Africa Today - August 26, 2025

Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Over Medicine Shortages GABORONE, Botswana - President Duma Boko has declared a national public health emergency in response to severe shortages of essential medicines and medical equipment. The multimillion-pound plan announced in a televised address places military authorities in charge of rectifying supply-chain disruptions precipitated by a downturn in the diamond market and cuts to U.S. aid. Elective surgeries and non-urgent referrals-including cancer, HIV, and tuberculosis treatments-have been suspended, prompting UNICEF to call for “urgent action” to safeguard children’s health and future in Botswana.

Islamic State Claims Deadly Attacks on Somali Soldiers MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Islamic State faction in Somalia has claimed responsibility for three attacks on Puntland Security Force positions between July 16 and August 22, alleging 47 soldiers were killed in the Bari region’s Cal-Miskaad mountains. Puntland officials have not independently confirmed the toll as security forces continue intensified operations against ISIS and Al-Shabaab in northeastern Somalia.

DRC Military Court Seeks Death Penalty for Ex-President Kabila KINSHASA, DR Congo - Military prosecutors have requested the death penalty for former President Joseph Kabila, who stands accused in absentia of treason, homicide, torture, and rape for his alleged support of the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. Kabila, in power from 2001 to 2019, denounces the trial as “arbitrary” and politically motivated, while critics warn the proceedings aim to stifle dissent against President Félix Tshisekedi’s government.

Ethiopian Media Group Condemns Illegal Detention of Journalists ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - The Ethiopian Media Professionals Association has decried the abduction and prolonged detention of journalists Abdulsemed Mohammed and Yonas Amare without due legal process. Mohammed and Amare were held for 12 and 10 days, respectively, before their release, prompting calls from press-freedom advocates for those responsible to face accountability and for guarantees of journalists’ safety in Ethiopia.

South Africa Warns Against Deceptive Russian Job Offers for Young Women PRETORIA, South Africa - Government officials have issued a warning to young women about social-media recruitment schemes promising overseas work programs in Russia. Viral videos touting a two-year placement in Tatarstan offering language training and fair treatment were removed after backlash. Authorities fear vulnerable and unemployed youth may be lured into drone-factory labor under false pretenses, and investigations are underway to verify allegations of deceptive recruiting practices.