The past week in Africa was marked by significant developments across political, economic, social, and humanitarian spheres. From escalating conflicts and economic reforms to cultural milestones and environmental challenges, the continent saw a range of events that shaped its trajectory. Below is a detailed roundup of the major news stories from Africa for the week of May 3–9, 2025, organized by key themes.
Political Developments
Nigeria’s Senate Passes Tax Reform Bills
On May 9, Nigeria’s Senate approved tax reform bills aimed at boosting government revenue, a critical step in addressing the country’s fiscal challenges. The reforms focus on improving tax collection efficiency and broadening the tax base to reduce dependency on oil revenues. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautioned that despite these reforms, poverty and food insecurity remain high, with over half of Nigeria’s population living below the poverty line. The reforms are part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic restructuring efforts since May 2023, which have shown progress in foreign exchange markets and debt management but face public scrutiny over rising living costs.
South Sudan’s Political Tensions Escalate
In South Sudan, the rift between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar deepened, threatening the fragile 2018 peace agreement. Kiir’s sweeping government reshuffle, including the appointment of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces generals to commissioner positions in Ulang and Nasir counties, drew criticism for violating the peace accord. These changes, reported on April 30 and continuing into early May, have raised concerns about further instability in a country already grappling with humanitarian crises and stalled peace processes.
Togo’s Shift to the Fifth Republic
Togo marked a significant political transition with the establishment of the Fifth Republic, signaling a shift in power dynamics. The move, reported on May 9, is part of ongoing constitutional reforms under President Faure Gnassingbé. However, the transition has sparked protests, with critics arguing it consolidates power and undermines democratic processes. The changes come amid regional scrutiny of governance in West Africa, particularly following the exit of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Tanzania Opposition Leader Faces Treason Charges
In Tanzania, opposition leader Tundu Lissu, runner-up in the 2020 presidential election, was charged with treason on May 7 over a speech allegedly calling for public rebellion to disrupt the upcoming election. Lissu’s transfer to a different prison and the lack of clarity about his whereabouts raised alarms among his party, CHADEMA, and human rights activists. The charges follow the election commission’s threat to disqualify CHADEMA for refusing to sign a code of conduct, highlighting growing tensions ahead of the polls.
Conflict and Security
Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Sudan’s ongoing civil war saw a devastating escalation in North Darfur, particularly in El Fasher, the last major city not controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). On May 6, the RSF conducted deadly ground and aerial offensives, targeting civilians and displacement camps like Zamzam and Abu Shouk. The United Nations reported over 480 civilian deaths in two weeks, with hundreds of thousands displaced. Sudan also cut diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates on May 6, accusing the UAE of arming the RSF, a claim the UAE denies. The destruction of precious artifacts at Sudan’s National Museum in Khartoum underscored the war’s cultural toll.
DRC: Southern African Troops Withdraw
Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops from Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa began evacuating eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after being stranded since a January offensive by the M23 rebel group. The withdrawal, reported on May 1, follows the deaths of 17 SADC soldiers and criticism from Rwanda, which accused the mission of escalating tensions. The pullout leaves a security vacuum in a region plagued by violence, with Congolese authorities seeking a minerals deal with the U.S. to bolster security support.
Mali Faces Protests Against Military Reforms
In Mali, protests erupted on May 9 against the military government’s reform plans, which critics argue aim to entrench junta rule. The demonstrations reflect growing public frustration with the transitional government’s policies and the suspension of political activities under General Assimi Goïta. Civic spaces are shrinking, with reports of activist Eddie Mutwe showing signs of torture after his arrest. Mali’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, further complicates regional security cooperation.
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Offensive Intensifies
Al-Shabaab launched a major offensive in Somalia’s Hirshabelle state, with over 380 fatalities reported from battles in April, a 25% increase from the previous month. The group fired mortar shells near Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, raising concerns about its capacity to threaten the capital. The African Union’s peacekeeping mission faces funding shortages and the potential withdrawal of Burundian troops, forcing Somalia to seek military support from Turkey.
Benin: Deadliest JNIM Attack
On April 17, al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) carried out a double attack in northern Benin’s W National Park, killing at least 54 Beninese soldiers. JNIM claimed responsibility, releasing videos showing captured weapons and ammunition. The assault, the deadliest since militant activity spread to Benin in 2019, underscores the growing jihadist threat in the Sahel and West Africa.
Economic and Business News
South Africa’s Budget Review and Economic Reforms
South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced on May 1 that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on May 21, following the withdrawal of a proposed 0.5% VAT increase due to public backlash. The revised budget emphasizes stricter cost management, improved revenue collection through the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and economic reforms to spur growth and job creation. The South African rand strengthened on May 8, boosted by optimism about U.S. trade deals, but slipped on May 7 as investors took profits.
Afreximbank Launches $1 Billion Film Fund
On May 11, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announced a $1 billion film fund to support Africa’s growing creative industry. The initiative aims to finance film production, distribution, and infrastructure, positioning Africa as a global hub for cinematic storytelling. The fund comes as Nigerian cinema gains international attention, with the premiere of My Father’s Shadow at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Nigeria Clears IMF Loan
Nigeria made progress in clearing an IMF loan, a milestone in its economic reform agenda. The IMF acknowledged improvements in fiscal debt management but warned of persistent challenges, including high poverty rates and food insecurity. The clearance is expected to enhance Nigeria’s access to international financing, though public discontent over economic hardships remains a hurdle.
Trump Administration to End AfDB Backing
The Trump administration signaled plans to end U.S. backing for the African Development Bank (AfDB), raising concerns about funding for critical infrastructure and development projects across the continent. The decision, reported on May 11, could exacerbate Africa’s debt crisis, particularly for countries already struggling with high borrowing costs.
Humanitarian and Social Issues
Hunger Crisis in West and Central Africa
The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on May 9 that conflict and extreme weather are worsening hunger in West and Central Africa, with millions facing acute food insecurity. In South Sudan, clashes have blocked aid to 60,000 malnourished children, exacerbating the crisis. Sudan’s conflict has left 24.6 million people—half the population—facing extreme hunger, with 14 million displaced.
U.S. Cuts Health Aid to Zambia
On May 9, the U.S. announced cuts to health aid to Zambia, citing “systemic theft” of donated malaria, HIV, and TB drugs, with over $50 million in aid scrapped. The decision has sparked concerns about the impact on Zambia’s healthcare system, particularly for vulnerable populations reliant on external support.
South Sudan Clashes Block Aid
Clashes in South Sudan, reported on May 8, have disrupted humanitarian aid to 60,000 malnourished children, intensifying the country’s hunger crisis. The conflict, combined with extreme weather, has strained aid agencies’ ability to deliver essential supplies, leaving thousands at risk.
Kenya: Deadly People-Smuggling Route
A new people-smuggling route across a lake into Kenya has proven deadly for Eritrean migrants, with several fatalities reported. The route, highlighted on May 10, underscores the dangers faced by migrants fleeing conflict and economic hardship, as well as the challenges of addressing human trafficking in the region.
Cultural and Environmental Highlights
South Africa’s Metro FM Music Awards
On May 9, South Africa hosted the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards in Mbombela, celebrating the country’s vibrant music scene. Radio presenter Dineo Ranaka was among the highlights, captivating audiences with her presence. The event showcased Africa’s growing influence in global entertainment.
Nigerian Cinema at Cannes
Nigerian singer Patoranking and British army veteran-turned-philanthropist were recognized for driving change through philanthropy, while Nigerian cinema gained prominence with My Father’s Shadow set to premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The milestone reflects Nigeria’s rising profile in global filmmaking.
Vulture Poisoning in South Africa
On May 8, South African park rangers rescued over 80 vultures from a mass poisoning in Kruger National Park, though more than 120 could not be saved. The incident highlights the ongoing threat to biodiversity and the need for stronger environmental protections. More details can be found here.
Senegal’s Beach Soccer Triumph
Senegal’s beach soccer team made headlines on May 6, defeating Chile 7-3 at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles. The victory, marked by celebratory backflips from footballer Ninou Diatta, showcased Africa’s growing prowess in international sports.
Regional and International Relations
Turkey-Somalia Energy and Defense Deal Faces Backlash
A 2024 agreement between Turkey and Somalia, made public on April 22, revealed Ankara’s major financial and strategic concessions in exchange for an energy and defense partnership. The deal, reported on May 9, has faced backlash in Somalia for potentially compromising national interests, amid concerns about Turkey’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa.
Egypt-Greece Electricity Project
On May 10, Egypt and Greece reaffirmed their commitment to a proposed undersea electricity project, aimed at enhancing energy connectivity between Africa and Europe. The initiative reflects Africa’s push for sustainable energy solutions and stronger international partnerships.
U.S. Refugee Plan for White South Africans
Reports on May 10 indicated that the first group of white South Africans could arrive in the U.S. next week under a refugee resettlement plan, a controversial move that has sparked debate about immigration policies and historical inequalities. South Africa’s Democratic Alliance party also challenged new racial equity laws in court on May 6, arguing they impose unfair numerical targets for non-white employment.