Ugandan, Congolese Forces Rescue 200 from Islamic State-Linked Camp

Ugandan and Congolese forces have rescued more than 200 civilians from a camp controlled by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The joint operation, involving the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Congolese army, targeted an ADF stronghold; the militant group originated in Uganda and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State several decades ago. According to the UPDF, the raid killed several ADF fighters and recovered a cache of weapons. Among those freed were children, the youngest being a 14‑year‑old girl. The ADF has been responsible for numerous attacks and abductions in the region, often targeting civilians.

In Zimbabwe, the ZANU‑PF Youth League has called on Parliament to reject a reported US$3.6 million donation from businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The youth league warned that accepting the donation could create the perception of undue influence over state institutions. Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs John Paradza argued that Parliament must remain independent and not appear “bought or swayed” by private funding. While Chivayo is free to support development initiatives, Paradza said such efforts should be directed at communities rather than state institutions.

Burkina Faso’s military government has dissolved 118 civil‑society organizations, many of which were engaged in human‑rights work. The authorities cited a July 2025 law on freedom of association but offered no specific justification beyond vague references to non‑compliance. Binta Sidibé Gascon, President of Observatoire KISAL, described the move as the junta’s latest effort to silence dissent and avoid scrutiny of its human‑rights record. Since seizing power in September 2022, the military authorities have targeted NGOs, independent media, and peaceful dissent, suspending, banning, or expelling dozens of Burkinabè and international organizations and media outlets on administrative or spurious grounds.

Nigerian conservation ecologist Iroro Tanshi has been awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for her work protecting endangered bats in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. The prize honors grassroots environmental advocates for their efforts to protect and restore the natural environment. In a country where bats are often associated with witchcraft, Tanshi launched a community‑led campaign to prevent wildfires in bat habitats, a major threat to the endangered short‑tailed roundleaf bat. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington in the United States, Tanshi is one of six winners of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize—marking the first time in the prize’s 37‑year history that all winners are female.

South African actress and beauty queen Cynthia Shange has died at the age of 76. Her daughter, Nonhle Thema, confirmed the passing and paid tribute to her mother’s compassion and legacy. Shange rose to prominence in the 1970s when she represented South Africa at the Miss World pageant. At the time, Black women were barred from competing in Miss South Africa because of apartheid and instead created parallel competitions such as Miss Africa South, which Shange won. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni‑Tsipane extended their deepest condolences to Shange’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire arts community.