1. South Africa’s Stilfontein mine: ‘Mammoth task’ to identify bodies, police say
In South Africa, a rescue operation at the disused Stilfontein mine has recovered 78 corpses and rescued over 240 illegal miners since Monday. Identifying the bodies will be a “mammoth task” due to decomposition and lack of documentation, as most were undocumented migrants. The miners, mostly from neighboring countries, were trapped underground since November. Authorities face criticism for their handling of the situation, but defend their actions as a crackdown on criminal activity.
2. Sudan civil war: US sanctions Sudan army chief Burhan
The US has imposed sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of “destabilizing Sudan and undermining the goal of a democratic transition”. This move comes amid a 21-month civil war that has killed tens of thousands, displaced over 12 million, and pushed the country to the brink of famine.
The US Treasury Department alleges that the army under Burhan’s command has committed lethal attacks on civilians, including targeting schools, markets, and hospitals. Additionally, the army is accused of denying humanitarian access and using food deprivation as a war tactic.
This development follows reports of civilian killings in the central city of Wad Madani, which the military recaptured from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ¹. The US had previously sanctioned the head of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, accusing his forces of committing genocide during the conflict.
3. Teddy Osei: Ghanaian music legend who founded Osibisa dies aged 88
Teddy Osei, a Ghanaian music legend and founder of the Afro-rock band Osibisa, has died at the age of 88 in London. Osei was a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who played a crucial role in shaping Osibisa’s unique sound, which blended African rhythms with rock, soul, and jazz. He was a pioneer in promoting African music globally and is remembered for his contributions to the international music industry.
4. Muhoozi Kainerugaba: Uganda general returns to X to ‘shake up the world’
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, has made a dramatic return to X, barely a week after quitting the platform. His comeback was marked by a series of controversial posts, including a threat to “shake up this world!” ¹.
The 50-year-old army general has been increasingly involved in politics, sparking debates about his ambitions to succeed his father, who has been in power since 1986. Critics have slammed him for making statements on social media that are considered taboo for a serving soldier.
Kainerugaba’s return to X was accompanied by some eyebrow-raising posts, including an order to Uganda’s security agencies to arrest opposition figures wearing military-style uniforms and a threat to deport a US diplomat who failed to salute him.
This isn’t the first time Kainerugaba has quit and returned to X; he previously did so in 2022. His social media outbursts have sparked diplomatic tensions, including a threat to invade neighboring Kenya.
Kainerugaba’s X account has quickly gained over 1,000 followers, and he’s urged his supporters to follow him back. Despite his father’s denials, many believe Kainerugaba is being groomed for the presidency.
5. Israeli air strikes in Gaza leave 72 dead as ceasefire is delayed
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 72 people, despite a ceasefire agreement being announced. The ceasefire deal, brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aims to pause fighting and release dozens of hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed the cabinet vote, accusing Hamas of making last-minute demands and reneging on parts of the agreement. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in significant loss of life, with over 46,000 Palestinians killed and 17,000 fighters killed, according to Israel.
