The past week has seen Africa grapple with a range of significant events, from diplomatic controversies and violent conflicts to cultural milestones and health crises. South Africa’s tensions with the United States, Burkina Faso’s security challenges, and Libya’s political unrest have dominated headlines, while cultural achievements in Nigeria and South Africa highlight the continent’s global influence. Below is a detailed roundup of the major news stories, organized by country, with regional groupings where relevant.
Southern Africa
South Africa: Refugee Controversy and Diplomatic Strain
South Africa has been at the center of a diplomatic firestorm with the United States following President Donald Trump’s decision to grant refugee status to white Afrikaners. On May 12, 59 Afrikaners arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport on a chartered jet, the first group admitted under a U.S. program claiming they face “racial discrimination” and “genocide” in South Africa. The narrative, amplified by Trump’s adviser Elon Musk, has been criticized as misleading, with South African police data showing no evidence of mass violence targeting white farmers. Between April 2020 and March 2024, 225 farm-related killings occurred, but 101 victims were Black workers, undermining the “genocide” claim.
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the Afrikaners who left as “cowardly” and defended policies like affirmative action, aimed at redressing apartheid-era inequalities. He is set to meet Trump in Washington on May 21 to address the strained bilateral relationship, worsened by the U.S. expelling South Africa’s ambassador in March and halting USAID operations in January. Domestically, the move has sparked debate. Some Afrikaners, like Limpopo farmer Charl Kleinhaus, cited safety concerns for leaving, while others, including academic Dr. Piet Croucamp, argue most remain committed to South Africa’s future. Internationally, Democrats and human rights groups have criticized the U.S. for prioritizing white South Africans over refugees from African war zones, prompting the Episcopal Church to end its resettlement work.
See Also: First Set of Afrikaner Refugees Arrives U.S.
On May 17, a tragic shooting in the Eastern Cape claimed at least eight lives, prompting a police manhunt. The incident follows similar attacks, such as a 2023 shooting in Gqeberha that killed eight, highlighting ongoing challenges with gun violence.
North Africa
Libya: Violent Clashes and Political Unrest
Libya faced significant turmoil in Tripoli, where clashes erupted on May 13 following the killing of a major militia leader, marking the worst violence in years. The United Nations mission in Libya urged de-escalation, warning that attacks on civilians could constitute war crimes. A ceasefire on May 14 restored calm, but no official casualty figures were released. Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah called militia elimination an “ongoing project,” reflecting the government’s struggle to control armed factions vying for Libya’s oil and gas wealth.
By May 16, protests escalated, with hundreds demanding Dbeibah’s resignation. The demonstrations turned deadly when protesters attempted to storm his office, killing one security force member. Three ministers resigned amid the unrest, signaling deep divisions within the Government of National Unity. Libya’s instability remains a critical concern, with militia infighting and political fragmentation threatening the fragile ceasefire.
Morocco: Measles Outbreak
Morocco reported its most severe measles outbreak in decades, raising alarms about public health infrastructure. Specific details on the outbreak’s scale were unavailable, but the situation highlights vulnerabilities to resurgent infectious diseases across North Africa.
West Africa
Burkina Faso: Security Crisis Amid Strong Public Support for Junta
Burkina Faso remains embroiled in a security crisis, with jihadist groups controlling approximately 40% of its territory. On May 12, Human Rights Watch accused the Burkinabe military of killing over 100 civilians, intensifying concerns about human rights violations. Weekend attacks by JNIM, an al-Qaeda-linked group, targeted a northern military post, killing dozens and straining the junta’s efforts to curb insurgency. The violence has displaced millions and contributed to thousands of deaths in recent years.
Despite these challenges, junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, aged 37, enjoys widespread support among Burkinabe citizens and across Africa. Many view him as a pan-Africanist in the mold of Thomas Sankara, committed to reclaiming national sovereignty. X posts on May 14 praised Traoré’s recent visit to Russia for World War II commemorations, noting his growing regional influence. Supporters argue that Western criticism, particularly from France, stems from Burkina Faso’s shift away from colonial-era resource exploitation. Since Traoré’s 2022 coup, France’s influence has waned, with military agreements terminated and Russian partnerships strengthened. Citizens question why foreign powers complain when the Burkinabe overwhelmingly back Traoré, suspecting that nations like France are frustrated by their inability to access Burkina Faso’s gold and other resources as they once did.
The IMF’s projection of “robust” economic growth for 2025, driven by improved domestic revenue and social spending, bolsters Traoré’s domestic legitimacy. However, critics argue that the junta must address the insurgency more effectively to sustain public trust.
Nigeria: Militant Attacks and Political Developments
In Nigeria, militants killed at least 23 people in an attack on May 17, according to security sources. The assault, likely linked to Islamic State Sahel activity along the Niger-Nigeria border, underscores the persistent threat of insurgency. X posts on May 16 highlighted Nigeria’s strained democracy and rural challenges in Sokoto state, reflecting broader governance issues. Meanwhile, Tidjane Thiam retained leadership of the PDCI party in Côte d’Ivoire, a significant political development in the region.
Mali: Protests Against Junta Reforms
Mali saw protests against the military government’s reform plans on May 15, signaling public discontent with junta-led governance. The demonstrations reflect growing tensions in the Sahel, where military regimes face challenges balancing security and public expectations.
Central and East Africa
Sudan: Escalating Conflict and Regional Tensions
Sudan’s civil war intensified, with drone strikes by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Port Sudan on May 4 escalating the conflict. On May 6, army-backed authorities severed ties with the UAE, accusing it of supporting the attacks. The army’s use of Bayraktar drones has shifted battlefield dynamics, reclaiming territory in Khartoum and central Sudan between September 2024 and March 2025. Thousands remain displaced in camps near Tawila, North Darfur, facing dire humanitarian conditions.
South Sudan: Fragile Peace and Escalating Violence
In South Sudan, the peace process remains fragile, with X posts on May 15 highlighting surging battles that threaten stability. The country continues to face displacement and humanitarian challenges, with no specific casualty figures reported this week. The situation underscores the need for renewed efforts to sustain the 2018 peace agreement and address ongoing conflicts between government and opposition forces.
Somalia: Surge in Violence
Somalia experienced a record number of attacks in May, with X posts on May 13 noting increased violence. Specific casualty figures were unavailable, but the surge underscores the ongoing threat from al-Shabaab and other militant groups.
Togo: Political and Economic Milestones
Togo marked the transition to the Fifth Republic and hosted the first AU conference on debt on May 14, significant steps in its political and economic evolution. However, the expansion of drone warfare raised security concerns, reflecting regional trends in military technology.
Cultural and Social Highlights Across Africa
Africa celebrated several cultural milestones this week. South African singer Tyla became the first African to host the Kids’ Choice Awards, while Nigerian singer Tems teased new music and attended the Met Gala in a design by British-Ghanaian Oswald Boateng. South African radio presenter Dineo Ranaka shone at the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards. In Mauritania, the former president faced jail time for corruption, a rare instance of accountability. Gabon’s ousted president, Ali Bongo, and his family were exiled to Angola on May 16, following embezzlement charges.
Health and Humanitarian Concerns
The World Health Organization warned of a looming health crisis across Africa, though specifics were not detailed. Morocco’s measles outbreak and Burkina Faso’s displacement crisis, with millions affected, highlight the urgent need for health and humanitarian interventions.