标签： Africa

In a contentious move, a group of 10 migrants deported from the United States arrived in the African nation of Eswatini early Monday, according to local authorities. This marks the latest wave of deportations under a controversial program initiated by the Trump administration, which has struck largely undisclosed agreements with at least five African nations to accept migrants under its third-country deportation initiative. Rights groups and activists have vehemently opposed the program, citing concerns over due process and humane treatment.

Morocco has witnessed an unprecedented wave of youth-led protests for the eighth consecutive day, as thousands of young demonstrators took to the streets across the nation to demand significant improvements in public health and education services. The protests, organized by the online collective GenZ 212, have challenged the perception of Moroccan youth as politically apathetic and have highlighted growing discontent with social inequalities and corruption. The group, which operates primarily on the web platform Discord, has mobilized its 180,000 members to stage peaceful rallies in 14 cities, including Tetouan, Casablanca, and Rabat. Demonstrators have been chanting slogans such as ‘The people want an end to corruption’ and ‘Freedom, dignity, and social justice,’ reflecting their broader demands for systemic reforms. The protests gained momentum following reports of the deaths of eight pregnant women at a public hospital in Agadir, which activists cite as evidence of the healthcare system’s failures. While the gatherings have been largely peaceful, isolated incidents of violence have occurred, including a confrontation in the village of Lqliaa that resulted in three fatalities. GenZ 212 has emphasized its commitment to nonviolence and continues to call for the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, whose term ends next year. The protests mark a significant shift in Morocco’s political landscape, as young people take a more active role in advocating for change.

A daring assault by seven al-Shabab militants on a high-security prison in Mogadishu, Somalia, culminated in the death of all attackers, according to the Somali government. The incident unfolded on Saturday evening at Godka Jilicow, a detention facility housing al-Shabab militants, located near the presidential palace in the heart of the capital. The attack began with a massive explosion and intense gunfire, drawing immediate attention to the area. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility, stating they had freed ‘all Muslim prisoners’ and inflicted significant casualties on the guards. The militants reportedly disguised themselves as soldiers to gain access to the prison, as reported by the government-run news agency Sonna Live. While the government did not disclose the number of security personnel killed, it expressed condolences to the families of ‘the fallen heroes.’ The attack raises serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures in one of Mogadishu’s most heavily guarded areas. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has been waging a violent insurgency against the Somali government for nearly two decades. The incident occurred hours after the government reopened key roads in Mogadishu, citing improved safety conditions. This attack underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab and the challenges faced by Somali security forces in maintaining stability.

Mogadishu, Somalia — A brazen assault by the al-Qaida-affiliated militant group al-Shabab targeted a high-security prison near Somalia’s presidential palace on Saturday, unleashing chaos in the capital. The attack, marked by explosions and heavy gunfire, occurred just hours after the federal government removed long-standing roadblocks in Mogadishu, a move intended to ease traffic and commerce but which may have inadvertently compromised security. Residents in the Bondhere district reported hearing blasts and witnessing thick smoke rising from the Godka Jilacow prison, which also houses the regional intelligence unit. Hibo Mohamed, a local resident, expressed widespread fear, stating, ‘The city had been calm for months, but now everyone feels anxious once more.’ Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that they had freed prisoners. Somali state media reported that the militants used a vehicle disguised as one belonging to the intelligence unit’s security forces. Government soldiers reportedly repelled the assault, killing several militants. The attack on Godka Jilacow prison is not unprecedented; in 2014, al-Shabab launched a similar assault involving a suicide car bomb and an attempted prison break, which resulted in at least a dozen fatalities. Saturday’s incident underscores the persistent threat posed by the militant group, despite recent gains by Somali forces, supported by local militias and African Union troops, in pushing al-Shabab out of central and southern regions. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, and ambulances rushed to the scene, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. The timing of the attack, following the removal of roadblocks, has reignited debates about the balance between security measures and urban mobility in Mogadishu.