Today in Africa, June 12, 2026: Mali junta bounty, Niger anti-LGBTQ law, DR Congo Ebola deaths

Kenyan Killed During Protest Against U.S.-Backed Ebola Facility Was a Teen

The Kenyan who was killed during clashes between police and protesters opposing a planned U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine center at Laikipia Air Base has been identified as 17-year-old Kenyan, Sylvester Muigai Ndung’u. His mother found his body in a mortuary two days after he went missing, while authorities say they are awaiting a post-mortem to determine whether he was killed by a bullet or a tear-gas canister.

Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay Handed Four-Month Doping Ban

Ethiopian distance runner Gudaf Tsegay has been banned for four months after testing positive for a metabolite of letrozole, a substance she said was prescribed to treat a medical condition. The Athletics Integrity Unit said her suspension runs through Sept. 30, and all results dating back to Dec. 5, 2025, have been disqualified after a request for a retroactive therapeutic use exemption was rejected.

Tinubu Pledges Tougher Security Measures Amid Rising Attacks

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu used his country’s Democracy Day celebrations to warn armed groups to surrender or face the full force of the state, as kidnappings and attacks continue to fuel insecurity. He announced plans to recruit more than 50,000 police officers and highlighted increased defense spending, while acknowledging concerns over recent school abductions in Oyo and Borno states.

Somaliland Defends Taiwan Ties Despite Pressure From China and Somalia

Somaliland’s representative in Taiwan says the self-declared republic will continue its relationship with Taipei despite pressure from both China and Somalia. Speaking at the opening of a new Somaliland office in Taiwan, Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal says Somaliland has the right to choose its own partners and that political pressure has not changed that position.

Nigeria Fines Indian Crew, Vessel $6 Million in Cocaine Case

A Nigerian court has convicted 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, after authorities found 31.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden aboard the ship at Lagos’ Apapa port. The court imposed about $6 million in fines, including $5.3 million against the vessel, in what authorities say is part of a wider effort to disrupt international drug trafficking routes.

Sierra Leone First Lady’s London Council Property Reclaimed

Southwark Council in London says it has taken possession of a council-owned property linked to Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, following a year-long investigation. The council said the home will be returned to its intended purpose of housing families in need, though it did not allege criminal wrongdoing or say Bio had been evicted.

Iranian Activist Deported From U.S. to Central African Republic

An Iranian pro-democracy activist has been deported from the U.S. to the Central African Republic, according to her lawyer, who called the transfer dangerous because the activist has no ties to the country. Rights groups say the case is part of a broader U.S. policy of sending some migrants to third countries under agreements that critics argue bypass legal protections against repatriation.