According to the Council on Foreign Relations’ Conflicts to Watch in 2026 report, several ongoing and potential conflicts on the African continent remain significant sources of instability in the year ahead.
Bradley BosireA major highlight of the year was President Ruto’s state visit to China from April 22–26, which upgraded Kenya–China relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era.”
Bradley BosireAt the heart of the forum’s message was a call for clarity from the presidency. It urged President Mohamud to present a clear national strategy to confront the twin challenges of national fragmentation and terrorism, saying such a plan is vital to protect the country from further instability and to restore public confidence in leadership.
Chrispho OwuorThe clashes are rooted in unresolved territorial claims along sections of the Thailand–Cambodia border that remain poorly marked decades after colonial-era boundaries were drawn. While previous diplomatic efforts attempted to manage tensions, renewed fighting erupted earlier this year, intensifying in December.
Bradley BosireThe ministers warned that the recognition of parts of sovereign states constituted a serious precedent that threatens international peace and security.
Chrispho OwuorThe Office of the President did not provide details on the purpose of President Boko’s visit, describing it as private.
Bradley BosireSouth Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set December 22, 2026, as the date for the country’s general election. This will be South Sudan’s first national vote since independence in 2011. The election has been delayed repeatedly due to civil conflict, weak institutions, and unmet legal and administrative requirements. The planned vote will include presidential, national, and sub-national legislative positions under the current transitional constitutional arrangement.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe Russian offensive targeted Kyiv’s civilian and energy infrastructure, with President Volodymyr Zelensky reporting almost 500 drones and 40 missiles aimed at the capital.
Maureen KinyanjuiRodriguez says his first contact with Perry occurred in 2015 after a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles told him that Perry wanted to meet him. The lawsuit says Perry called him later that day and spoke about writing Madea’s Halloween, adding that Rodriguez would be suitable for the role of “a very good-looking college student.”
Maureen KinyanjuiThe country is set to hold presidential, legislative, regional and municipal elections, with more than two million registered voters expected to cast their ballots. The vote comes amid heightened political debate following constitutional amendments earlier this year that removed presidential term limits, opening the way for President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who has been in office since 2016, to seek another term.
Maureen KinyanjuiSaudi Arabia highlighted its role in supporting stability, peace, and state-building initiatives in Somalia, noting that protecting territorial integrity is crucial for regional security. The statement also expressed solidarity with the Somali people amid rising political tensions.
Maureen KinyanjuiAUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he was “deeply concerned” by the recent debates and developments surrounding Somaliland’s status. He reminded member states that the AU’s position is anchored in its founding principles, which uphold the integrity of borders inherited at independence.
Maureen KinyanjuiZelensky said the meeting is expected to take place on Sunday and will centre on a US-backed peace framework that contains 20 key points, alongside separate proposals dealing with security guarantees for Ukraine. He said the talks could play a decisive role as negotiators push to finalise the plan.
Maureen KinyanjuiSomalia’s government, however, responded with strong opposition. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Somalia “categorically and unequivocally rejected” Israel’s action, describing it as a deliberate challenge to the country’s sovereignty.
Maureen KinyanjuiTroop-contributing countries have repeatedly raised concerns over the growing strain on the mission. Capitals such as Nairobi, Kampala and Addis Ababa have argued that expectations placed on AUSSOM continue to rise even as available resources shrink.
Maureen KinyanjuiAccording to Russia’s Investigative Committee, the two traffic officers had noticed the suspect and moved to detain him when an explosive device detonated. The officers succumbed to their injuries on the scene, along with another person who was nearby at the time.
Maureen KinyanjuiRussia now controls around 75% of Donetsk and nearly all of neighboring Luhansk, regions collectively known as Donbas. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned repeatedly that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Donbas, rejecting compromise in any potential peace deal.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe National Guard is primarily composed of state-controlled troops that respond to major emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or large-scale protests.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe 50-year-old actor, comedian, and broadcaster had already pleaded not guilty to five offences involving four women. These earlier charges include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault.
Maureen KinyanjuiA journalist based in Plateau state said families of those taken hostage have already started receiving ransom demands from the kidnappers. The identities of the gunmen remain unclear, and security agencies have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe US government has accused Venezuela of using oil profits to finance drug-related crime, while Caracas has condemned the seizures as "piracy." So far this month, the US military has captured two oil tankers, including one over the weekend, and is pursuing a third vessel described as part of a Venezuelan "dark fleet" that evades US sanctions.
Maureen KinyanjuiAccording to Novo Nordisk, clinical trials of the pill involving around 1,300 participants showed an average weight loss of 16.6%. About a third of those in the study lost at least 20% of their body weight. The company aims to launch the pill in the United States in early January 2026.
Maureen KinyanjuiPresident Volodymyr Zelensky said the repeated assaults were aimed at cutting Ukraine off from maritime routes that are vital for trade and supplies. He said Moscow was trying to block the country’s use of sea-based logistics by hitting ports and nearby infrastructure.
Maureen KinyanjuiAfrican countries will be the most affected by the decision, with 15 nations scheduled to see their American envoys leave in January. These include Nigeria, Uganda, Senegal, Rwanda, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Burundi, Gabon, Mauritius, Madagascar, Cape Verde, Niger, Algeria and Egypt.
Maureen KinyanjuiRussia’s Investigative Committee said Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov died on Monday morning after an explosive device planted under a car detonated.
Bradley BosireThe operation, which ran from October 27 to November 27, targeted three of the most prevalent cybercrime threats on the continent: business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion and ransomware.
David AbonyoDemocrats on the House Oversight Committee questioned the images' removal. In a social media post, they asked Attorney General Pam Bondi: "What else is being covered up?"
Samuel OtienoThe figure is a record for a December day in recent years, and is believed to be due to a backlog of people wanting to get across to Kent because of recent bad weather.
Samuel OtienoThe memorial was part of a national day of reflection to mark a week since the shooting in which two gunmen opened fire on an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Samuel OtienoThe United Nations Security Council agreed at the end of September 2025 to more than double the size of the international security mission in Haiti, which has been in place for 15 months. The council also approved renaming the mission as a gang suppression force to reflect its expanded role.
Bradley Bosire