Sema Fonkem 22 March 2026

SOUTH AFRICA: US ambassador position remains vacant

South Africa’s US ambassador seat has been empty since Ebrahim Rasool was removed in March 2025. President Cyril Ramaphosa does not appear to have scheduled an appointment in an attempt to prevent more diplomatic conflict with President Trump’s administration. Alistair Ruiters, the presidency’s international business adviser, continues to serve as South Africa’s top negotiator with the US.

SUDAN: Drone attack kills 64 people

Drone strikes on a hospital in East Darfur Sudan have killed 64 people and injured 89 others. Seven women, thirteen children, and 44 men have died. Eight of the people that died were senior citizens.

The blast injured 89 persons, including 11 children, 15 women, and eight members of the medical personnel.

TUNISIA: Activist Saadia Mosbah jailed for eight years

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, a Tunisian court sentenced Saadia Mosbah, the leader of the anti-racism organisation Mnèmty, to illegal enrichment and money laundering charges.

Mosbah, 66, was arrested in May 2024 and sentenced to eight years in jail with a $35,000 fine.

CAMEROON: Opposition leader Isssa Tchiroma Bakary plans to return home

The self-proclaimed winner of Cameroon’s presidential election in October 2025, the leader of the opposition party Cameroon National Salvation Front, is apparently planning to return home.

Isssa Tchiroma Bakary has been in self-exile in The Gambia since 2025, avoiding harassment by Cameroon’s security forces.

CAF NEWS

The Guinean Football Federation denies filing any action with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 1976 championship, in which Morocco won the title after leaving the pitch for 15 minutes and returning to score an aggregate goal against Guinea’s national football team.

The rumours on social media that the Guinean Football Federation has taken action are rumours generated by football fans to criticise the Royal Moroccan Football Federation following their victory in having the Confederation of African Football (CAF) award the AFCON 2025 championship to the Atlas Lions.