcome Soirée for nominees, delegates, guests and international media offering a premium networking space for artistes, industry leaders, sponsors, and media professionals. On the same day, the 9th AFRIMA Diamond Showcase, a special performance platform for undiscovered African music acts, will host 15 budding talents creating an opportunity for them to connect their sounds to a larger audience and break into mainstream music success. On Thursday, January 8, the spotlight will shift to the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) —AFRIMA’s signature conference for thought leadership and collaboration within the African music ecosystem. Later that evening, guests will be treated to the Music Icons’ Night, a celebration of legendary figures who have shaped Africa’s music heritage. The excitement continues on Friday, January 9 with a vibrant lineup that includes community outreach visits to schools, a host city cultural tour, and a courtesy reception with the Lagos State Government. The day will close on a high note with the AFRIMA Music Village, an open air live performances, star studded concert & festival arena Saturday, January 10, will bring the energy up further at the 9th AFRIMA Nominees & Industry Party, a glamorous night dedicated to past winners, current nominees, and AFRIMA’s valued sponsors and partners. The week-long celebration will culminate on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the live broadcast  9th AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos. The grand event will include a live Red Carpet broadcast and feature electrifying performances from some of Africa’s biggest music stars. The ceremony will be aired to over 84 countries around the world.

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Trump Administration Revokes US Visa of Nigerian Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka

Kamal Yalwa05 mins

The United States government has revoked the visa of Nigerian Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, amid a widening crackdown on figures critical of President Donald Trump’s administration. Soyinka revealed the development on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery in Lagos, reading aloud from a letter issued by the US Consulate on October 23. The notice requested that he submit his passport for “physical cancellation” of his visa — a move he described humorously as “a rather curious love letter.” “I like people who have a sense of humour, and this is one of the most humorous requests I’ve had in all my life,” Soyinka joked, telling the audience he was too busy to comply with the consulate’s invitation. “Would any of you like to volunteer in my place?” he added with characteristic wit. The visa in question had been issued during Joe Biden’s presidency. However, Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year ushered in a series of immigration restrictions, including the revocation of visas and green cards from individuals deemed out of alignment with his administration’s views. Despite taking the news lightly, the 91-year-old playwright admitted the revocation would limit his ability to attend literary and cultural events in the United States. “I am very content with the revocation of my visa,” he quipped, later suggesting it might be time to write a play about Trump. Soyinka, known for his sharp criticism of global leaders, has long championed free expression and human rights. He famously tore up his US green card in 2017 following Trump’s first election, saying he would no longer associate himself with a country that “brutalised immigrants.” He reiterated during Tuesday’s event that the act had been deliberate, joking that the document “fell between the fingers of a pair of scissors.” The Nigerian author joins a growing list of Nobel laureates affected by Washington’s new visa policy. In April, former Costa Rican President and 1987 Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias had his visa revoked, reportedly over his ties to China. Arias later suggested that his criticism of Trump may also have played a role. Human rights groups have condemned the US government’s sweeping visa cancellations, warning that the policy could be used to suppress dissent. Critics say the administration’s criteria — targeting those with “hostile attitudes toward US culture or institutions” — are vague and open to abuse. Responding to the controversy, Soyinka questioned whether such actions truly served US interests. “Governments have a way of papering things for their own survival,” he said. “The revocation of one visa, 10 visas, or even a thousand visas will not affect the national interests of any astute leader.”

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UN Sounds Alarm as RSF Claims Control of Sudan’s El-Fasher

Kamal Yalwa04 mins

The United Nations has issued an urgent call for the protection and safe passage of civilians in Sudan’s el-Fasher after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group claimed to have seized control of the city, the last major army stronghold in Darfur. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned on Monday of a worsening catastrophe amid reports of civilian killings and mass displacement in the capital of North Darfur state. “With fighters pushing further into the city and escape routes cut off, hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped and terrified – shelled, starving, and without access to healthcare, food, or safety,” Fletcher said, describing el-Fasher as being “at breaking point.” He called for unimpeded humanitarian access and a ceasefire “in El Fasher, in Darfur, and throughout Sudan.” Later in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “terrible escalation,” describing Sudan’s humanitarian situation as “unbearable.” Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Guterres urged foreign actors supplying arms to the warring factions to stop undermining peace efforts. The RSF has besieged el-Fasher for nearly 18 months in its campaign to take full control of Darfur. The fighting has trapped around 250,000 civilians and displaced hundreds of thousands more, with residents facing extreme shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Observers say the fall of el-Fasher could mark a turning point in Sudan’s civil war, which has killed tens of thousands, displaced 12 million people, and left 30 million in need of aid — the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum, said RSF control of el-Fasher would consolidate the group’s dominance across Darfur and could pave the way for a potential “separation” of the region from Sudan. Despite RSF assurances of civilian protection, the group faces allegations of ethnic killings in el-Fasher. The Sudan Doctors Network reported “dozens” of civilian deaths, saying its field teams had documented atrocities despite limited access due to what it called a “complete security collapse.” Minni Minnawi, governor of Darfur and ally of Sudan’s army, called for international intervention and an “independent investigation into the violations and massacres” allegedly carried out by RSF forces. However, Sudan’s official news agency SUNA quoted Information Minister Khaled al-Aisir as rejecting RSF claims, dismissing them as “psychological warfare” and insisting the “rebellion has collapsed and been defeated in several locations.”

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