South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, expelled from the US and declared persona non grata by the Trump administration, was welcomed home by supporters who sang songs praising him, as crowds surrounded him and his wife Rosieda at the Cape Town International airport. Rasool defended his declaration of persona non grata, stating that his return to crowds with warmth, means wearing the declaration as a badge of dignity.
A tourist submarine named Sinbad sank in Egypt’s Red Sea on Thursday, carrying 45 foreign tourists and five Egyptian crew members. Six Russian nationals lost their lives, while 39 others, including minors, were rescued. The vessel sank at its marina in front of a prominent hotel, causing chaos for emergency responders. Twenty-three injured passengers were taken to five hospitals, with many suffering fractures and bruises. Four individuals were placed in intensive care due to critical injuries, while the others were discharged and returned to their hotels.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani has been sworn in as Niger’s transitional president for five years, following a new charter. The transition period could be adjusted based on security conditions. Tchiani, who led the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, was promoted to army general and signed a decree dissolving all political parties. The transition follows recommendations from a national convention held in February, which included 716 civil and military representatives. The commission, chaired by Dr Mamoudou Harouna Djingareye, oversaw the process.
The Malian government has announced a significant reduction in fuel prices, effective from Wednesday, to provide relief to consumers amid economic challenges. The decision follows a thorough analysis of supplier prices for March 2025. The reductions aim to ease financial burdens on Malian citizens and businesses, reaffirming their commitment to economic stability and improved living conditions.
South Sudan’s peace is at risk due to the arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar, whose party claims the 2018 Peace agreement has collapsed with the arrest. Machar, one of the country’s five Vice-presidents, has been detained by government forces under unclear charges, escalating tensions and destabilizing the region. The United Nations warns that this development could lead to a return to civil war. Both sides are urged to adhere to the 2018 peace agreement to restore Machar’s freedom.
Algeria has declared Morocco’s consul in Oran persona non grata without explanation, a diversionary tactic amid diplomatic turmoil. The decision came after Algeria handed a five-year jail sentence to a writer who recalled France amputating lands and attaching them to Algeria. The Moroccan deputy consul in Oran, Mohamed El Soufiani, was given 48 hours to leave the country, citing “suspicious acts” without explanation. Morocco has not responded to any of Algeria’s hostile acts.
Kenya has officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state, paving the way for diplomatic relations between the two nations. The recognition was announced in a proclamation signed by President William Ruto, acknowledging Kosovo’s right to self-determination and its declaration of independence in 2008. The decision also takes into account the 2010 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. Kenya will reciprocally recognize Kosovo’s travel documents and collaborate in mutual interest sectors.
Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, has accused Rwanda of backing a rebel group to destabilize his country, citing “credible intelligence”. Rwanda has denied these claims, stating there was no plan to spark conflict in Burundi. Rwanda has dismissed Ndayishimiye’s claims as “surprising”. The Rwandan government has also denied any links to rebel groups in Burundi and insists on cooperation to secure their border.
Khartoum residents welcomed army soldiers who reclaimed significant parts of the area from the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group. Sudan’s army has recaptured Khartoum’s international airport and regained control of the city from rival RSF, retaking key government buildings such as the presidential palace, returning to the capital for the first time in two years. Though, The RSF is still believed to hold scattered positions in Khartoum, and the government had not yet declared full victory in the city. Since April 2023, Sudan has been devastated by the war, resulting in over 28,000 deaths and millions fleeing their homes.
The World Court will hear Sudan’s case demanding emergency measures against the United Arab Emirates, accusing the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention by arming paramilitary forces. The UAE has denied the charge, but U.N. experts and U.S. lawmakers find it credible. Sudan has asked for the court to impose emergency measures to prevent genocidal acts in Darfur. The court will hear Sudan’s request on April 10. The United Arab Emirates has not responded to Sudan’s case, which it claims lacks legal or factual basis.
