Africa: Amadou Mahtar Mbow – former Unesco Head and 1st African to Lead a Major International Organisation

The Free State High Court has ordered the dissolution of the Ngwathe Local Municipality due to significant failures in meeting its constitutional and regulatory obligations to residents in towns like Parys, Heilbron, Koppies, and Vredefort. This decision underscores the municipality's inability to effectively govern and provide necessary services to its communities. Need More Context? 🔎

More than 200 gunmen attacked a Niger army base in Banibangou, resulting in at least 34 soldiers killed and 14 injured, according to the defense ministry. The junta, which has expelled Western forces and sought alliances with Russia and Turkey for security, is under scrutiny for its inability to combat ongoing jihadist violence in the region. Need More Context? 🔎

A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent and beyond:Highlights include women harvesting seaweed in Zanzibar, a biking contest in South Africa, and a concert featuring Angelique Kidjo in France. Other notable images capture forest fires in Cape Town, the burning of illegal firearms in Kenya, and vibrant street life in Togo. Need More Context? 🔎

Niger's military junta plans to nationalise the French-owned uranium company Somaïr, accused of irresponsible practices, as part of its effort to gain greater control over local mineral resources and reduce ties with France, moving closer to Russia. This move follows a history of colonial agreements that many in Niger view as ongoing domination, raising concerns over job security and export earnings in the mining sector. Need More Context? 🔎

Training sessions for the Senegalese women's basketball team in the US have been cancelled after several squad members were denied visas, prompting Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to shift preparations to Dakar. This visa denial coincides with reports of upcoming US travel restrictions affecting 25 African countries, including Senegal, amid concerns over visa overstays and national security. Need More Context? 🔎

Teklemariam BekitEditor, BBC TigrinyaAFP via Getty ImagesFor many Eritreans, the hopes of the early days of the presidency of Isaias (left in 1994) have been dashed 30 years laterOnce hailed as a reformist leader, Eritrea's president Isaias Afwerki has ruled for over 32 years without ever holding elections, consolidating power at his rural residence while hopes for democracy faded after his initial promises in the 1990s. Following the 2001 crackdown on dissent, including the arrest...