What could be regarded as the first season of this real-life inquiry into allegations made by a senior officer last July – that organised crime groups had infiltrated the police and government – ran from September to December. The revelations included details of an alleged drug cartel and named those at the heart of the alleged corruption.

The “second season” of this inquiry has just wrapped up -with another interim report on the proceedings handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday.

Like the first interim report from the Madlanga Commission, it was not made public, though the contents are likely to be fairly explosive – if the public hearings are anything to go by.

Before the third and final phase gets under way next month – aka “season three” – here are some eye-catching moments from the last 64 days of hearings that saw 32 witnesses testifying.

Brazilian butt lift denial

In February, senior police officer Brig Rachel Matjeng appeared before the commission, which is named after retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga who is heading the inquiry.

She was there as she had overseen a tender awarded in 2024 to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company Medicare24 Tshwane District, which was meant to provide health services to the police.

The contract was cancelled a year later and since then a dozen senior police officers, including Matjeng, have been formally charged over their role in awarding the contract. None of them have yet been asked to plead in court.

In her testimony to the commission, Matjeng denied receiving kickbacks from Matlala – and instead alleged that the pair were in an on-off romantic relationship that lasted until his arrest last year and that he had lavished her with gifts.

One of these presents were shots of the weight-loss drug Ozempic, which she had asked her “boyfriend” to source for her.

Matjeng said she had not been bribed with a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), as had been alleged online, telling the commission: “So, for me, from my boyfriend [Matlala], I only ask for Ozempic, unlike those that ask for BBL (sic)”.

Matlala himself has yet to appear before the commission.

He was named in testimony last year from the police crime intelligence boss as one of the main figures in an alleged drug-trafficking and crime cartel, known as the Big Five, that allegedly also carried out contract killings, cross-border hijackings and kidnappings.

Matlala is currently in custody facing 25 criminal charges, among them attempted murder. He has denied all the charges against him.

It is believed that he will make a much-anticipated appearance – to respond to allegations made against him – during the final leg of the commission’s hearings.

Drug heist allegations

Another key focus of the Madlanga Commission has been the handling of two major drug operations that occurred just a month apart in 2021.

One was in the south of the port city of Durban in June that year and another occurred in Johannesburg a month later.

In the first, police intercepted 541kg of cocaine, hidden in a shipping container carrying animal bone meal, worth more than 200m rand ($12m; £9m). Five months later the confiscated drugs were stolen from a poorly secured building owned by the police’s elite unit, the Hawks, in what was believed to be an inside job.

Senior Hawks official Maj-Gen Hendrik Flynn detailed to the inquiry a series of missteps by officers in the lead-up to the theft.

These included a failure to collect DNA or fingerprint samples from the scene and the decision to store the drugs at a building that lacked proper security despite the availability of safer ones closer to police locations.

“I am of the view that it is no coincidence and that the sequence of events is indeed… by design,” Flynn said.

Another senior Hawks official, Lt Col Nkoana Sebola, told the commission that circumstances around the second seizure – 700kg of cocaine worth an estimated $17.3m – from a warehouse in an industrial suburb in southern Johannesburg in July 2021 were also suspicious.

The drugs had been hidden inside black bags among lorry parts being imported for a well-known transport company. The container had also come in via Durban’s harbour.

Sebola said he believed the first officers on the scene were carrying out a heist as they were working outside their jurisdiction.

One of them, Marumo Magane, an office-bound analytics officer with no experience in investigative work or handling drug busts, told the commission that he had been called to assist at the scene by a senior traffic officer – who was also unqualified to handle drug busts but said he had received a tip-off.

The commission heard how both officials entered the premises of a logistics company in the east of Johannesburg without a search warrant.

Accompanied by an alleged informant, Magane said they asked an employee to open the container so they could “verify the information”.

But they were told to wait until the container was delivered to its final destination in southern Johannesburg, where Magane then ordered the bags of drugs be unloaded on to the back of his lorry.

Suspicious staff at that warehouse called the local police and later the Hawks investigating officer arrived on the scene.

Magane, who did not call in the police unit responsible for processing crime scenes, repeated during his testimony that he had no intention of stealing the drugs. The traffic officer is yet to appear before the commission.

But Magane did admit to a series of blunders in his handling of the scene, including tampering with exhibits and evidence and loading the drugs on to his police-issued vehicle.

Madlanga put it to Magane: “You were clueless, and you knew that you were clueless.”

The hapless analytics officer replied: “That is correct, commissioner.”

He and several others were arrested for their role in the botched operation, but the charges were dropped in 2022 as prosecutors saw “no prospects of success”.

The inquiry also heard how the confiscated haul was taken to a forensic science laboratory to be stored and where it was discovered in February 2025 that 136kg of the cocaine had disappeared.

The reluctant witness

Alleged police informant and political fixer Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi first appeared before the inquiry in November as he is alleged to be one of the central figures who facilitated the infiltration of the police force by corrupt individuals. He denies the allegations.

Beforehand, Mogotsi, a businessman and former member of the African National Congress (ANC) party, said he had survived an assassination attempt.

“I ran for my life,” he told the commission during his first appearance, saying his car had come under fire in an area east of Johannesburg. Police opened an investigation into the case and seized the vehicle.

During his November testimony he went on to make dramatic claims, which he later retracted, that Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi – the police whistleblower whose explosive allegations led to President Ramaphosa setting up the Madlanga Commission – and the Zulu king were CIA spies.

The businessman was due to return to the commission in March, but this was postponed after saying he was too ill to appear.

Justice Madlanga stated that his sick note was “useless” and Mogotsi reluctantly returned for cross-examination in May.

However, he first tried to get Matthew Chaskalson, the lawyer responsible for presenting evidence to the commission, removed for perceived bias, saying he was trying to get him to implicate another witness.

When his bid was dismissed, Mogotsi was clearly furious and refused to answer many of the questions put to him over fears he might incriminate himself.

In an ironic twist of fate, shortly after giving his testimony he was arrested by a dedicated police unit set up earlier this year to investigate referrals and evidence arising from the inquiry.

Known as the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT), it has been responsible for five high-profile arrests over the last few months, though many of them have not been directly related to evidence from the inquiry.

Mogotsi appeared in court accused of faking the attempt on his life. Despite vehement denials that he staged the hit, he faces a litany of charges related to the incident – and is currently applying for bail.

The final Madlanga Commission report is due in August – and that one is expected to be made public.

According to him, Ghana has begun documenting and registering businesses owned by its citizens in South Africa, including details of their legal ownership, as part of efforts to safeguard their investments.

“We’ve instituted measures to ensure that everybody who has business in this country is protected,” he said in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.

“And ensure that if the government of South Africa wants to take that business, there should be compensation to the owners of those businesses.”

Mr Quashie said Ghana would insist on what he described as “realistic compensation” for affected business owners who have spent years building their enterprises.

“We know what the businesses are, we know the legal documents that they have, and we intend to take it strongly up against the government of South Africa,” he added.

He further disclosed that Ghana plans to escalate the matter to the African Union level as part of efforts to address recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals living in South Africa.

According to him, Ghana has already engaged South African authorities on the issue and expects urgent attention to prevent further diplomatic tensions.

“If not, then compensation and other things they will be paying to those people will be a matter determined by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he stated.

His comments come after Ghana petitioned the African Union to place xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda for its upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting.

The petition is seeking stronger continental action, including monitoring mechanisms, fact-finding missions, and dialogue initiatives aimed at tackling recurring violence and protecting African nationals.

In recent weeks, Ghana also coordinated the evacuation of some of its citizens from South Africa following renewed tensions and reports of attacks on foreign nationals. The first batch of evacuees arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27.

Officials say diplomatic engagements and protective measures remain ongoing as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

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• Let’s not politicise South Africa evacuation; NPP would have done same – Mpraeso MP

According to him, retaliatory actions could escalate tensions across the continent and undermine African unity and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, May 28, Most Rev. Gyamfi urged Ghanaians and Africans generally not to respond emotionally by targeting South Africans or their businesses.

“I believe that Ghanaians who have been repatriated, and indeed all Africans, should see this as a misunderstanding by some people in South Africa and should not react by repatriating South Africans back,” he stated.

He warned that such actions could trigger a chain reaction across the continent.

“Once you begin that, it will have a snowball effect all over Africa. We just want everybody to keep calm. Initially, people may want to act emotionally to settle scores, but that is not the proper way to handle these issues,” he added.

The Catholic Bishop stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among African countries, noting that citizens across the continent continue to live and do business in one another’s nations.

“Ghanaians will continue to live in South Africa and South Africans will also continue to live in Ghana. Ghanaians have businesses there and South Africans also have businesses here. Let us live in unity and love,” he appealed.

Most Rev. Gyamfi acknowledged that misunderstandings and isolated incidents may occur but cautioned against allowing them to define relations between African nations.

“There will always be some aberrations. You should not build on the deviations,” he said.

He further described it as unfortunate that Africans continue to divide themselves along colonial boundaries, instead of strengthening unity on the continent.

“It is very sad that Africans continue to build on the divisions created by Europeans instead of breaking away from them. We keep emphasising artificial boundaries and differences,” he lamented.

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His comments come in the wake of Ghana’s evacuation exercise, under which about 300 Ghanaian nationals have already been repatriated from South Africa following reported incidents of xenophobic attacks, intimidation, and rising insecurity affecting foreign communities.

The operation has been coordinated through Ghana’s diplomatic mission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of efforts to safeguard citizens who opted to return home voluntarily.

Speaking to the press, Malema said Ghana’s reaction was not well timed and could unintentionally deepen divisions.

“The Ghana response was not necessary, and it now creates a perception that we are all like that,” he said, warning that such narratives could unfairly stigmatise communities and complicate ongoing efforts by authorities.

He stressed that diplomatic engagement would have been the better route, allowing South African institutions space to manage the situation internally.

“We don’t think Ghana responded in a manner that really enforces dialogue and diplomatic engagement. It actually creates a very bad, extreme situation,” he said.

Malema added that discussions were still ongoing with relevant stakeholders to stabilise the situation and protect affected foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.

“We are persuading government to still act on this, and we are saying they must give us time,” he stated.

He also emphasised that legally documented migrants should be able to seek protection from law enforcement without fear of further harm.

“Those that feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to the police station for safety, and they will be directed to rightful places where they will be secured,” he said.

Referencing accounts from affected individuals, including a Ghanaian woman who described alleged mistreatment and limited police response in some cases, Malema said the emotional toll of the situation was clear but urged restraint in diplomatic reactions.

“This is an emotional issue for many of them, and I understand that,” he noted.

WATCH | Julius Malema on migration issues says Ghana’s response was not necessary as it creates an impression that “we are all like that”. He adds that South Africa should not respond in the same way, saying Ghana’s approach does not reinforce dialogue and diplomatic engagement. pic.twitter.com/O3zpPyxfzp

— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 28, 2026

However, he insisted Ghana’s intervention should have been delayed to avoid escalating tensions.

“We think the reaction from the Ghana government should have been postponed a bit to give us the opportunity to deal with what is happening here in South Africa,” he added.

The debate continues alongside Ghana’s ongoing evacuation and reintegration programme for returnees, which includes reception support and plans for longer-term resettlement assistance for affected citizens.

• Let’s not politicise South Africa evacuation; NPP would have done same – Mpraeso MP

• 26 prisoners among first batch of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa — Ablakwa

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen following the arrival of 300 evacuated Ghanaians from South Africa on Wednesday, teh Bosome Freho said African leaders and the African Union must take decisive steps to address the recurring violence.

According to him, the attacks have become deeply troubling and should no longer be treated as ordinary diplomatic concerns.

“When this issue started, I was even calling for the closure of some of the embassies so that it demonstrates to South Africans that this thing is unbecoming,” he said.

He warned that the continued attacks against foreign nationals could escalate if firm action is not taken.

“I won’t be surprised if we wake up one day and they apprehend all foreign nationals, put them in a room and set ablaze,” he stated.

The lawmaker argued that African countries, including Ghana, played a major role in supporting South Africa during the apartheid struggle and therefore deserve better treatment.

“The freedom South Africa is enjoying, they didn’t get it alone. We all fought for it. Ghana just didn’t fight, we even supported with our money,” he stressed.

Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh further accused some local politicians in South Africa of exploiting anti-foreigner sentiments for political gain.

“The individual politicians involved are making political campaign promises with it to embolden their base, so they are not able to deal with it as they should,” he said.

He also expressed concern over videos showing alleged attacks taking place in the presence of police officers without intervention.

“You sometimes see videos with police present but doing nothing about the attacks. So it tells you clearly that the South African government itself cannot deal with the issue,” he added.

The MP believes African leaders must collectively impose tougher diplomatic measures to send a strong signal to South Africa.

“We must pick the venom and tell South Africa that we are not happy,” he stated.

He further urged the African Union to consider continental resolutions and possible legal action to seek justice for victims of the attacks.

“We can take this matter up as a country to get justice for our people who have suffered these brutalities,” he said.

According to him, Ghana should properly document cases involving affected citizens and pursue compensation and justice through international legal processes where necessary.

“If we are able to document our evidence well and put all the facts together, we can pursue this case at the international court,” he noted.

He stressed that victims who lost livelihoods and property deserve more than repatriation support.

“Any Ghanaian who suffered any loss and now has to start from ground zero reparation package alone is not enough for such a person. You must let him have justice beyond bringing me back home,” he added.

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The decision has prompted governments to step up travel-related containment ​measures. Here is a list of screening steps and travel restrictions announced by different countries.

Keep up with the latest medical breakthroughs and healthcare trends with the Reuters Health Rounds newsletter. Sign up here.

UNITED STATES

Last week, Washington banned non-citizens who had ‌travelled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in recent weeks from entering the United States. On Friday, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the ban to green card holders who have been in those countries in the past 21 days.

The CDC on Saturday added Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to its travel funnelling list, alongside Washington Dulles. U.S. passport holders returning from affected regions are escorted to designated screening areas for temperature checks, travel history verification, and CDC-led symptom tracking.

UGANDA

Uganda’s government said ​on Wednesday it closed its border with neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, with immediate effect and for four weeks.

Ebola response teams, humanitarian and security operations, and food and cargo transport are exempt from the closure, senior health official Diana Atwine said at a press conference. Any person authorized ​to enter Uganda from Congo would be required to undergo mandatory self-isolation for 21 days, she added.

CANADA

The Canadian government said on Tuesday that residents from the DRC, Uganda ​and South Sudan will be banned from entering Canada for 90 days starting Wednesday.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and other foreign nationals who have been in affected areas in recent weeks and do not have symptoms will have to quarantine for 21 days from May 30, according to a statement from Canada’s public health agency.

THE BAHAMAS

The Bahamian government said on Tuesday that a ban on ​residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan will take immediate effect and remain in place for 30 days.

The Bahamas also announced enhanced health screenings and ​possible quarantines for foreigners who were present in those countries within 30 days of arriving in the Caribbean country.

INDIA

India has launched screening and surveillance measures at airports and other entry points, issued advisories on precautions, and urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

JORDAN

On May 19, the Jordanian government suspended entry for travellers arriving from the DRC and Uganda, according to the Jordanian state agency.

BAHRAIN

Bahrain said on May 19 it was suspending for 30 days the entry of foreign travellers arriving from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Cayman Islands government said on May 20 it would implement enhanced screening measures as a precaution after a flight landed carrying two passengers with ​a recent travel history to the DRC.

THAILAND

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry said on Tuesday that passengers arriving from the DRC and Uganda will be allowed to enter the country only through Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they will undergo screening.

Travellers from or through those countries will be required to quarantine ​for at least 21 days if they do not have symptoms, and will be referred to isolation for at ​least 21 days if ⁠they have symptoms compatible with Ebola virus disease.

KENYA

The Kenyan Ministry of Health said on Monday it has enhanced screening of travellers at high-risk points of entry, coordinated through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) under the fully activated National Incident Management System. Isolation and holding facilities have been activated in designated border locations to support potential containment ⁠efforts, the ​ministry added.

EUROPEAN UNION The European Union’s Health Security Committee said on Friday entry screenings were not necessary ​for passengers arriving from the DRC and Uganda, citing low risk to the population.

MEXICO

Mexico’s Health Secretary, David Kershenovich, addressed the media on Monday, outlining tighter Ebola screening measures at airports, urging the public to avoid travel to Congo, and asking arrivals from the country to observe a 21-day quarantine.

Emergency rescue teams ​were searching the dormitory at ⁠Utumishi Girls Academy, where the ​fire started at about 1 a.m. (2200 ​GMT), radio station Capital FM said, citing Samuel Ndanyi, the regional police commander.

“It ​is a distressing and saddening ​situation,” county police official Masoud Mwinyi told ‌distraught ⁠parents outside the school, said another broadcaster, Citizen Television.

Firefighters and police officers had fanned out to ​control the ​blaze ⁠and evacuate other students, Capital FM added. The ​cause of the fire is ​not ⁠yet known.

In 2024, a fire killed 21 students at a ⁠primary ​boarding school in nearby ​Nyeri county.

The returnee, who arrived in Accra on Wednesday with the first batch of evacuees, spoke to journalists at the airport while showing visible bruises and marks on his body, which he said were from physical assaults he suffered in South Africa.

According to him, the situation became increasingly unbearable for many Ghanaians living there, with some reportedly detained, stranded, or left without support.

“God bless Ghanaian leaders for thinking about us and bringing us back,” he said.

“People who were in jail and those who were in great need and suffering have been brought back.”

Recounting his own experience, he said he narrowly escaped more serious harm during the attacks.

“Personally, I suffered beatings. Look at my marks. It is God that brought me here,” he stated.

Despite the pain he says he endured, the evacuee called for peace and forgiveness rather than revenge.

“I have forgiven anyone who offended me. They [South Africa] should also forgive me. I don’t believe we should retaliate,” he added.

He also commended the Ghanaian government for intervening and organising the evacuation exercise to bring stranded citizens home safely.

“Our government thinks about us. We want peace, not pieces,” he said.

The evacuation exercise forms part of government efforts to protect Ghanaians affected by renewed hostility against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

Officials say the returnees will receive medical care, counselling, and reintegration support as they begin rebuilding their lives back home.

According to the South African public broadcaster South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the group was scheduled to depart from OR Tambo International Airport for Accra amid growing anti-undocumented migrant protests in parts of South Africa.

Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement head Stephen van Neel told reporters that authorities found widespread immigration violations among the group.

“Of the 300 individuals that were on that list, we only found 10 of them being legal in the country,” van Neel said.

He added that the remainder were either undocumented, non-compliant, or had overstayed their permits, and that the Department of Home Affairs would implement the necessary sanctions.

Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa later confirmed that fewer than 300 nationals ultimately boarded the repatriation flight after some were reportedly turned away because of documentation issues. Those affected are expected to be considered for a second repatriation flight later this week.

The repatriation process comes amid heightened tensions over undocumented migration in South Africa, where groups linked to anti-immigration protests have intensified demonstrations in recent months.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, urged calm and ruled out retaliatory action against South Africans living in Ghana.

“We believe that if there are any South Africans that need to be repatriated, it is the responsibility of state institutions, not individuals,” Quashie said.

He also said that Ghana would continue to promote cooperation and “the spirit of pan-Africanism,” despite the ongoing tensions.

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Political analysts said the speaker position could give the former premier, who was ousted on Friday, a platform to challenge Faye, though ​Sonko moved to downplay that prospect.

“We are not here to fight against the president of the ​republic, but the assembly will fully play its role,” Sonko told lawmakers as he accepted ⁠the new post.

International investors are likely to price in a higher risk of Senegal defaulting on its debt ​following Sonko’s removal as prime minister, investment bank Morgan Stanley warned on Tuesday, as the country’s bonds fell sharply.

Lawmakers rebelled ​against Faye’s decision to dissolve the cabinet and fire Sonko by reinstating him as a member of parliament and overwhelmingly backing him as speaker with the support of 132 lawmakers in the 165-member assembly.

The opposition described the manoeuvre as a scandal and questioned ​its legality.

A POWER STRUGGLE BETWEEN FORMER ALLIES

As parliamentary speaker, Sonko will have significant scope to block Faye’s legislative ​agenda, according to Signal Risk analyst Greg Musiker.

The two former allies – both senior figures in the ruling PASTEF party – have been ‌engaged in ⁠a fast-moving battle for control since they swept to power together in 2024, falling out over policy, authority and the direction of Senegal’s reform agenda.

Faye appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, a seasoned economist and former regional central bank official, to replace Sonko late on Monday.

Sonko, a vocal critic of the International Monetary Fund, had opposed any ​restructuring of Senegal’s debt, whereas ​Lo’s views on the ⁠subject are not yet clear.

Sonko’s return to a powerful political post ramps up uncertainty over the approach the government will take in talks with the IMF and Senegal’s creditors.

“I ​must be truthful and say that we have some differences,” Sonko said, referring ​to Lo. “Notably on ⁠monetary policy, debt management and other similar issues.”

Before the cabinet was dissolved last week, Senegal had expected to resume talks with the IMF over a new lending programme next month.

Sonko said on Tuesday the latest political developments were a ⁠test of ​the West African nation’s democracy.

“Senegal must show Africa that a political ​crisis can be faced without hatred, without violence and without institutional collapse. We must prove that an African people can debate firmly without ​destroying its own state,” he said.

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In a Facebook post, the Minister said government was pleased to receive the returning citizens as arrangements were underway for their safe evacuation.

“Ghana wishes our cherished citizens a safe flight from South Africa. We cannot wait to warmly welcome you all to our beloved nation. Come let’s celebrate Eid al-Adha together. We love our citizens. For God and Country,” he wrote.

The message comes as government facilitates the return of Ghanaians from South Africa, with authorities describing the exercise as part of efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of citizens abroad.

The group is part of a wider repatriation exercise triggered by renewed reports of attacks, intimidation, and hostility against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, sparking fear among migrant communities, including Ghanaians.

The evacuation is being coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although the process was initially scheduled to begin on May 21, it was delayed after officials recorded a higher-than-expected number of Ghanaians registering for assistance to return home.

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The BBC saw dozens of buses chartered by the Ghanaian embassy dropping off passengers at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport around 03:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Wednesday.

There were men, women and children of all ages. A smaller group of people also arrived in a police van, were kept apart from the majority of passengers, and were watched over by the police.

It follows a wave of protests against illegal immigration in South African cities in recent weeks, leading to fears there could be a resurgence in xenophobic violence in the country.

All the passengers were registered by the embassy and airport staff.

Ghanaian authorities told the BBC that an initial 300 people would leave on Wednesday morning. The remaining registered citizens were still being screened and would depart at a later date.

Few of the departing passengers wanted to speak to journalists, but Rudolph, who’s lived in South Africa for 10 years and runs a salon, told the BBC he was leaving because of the recent protests.

“It’s not comfortable for us to stay here anymore, so we have to go. I think we will find peace at home,” he said.

There are an estimated 25,000 Ghanaians living in South Africa.

Demonstrators say illegal migrants are putting pressure on public services and have asked the South African government to do more to stop it.

The demonstrations have been organised by a group called March and March, which describes itself as a citizen-led movement for immigration reform.

It has set a 30 June deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country. Rudolph worries that the deadline could lead to violence.

“The protests started in Durban, and they’ve escalated to other provinces. So definitely something bad could happen.” He added he would never return to South Africa.

Ghanaian High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie told the BBC he wanted to ensure the country’s citizens were safe.

“The Ghanaian government listened to the plight of its citizens in South Africa, who felt that their lives were in danger, who felt like the economic activity that they were engaging in had come to a standstill, who felt unwelcome in this country, and it is the responsibility of every government to ensure that its citizens are taken care of both home and abroad.”

When asked what they were doing to ensure illegal migrants from Ghana did not come to South Africa, he said they had a reintegration strategy in place for those returning.

“The government is willing to establish them in whatever business they were doing in South Africa. In a way, we’re also helping the South African economy, because it’s clear that some of them are undocumented. So taking them out of here will let them know that we are not people who condone undocumented people in countries.”

Some analysts have suggested the resurgence of anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa could be linked to local elections scheduled for November.

In 2019, at least 12 people were killed, and in 2008, 62 foreign nationals died in attacks on foreigners across the country.

But the organisers of recent protests have said they have been peaceful.

Earlier this month, the South African government condemned criminal acts directed at foreigners, whilst conceding the country needed to deal with illegal immigration.

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The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings in Brazzaville on May 26, 2026, and is expected to strengthen collaboration on health financing, demographic resilience and human capital development across the continent.

The partnership is particularly significant within the framework of the Media Forum, as UNFPA is expected to become a future partner of the Réseau des Médias Africains pour la Promotion de la Santé et de l’Environnement (REMAPSEN), further deepening collaboration between development institutions and African media stakeholders.

According to the press release, the agreement positions maternal health not only as a health issue, but as a strategic economic priority for the continent.

“Africa has made huge progress in reducing maternal mortality, but ongoing challenges remain, linked to structural obstacles, unequal access to quality health services, and financing gaps,” the statement noted.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, highlighted the immense development potential tied to investments in women and young people.

“Immense opportunity is within Africa’s grasp if we make strategic investments in women and young people,” she said.

She further stressed that, “Economic progress for Africa is only possible if we prioritize women’s health and address one of the continent’s most pressing development challenges: preventable maternal deaths.”

Describing the significance of the renewed collaboration between the two institutions, Diene Keita added, “this renewed partnership reflects our shared commitment to put maternal health and human capital development at the heart of Africa’s economic transformation agenda.”

Under the new framework, UNFPA and AfDB will jointly explore innovative financing and implementation mechanisms to help countries unlock investments in women and young people as drivers of Africa’s growth.

The agreement outlines key priorities including investments to modernize the health workforce through digital training, strengthening local procurement systems, upgrading climate-resilient health infrastructure, and supporting the digitization of health information systems.

Since 1992, the two organizations have collaborated on several initiatives aimed at strengthening health systems and data-driven development across Africa.

Achievements highlighted in the release include modernization of Côte d’Ivoire’s population census, improved emergency obstetric and newborn care services in Cameroon, reproductive health awareness campaigns in Madagascar, and climate adaptation programmes integrating gender and reproductive health concerns in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The press release also underscored the long-term objective of the partnership, stating that: “UNFPA will work with the AfDB to ensure that demographic transition roadmaps sit at the heart of national financing strategies, ensuring that investments in health and rights are recognized as smart investments for Africa’s future.”

The agreement is expected to reinforce continental advocacy around maternal health, gender equality and sustainable development, while strengthening the role of African media networks such as REMAPSEN in amplifying public awareness and policy dialogue on critical health and development issues.

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Ndiaye, a senior figure in the ruling ​PASTEF party, said on Sunday ​his resignation was a personal decision, giving ⁠the “higher interest of the nation” as ​a reason for his departure.

President Bassirou Diomaye ​Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Friday and dissolved the government after months of mounting tension ​between the two leaders.

Ties between Faye ​and Sonko, allies who swept to power together ‌in ⁠2024, soured against a backdrop of growing economic challenges linked to debt and domestic fallout from the Iran war.

Members of parliament ​are set ​to convene ⁠on Tuesday to vote on reinstating Sonko as a lawmaker ​and to elect a new ​speaker ⁠for the National Assembly to replace Ndiaye.

Some critics say reinstating Sonko would be illegal ⁠as ​he has never been ​a member of parliament.

A statement read on state media said all ministers were dismissed, with the outgoing government tasked with handling day-to-day affairs, according to Oumar Samba Ba, secretary-general of the presidency.

The decision follows months of growing tensions between the two allies-turned-rivals. Sonko, a charismatic figure ​with a strong youth following, had backed Faye in the 2024 election after being barred from running himself due to ​a defamation conviction.

In a post on social media after the announcement, Sonko said: “Tonight I will sleep with a ⁠light heart in the Keur Gorgui neighbourhood,” referring to his residence.

The split comes as Senegal faces mounting economic pressure. The International Monetary Fund ​froze its $1.8 billion lending program with Senegal following the discovery of misreported debt, pushing the country’s end-2024 debt level to 132% of its economic ​output.

Faye’s move raises the risk of further delays in reaching a new agreement with the IMF, seen as key to reviving the economy.

Earlier on Friday, before Sonko’s dismissal, Finance Minister Cheikh Diba told parliament that Senegal expects to resume talks with the IMF in the week of June 8 and hopes to reach an agreement on key ​points by June 30.

Diba also warned the country’s fuel subsidy bill could exceed its 2026 budget allocation by as much as 1.15 trillion ​CFA francs ($2 billion) if oil prices rise to $115 per barrel, adding that Sonko had rejected his request to raise fuel prices.

Sonko had opposed any restructuring of ‌the debt, ⁠estimated at $13 billion, which he said the IMF was advocating, while Faye has been less vocal on the issue.

SPECULATION OVER SONKO’S POLITICAL FUTURE

Sonko was a popular opposition leader under the previous administration of President Macky Sall, whose decision to delay the 2024 election spurred unrest.

Both Faye and Sonko are former tax officials who were jailed ahead of the 2024 election. They were released 10 days before the rescheduled contest, which Faye ​went on to win with 54% ​of the vote.

Faye then appointed ⁠Sonko as prime minister.

Now that Sonko is out of that job, it is unclear what his next steps will be.

In March, he said he would be willing to take his Pastef party out of the government ​and return to opposition if Faye departed from the party’s agenda, fuelling speculation that the two men’s ​power struggle was ⁠irresolvable.

Pastef dominates the National Assembly, meaning it could complicate governance and the passage of reforms needed to secure IMF support.

Last month, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved electoral code changes that could pave the way for Sonko to run for president in 2029.

Among the anti-establishment, pan-Africanist prime minister’s signature initiatives was an audit ⁠of Senegal’s ​resource deals, including those governing its emerging oil and gas sector.

In March, Sonko declared ​a BP gas contract for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project unfair and revoked some 71 mining licenses.

He had argued that renegotiating oil and gas contracts would lower domestic energy prices ​and help rebuild Senegal’s battered finances.

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At least three such incidents have occurred in the northeastern province of Ituri, where the first Ebola cases were reported, including two at the weekend, targeting the same hospital that permitted more than two dozen patients to run away.

The attacks recall the widespread violence targeting health facilities during a 2018-2020 outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that killed more than 25 health workers.

Some ​were perpetrated by civilians who were angry about not being able to bury their loved ones or were convinced that the outbreak was a hoax. ​The influx of money and manpower into an area that had felt neglected during decades of conflict and humanitarian crisis has spurred local suspicions about the real motives behind the sudden spike in interest.

A similar dynamic seems to be playing out now, said Dr Richard Lokodu, medical director of ​the Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, which came under attack first on Saturday and again on Sunday.

“There is denial of the disease within the population, with some members wanting ​to claim the bodies of suspected and/or confirmed cases,” he said.

The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, the third-largest such outbreak on record, a public health emergency of international concern.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday there had been more than 900 suspected cases in the outbreak so far, including 101 confirmed cases.

On Monday, Tedros said there ​had been 220 suspected deaths in the current Ebola outbreak and that a delay in detecting cases meant responders were now “playing catch-up”.

PATIENT DIED WHILE TRYING TO FLEE

At the ​Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, located in Mongbwalu town, where many cases have been reported, 18 Ebola patients fled on Saturday after “unidentified individuals” burned tents, erected by medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières, ‌where patients ⁠were being isolated, Lokodu said.

Four lab results from those patients have come back – three negative results and one positive result, he said.

“So we have one confirmed case of Ebola that continues to circulate in the community and evade the response,” Lokodu said.

On Sunday, the hospital came under four waves of attacks by young people mobilised by relatives of a Christian religious leader who died of Ebola, he said.

Seven other patients escaped, and Congolese police and soldiers had to mobilise to restore order, he said.

A suspected ​Ebola patient who was in critical condition ​with haemorrhaging died in the second ⁠attack while trying to flee from his bed, Lokodu added.

The perpetrators of the attacks wanted the dead Ebola victims’ bodies released for burial, Lokodu said.

The bodies of Ebola victims are highly infectious after death, and unsafe burials – in which family members handle the ​body without proper protective equipment – are a leading driver of transmission.

LONG HISTORY OF ATTACKS ON EBOLA TREATMENT CENTRES

Health workers faced ​a handful of attacks ⁠by angry mobs during the 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the largest on record, some of whom accused them of spreading the virus.

But the phenomenon exploded during the 2018-2020 outbreak in eastern Congo, a region marked by rampant insecurity and mistrust of formal authorities.

In addition to more spontaneous outpourings of anger by local communities, many attacks were carried out ⁠by militia ​groups looking to exploit the outbreak for political and financial gain, researchers found.

The current outbreak is believed ​to have originated in Ituri before spreading to North and South Kivu provinces – including areas under the control of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels – and across the border into neighbouring Uganda.

On Monday, Uganda reported two more confirmed ​cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of cases in the country to seven.

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Police said four other people were injured in the incident in Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest of the country on Sunday evening.

The vehicle was carrying seven officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), it added.

Car accidents are common in Uganda and incidents involving wildlife and humans are also on the rise, as expanding communities encroach on protected wildlife areas.

The car had been travelling from Arua city back to the capital, Kampala, when the collision took place, the Uganda Police Force said on X.

The injured were rushed to a local hospital and later to Kampala for treatment, it said. Officials did not provide information on the elephant’s condition.

The Ugandan Wildlife Authority urged drivers to watch out for animals crossing the roads.

“Motorists travelling through Protected Areas are strongly advised to drive cautiously, as wild animals frequently cross the roads,” it said.

Speaking on JoyNews’s AM Show on Monday, May 25, Mr Glover said authorities in South Africa had failed to take proactive steps to protect foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, amid growing concerns over attacks on migrants.

His comments come as the first batch of Ghanaians in South Africa is expected to return home on Wednesday.

According to him, although evacuation efforts are underway, there are concerns that many Ghanaians living outside major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg may be left out due to transport and accessibility challenges.

“The Foreign Minister should have taken his time a bit because, as we speak now, some of these Ghanaians are beyond Pretoria and Johannesburg. Even access to public transport to reach the embassy to register is a problem. So how do you reach these people?” he questioned.

Mr Glover argued that the situation reflects what he described as a lack of urgency on the part of the South African authorities in addressing the attacks.

“That is why I am blaming the South African government for not being proactive. President Cyril Ramaphosa has disappointed some of us. The South African government has not been up and doing,” he said.

He further alleged that authorities had failed to intervene in some incidents involving foreign nationals.

“You see Ghanaians being beaten, and they stand aloof and watch. They stand and watch and see how these foreigners are beaten,” he stated.

Reflecting on Africa’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, the former lawmaker expressed disappointment over the treatment of foreign nationals today.

“Everybody in Africa contributed to making sure you are who you are today. They gave you money, scholarships, and passports to move around these African countries. Look at what they are doing, and the South African government is watching these things while our people are being beaten,” he said.

Mr Glover also called on President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the operations of South African mining companies in Ghana, suggesting he would oppose the renewal of their licences.

“I will appeal to President Mahama that next year the licences of those South African companies should never be renewed,” he said.

He added that he would support demonstrations over the issue and was prepared to personally join protests if the situation persists.

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Nguvu, a subsidiary of Ghana-based Adamus Resources Limited, operates two gold concessions in Mali through SEMICO-SA and MIKO-SA.

A recent audit by the Ministry of Mines uncovered serious violations linked to MIKO-SA’s Segala and Kofi projects in the Kéniéba Circle, a major gold mining area near the Senegal border.

In a letter, Mines Minister Amadou Keita, Commander of the National Order, directed the company to remedy the infractions within 90 days or face the “outright withdrawal” of its permits without compensation.

The warning follows high-level regulatory reviews of SEMICO-SA and MIKO-SA, which hold exploitation permits for the Segala and Kofi mines respectively.

According to the Ministry, findings against MIKO-SA include the unauthorised suspension of mining activities for more than two consecutive years without notifying or obtaining clearance from the mining authorities.

Investigations also found that the company failed to remit taxes, duties, and royalties owed to the Malian state.

Foreign exchange violations were also established, including the operation of an unauthorised offshore bank account and failure to repatriate foreign currency earnings, in breach of Uniform Law No. 2016-007 of March 17, 2016.

The Ministry further cited Article 18 of Ordinance No. 99-032/P-RM of August 19, 1999, of Mali’s Mining Code, which allows the state to cancel mining titles without compensation if a company fails to comply with a formal notice within 90 days.

“In light of the foregoing, I request that you remedy these breaches within a period of ninety days,” Minister Keita stated. “Failing this, the State reserves the right to proceed with the outright withdrawal of your permit.”

Nguvu Mining Group is part of Adamus Resources Limited, which operates the Nzema Gold Project in Ghana’s Western Region.

As a major West African mining player, regulatory action against Nguvu is likely to attract attention from investors and industry watchers across the region.

Mali’s transitional government has intensified audits of foreign mining companies under a broader policy of resource nationalism.

While the 1999 Mining Code remains applicable, parts of the sector are gradually shifting toward a stricter 2023 framework.

The 90-day notice to Nguvu reflects the government’s firm stance on unapproved operational shutdowns and foreign exchange non-compliance.

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Dr. Forson joined other dignitaries in Cotonou for the historic swearing-in ceremony, where he represented John Dramani Mahama.

President Wadagni officially began his first seven-year term in office after succeeding Patrice Talon. Prior to his election, he served as Benin’s Finance Minister for a decade and was widely recognised for his role in managing the country’s economy.

In a Facebook post after the ceremony, Dr. Forson stated: “Congratulations to the newly inaugurated President of the Republic of Benin, H.E. Romuald Wadagni. It was a privilege to represent President Mahama at this historic inauguration ceremony in Cotonou.”

The inauguration ceremony attracted high-level government officials and dignitaries from across Africa and beyond.

On Thursday, the Rwampara health centre was stormed by a group of angry residents demanding the bodies of relatives who had died from Ebola, according to local sources. The incident was also confirmed by partners of the Congolese government involved in the response in the area.

A day later, a tent provided by Doctors Without Borders, also known by its acronym MSF, at a hospital in Mongbwalu in Ituri province was set on fire.

“Following the death of a patient showing symptoms of Ebola virus disease in one of the tents, healthcare staff isolated the body in line with strict health protocols,” the NGO Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) said in a statement sent to Al Jazeera.

It said that while the body was being prepared for burial, tensions flared, resulting in the burning of two tents.

“Despite this incident, the teams were also able to secure the body of the deceased patient in preparation for a dignified and safe burial, in accordance with Ebola response standards,” ALIMA added.

Health workers in Ebola-hit areas of the eastern DRC have repeatedly faced resistance from communities over strict burial protocols, which require specialised handling of bodies to prevent further transmission of the virus. Aid agencies said the tensions are often driven by fear, rumours and mistrust of medical teams.

“Some people here believe that Ebola is a business,” said Gloire Idriss, a resident of Rwampara who witnessed the scene. “When healthcare providers refuse to hand over the bodies of those who have died from Ebola, people think they might be trafficking their organs.”

The Congolese health minister has said the bodies of Ebola victims remain highly contagious and must be handled only by trained teams in protective gear.

“Let us bury the deceased safely,” Roger Kamba told Radio France Internationale. “The dead must not take others with them into the grave.”

In the eastern DRC, it is customary for relatives and neighbours to gather at the home of the deceased to pay their last respects, and some mourners touch the body as a final act of farewell.

“When my daughter died of Ebola last month, the medical team came to bury her. We didn’t get to say our final goodbyes. It still upsets me that I had to watch her funeral helplessly without our cultural rites,” said Lokana Jean, a 40-year-old resident of Mongbwalu. Name changed for privacy reasons.

“Under normal circumstances, I would have held her close and felt her final warmth,” he told Al Jazeera.

Rising cases

As of Saturday, nearly 180 people had died from the disease and close to 800 cases had been recorded, according to the Congolese Ministry of Public Health.

Authorities in Ituri have introduced measures to try to slow transmission, including limits on public gatherings, suspension of wake services and a ban on moving bodies between locations.

Rodriguez Kisando, a doctor specialising in health and the environment, said violence targeting Ebola treatment facilities is being driven by rumours and misinformation.

“When an epidemic breaks out, rumours spread quickly. If accurate information is not shared fast, people will believe anything, and that is when violence takes hold,” he told Al Jazeera.

Response under strain

He warned that attacks on treatment centres along with patients fleeing before completing care could speed up the spread of the disease.

“As long as there are scenes of violence and sick people escape from Ebola treatment centres before they are cured, the disease will continue spreading. This is extremely serious,” he said.

Amid a sharp decline in international aid, Congolese authorities said the national treasury is covering a large share of the response, and shortages are becoming more visible.

ALIMA said resources for detecting, treating and preventing Ebola remain severely inadequate and called for more international support.

A senior Congolese official involved in the response in Rwampara, speaking on condition of anonymity, said treatment centres were overwhelmed.

“We are receiving new confirmed cases almost every day. The resources we have are not enough for the scale of the outbreak,” he said.

Authorities in Ituri and North Kivu are urging residents to wash their hands regularly, keep their distance from the sick, cook food thoroughly, avoid self-medication and trust response teams.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has placed 10 African countries on high alert: South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Republic of Congo, Burundi, Angola, the Central African Republic and Zambia.

The DRC, Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to strengthen cross-border coordination, including surveillance, early warning systems, border monitoring and improved laboratory and response capacity.

The documentary, titled What Happened on October 29?, seeks to provide what Hundeyin describes as a deeper and more complete account of the unrest that erupted after the ruling CCM party, led by Samia Suluhu Hassan, was declared winner of the polls.

According to him, several important aspects of the events were either overlooked or insufficiently explored in international reporting.

Hundeyin, who is currently based in Ghana, reportedly spent months investigating the incidents surrounding the election. His work involved interviews with individuals within and outside Tanzania, reviews of local and foreign media reports, and analysis of findings from the Commission of Inquiry chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman.

According to the journalist, the documentary presents evidence suggesting the violence was organised and involved both domestic and external actors.

He argued that the global narrative surrounding the events failed to capture the broader political context behind the unrest.

“The story that was told to the world was a simple one, but the truth is far more complex,” Hundeyin said.

“There were other actors involved, and other agendas at play.”

Hundeyin stated that the project is intended to encourage more African-led storytelling on major political developments across the continent. He argued that African journalists and content creators must play a stronger role in shaping narratives about the continent instead of relying heavily on external interpretations.

The investigative journalist is the founder of West Africa Weekly and The Spearhead. His reporting has previously appeared on major international outlets including CNN, Al Jazeera and The Washington Post.

The emergency funding will support an intensified response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other vulnerable countries within the central and eastern African region, amid growing fears among global health experts that the virus could spread beyond borders if urgent action is not taken.

According to international health coordinators, the funds will go directly into frontline medical operations rather than administrative expenses, as efforts are scaled up to control the outbreak.

A major portion of the money has been allocated to strengthening contact tracing systems, which health experts consider critical in stopping the spread of Ebola. Since the virus is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, health workers are racing to identify and monitor everyone who may have been exposed to confirmed cases.

Specialised field teams are being equipped with digital tracking tools and personal protective equipment to trace infections in crowded urban areas as well as remote forest communities.

The funding is also being used to rapidly establish specialised treatment centres and mobile isolation units to care for infected patients and prevent further transmission.

Medical supplies, including experimental drugs, rehydration fluids, and bio-secure protective gear, are already being transported into affected areas using the newly released emergency funds.

The UN also says community engagement will play a central role in the response, noting that mistrust and misinformation have complicated previous Ebola outbreaks in the region.

Ebola: UN allocates $60 million from emergency response fund to fight deadly outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo & the wider region.

Resources being directed toward contact tracing, establishment of treatment centres, community engagement & more. pic.twitter.com/nP9NNPwXZS

— United Nations (@UN) May 22, 2026

As part of the strategy, portions of the funding will support local leaders, youth groups, and traditional authorities to carry out public education campaigns aimed at helping residents recognise symptoms early, report suspected infections, and cooperate with health officials.

The UN has indicated that it will continue monitoring the situation closely, warning that although the emergency funding provides critical support, containing the outbreak will require sustained cooperation among governments and strong cross-border surveillance efforts across the region.

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In a Facebook post on Thursday, May 22, the Minister praised Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, for locating Sylvester Boakye, a Ghanaian who reportedly missed an updated evacuation notice and was the only person to report at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, May 21.

Mr. Ablakwa assured that Mr. Boakye would be included in the wider evacuation arrangement expected to cover about 800 Ghanaians, stressing that “no Ghanaian desirous of returning home would be left behind.”

He also dismissed reports that Mr. Boakye had already been flown back to Ghana, describing such claims as false.

The Minister clarified that the Government of Ghana had not deployed any chartered flight for the exercise. He explained that the evacuation had been temporarily put on hold after an agreement with South African authorities to address legal, technical, and logistical issues.

Mr. Ablakwa further said efforts were ongoing to ensure a smooth and coordinated process, adding: “Truth stands; and truth always wins.”

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“They started throwing projectiles at the hospital. They even set fire to tents that were being used as isolation wards,” local politician Luc Malembe Malembe told the BBC about the scene he witnessed at Rwampara General Hospital.

In the chaos, police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.

The body of a dead Ebola victim is highly infectious, and the authorities need to ensure safe burial to stop the spread of the virus.

Medical workers at the Rwampara hospital, located near the city of Bunia in Ituri province, where almost all of the cases have been reported, were placed under military protection as the police moved in to restore order.

A healthcare worker was injured by stone-throwing protesters before law enforcement agents intervened, a hospital worker told the AFP news agency.

The man who died was a popular figure in the local community, and those upset by his death did not “grasp the reality of the disease,” Jean Claude Mukendi, who is coordinating the security response to Ebola in Ituri, told the Associated Press.

Witnesses told Reuters the young man was a footballer who had played with several local teams. His mother told the news agency she believed her son had died of typhoid fever, not Ebola.

Malembe said the crowd did not believe the virus, which has so far killed more than 130 in eastern DR Congo, was real.

“People are not properly informed or sensitised about what is happening. For a certain segment of the population, especially in remote areas, Ebola is an invention by outsiders – it does not exist,” the politician said.

“They believe it is the NGOs and hospitals creating this to make money, and this is tragic.”

He said two tents had been burned down, along with a body that had been due to be buried.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends “safe and dignified burials” for Ebola victims, with trained teams using protective equipment to handle bodies.

Six patients had been receiving treatment in the tents on the grounds of the hospital – and it was reported they may have fled in the mayhem.

But according to the medical charity Alima, which reportedly ran the tents, they are all accounted for and “are currently being cared for at the hospital”.

The unrest came as it was announced that DR Congo’s national football team had cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa, because of the outbreak.

The WHO has called it a “public health emergency of international concern”, but said it was not at pandemic level.

On Wednesday, the WHO said 139 people in DR Congo were thought to have died from Ebola, out of 600 suspected cases.

However, on the same day, Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba told state broadcaster RTNC TV that authorities had registered 159 deaths.

Two cases of the virus have been detected in DR Congo’s neighbour, Uganda.

The authorities there have temporarily suspended flights, buses and all other public transport crossing the border as a result of the outbreak. Passenger ferries are also not permitted on the Semliki River, which forms part of the border between DR Congo and Uganda.

The outbreak has been caused by a rare species of Ebola known as Bundibugyo. There is currently no vaccine for this species and the WHO has said it could take up to nine months for a jab to be ready.

On Thursday, the M23 – a rebel group that controls parts of eastern DR Congo – said it had confirmed the first case of Ebola in the South Kivu province, which is hundreds of kilometres away from the epicentre in Ituri.

The 28-year-old, who had travelled from Kisangani, died before the diagnosis was confirmed, according to a rebel statement.

Kisangani is a large city in north-central Tshopo province where no Ebola infections have currently been recorded.

There are growing concerns about access to areas under M23 control.

The group has never managed a crisis like Ebola, but has said it will work with international partners to contain the virus.

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Dangote last week filed a fresh suit against the Nigerian government, Reuters reported, challenging permits issued to marketers and the state oil firm NNPC to import refined products, arguing they undermine Dangote’s $20 billion refinery and risk entrenching inefficiencies.

The refinery has previously ⁠sought limits on imports, saying it can meet domestic demand.

However, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) said on Sunday that the licences granted by the regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, were “not administrative courtesies” but legal tools underpinning the country’s fuel supply chain.

DAPPMAN said the Petroleum Industry Act empowers the regulator to issue ​licences where necessary to ensure supply security. “These licences exist to protect supply, not ‌to ⁠disadvantage any single producer,” it said in a statement.

The group also warned that retroactively voiding permits could destabilise the downstream sector, where companies have invested heavily in storage and logistics networks based ​on existing approvals.

“We ​respect Dangote’s ⁠right to pursue legal remedies,” DAPPMAN added. “What we do not accept is that a private refinery’s ​commercial interests should override a regulator’s mandate.”

Nigeria has long ​relied ⁠on imports despite being a major crude producer.

The Dangote refinery, which began processing crude in 2024, is seen as key to reducing that dependence, though supply dynamics and pricing remain contentious.

DAPPMAN said it would engage legal counsel and relevant authorities, arguing the market ​should remain competitive and open to multiple participants.

The Mayor of Rubavu District in Rwanda’s Western Province, Prosper Mulindwa, told local media that the closure of the borders linking Goma and Rubavu-Gisenyi border will remain in place for an indefinite period as part of measures aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly disease.

“The borders connecting Goma and Gisenyi have been temporarily closed in response to the Ebola outbreak. We will continue engaging with our residents to explain why this decision was made,” Mulindwa said.

He urged residents to remain patient and cooperative, stressing that the decision was taken to safeguard public health and protect communities from possible infections.

Despite the temporary closure, health authorities continue to screen Rwandans crossing from the DRC, as well as Congolese citizens returning home, who are still being allowed to use the border points under strict health monitoring procedures, according to local media.

The death toll from the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC has risen to 87, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Saturday, warning that the outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no strain-specific vaccine is currently available, and that it carries a high risk of regional spread.

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This comes amid growing concerns over cross-border transmission and high mortality.

A statement issued by WHO and shared with the Ghana News Agency said, the declaration was made after consultations with affected countries under the International Health Regulations (IHR).

It said the outbreak was first detected in Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province, eastern DRC, where health authorities reported a cluster of severe illnesses and deaths, including among healthcare workers.

Laboratory analysis conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in eight out of 13 blood samples collected from the Rwampara Health Zone in Ituri Province.

The DRC Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare officially declared the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15.

It said Uganda had also confirmed an outbreak following the detection of an imported case involving a Congolese national who later died in Kampala.

WHO said previous outbreaks of the Bundibugyo virus disease recorded fatality rates ranging between 30 and 50 per cent.

Unlike the more common Ebola virus disease, there were currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease, although WHO noted that early supportive care significantly improves survival chances.

Health authorities in both countries have intensified response measures, including the deployment of rapid response teams, strengthened disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control measures, and community engagement campaigns.

Treatment centres and isolation facilities were also being established in affected areas, it stated.

WHO said it was supporting both countries in coordinating response efforts, case management, and strengthening cross-border preparedness to limit further spread of the disease.

The organisation has also issued public health advice to countries worldwide as part of efforts to enhance preparedness and prevent international transmission.

Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals.

Symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

Health experts have urged the public in affected areas to observe strict hygiene measures, avoid contact with suspected cases, and report symptoms early to health authorities.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Quarshie said consular teams had been deployed to areas where concerns had been raised to assess the situation and provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected residents.

“We got information yesterday about some group of people. My consular teams and others are on their way there. It’s about five hours from Pretoria to go and see the situation,” he said.

According to him, the mission is not only providing relief items but also engaging local authorities to ensure affected Ghanaians are protected and allowed to return to their businesses without fear.

“We are going to provide them with humanitarian aid and then lead them to the authorities in those localities so that they can be readmitted into doing their businesses,” he explained.

Mr. Quarshie said some affected persons had been unable to reopen their shops due to fear and uncertainty following the disturbances, but the mission is working closely with provincial authorities to ensure their safety.

“We will speak to the authorities in our province to ensure they treat Ghanaians right,” he stressed.

He disclosed that the team left at dawn to reach the affected areas and would first listen to the concerns of residents before determining the immediate support required.

“When we listen to their challenges, most of them are saying we should provide them with basic foodstuffs and things they can cook on their own,” he noted.

The High Commissioner added that those requiring medical attention would also receive support.

“Those who need medical care will be taken to the hospital, we will take care of them and bring them back if they want to return,” he said.

Mr. Quarshie, however, acknowledged the financial strain involved in such emergency interventions, revealing that the mission does not have dedicated funding for crisis response.

“It is very difficult for the mission to undertake these things because we don’t have any dedicated funds for it. But we continue to work because we are here to take care of the welfare of the Ghanaian people,” he stated.

His comments come amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa following renewed reports of tensions in some communities.

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President John Mahama on Tuesday granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

The 300 individuals approved for evacuation are said to be among those who officially registered with the mission following reports of renewed violence and insecurity in some communities.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Quarshie disclosed that the Ghanaian mission is currently working to secure the necessary documentation for the first batch of evacuees.

“That is the first window, so we are working hard to get the documentation. About 410 people will be the first,” he said.

According to him, once arrangements for the initial group are completed, authorities will reopen the process for a second batch of Ghanaians who may also wish to return home.

“Then we come and open the portal for the second batch of people who want to go home,” he added.

The High Commissioner explained that the evacuation exercise will be fully funded by the Government of Ghana as part of efforts to protect citizens living abroad during difficult situations.

“It is full cost for Ghana. After President John Dramani Mahama gave the presidential permission for us to go ahead, the Honourable Minister has also led us in different things. That is the Ghana government’s nature to protect its citizens who are in foreign lands and are having challenges,” he stated.

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Around 246 cases and 65 deaths have been reported, mainly in the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara, said the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa).

Its statement on Friday added that it was convening a meeting with DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and other international partners to discuss response efforts and cross-border surveillance.

Ebola was first discovered in 1976 in what is now DR Congo, and is thought to have spread from bats. This is the 17th outbreak of the deadly viral disease in the country.

It is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, causing severe bleeding and organ failure.

Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache and sore throat. There is no cure for Ebola.

Preliminary tests conducted at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in the capital, Kinshasa, have detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples analysed, following consultations with DR Congo’s Ministry of Health and National Public Institute.

Of the 65 deaths, four were reported among lab-confirmed cases, CDC Africa said.

Additional suspected cases have also been reported in Ituri’s provincial capital, Bunia, with laboratory confirmation pending.

The Congolese government has not yet officially declared an outbreak. A staffer told the BBC a press conference was expected later on Friday.

Ituri has been under military rule since 2021, with the civilian authority replaced by a military general in an attempt to neutralise dozens of armed groups which have operated in the area for many years. These include the Allied Democratic Forced (ADF), affiliated to the Islamic State group.

Around 50,000 people have died from the virus in different African countries over the past 50 years.

DR Congo’s deadliest outbreak was between 2018 and 2020, during which nearly 2,300 people died.

Last year, 45 people died after an outbreak in the central Kasai province.

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Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam show, the MP said the continued attacks and the absence of visible action against perpetrators suggest that authorities in South Africa are not doing enough to protect foreigners.

“It is now clear that the attacks are being perpetrated by the South African government and people,” he stated.

According to him, he initially believed the violence was being carried out by isolated groups and expected the South African government to take decisive action against those involved.

“At the early stages, I condemned it and even said it was probably a group doing that, and we expected the government to put in place sanctions,” he said.

However, he argued that the situation has worsened without any meaningful intervention from authorities.

“They condemned it and vowed to take action, but till now, have you heard of any arrest or action against anyone?” he questioned.

The Akwatia MP said that if South Africa no longer wants foreigners within its borders, the government should openly communicate that position so African migrants can make informed decisions.

“If they no longer want foreigners in their country, they should make it clear so we advise ourselves,” he added.

Mr. Bediako further expressed disappointment in the silence of international bodies, including the African Union, over the attacks.

“It appears that international organisations are focused on other global issues while the AU remains silent on what is happening in South Africa,” he said.

“So if we spend money on conferences and cannot condemn such acts, then what are we doing?” he asked.

He also referenced Africa’s historical support for South Africa during the apartheid era, arguing that the country should be the last on the continent to witness xenophobic violence.

“With the history of South Africa, they are the last country to do this because other African countries contributed to where they are today,” he noted.

The MP expressed concern about the safety of foreigners currently living in South Africa, stating that many may no longer feel protected by the authorities.

“Clearly, I don’t think foreigners will get protection from the South African government, so people should advise themselves and start going back to their countries,” he said.

He added that any evacuation effort by governments would likely have to be voluntary, explaining that “you cannot force everyone to move.”

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Speaking in an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam show, the MP expressed concern over the recurring attacks on foreign nationals, arguing that the situation has persisted for too long without decisive action from South African authorities.

“This is becoming one too many and has gone on for long. South Africa has stabbed the rest of Africa in the back because there was a time they went through difficult moments under apartheid,” he said.

According to him, countries across Africa, including Ghana and Nigeria, stood firmly with South Africa during its struggle against racial oppression.

“During the time of Kwame Nkrumah and our forefathers, Africans supported South Africa. We stood by them,” he noted.

Mr. Awuku stressed that national development cannot rely solely on citizens, pointing out that many South African companies operate freely in Ghana and other African countries.

“National development doesn’t take only indigenes. It requires foreigners too. When you come to Ghana, we have many South African companies here,” he said.

He questioned why xenophobic violence continues to resurface in South Africa almost every year despite repeated assurances of action from authorities.

“We are in Ghana and we are seeing videos of these xenophobic attacks, so how can the South African government claim not to know what is happening?” he asked.

The MP also criticised the response of South African authorities, arguing that the country’s strong media and security systems should make such incidents easier to control.

“They have radio and television stations to inform, educate and entertain. So if South Africa, with all its security architecture, cannot deal with this, then it is worrying,” he stated.

Mr. Awuku suggested that if South Africa no longer wants foreign nationals, authorities should openly declare it.

“If it is now an orientation that they don’t want foreigners in their country, then they should make it clear and close their borders so people won’t even attempt to go there to do business,” he said.

However, he warned that such actions could trigger retaliatory measures across the continent.

“When that happens, they should know there will be reprisals because they cannot eat their cake and have it. They cannot ignore international laws and expect others to accept it,” he added.

The Akuapem North MP also shared a personal example, revealing that his uncle has worked as a medical doctor in South Africa for more than a decade and has built a family there.

“My uncle has practiced medicine there for over 10 years, married and has South African children. So because he is a foreigner who has saved lives, he still won’t be considered part of them?” he questioned.

Mr. Awuku further called on regional and continental bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, to take a stronger stance on the attacks.

“ECOWAS, the AU and other regional blocs must speak truth to power,” he said.

He warned that while some governments may consider evacuating their citizens for safety reasons, many affected persons could lose their livelihoods and properties in the process.

“People may be evacuated for safety, but they cannot move with their businesses and properties. Many of them will lose their livelihoods,” he lamented.

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Speaking after leading members of the committee to a conference in The Gambia, Dr. Agyemang said increasing public awareness on human rights is essential to addressing many of the continent’s social and developmental challenges.

According to him, many cases of abuse and neglect persist because citizens are often unaware of their rights and the responsibility of governments to protect them.

“It is important that we educate people on human rights and human rights violations. People need to know their rights so they can demand accountability and justice where necessary,” he said.

Dr. Agyemang explained that issues such as preventable diseases, poor healthcare systems, unsafe roads and lack of access to clean water should also be seen as human rights concerns.

“When a child dies from a preventable disease, that is a human rights issue because every child has the right to live and should not die from illnesses that can be prevented,” he stated.

He also highlighted the struggles faced by many women in rural communities, particularly pregnant women who travel long distances in search of water under unsafe conditions.

“When a pregnant woman has to walk long distances to fetch water and gets bitten by a snake, that is also a human rights issue because she is being denied access to quality roads and clean, accessible water,” he added.

The Abuakwa South MP stressed that education remains one of the strongest tools for addressing human rights challenges and proposed the inclusion of human rights studies in school curricula across Africa.

He suggested that human rights education should be introduced at the basic, secondary and tertiary levels to help raise a generation that better understands justice, equality and civic responsibility.

Dr. Agyemang further called on churches, marketplaces, civil society organisations and community groups to actively promote conversations around human rights issues.

According to him, broadening public understanding of human rights would help strengthen democracy and improve the quality of life for citizens across the continent.

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The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has issued a security advisory to Ghanaians living in Durban and surrounding areas ahead of a planned anti-immigration demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

According to the Mission, available information indicates that an anti-immigration rally is expected to take place in the city, raising concerns over the safety of foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.

In a statement, the High Commission advised members of the Ghanaian community to exercise heightened caution before, during and after the planned protest.

Ghanaians have been urged to avoid areas where demonstrations or gatherings are expected to take place and to refrain from engaging in confrontations, provocations or counter-demonstrations.

The Mission also advised citizens to carry valid identification and immigration documents at all times, and to cooperate with local law enforcement authorities where necessary.

As a precautionary measure, Ghanaian-owned shops and businesses in affected areas have also been advised to close temporarily.

The High Commission said it is engaging relevant South African authorities and closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals.

Members of the Ghanaian community have further been encouraged to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while staying in touch with the Mission through its official communication channels for emergency assistance.

The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, focused on issues including energy transition, healthcare reforms and strengthening African financial institutions.

President Mahama took part in high-level discussions on energy and green transition initiatives, joined a strategic working session on African financial institutions, and co-chaired a dialogue on transforming healthcare systems across the continent.

On the sidelines of the summit, he also held bilateral meetings with key international figures, including Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, officials of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and representatives of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

The engagements reinforced Ghana’s commitment to international cooperation, economic transformation and sustainable development.

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Immigrant groups in recent months have intensified protests against foreigners, particularly other Africans, with some incidents resulting in the forced closure of businesses, verbal abuse and physical attacks.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, says the situation has become deeply troubling, citing a recent incident in a local municipality where the mayor allegedly shut down foreign-owned businesses, handed them over to residents and ordered foreign nationals to leave within 21 days.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, May 11, Mr Anani Quashie said the mayor in an area known as Estcourt, near Durban, had seized keys to shops owned by Ghanaians and other African migrants who were legally operating businesses.

He said the affected businesses included mechanic shops and other small enterprises, and that the allegations had been verified by diplomatic missions.

“The mayor in Estcourt has taken keys belonging to Ghanaians and other African migrants who are genuinely and legally working in his area. He has taken the keys, handed over their shops and businesses to locals,” he said.

“A lot of Ghanaians are affected. We have close to about 25 Ghanaians whose businesses have been closed,” he disclosed.

Mr Anani Quashie said the issue is not limited to Ghanaians. He revealed that the Nigerian and Angolan ambassadors had also raised similar complaints after their nationals were affected by the same operation.

The High Commissioner said Ghana and the other affected African countries are preparing to challenge the directive in court.

“We’ve told them that we’re going to fight this legally. No law in South Africa gives the mayor the right to say whatever he’s saying. We’re going to ensure that the right thing is done,” he stated.

He said all affected countries have already collected statements from their nationals and submitted them to the legal department of the African ambassadors’ group for review.

According to him, although court proceedings have not formally begun, legal steps are already underway to stop the 21-day eviction order before it takes effect.

“No, we are in the process. It’s not only one country that is going. All the countries involved have made statements and given them to the legal department. They have confirmed there is no legal basis for what he is doing,” he said.

Mr Anani-Quashi noted that the deadline is fast approaching, with only 17 days left, but said diplomatic missions are acting urgently to ensure the matter is resolved before any forced removals occur.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr Quashie disclosed that nearly 200 Ghanaians have already expressed interest in returning home voluntarily.

The comments come after government facilitated the return of Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, the Ghanaian national who appeared in a viral video linked to the recent attacks.

According to the High Commissioner, businessman Ibrahim Mahama has stepped in to support Mr Asamoah with employment.

“Fortunately, Mr Ibrahim Mahama has decided to offer him employment, which he has gladly accepted.”

Mr Quashie said the businessman wants Mr Asamoah’s story to inspire other Ghanaians facing hardship abroad.

“Mr Ibrahim indicated to him that he wants him to be an ambassador so that other Ghanaians in other countries can look up to him and say, when they sacked him from one country, he got back to Ghana, and he was helped, and was able to make a difference in his life.”

Asked what kind of work Mr Asamoah did in South Africa, the envoy said he had been working in a salon but added that discussions are ongoing about other opportunities available to him in Ghana.

The High Commissioner revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the mission in South Africa to begin compiling names of Ghanaians seeking repatriation.

“So we’ve been asked by the Minister to gather the names of the Ghanaians. After this evening, we have close to about 200 and something people who want to come back home.”

He said government will bear the cost of travel documentation and transportation.

Those who don’t have a passport. We need to get them travel certificates. The ministry is going to take up the cost so that we ensure that we bring them back home.”

Mr Quashie stressed that the government’s priority is the safety of its citizens.

“The whole understanding is that we don’t want to leave any Ghanaian at the mercy of any other national. Ghanaians are valued in Ghana.”

“We would ensure that if we have to bring them back home to reintegrate them, to do something better, we will do that.”

He warned that the number of returnees could rise significantly, noting that many Ghanaians in South Africa have lost businesses and livelihoods through repeated xenophobic attacks.

“There are a lot of Ghanaians in South Africa. Some of them are doing very well. Some are working in the mines. Some are working in hospitals. Some are lecturers here and there.”

“But these are people who believe that, over the years, they struggle, put up a business. Xenophobic attacks happen. They lose everything.”

He added that discussions are underway with businesses in Ghana to support reintegration efforts and employment opportunities for returnees.

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According to a statement from the Presidency, the summit, organised by French President Emmanuel Macron, has brought together African Heads of State, international partners and global business leaders to strengthen collaboration on key development priorities across the continent.

The statement said President Mahama, in his role as African Union Champion for African Financial Institutions, is expected to participate in a high-level discussion on green industrialisation and energy transition on Tuesday.

The discussions will focus on how Africa can accelerate industrial growth while addressing climate change and the global shift toward clean energy.

President Mahama is also expected to join a working lunch on reforms to the international financial system.

The meeting will examine ways to improve access to sustainable financing for African countries and push for a global financial structure that better responds to the continent’s development challenges.

As part of the summit activities, the President will co-chair a roundtable discussion on health under the theme, “Rethinking global health and building resilient national health systems.”

The Presidency said the engagement forms part of the Accra Reset Initiative, which seeks to strengthen healthcare systems and improve preparedness for future global health emergencies.

On the sidelines of the summit, President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with António Guterres, Kristalina Georgieva and Alvaro Lario.

The meetings are expected to focus on economic stability, food security and broader global cooperation involving Ghana and the African continent.

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There is, however, a gap between Traoré’s triumphant declaration, official figures, and the reality of people’s experiences.

On social media and in the media, the announcement was immediately amplified, celebrated, and erected as a symbol of the new national sovereignty.

But two weeks before this speech, the president’s office had produced figures that tell a completely different story.

To measure the gap between the proclamation and the reality, we must go back to the Council of Ministers meeting of December 17, 2025. On that day, the Ministry of Agriculture presented the provisional results of the 2025-2026 agropastoral campaign.

The figures are, overall, good. National cereal production is estimated at 7,142,484 tonnes, up 17.63% compared to the previous season and 37.19% compared to the average of the last five years.

The apparent coverage rate of cereal needs stands at 126.6%, compared to 111.5% in the previous season. Non-cereal food crops reached 1,246,132 tonnes, up 27.9% compared to the five-year average. Cash crops other than cotton amounted to 1,353,298 tonnes, up 37%. Forage production exceeded 10 million tonnes of dry matter.

The government attributes these performances to “the multiple forms of state support for farmers and livestock breeders, particularly through the provision of inputs, fertilisers, and equipment”.

But in this same document, the ministry doesn’t hide the grey areas. These are the areas that the presidential address glossed over two weeks later. According to the report, of the country’s 47 provinces, 15 are in deficit, eight are balanced, and only 24 have a surplus.

The growing season was also marked by infestations of fall armyworms on corn and sorghum. Of the 47,213 hectares surveyed, 20,568 hectares were infested, of which 17,724 were treated, leaving 2,844 hectares infested without intervention.

The minister himself did not claim “self-sufficiency”

On the evening of December 17, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Commander Ismaël Sombié, was a guest on the 8 PM news on national television. He was directly asked about food self-sufficiency. His response was cautious and measured: “I think that if we maintain this pace, we are confident we can achieve the food self-sufficiency goal we have set for ourselves. Of course, other aspects will need to be considered, particularly processing and strengthening our achievements in terms of infrastructure and resources.”

For the head of the agricultural sector, food self-sufficiency has therefore not yet been achieved. It remains a prospect to be reached.

Two weeks later, the head of state took hold of some of these figures and drew a conclusion that his own ministers had not dared to formulate.

The proclamation of December 31 also raises a fundamental question: Is this the first time that Burkina Faso has recorded a cereal surplus?

No. Official data shows that this is not the first time. The 2024-2025 season, under the current government, already had a cereal coverage rate of 111.7%. Under the presidency of Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, the 2018-2019 season produced approximately 4.95 million tons of cereals, a 22% increase, with a national coverage rate of 104% and a gross surplus of approximately 194,000 tons. The following season, 2019-2020, reached 5.03 million tons, generating a surplus of 204,000 tons. Of course, these surpluses were not as high as the last season.

Need for intervention revealed to donors

On February 17, 2026, 48 days after the proclamation of self-sufficiency, the government convened an emergency meeting at Ouagadougou City Hall. On the agenda was the need for a request for the international humanitarian community’s contribution to the financing of an emergency plan of 735.1 billion CFA francs to help 4.47 million Burkinabe, described as “vulnerable” and in “need of vital assistance“.

The meeting, chaired by the National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation (CONASUR) in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is an advocacy session to mobilise external funding.

The Minister of Family and Solidarity, Lieutenant-Colonel Passowendé Pélagie Kaboré, announced the figures without mincing words: more than 1.3 million children under five years of age need nutritional support; more than 2.1 million people (almost the equivalent of the population of Lesotho) will need food assistance, and more than 3.3 million people will need protection support.

These data are confirmed by the Burkina Faso Humanitarian Needs and Partner Response Plan (HNRP) 2026 report.

^{The country’s humanitarian needs, ranked by severity, according to the report HNRP 2026}

Behind the grain surplus

The humanitarian response plan helps to understand why a national cereal surplus is not enough to speak of food self-sufficiency.

The April 2025 food security and nutrition analysis establishes that approximately 2.26 million people were in a situation of acute food insecurity, including more than 220,000 in the emergency phase, one step away from famine.

The national average cereal coverage of 111.5% for the 2024-2025 cereal season masks catastrophic regional realities. In the areas most exposed to insecurity, the Yaadga province covers only 57% of its needs, the Liptako province 56%, and the Koulsé province barely reaches 45%.

Physical access to markets exacerbates the situation. Several secondary markets remain closed in areas experiencing security tensions, such as Barga, Kain, Koumbri, Thiou, Tin-Akoff, Oursi, Gorgadji, Dablo, and Bouroum, forcing residents to rely on escorted convoys for supplies. While prices have fallen on average (7% for maize, 15% for millet, and 17% for sorghum), they remain 15% to 17% above the five-year average. In the most isolated areas, the price increases are staggering: +77% for millet in Arbinda, +106% for sorghum in Sebba, and +148% in Kompienga.

The livestock sector has not been spared. Erratic rainfall, degraded pastures, dwindling water sources, and insecurity that disrupts transhumance routes have forced many herders to sell their livestock at rock-bottom prices. Fall armyworms destroy up to 25% of maize crops, granivorous birds ravage up to 80% of rice, millet, and sorghum crops, while peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and foot-and-mouth disease decimate herds due to a lack of access to veterinary services.

In terms of nutrition, the report estimates that 1.38 million people require emergency assistance, of whom 134,701 live in areas where the malnutrition rate exceeds 15% – one and a half times the World Health Organisation’s alert threshold of 10%.

Chinese food donations to a self-sufficient country

Seventy-two days after the proclamation of self-sufficiency, one scene sums up the whole paradox.

On April 10, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Commander Passowendé Pélagie Kaboré, the Minister of Solidarity, Humanitarian Action and Family, received the Chinese Ambassador, Zhao Deyong. The two parties signed the handover agreement for food aid: more than 1,800 tons of rice, with an estimated value of over 1.6 billion CFA francs.

According to a statement from the Chinese embassy, the ambassador “congratulated Burkina Faso on achieving its goal of food self-sufficiency by 2025“. He also presented the country with 1,800 tons of rice.

The minister, for her part, recalled that Chinese food aid “for two consecutive years has helped to improve the living conditions of many vulnerable families” and that by 2025, “nearly 140,000 people had benefited from Chinese support“.

Two days later, on April 12, the same minister received the Indian ambassador, who announced a donation of 1,000 tons of rice and pharmaceutical products, with an estimated value of 125 million CFA francs.

Relative to the scale of needs, the Chinese donation represents approximately 2.1% of the financial need of the food sector alone, estimated at 75 billion CFA francs in priority terms.

Less than a year earlier, on May 13, 2025, Lu Shan, former ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Burkina Faso, officially handed over a significant humanitarian donation of 1,629.9 tons of rice. This donation was received by the Minister of Solidarity, Humanitarian Action and Family in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinabè Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré. The donation is valued at 1.7 billion CFA francs.

Thus, within the space of a year, Chinese food aid, accepted by the Burkinabe authorities, amounted to 3.3 billion FCFA (3,429.9 tonnes of rice), a sign of the real needs on the ground for humanitarian aid.

These donations come after a note from the Prime Minister, dated November 28, 2025, where he urged all leaders to refuse aid that is degrading and that does not honour Burkina Faso.

“The government now prioritises cooperation that is fully aligned with our national interests and promotes real and endogenous progress (…) It is imperative to break with this vision and refocus partnerships around structuring projects, in line with our priorities and reinforcing the vision of the Comrade President. (…) I therefore urge you to decline any support that would be degrading in nature, contrary to the values of honour and dignity of the Burkinabè people, or that would not be in line with the vision of the RPP (Progressive and Popular Revolution),” he reminded them.

China’s food donation has reignited debates on social media, especially in the comments under the post announcing the operation and on news sites like Lefaso.net.

The Chinese rice donation to Burkina Faso sparked a wave of irony on social media, as the transitional government had claimed to have achieved food self-sufficiency in 2025. “And what about our food self-sufficiency? Did we include China in the calculations?” one internet user mocked. Between skepticism and pragmatic gratitude, these reactions reflect the growing distrust among part of the population toward the official narrative.

What people are saying

Beyond the figures and diplomatic ceremonies, the HNRP 2026 report is based on 21,619 community feedback and complaints collected between January and October 2025, and on a survey covering 6,214 households in 13 regions and 31 provinces. These populations are not talking about self-sufficiency. They are talking about hunger.

According to the report, the preferred forms of assistance for the affected populations are, first, the free distribution of food, followed by sales at moderate prices, the construction/rehabilitation of infrastructure, essential social services, and agricultural support. “More than 80 percent of households in the Liptako, Sirba, Soum, and Tapoa regions recommend it first, and more than 50 percent in Goulmou, Koulsé, Sourou, and Yaadga, ” the report states.

Food assistance is declared an absolute priority, almost unanimously “among internally displaced and returned persons”, particularly in Soum, Liptako, Tapoa and Sirba.

The main sources of dissatisfaction are insufficient quantities and delays in the delivery of aid.

The actual coverage of food assistance illustrates the extent of the gaps. In the Koulsé, Goulmou, and Nakambé areas, it does not exceed 25 to 55% of surveyed households. In Bankui, Sourou, and Yaadga, it falls to 15-27%. In Guiriko and Tannounyan, it does not exceed 10%. As of September 30, 2025, only 1.4 million people, or 39% of the target population, had actually received assistance.

According to a summary document of the government’s humanitarian response plan, the country needs 173.7 billion FCFA to ensure food security for 2.1 million people and 57.5 billion FCFA to meet the nutritional needs of 1.4 million people. The total of these two needs is 231.2 billion FCFA. In the government’s ranking of humanitarian needs, food security tops the list.

A humanitarian assessment that raises questions

In 2025, more than 155 humanitarian partners mobilised $271.3 million, enabling assistance to 1.7 million people in Burkina Faso. However, the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan aimed to reach 3.7 million people with a budget of $792.6 million. The result: only 34.2% of the financial needs were met, and only 45.9% of the targeted population was reached.

For 2026, partners have pledged to mobilise $658.5 million. However, a methodological anomaly warrants attention: the decrease in the number of people in need, from 5.9 million in 2025 to 4.5 million in 2026, “does not reflect an improvement in the humanitarian situation,” the report itself acknowledges. Instead, it “results primarily from methodological changes”. Eighteen provinces were excluded from the calculation, even though approximately 500,000 people in need were identified there in 2025.

“Rapid, flexible and predictable funding is essential to save lives and prevent further deterioration of the situation,” UN Resident Coordinator and Acting Humanitarian Coordinator, Maurice Azonnanko, observed in the foreword of the 2026 report.

The essential question remains: does a proclamation of self-sufficiency, even partial, risk drying up the funding on which millions of Burkinabe still depend and which the authorities themselves are seeking through the 2026 response plan?

This article was produced with support from the African Academy for Open Source Investigations (AAOSI) and the African Digital Democracy Observatory (ADDO) as part of an initiative by Code for Africa (CfA). Visit https://disinfo.africa/ for more information.

This mineral-rich region remains a primary battleground for armed groups seeking control over gold and other valuable resources.

Retaliatory Cycles of Violence

The killings reportedly stemmed from an earlier clash involving the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP). This Hema-affiliated group recently attacked Congolese army (FARDC) positions near the locality of Pimbo. CODECO fighters, who claim to represent the mainly farming Lendu community, responded with a series of retaliatory strikes across several villages.

The violence underscores the long-running ethnic conflict between the Lendu and the mainly pastoral Hema community in a province that borders Uganda and South Sudan.

Recovery Efforts Hampered by Insecurity

The presence of armed militants forced a delay in recovering the deceased for several days. “Only 25 bodies have been buried,” said civil society leader Dieudonne Losa. He noted that “more than 70 people were killed” in the late April raids, and several remains have yet to be retrieved.

A humanitarian source described the grim scene as bodies “strewn on the ground” near the village of Bassa. While security sources put the toll at 69—including 19 militia members and soldiers—local officials suggest the count is higher.

International Response and Condemnation

The United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) rescued “nearly 200 people caught under fire” during the initial CRP assault on the FARDC. On Saturday, the mission stated it “strongly condemns the recent wave of deadly attacks targeting civilians” in the east.

Supporting this alarm, UN spokesman Farhan Haq confirmed in a May 8 briefing that at least 34 civilians were killed in a three-day window across Ituri and North Kivu.

Haq noted that “dozens of civilians have been killed in recent days” and highlighted the dire humanitarian toll, as the violence continues to drive massive displacement across the northern parts of the eastern DRC. Meanwhile, the Ente association described the killings as a “massacre” and urged Hema community members to avoid further retaliation. 

Historical Roots of Mineral Conflict

For over 30 years, the former Belgian colony has suffered from corruption and bloodshed linked to its vast mineral wealth. The region produces significant global supplies of cobalt, copper, uranium, and diamonds.

This resource abundance continues to fund various militia groups and fuel a humanitarian crisis that has displaced nearly one million people in Ituri alone, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Resurgence of Notorious Warlords

The province has seen a 2025 resurgence of the CRP, a group founded by Thomas Lubanga. Lubanga was found guilty in 2012 by the International Criminal Court for recruiting children into his rebel army and was released in 2020.

Fighting between his forces, the national army, and CODECO has been defined by widespread civilian abuses. Paradoxically, the Congolese army sometimes uses CODECO as an auxiliary force despite the group’s history of violence.

Overstretched Security Forces

The Congolese military faces a complex security landscape involving the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which has roots in Uganda and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019.

Rawya Rageh of Amnesty International noted that “there are multiple challenges facing the Congolese authorities” because “there are multiple competing actors – M23, ADF, CODECO.”

She explained that “most of the forces are overstretched responding to the threat from M23,” a Rwanda-backed rebel group that has seized key cities in the eastern region.

Escalating Regional Instability and ADF Abuses

The ADF has intensified its brutal campaign, killing at least 40 people and looting homes in a cross-border rampage across Ituri and North Kivu between Wednesday and Thursday. Charité Banza, leader of the Ituri civil society group, confirmed that 15 victims were murdered in Ituri while 25 were killed in the Beni territory of North Kivu—a grim surge following a July 2025 “bloodbath” that claimed 66 lives.

Despite the joint deployment of Ugandan and Congolese troops since 2021, Amnesty International’s Rawya Rageh warns that “entire areas that are emptied of troops that have been diverted to other front lines” allow rebels to “capitalise on security gaps.”

As local officials fear the death toll will rise with many residents still missing, the vacuum created by overstretched security forces continues to leave civilian populations completely vulnerable to these lethal incursions.

Findings of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity

In a landmark report, Amnesty International has formally accused the ADF of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Secretary-General Agnes Callamard stated these “abuses constitute war crimes which the world must not continue to ignore.”

The group is accused of systematic kidnappings, forced labour, and recruiting child soldiers. Furthermore, the report documented horrific “crimes against women and girls, including forced marriage, forced pregnancy and various other forms of sexual violence.”

Continental Stakes and African Solidarity

The instability in the DRC remains a focal point for the African Union and regional bodies like the East African Community. For nations like Ghana, which has a long history of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions, the deteriorating situation in Ituri represents a challenge to the “African solutions to African problems” doctrine. The persistent presence of foreign-affiliated groups like the ADF threatens to destabilise not just the Congo but the entire Great Lakes region.

A Call for Sustained African Leadership

The latest massacre in Ituri underscores the fragility of peace in one of Africa’s most resource-rich zones. True stability will require more than military intervention; it demands a unified continental approach to resource governance and ethnic reconciliation. As the DRC moves deeper into 2026, the priority must remain on protecting African lives and ensuring that the nation’s wealth benefits its people rather than fueling perpetual militia warfare.

The call comes as diplomatic tension has increased between South Africa and other African nations following accusations that xenophobic violence is on the rise once again in the country.

Ghana’s government has written to the African Union (AU) asking the continental body to discuss the issue, which it says is a “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing” of Africans in South Africa.

Nigeria has also raised the issue and has offered to repatriate its nationals amid fears of attacks.

Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have also warned its citizens in South Africa to be aware of possible attacks.

South Africa responded to Ghana’s message saying that it “had nothing to hide”.

This wave of pressure was sparked after video clips were shared online over a fortnight ago that appeared to show vigilante groups harassing people they believed were in South Africa illegally. In one, it was reported that a Ghanaian had been challenged over his status and told to go and “fix his country”.

But briefing the media on Thursday following a cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said, without specifying which footage she was talking about, that “the fake videos and images are not only fake, but they are intended to undermine the good reputation of South Africa internationally and undermine the country’s pursuit of a better Africa agenda”.

Thousands of South Africans have been protesting against illegal immigration in major cities in recent days, demanding the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.

Protesters have said illegal immigration has had an impact on jobs, housing and crime.

Referring to the demonstrations, Ntshavheni said South Africans were within their rights to protest against “the spiralling illegal immigration challenge” but added that violence linked to previous protests was unacceptable.

Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa and has been accompanied by occasional outbursts of deadly attacks. But the current protests have been largely peaceful with no official reports of accompanying looting of foreign-owned shops or violence against undocumented migrants.

South Africa’s government has been stepping up diplomatic efforts to quell growing concern around the continent about rising anti-immigration sentiment in the country.

In its letter to the AU, Ghana said that what it called xenophobia in South Africa “presents a challenge to the shared principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity”. It wants a fact-finding mission to be sent to the country.

On Wednesday, Cyril Ramaphosa’s presidential spokesperson said he had emphasised “that South Africa is a welcoming country. South Africans are an open, friendly and warm people. And we will reject any notion that seeks to characterise this country or its people as being xenophobic.”

Referring to Ghana’s letter on Thursday, Ntshavheni echoed the president, saying that there were “no xenophobic attacks in South Africa”.

She acknowledged that foreigners had been victims but put this down to general criminality, which the police needed to deal with, and efforts to undermine the country.

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The alliance aims to accelerate sustainable energy transition, modern waste management, and green industrialisation on the continent.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 6, 2026, by the Executive Director for the Waste Processing Division of the Jospong Group, Mr. Haidar Said, on behalf of JGC, and Jef Mestdagh, Business Development Manager at VYNCKE. The signing was witnessed by CEO Mr. Peter Vyncke at IFAT in Munich.

The deal combines African operational expertise in waste management with advanced European waste-to-energy technology to support cleaner cities, renewable energy generation, and sustainable industrial development.

The agreement outlines a framework for both companies to explore, assess, and develop waste-to-energy projects tailored to African waste streams, regulatory environments, and market realities. Industry observers call this one of the most significant recent collaborations in Africa’s environmental services and renewable energy sector.

Under the agreement, JGC, one of Ghana’s largest indigenous conglomerates, will leverage its experience in sanitation, waste collection, landfill management, and environmental services to facilitate project development across Africa.

VYNCKE, a globally recognized Belgian engineering company, will provide technical expertise in combustion systems, thermal energy solutions, and industrial energy infrastructure.

The collaboration aims to convert municipal, industrial, and organic waste into usable energy while reducing pressure on landfills and improving environmental outcomes in rapidly urbanizing African cities.

The two companies intend to jointly identify waste-to-energy opportunities, conduct feasibility studies, engage regulators and investors, and support deployment of sustainable energy infrastructure adapted to African conditions.

This landmark intervention opens a new market in Africa by undertaking landfill gas extraction to capture methane emissions from existing dumpsites and convert them into usable energy for Africa’s growing demand for electricity. The agreement also includes Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to reduce industrial emissions and support long-term climate goals, alongside thermal and biomass technologies for efficient waste conversion.

The agreement reflects a shift toward strategic industrial partnerships that recognize Africa as an emerging hub for sustainable innovation. For many African countries, waste accumulation, unreliable energy supply, and rapid urban growth continue to create serious pressures.

Experts say waste-to-energy systems reduce landfill dependency, generate cleaner energy, create jobs, and support industrial productivity. This partnership is therefore viewed as a practical response to the continent’s most pressing challenges.

The MoU highlights the increasing role of African indigenous companies in driving sustainability initiatives. JGC has expanded across sanitation and environmental management in Ghana and other African countries, including operations in Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe through Zoomlion.

By partnering with VYNCKE, the group is accelerating Africa’s transition toward cleaner industrial energy systems. The partnership also supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The agreement sends a strong signal to African governments, policymakers, and investors about the viability of large-scale environmental infrastructure projects led by African enterprises. Successful implementation will require supportive regulations, investment-friendly policies, and public-private collaboration.

The partnership reinforces the importance of cross-border knowledge transfer to help Africa meet its energy and waste management demands. As African cities expand, the need for innovative, scalable solutions becomes urgent. This collaboration may represent the beginning of a broader movement toward African-led sustainability solutions. For many stakeholders, the message is clear: Africa’s next phase of industrial growth must be green, innovative, collaborative, and designed for African realities.

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The distinguished police officer, who previously served as the first female Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), will speak on the theme “The Role of Women Leaders in Promoting Integrity in Public Life in the Era of AI”.

This year’s conference is under the theme “Deploying Artificial Intelligence in the Fight Against Corruption in Commonwealth Africa”.

The 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa is being held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The conference which began on May 4, 2026 will come to a close on May 8, 2026.

It is being hosted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC).

The event aims to strengthen institutional integrity and share best practices to combat corruption, focusing on collaboration across Commonwealth countries.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC) is an independent Cameroonian public body established on March 11, 2006, dedicated to fighting corruption through prevention, education, and investigation. Based in Yaoundé, it acts as a specialized focal point for anti-corruption strategies, conducting nationwide campaigns to promote integrity, particularly in education and public sectors.

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Mali’s army chief of staff, General Oumar Diarra, will serve as a minister delegate for defence, said the report, which described the move as a “strategic decision ​coming in a security context that remains sensitive.”

The simultaneous attacks beginning on the morning of April 25 showed how fighters from different groups ​with different goals were able to strike at the ​heart of the West African country’s military government, which took power after ‌coups ⁠in 2020 and 2021.

Sadio Camara, the former defence minister who was instrumental in forging stronger ties with Russia, was killed when a car laden with explosives driven by ​a suicide attacker ​drove into ⁠his residence, the government has previously said.

The attacks set off fighting across Mali’s vast ​desert north, raising the prospect of significant gains ​by ⁠armed groups that have shown an increasing willingness to strike neighbouring countries and, analysts say, could eventually set their sights ⁠further ​afield.

Malian authorities are investigating soldiers suspected ​of involvement in the attacks, a judicial official said on Friday.

The applicants are the first under a new Nigerian government-assisted repatriation scheme, the minister said on Sunday, amid fears that confrontations in ​South Africa could escalate.

Protesters held rallies in Pretoria and Johannesburg ​last week, demanding tougher action against illegal immigration, saying ⁠undocumented foreign nationals were putting pressure on jobs, security and public ​services. Migrant-rights groups say foreigners are often scapegoated for South Africa’s economic ​problems.

Nigeria condemns the violence against its citizens in South Africa, including the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly assaulted by security officials, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, a spokesperson ​for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday.

“Nigeria seeks full ​cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and relevant case files, and in ‌facilitating ⁠access to legal processes for the families of the deceased,” Ebienfa said, adding that accountability should include “appropriate disciplinary and prosecutorial action” where wrongdoing is established.

South Africa last month promised to crack down on ​anyone carrying out xenophobic attacks ​after Ghana ⁠and other African countries reported that their nationals had faced violence and discrimination.

More protests were planned on ​May 4 and May 8 and Nigeria would ​be watching ⁠developments closely, the government said.

It had already summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja over the situation, and its diplomatic missions in South ⁠Africa ​are working with local authorities to reduce ​risks to Nigerians, the foreign minister said.

The police stated on Sunday that landslides were reported in Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Kiambu counties in the country’s central and eastern regions. They confirmed that 18 lives had been lost to these incidents and urged caution amid the challenging weather conditions.

Mudslides are impacting “multiple families, displacing households, and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure”, the police said, warning residents living in landslide-prone or flood-affected areas to be careful.

It’s unclear how many people have been displaced.

Reports from local media show streets in the capital city, Nairobi, overflowing with water as cars and pedestrians wade through the deluge.

Traders in the city’s Makongeni and Ruai neighbourhoods staged protests on Sunday over the poor state of roads amid the rains, saying it was affecting their businesses.

Weather authorities earlier on Friday warned that the rains posed health risks in the form of waterborne diseases, and that damage to crops and farmland across the country was likely.

This is the second time in less than two months that parts of Kenya are seeing deadly floods. In March, floodwaters swelled to the brim in parts of Nairobi, killing at least 37 people.

The East African country is currently experiencing its seasonal March to May rain season, which usually peaks in the first half of May. However, experts have long warned that human-induced climate change is exacerbating weather conditions in Kenya and other East African countries.

“Across African cities, water extremes, too much during intense rains and too little during droughts, are driving increasingly severe impacts,” Fruzsina Straus, head of Disaster Risk Reduction for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said in a brief last week, adding that “cities must adapt rapidly to this new water volatility”.

The reptile suspected to have eaten the missing man had already been killed, but Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter said it was still a nerve-wracking experience.

“The sharp end of a crocodile is not the best place to approach it,” he told the News24 website.

After Potgieter had used a rope to secure the animal, both were hoisted away from the Komati River in the north-east of the country.

DNA tests will now be carried out to confirm if the remains are those of the missing man.

His car had become stranded attempting to cross a low bridge in the flooded river last week. By the time the police got to the scene, it was empty, leading them to suspect he had been swept away by the water, Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo told the national broadcaster, SABC.

The authorities used drones and helicopters in the search mission and noticed a small island where a number of crocodiles were basking in the sun, recounted Potgieter, commander of a police diving unit.

He said that, based on years of experience, they could tell that one of the animals had recently eaten.

“Besides having a massively full tummy, he didn’t move around or try to slip into the river despite the noise of the drones and the chopper,” he told News24.

The reptile was then killed before Potgieter embarked on what police described as the “highly dangerous and complex operation” to recover it.

The massive crocodile, measuring 4.5m (15ft) and weighing 500kg (1,100lb), was then flown to the nearby Kruger National Park, where human remains were discovered inside its intestines.

Potgieter said that, in addition to the body parts, six different types of shoes were found. He said this could indicate it had killed other people, but not necessarily: “A crocodile will eat or swallow anything.”

South Africa’s acting police chief, Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane, praised Potgieter for his bravery.

He insists that justice must first be served before any funeral arrangements proceed.

Speaking on JoyNews PM Express on Wednesday, he revealed that Ghana has demanded a full investigation into the killing, which officials say was initially treated as a routine criminal incident.

“So the current xenophobic actions that are going on, nobody has lost their lives. The statistics are there; they’ve given it to us,” he said, addressing broader concerns about the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa.

He, however, confirmed a specific case involving a Ghanaian man found dead in East London.

“In fact, there was a story going round about a Ghanaian who had lost his life in East London… we went there yesterday on the instructions of the Foreign Affairs Minister,” he said.

Mr Quarshie disclosed that initial findings showed the victim was killed in a violent robbery.

“We got to find out that the gentleman was stabbed to death by armed robbers, and it happened three weeks ago,” he said. “They just left his body there, and we only got to know after three weeks.”

He said Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has since demanded action. “The Foreign Affairs Minister has officially asked them to open an investigation,” he noted.

According to him, Ghanaian officials moved quickly to prevent what they described as premature disposal of the body.

“In fact, they wanted to mass-bury the gentleman, but the Minister again gave instructions that the gentleman should not be buried until a full investigation is completed,” he said.

He stressed that Ghana’s position is firm: “until we know who killed him, why he was killed, and compensation given to his family.”

Mr Quarshie added that the deceased’s family has been traced in Ghana.

“The family has been identified in Ghana. We’ve spoken to them,” he said, describing the situation as deeply distressing. “It has been a difficult one for them, because this is a breadwinner in the family.”https://www.youtube.com/embed/oeBxpk-F1ow?si=RL_ypcAr4MyE-FwH

He also highlighted the emotional toll of the killing. “When you hear the story as to how they killed him, it’s really, really pathetic,” he said.

The High Commissioner warned that Ghana will no longer tolerate delays or silence in such cases.

“I’m sure that the era of Ghanaians or any other person being killed, and South African authorities just brushing it aside… I think that era is over,” he said.

He pledged to continue pressuring authorities to ensure accountability.

“We will ensure there’s accountability. Will account for every single individual, be it Ghanaian, be it any African person,” he said. “When we get to know it, until justice is done, we will not stop.”

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express with Evans Mensah, he said, “So the current xenophobic actions that are going on, nobody has lost their lives.”

His comments come amid heightened tensions and circulating reports online suggesting that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have been targeted and killed in parts of South Africa.

Mr Quarshie said official data available to the mission contradicts those claims. “The statistics are there; they’ve given it to us,” he stated.

He addressed a specific viral case involving a Ghanaian man reportedly killed in East London, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In fact, there was a story going round about a Ghanaian who had lost his life in East London… We went there yesterday on the instructions of the Foreign Affairs Minister,” he explained.

According to him, investigations revealed the death was unrelated to xenophobic violence. “We got to find out that the gentleman was stabbed to death by armed robbers, and it happened three weeks ago,” he said.

He disclosed that the case came to the authorities’ attention only weeks later.

“They just left his body there, and we only got to know after three weeks that the citizen had been stabbed to death,” he added.

The envoy said the Ghanaian government has since intervened at the highest level. “The Foreign Affairs Minister has officially asked them to open an investigation,” he noted.

He revealed that steps have been taken to ensure due process, including halting an attempted burial.

“In fact, they wanted to mass-bury the gentleman, but the Minister again gave instructions that the gentleman should not be buried until a full investigation is completed,” he said.

He stressed that authorities are seeking clarity and justice. “Until we know who killed him, why he was killed, and compensation given to his family,” he stated.

Mr Quarshie confirmed that the victim’s family in Ghana has been identified and contacted. “We’ve spoken to them. It has been a difficult one for them, because this is the breadwinner in the family,” he said.

Describing the circumstances of the killing, he added, “When you hear the story as to how they killed him, it’s really, really pathetic.”

Despite the incident, he maintained that it should not be conflated with xenophobic violence.

He also signalled a shift in how such cases are handled.

“But I’m sure that the era of Ghanaians or any other person being killed, and South African authorities just brushing it aside… that era is over,” he said.

He pledged sustained action from Ghana’s diplomatic mission.

“We would ensure there’s accountability. Will account for every single individual, be it Ghanaian, be it any African person,” he stated.

“Until justice is done, we will not stop,” he added.

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