Kenya Drought Deepens Conflict Concerns in DRC
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 6, 2026
News Updates from Across the Continent
Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news being followed but not yet covered as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond.
Kenya’s Drought Impacts Pastoralists
A deepening drought in Kenya is devastating pastoralist families, with losses now spreading beyond the traditionally arid north into areas like Kajiado County near Nairobi. Since August, Maasai herder Maria Katanga has lost over 100 cattle and 300 goats. Livestock prices have collapsed, forcing families into distress sales to buy feed. Herders are traveling farther in search of pasture and water, including crossing into Tanzania, raising concerns about competition for scarce resources. The crisis extends to the wider Horn of Africa, with Somalia declaring a national drought emergency. Forecasts point to near- to below-average rainfall for Kajiado in the March–May season. Authorities have provided cash aid to over 130,000 households in historically arid counties, but these measures have not reached Kajiado.
Rwanda’s President Addresses International Pressure
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has urged his country’s citizens to embrace autonomy and resist external pressures. Rwanda has faced increased international scrutiny regarding its support of the AFC/M23 armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Amid threats of U.S. sanctions, Kagame emphasized the need for Rwanda’s sovereignty. He also seemingly acknowledged Rwandan presence in eastern DR Congo, mentioning “defensive measures.” Clashes have intensified in remote areas, with the AFC/M23 group capturing more territory, leading to casualties and straining health facilities.
Details Emerge from Nigeria’s Village Attacks
Details are emerging about the brutal attacks on the villages of Woro and Nuku in western Nigeria, where at least 162 people were killed on Tuesday, February 3. Gunmen on motorbikes stormed the villages after residents ignored warnings of an impending attack. Survivors reported attackers going door to door for nearly 10 hours, shooting residents, burning homes and shops, and killing worshippers at a mosque. Authorities believe the death toll may be closer to 200, with many others kidnapped. The massacre is part of a wider surge in violence in Kwara, raising fears that Nigeria’s security crisis is spreading south.
Netherlands Returns Looted Sculpture to Egypt
The Netherlands has returned a 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt after an investigation confirmed it had been looted and illegally removed. The stone head, believed to have originated from Luxor, was confiscated at an art fair in Maastricht in 2022. Dutch Culture Minister Gouke Moes stated the return reflects a policy of returning cultural objects to their rightful owners. Egyptian Ambassador Emad Hanna emphasized the importance of these artifacts to tourism and the economy.
Nigerian Court Orders UK to Pay Compensation to Miners’ Families
A court in Nigeria has ordered the British government to pay $27 million to each of the families of 21 coal miners killed by colonial police in 1949. The court ruled the killings at the Iva Valley coal mine were unlawful and violated the miners’ right to life. The massacre is widely seen as a turning point that fueled Nigeria’s anti-colonial movement.
Republic of Congo President Announces Reelection Bid
The third-longest serving president on the continent, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, has announced he will run for another term in the Republic of Congo’s presidential election on March 15. He benefited from a 2015 constitutional reform that removed age and term limits. Sassou-Nguesso is expected to remain in power, despite widespread poverty and high youth unemployment.
South Africa Launches Foot-and-Mouth Vaccine
South Africa announced its first locally developed foot-and-mouth disease vaccine in 20 years as it battles its worst outbreak in years. The vaccine, developed by the Agricultural Research Council, will be used to immunize 80% of the country’s cattle. Farmers have reported heavy losses and accused the government of responding too slowly.
AGOA Extension Brings Relief to Lesotho
Lesotho has welcomed a short-term extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) after months of uncertainty that cost garment workers their jobs. The extension, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, provides duty-free access to the U.S. market. While textiles are Lesotho’s leading export, the country seeks a longer-term U.S. trade framework.
U.S. Backs UK Plan for Chagos Islands
The United States has confirmed its support for a deal that would see the United Kingdom transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the joint UK-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years. U.S. officials stress they retain the right to protect and reinforce their presence at the base.
Senegal Fans in Morocco Begin Hunger Strike
Eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco after last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final have started a hunger strike as they await trial. The fans were arrested following a disputed penalty in the final. They claim police questioned them in languages they do not understand and are awaiting formal charges.
