Expert Weighs in on Mental Toll of Record-Breaking Job Loss for Black Women

Dr. LaNail R. Plummer, CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, explains how job loss can trigger anxiety, depression, and trauma among Black women.

By Asheea Smith

March 28, 2026

Young African American woman feeling exhausted and depressed sitting in front of laptop.

After Black women disproportionately lost more than 300,000 jobs in 2025, the conversation around economic recovery can’t ignore what comes next: the quiet, growing toll on mental health. On top of the financial strain, many are navigating heightened stress, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of starting over both professionally and financially.

Few understand the emotional toll of job loss better than Black mental health powerhouse Dr. LaNail R. Plummer, founder of Onyx Therapy Group and author of “The Essential Guide for Counseling Black Women.” An educator and speaker, her work centers on documenting, advancing, and expanding culturally responsive care for marginalized communities—especially Black women. As economic instability continues, Dr. Plummer is assessing Black women for Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), a short-term mental health condition that can occur within a month of a traumatic event and is characterized by severe anxiety, flashbacks, and detachment, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“This is a trauma disorder that occurs before Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” Dr. Plummer told The Root. “If we can capture the experience of that Black woman and help her through therapy interventions within the first six months of her traumatic event, then we are likely to prevent PTSD,” she detailed.

As CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, Dr. Plummer is intentional about ensuring Black women’s mental health needs are met by any means necessary. For those navigating the loss of employer-based health benefits, she points to more accessible care options, including sliding-scale rates, flexible fees, and pro bono services. “That is my social action. To ensure that Black women don’t develop PTSD,” she urged.

Signs Depression May Be Looming

Upset depressed African American woman covering face with hands and crying, sad frustrated sitting on floor near bed at home, having problems.

So how do you know if you—or someone close to you—is dealing with depression after job loss? According to the clinical expert, while each condition presents differently, economic strain can act as a trigger for disorders like major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. Still, the warning signs are often more noticeable than people think.

A Significant Change to Routine: “Let’s say they normally hang out with people and all of a sudden they don’t want to hang out anymore. If they had hobbies of which they found joy but don’t participate in those hobbies anymore. If they’re sleeping a lot more than they used to sleep, that’s a concern more so related to depression,” she warned. 

“If they’re overeating or overdrinking, what’s happening is they need some sort of stimulation because they’re not working anymore. Their brain needs stimulation, but those things have a negative effect.”

Negative Fixations Lead to Anxiety: negative fixations can also signal that something deeper is at play. This can show up as repeatedly replaying a perceived injustice or setback to the point where it becomes difficult to think clearly. Over time, that mental loop can turn into intrusive, uncontrollable thoughts—fueling heightened anxiety and emotional distress.

“They become fixated on the injustice. When one becomes fixated on the injustice then we start to get concerned about anxiety,” Dr. Plummer said. “Also sleep patterns—what time of night are they waking up? Are they able to go back to sleep? This is especially important for women who lost their jobs during menopausal ages. Their bodies are naturally going through something and now the trauma of job loss is creating something different.”

Negative Self-Talk: the mental health CEO also warns to keep your ears open for negative self-talk, including harsh thoughts like “I’m never going back to work, I don’t trust people, or I’m not doing this anymore.” According to her, the initial upset can be normal, however anything longer than a couple weeks poses a red flag, as “emotions and thoughts are designed in our brains to be released.”

“We have always been told, as Black women, that education and our work would be our way out of difficulty,” she said. “So when we get the education, the jobs, and the titles—doing all the things right—and still feel penalized, it makes us question our entire history.”

Supporting Black Women in the Workplace

Young adult businesswoman with afro hairstyle feeling exhausted and overwhelmed while working overtime at her desk in a blue-lit modern office environment

Supporting Black women in the workplace goes beyond hiring—it requires intentional efforts to create environments where they feel seen, valued, protected and appreciated. In her book, “The Essential Guide for Counseling Black Women,” Dr. Plummer writes that Black women “create a legacy through work,” trading the traditional path of marriage and parenting to build legacy, strive for higher education and capital gain. Thus, job loss isn’t just a blow to our wallets, but also to our identity.

“After job loss and during periods of job insecurity, many Black women don’t feel safe at work. That’s why it’s so important to create psychologically safe environments. The four key components are inclusion, learning, contributing, and challenging. In each of these moments, there’s an opportunity to support and validate Black women,” Dr. Plummer told The Root.

According to the expert, protecting your mental health starts with the basics: engaging in hobbies, maintaining a routine, eating well, and taking breaks from endless social media scrolling. But she notes a bigger challenge—Black communities are “communal people who lean in on each other,” yet many corporate spaces fail to embrace this culture, creating stress for Black employees. Addressing this head on could be the change needed to resolve tension in the corporate world.  

“You’re going to get more from a person if they feel good and comfortable with you, versus if they fear you. So there’s an opportunity for leaders to focus on their own biases,” the CEO said.

The Top Moments from This Year’s CPAC Conference in Texas

By MIKE CATALINI and THOMAS BEAUMONT

5:49 PM EDT, March 28, 2026

GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — For the first time in nearly a decade, President Donald Trump did not attend one of the biggest annual meetings of conservatives. But even in his absence, the Conservative Political Action Conference revolved around him.

There were disagreements over his war with Iran, pride over his immigration crackdown and lots of encouragement to avoid infighting as the Republican Party faces a difficult midterm election.

It was a contrast with last year’s gathering, when conservatives were riding high after Trump’s return to office and Elon Musk waved a chain saw to symbolize his new role leading the Department of Government Efficiency.

Here’s a look at some of the key moments.

‘Save that for the socialists’

From the conference’s opening moments, speaker after speaker appealed for unity.

“They want us divided,” warned Mercedes Schlapp, a senior fellow at CPAC whose husband, Matt, chairs the organization.

Evangelist Franklin Graham said the war with Iran represents a “critical time for our country.”

“We can discuss our differences, but do it with respect without attacking and tearing down the other person,” he said. “Save that for the socialists.”

Conservative influencer Benny Johnson said he was “well aware” of debates within the conservative movement but said Trump’s supporters should focus on his victories, such as tighter border security.

“I want to establish something very clearly here that your enemy is not the people that you have good-faith disagreements with inside your movement,” he said. “Your enemy is the Marxist, and they’re going to be running against us hard in the midterms and in 2028.

Warnings about war

It was clear, however, that the conservative movement was not on the same page about the war with Iran. While there was little criticism of Trump, some warned against deepening the conflict.

“A ground invasion of Iran will make our country poorer and less safe. It will mean higher gas prices, higher food prices, and I’m not sure we would end up killing more terrorists than we would create,” said former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally, said that “the decision in going forward is obviously the commander in chief’s,” but he suggested that the American people still need to be convinced.

“You have to be convinced that this is the right thing to do, particularly now that we’re on the eve of potentially the insertion of American combat troops,” he said. “Your sons, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons could be on Kharg Island or holding a beachhead down by the Strait of Hormuz. ”

Recent polling from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Trump risks frustrating his voters if gas prices continue rising as the country faces the kind of prolonged war in the Middle East that he promised to avoid.

‘Make Iran great again’

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi told the gathering he was ready to lead a new Iranian government and would call on the country’s citizens to rise up when the “right moment arrives.”

Pahlavi is the son of the shah, a monarch deposed in 1979 when the Islamic theocracy came to power.

He hasn’t lived in Iran for five decades, but was interrupted several times by enthusiastic applause and cheers. He praised Trump for attacking Iran, and suggested that the country could one day be a U.S. ally.

“Can you imagine Iran going from death to America to God bless America?” he said.

“President Trump is making America great again,” Pahlavi said. “I intend to make Iran great again.”

Hundreds of Iranian Americans attended the conference and frequently had impromptu pro-war demonstrations, chanting “thank you, Trump!”

Applause for immigration crackdown

Trump’s handling of immigration got some of the biggest applause at the conference, and one of the special guests included recently retired Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. He had led high-profile urban crackdowns but was pushed aside after two protesters were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Bovino briefly came onstage during Benny Johnson’s speech. The actor Dean Cain also shook Bovino’s hand.

Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar who took over for Bovino in Minnesota, was also at the conference. He drew cheers when he said Trump wouldn’t walk away from his deportation campaign.

“I don’t care if people hate me,” he said.

Trump reshaping prosecutions, media

Top administration officials made clear Trump’s ambitions for reshaping the country.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said more than 200 people who participated in investigations of the president were fired, retired or quit.

“President Trump, for the first time in modern history, has said, ‘I am the president,’” said Blanche, who previously worked as Trump’s defense attorney. “And if you work in the executive branch, you work for me.”

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized the president’s influence over the media, pointing to PBS and NPR being defunded and praising the departure of people like Stephen Colbert, whose show will end in May.

“President Trump is taking on the fake news media, and President Trump is winning,” he said.

Straw poll results

Every year, CPAC conducts a straw poll as an informal measure of conservatives’ sentiment.

Asked who they wanted as Republicans’ presidential nominee in 2028, Vice President JD Vance finished first with 53% support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was second with 35%. No other potential candidate surpassed 2% support. (Trump, who has mused about serving a third term despite constitutional limits, was not listed as an option.)

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton got CPAC’s endorsement in the U.S. Senate runoff on May 26, when he’s facing incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

CPAC goes global

As in previous years, CPAC leaned into its relationships overseas.

The conference featured international speakers like Polish President Karol Nawrocki and former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who announced the first British CPAC in July.

Conservatives from Australia, Brazil Germany, Hungary and Japan also appeared on stage to say they’re developing or working to put on similar conferences in their nations.

___

Catalini reported from Morrisville, Pennsylvania.

Acting Defense Minister: Iran Exercising its Inalienable Right to Self-defense

Monday, 30 March 2026 1:35 AM

Iran’s Acting Minister of Defense Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Ibn Reza (right) and Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Güler

Iran’s Acting Minister of Defense Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Ibn Reza has held an important telephone conversation with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler amid the ongoing US-Israeli war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

During the discussion on Sunday evening, General Reza firmly denounced the brutal military aggression against Iran as a clear violation of international law and fundamental standards of the international system.

He reiterated that Iran is exercising its legitimate and inalienable right to self-defense, responding decisively to the aggressors.

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler echoed Iran’s position, describing the attacks on Iran as a “serious violation of international law.”

Güler also expressed Turkey’s readiness to actively contribute to restoring security and stability in the region at the earliest possible time.

While the Islamic Republic continues its firm military response to enemy strikes on its territory and infrastructure, diplomatic efforts by regional powers like Turkey highlight the isolation of the aggressors.

The US and Israel failed to achieve their objectives and are increasingly facing diplomatic pushback from key regional states.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly made clear that it will continue to defend its sovereignty and people with full strength until the aggression is halted and the perpetrators are held accountable.

Iranian armed forces have been carrying out retaliatory attacks on US military assets in regional countries and on targets in the occupied territories since Washington and Tel Aviv launched their illegal, unprovoked war against the Islamic Republic on February 28.

In the last 29 days, Iran has delivered a series of devastating strikes on enemy targets, effectively paralyzing the US and air defense systems across the region.

US Has no Choice but to Retreat from Iranian Borders: Top Commander

Sunday, 29 March 2026 5:06 PM

Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force

A senior Iranian military commander says the armed forces’ crushing strikes against US military assets will leave Washington with no choice but to withdraw its forces from Iran’s borders.

Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force,  Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Mousavi, said in a post on X that Iranian forces will continue to paralyze US radar networks and logistics while inflicting casualties on their personnel across the region.

"Iran's intelligence superiority and precision strikes will leave the US with no alternative but to retreat from Iranian borders,” Mousavi said.

The commander noted that “the wreckage of AWACS, aerial refuelers, and demolished hangars speaks for itself.”

Mousavi also vowed that the country’s armed forces will soon add “more high-value targets to this list.”

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering "limited ground operations" on Iranian soil. Iranian officials have warned that such a move will only lead to further casualties among American troops.

Iranian armed forces have launched 86 waves of retaliatory strikes against Israeli and US assets across the region, causing casualties and billions of dollars in damages.

Notably, a US Air Force E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control plane was struck and damaged during a March 27 missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, this specific attack also injured more than 10 service members and damaged several aerial refueling tankers.

Military analysts describe the loss of these "flying radars" as a "big deal" that has significantly crippled Washington’s ability to manage the battlespace in the Persian Gulf.

Beyond the AWACS and tankers, Iran’s attacks have damaged or destroyed radar systems, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system and Reaper drones in attacks on US bases in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.

Reports have also suggested that the US and its regional allies are “burning through” their supply of Tomahawk and interceptor missiles.

Since the war began on February 28, the Pentagon has already confirmed at least 13 US troops killed and roughly 200 wounded.

Why Ground Invasion Scenario Against Iran Could Turn Into Strategic Quagmire for US

Sunday, 29 March 2026 2:59 PM

By Sheida Eslami

Speculation is rife about a possible ground invasion of Iran by the US forces. However, as experts acknowledge, contrary to Washington's illusions and misguided predictions, the scenario cannot replicate the patterns of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

As regional tensions fueled by the American-Israel aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran enter a new phase, reports have emerged regarding the readiness of Iranian special forces to execute combined operations against US interests.

According to a report published by Mehr News Agency, Iranian guerrilla units, comprising the "65th Airborne Special Forces Brigade (NOHED)" of the Army and the "Saberin Special Forces Brigade" of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force, are planning swift and surprise operations against hostile forces.

These operations are said to aim at delivering a "hard, swift, and painful" blow to American forces and interests in the region. The report also mentions scenarios such as the abduction of American military personnel, officials, or even businessmen, modeled on incidents from the 1980s, with potential geographical scope ranging from Iraq's Kurdistan Region to Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait.

It comes at a time when discussions about the possibility of the US and its allies entering a new phase of confrontation with Iran are once again being raised in analytical circles.

In these circumstances, attention to historical experiences and past operational patterns, particularly the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, still considered one of the most significant examples of modern combined operations, becomes increasingly important.

From Baghdad's "shock and awe" to hesitation toward Tehran

In 2003, Washington combined extensive air power, armored units, airborne forces, and special operations to dismantle Baghdad's military and political structure in a short period.

The famous "shock and awe" doctrine was based on achieving absolute air superiority and the rapid collapse of Iraq's command structure. Armored forces advanced from southern Iraq, airborne divisions landed deep inside Iraqi territory, and special forces undertook missions such as directing airstrikes, destroying critical infrastructure, and pursuing Iraqi military commanders.

However, what was portrayed as a swift victory in the early weeks of the war turned into a protracted and costly war in the years that followed. Armed insurgencies, urban warfare, and the emergence of resistance groups turned Iraq into a complex battlefield for years.

Now, more than two decades later, some indications suggest that certain military planners in Washington are attempting to replicate a similar model against Iran, a model combining air pressure, limited ground operations, and special forces activity.

Yet, the fundamental differences between Iran today and Iraq in 2003 make such a scenario far from easily repeatable, as per military pundits.

The Southern Corridor: From paper maps to ground realities

Among the scenarios occasionally raised in analytical circles, the creation of an operational corridor stretching from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and southern Iraq toward Basra and then Khuzestan stands out as a notable proposal.

In the view of American military planners, this route represents the shortest path to Iran's most critical energy region, and if realized, could merge the Persian Gulf and southern Iraq battlefields into a single operational theater.

But the gap between paper maps and ground realities is vast. Much of this corridor traverses open desert areas, where long supply lines become highly vulnerable.

Any armored column or logistical convoy in such terrain could be exposed to missile and drone strikes, as well as ambushes by asymmetric forces. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that even the US military, despite all its technological superiority, faces serious challenges in securing long supply lines in hostile environments.

On the other hand, Iraq's political reality today is fundamentally different from 2003. The widespread presence of resistance forces and the organized structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Sha'abi) in southern Iraq mean that any large-scale movement of US forces through Iraqi territory could quickly escalate into direct confrontation with these groups, an issue that not only complicates military operations but also creates a political crisis for Baghdad.

Kharg and Bushehr: Symbolic targets or operational traps?

Some analyses mention Kharg Island and the Bushehr nuclear power plant as potential targets in an escalation scenario. Kharg holds significant economic and symbolic importance due to its key role in Iran's oil exports.

However, actual seizure of the island would be extremely difficult without full control of the surrounding coastlines and maritime and aerial supply lines.

Any force stationed on Kharg would be exposed to shore-to-sea missiles, suicide drones, and fast-boat attacks, conditions that would make long-term retention of the island a costly mission.

Regarding the Bushehr nuclear plant, while limited strikes have been suggested to create psychological shock, its complete destruction is considered a highly risky option due to widespread environmental and political consequences.

Such an action could provoke strong international reactions and even draw new actors, especially Russia, into the crisis. Some analysts, therefore, believe that if a direct operation were to occur, it would likely take the form of limited heliborne operations along the coasts or on islands for tactical and propaganda purposes, rather than sustained occupation.

Iran's mosaic defense and the challenge to air superiority

One of the most significant differences between Iran and Iraq in 2003 lies in their defensive structure. Over the past two decades, Iran has developed a framework combining layered air defense, an extensive missile arsenal, and a network of asymmetric forces, a structure sometimes referred to as "mosaic defense."

In this model, defense units are dispersed across the country and operate relatively independently; the loss of a single command center does not necessarily lead to the collapse of the entire defense system.

Alongside this structure, Iran has a network of aligned actors across the region capable of pressuring US supply lines on multiple fronts. From Iraq and Syria to Yemen, this network can expand the battlefield and disrupt the US operational focus. The experience of attacks on the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq or drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities has shown that even large, heavily fortified bases are not immune to missile and drone attacks.

In the aerial domain, conditions have also shifted compared to two decades ago. Advances in air defense systems and the proliferation of low-cost drones have made the battlefield more complex for advanced aircraft.

Iran, drawing on regional war experiences, has established a network of radar and air defense systems that make the country's airspace increasingly risky for enemy aircraft. In such circumstances, the US Air Force is compelled to maintain a greater distance from the battlefield, making close air support for ground forces more difficult.

Combined warfare and the decisive domestic variable

Taken together, these factors indicate that replicating the 2003 scenario against Iran faces serious obstacles. The country's vast geography, complex terrain, multi-layered defensive structure, and the potential for war to expand across regional fronts all make any ground operation an extremely costly undertaking.

For this reason, many analysts believe the likelihood of a full-scale ground invasion against Iran is low; in the event of escalating tensions, Washington is more likely to lean toward combined warfare, a campaign involving limited strikes, special operations, economic pressure, cyber warfare, and intelligence operations.

However, historical experience shows that the outcome of wars is not determined solely on the battlefield. The behavior of society and the degree of internal cohesion during a crisis can play a decisive role in the fate of such confrontations. If society reaches a level of unity in the face of external pressure, many military scenarios effectively lose their utility.

In such circumstances, the equation of battle is not resolved solely in the skies, at sea, or in border deserts – the shared understanding of national security and interests also becomes part of the battlefield.

For this reason, many analysts believe any attempt to replicate the Iraq invasion model against Iran will ultimately confront a different reality, one that could turn a short-term operation into a prolonged and exhausting war, the outcome and consequences of which cannot be predicted in advance.

More importantly, given the increased national cohesion in Iran, manifested during the ongoing war, contrary to the delusional expectations of Washington's leaders, through the sustained presence of people in the streets of the capital and various other cities across Iran, their high resilience in the face of attacks, the preservation of collective spirit, and the nation's defense of the country's new leadership following the assassination of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Pentagon's plan to bring Iran to its knees has so far failed.

A rational voice within the US military apparatus likely recognizes that in the event of a ground invasion of Iran, American forces would have to fight a multi-million-strong army. And the result would be catastrophic losses for the US and its proxies.

Sheida Islami is a Tehran-based writer, media advisor and cultural critic.

(The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)

Sudan Army Says it Repels RSF-SPLM-N Attack on Dilling

28 March 2026

Sudanese soldier stands besides an RSF destroyed vehicle in Dilling on March 28, 2026

March 28, 2026 (DILLING) – The Sudanese army on Saturday said it repelled a fresh coordinated attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) on Dilling, the second-largest city in South Kordofan.

The heavy fighting comes amid warnings of a deteriorating humanitarian situation inside the city. Local residents reported acute shortages and soaring prices for essential goods after the RSF-SPLM-N alliance re-established a partial blockade on the town.

Prior to the ground assault, the allied forces launched intensive strikes using drones and heavy artillery. The bombardment hit health centres, schools, and crowded market areas, resulting in dozens of casualties, according to witnesses.

Local sources told Sudan Tribune that the RSF, supported by Abdul Aziz al-Hilu’s SPLM-N fighters and thousands of mercenaries from South Sudan, launched a major offensive against army positions early Saturday morning.

Heavy clashes broke out in the western, northern, and northwestern outskirts of the city. The army said it successfully pushed back the attacking forces as they attempted to advance into the city centre.

Army drones were heavily deployed during the battle, striking RSF reinforcements near the town of Habila and targeting gatherings along the main highway linking Dilling to North Kordofan.

Residents said the RSF and SPLM-N have again cut the road connecting Dilling to Habila to the east and onward to North Kordofan. The move followed their seizure of the al-Tukma area, located about 7 km (4 miles) east of Dilling.

The renewed blockade has led to the disappearance of basic commodities such as sugar, onions, and legumes from local markets. Prices for remaining stocks of oil, rice, and sorghum have reached record highs.

In January, the army and its allies had managed to break a long-standing siege on South Kordofan’s main towns by securing rough dirt tracks connecting Dilling to North Kordofan, ending nearly three years of isolation.

The previous blockade led to a severe humanitarian crisis and documented cases of famine in Dilling. Recent military escalations have forced thousands of civilians to flee toward North Kordofan under dire conditions.

At Least 14 Civilians Killed in Artillery Shelling on Sudan’s Dilling

29 March 2026

A building destroyed by shelling in Dilling, South Kordofan, Sudan, October 11, 2025.

March 29, 2026 (DILLING) – At least 14 civilians, including women and children, were killed and dozens were injured in heavy artillery shelling by a coalition of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N al Hilu) targeting the city of Dilling in South Kordofan on Saturday and Sunday.

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) reportedly repelled a major assault on Saturday aimed at capturing Dilling, the second-largest city in the state. The attacking force, allegedly supported by mercenaries from South Sudan, sought to isolate and control the critical urban centre.

“Fourteen people, including five children and two women, were killed, and 23 others, including seven children, were injured in the shelling executed by the RSF and the SPLM-N al Hilu faction on the city of Dilling,” stated the Sudan Doctors Network (SDN).

The humanitarian group highlighted that the attacks struck residential areas, resulting in significant casualties amidst an already complex humanitarian crisis characterized by acute shortages of medical personnel and supplies.

Dilling has endured two consecutive days of intense bombardment coupled with ground attacks in its vicinity, according to the SDN statement.

The SDN strongly condemned what it termed a dangerous escalation and systematic targeting of civilians, describing it as a flagrant violation of international laws protecting non-combatants and civilian infrastructure.

The network compared the situation in Dilling to the humanitarian catastrophe in El-Fasher, warning that the RSF’s tactic of heavy shelling, supply line disruption, and blockades is creating an impending disaster.

SDN called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to intervene urgently to stop the violations and provide protection. It placed full responsibility for the alleged atrocities on the leadership of the RSF and the SPLM-N al Hilu.

In January, SAF forces broke a nearly three-year blockade of Dilling by securing alternative dirt routes connecting the city to North Kordofan. However, the allied RSF and SPLM-N forces have recently seized control of Al-Takmala, a town seven kilometres east of Dilling, in an apparent effort to reinstate the siege.

Sudanese University Professors Launch Nationwide Strike Over Pay

29 March 2026

Al-Jazirah University

March 29, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Thousands of professors across more than 30 public universities in Sudan began a comprehensive strike on Sunday to protest deteriorating working conditions and low salaries.

The Sudanese University Professors Committee (Lajsu) initiated the industrial action to pressure authorities to approve a new salary scale and service regulations recommended by a cabinet subcommittee.

Conflict resolution resources

Lajsu reported a success rate of 95% to 100% on the first day of the strike, despite what it described as harassment by security services at several institutions.

Some university administrations attempted to bypass the strike by using external invigilators for exams scheduled before Ramadan after faculty members refused to oversee them.

The committee’s legal wing stated that the strike is a legitimate constitutional right under the 1948 Freedom of Association Convention and Sudanese labour laws. It noted the strike had been deferred several times since 2021 due to national circumstances.

In a later development, Lajsu announced that security forces in Ed Damazin, White Nile State, detained eight professors from Bakht Al-Rida University for participating in the protest.

Those detained included Professor Musa Youssef al-Barr and Professor Walid Abdel Rahman Mustafa, along with six other faculty members and the wife of one of the professors, Islam al-Khair.

The committee confirmed that seven of the detainees were released later on Monday, but Dr Nour al-Daim Yaqoub and his wife remain in custody.

Lajsu held the authorities fully responsible for the safety of the remaining detainees and vowed to continue the open-ended strike until their demands for a fair salary structure are met.

Sudan National Forces Alliance to Boycott Berlin Conference

29 March 2026

Roof of the Federal Foreign Office

March 29, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The National Forces Alliance announced on Sunday its refusal to participate in the upcoming Berlin conference, citing the exclusion of the Sudanese government and a lack of balanced representation.

European nations are organizing the humanitarian conference in the German capital on April 15, marking the anniversary of the conflict’s outbreak. This follows previous international summits held in Paris and London.

The Alliance said in a statement it “categorically rejects the Berlin conference” due to the exclusion of the Sudanese government while inviting organizations linked to the “Taasis” government.

The group described the involvement of the “Taasis” administration as an attempt to grant legitimacy to parallel entities, which it claims threatens Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.

The “Taasis” coalition has formed a parallel government in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, despite lacking regional or international recognition.

The National Forces Alliance also objected to what it called an imbalance in opportunities for participation. It alleged that small entities with limited influence were granted greater representation than major Sudanese components.

According to the statement, the conference has been “flooded with artificial fronts” lacking legitimacy, affiliated with the Taasis and Somoud coalitions.

The Alliance further claimed that organizers reneged on commitments made during preliminary meetings, including agreements regarding working papers prepared by the group.

Sources told the Al-Muhaqqiq website that invitations were extended to approximately 40 individuals representing political blocs, parties, civil society organizations, and independent figures.

The conference is expected to be preceded by a preparatory meeting in Addis Ababa from April 10-12, sponsored by a quintet mechanism comprising the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, the Arab League, and IGAD.

The preparatory meeting aims to form a committee to manage a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, according to the organizers.

The National Forces Alliance argued that the preparations indicate an effort to sideline the Sudanese will in favour of imposing an external project.

While the conference is promoted as a humanitarian effort, the Alliance claimed the nature of the invitations and initial discussions on political solutions reveal a “clear contradiction” and an attempt to bypass the will of the Sudanese people.

The group warned that the conference is intended to conclude with a statement containing decisions that impact Sudan’s political future, to be passed by a pre-arranged majority vote.

Residents Flee Sudan’s Blue Nile State as RSF and Allies Mass Near Geissan

28 March 2026

Displaced civilians arrive in Roseires in Blue Nile on March 28, 2026

March 28, 2026 (GEISSAN) – Civilians are fleeing the town of Geissan in Sudan’s Blue Nile region toward Roseires, activists said on Saturday, as paramilitary and rebel forces massed for a potential assault.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) have gathered troops around Geissan following their recent capture of Kurmuk and other nearby towns. The Sudanese army has responded by reinforcing its positions south of the regional capital, Damazin.Cultural insights Sudan

A local emergency room committee said in a statement it was “deeply concerned by the waves of displacement from Geissan,” noting that large numbers of residents had been forced to abandon their homes in search of safety.

Displaced families face acute shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care, the committee said. While local volunteers are distributing limited food baskets to the most vulnerable, they warned that the scale of the crisis requires immediate international intervention.

In Roseires, an emergency response group said it had conducted a field assessment of those arriving from Geissan. One multi-purpose centre in the town is currently housing approximately 75 families, the majority of whom are women and children living in “complex humanitarian conditions.”

The group identified urgent needs for primary healthcare, hygiene kits, and reproductive health supplies, as well as basic sheltering materials.

The RSF’s steady advance across Sudan has consistently triggered large-scale displacement. Civilians frequently flee ahead of the paramilitary group’s arrival, citing reports of widespread killings, sexual violence, and looting in areas falling under its control.Cultural insights Sudan

Sudan Army Says Repels Attack in Blue Nile Region

29 March 2026

Sudanese forces in the Al-Kaili area celebrate their victory after repulsing anRSF+SPLM-N attack on March 29, 2026

March 29, 2026 (ED DAMAZIN) – The Sudanese army said on Sunday it repelled an attack by a coalition of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) on a town in the southern Blue Nile region.

The allied forces launched a major military offensive in the southeastern region last week, seizing the strategic border town of Kurmuk near the Ethiopian frontier.

The 4th Infantry Division said in a statement that its forces “intercepted a treacherous attack targeting the Al-Kaili area” following a decisive battle.

The military claimed the engagement resulted in the destruction of four combat vehicles equipped with heavy weaponry, including anti-aircraft guns. The statement added that 94 opposition fighters were killed and several others were captured.

The division described the victory as a reflection of the armed forces’ efficiency and their ability to secure the region’s borders against external threats.

The Sudanese government has accused Ethiopia of facilitating attacks on the Blue Nile region from its territory, a charge that adds further tension to the border area following the fall of Kurmuk.

Sudanese Repatriation Committee Introduces New Travel Route From Egypt

29 March 2026

Sudanese refugees wait to cross into Egypt at the Argeen border crossing. (AFP Photo)

March 28, 2026 (CAIRO) – The Al-Amal Committee for the Voluntary Return of Sudanese from Egypt announced on Saturday the adoption of a new transport route for returnees and warned against the payment of any administrative fees.

The Al-Amal Committee is the latest initiative to facilitate the return of thousands of Sudanese nationals from Egypt. Formed this month by Sudanese businessmen, the group provides free air and land transportation.

In a press statement to Sudan Tribune, the committee revealed a new integrated transport route designed to accommodate families and individuals carrying heavy luggage.

The new route begins with a train journey from Ramses Station in Cairo to Aswan, followed by river transport via steamboats to the port of Wadi Halfa.

The committee noted that this route features an increased luggage allowance of up to 100 kilograms per person, allowing families greater flexibility in transporting personal belongings.

Prospective travelers are encouraged to access the committee’s official electronic portal and select the “train and steamboat” option within the registration form.

The committee emphasized that all registration procedures, travel coordination, and tickets provided under the program are entirely free of charge.

The statement categorically denied authorizing any external parties, offices, or intermediaries to collect money or promise expedited travel in exchange for cash.

The committee urged citizens to avoid dealing with brokers claiming to represent the initiative and warned against sharing personal data or identification documents with any entity other than the official portal.

Large numbers of Sudanese nationals in Egypt are planning to return following the Sudanese secondary school certificate exams scheduled for April.

The number of returnees through voluntary programs exceeded 428,000 by the end of December 2025.

Paramilitary Attack Kills at Least 14 in Central Sudan, Group Says

This is a locator map for Sudan with its capital, Khartoum. (AP Photo)

By SAMY MAGDY

1:05 PM EDT, March 29, 2026

CAIRO (AP) — An attack by Sudanese paramilitaries and their allied rebels in the central region of Kordofan killed at least 14 people, including five children and two women, a medical group said Sunday, in the latest deadly assault of the Sudan war.

The Rapid Support Forces and their allies in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North launched a major offensive on Saturday on Dilling, the capital of South Kordofan province. The military, which recently broke the RSF siege on the city, said it fended off the attack.

The Sudan Doctors Network, a group tracking the war, said the RSF and their allies shelled residential areas in the city amid dire humanitarian conditions. It said the hourslong attack wounded at least 23 others, including seven more children in addition to those killed.

Dilling experienced faminelike conditions after more than two years of siege under the RSF during which the paramilitaries cut off supplies and frequently bombed the area. The military broke the siege earlier this year.

The doctors group warned of a possible “catastrophic scenario” developing like the one in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. The RSF invaded that area in October in an attack that U.N.-commissioned experts said bore “hallmarks of genocide.”

More than 6,000 people were killed over three days in el-Fasher when the RSF unleashed “a wave of intense violence … shocking in its scale and brutality,” according to a report from the U.N. Human Rights Office.

Sudan slid into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the RSF exploded into open fighting in Khartoumand.

The war has killed more than 40,000 people, according to U.N. figures, but aid groups say that the true number could be many times higher.

The fighting has recently centered in Darfur and the Kordofan region where deadly attacks, mostly by drones, have been reported daily. More than 500 civilians were killed in drone strikes this year as of mid-March, the U.N. Human Rights Office said.

The war has been marked by atrocities including mass killings, gang rape and other crimes, that have been being investigated by the International Criminal Court as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Republic of Congo Constitutional Court Confirms Leader Sassou-N’Guesso’s Election Win and Fifth Term

President of Congo Denis Sassou N'Guesso looks on during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on May 23, 2025. Thomas Samson/ Pool Photo via AP, FILE)

By LOUIS OKAMBA

3:08 PM EDT, March 28, 2026

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (AP) — The Republic of Congo’s constitutional court on Saturday confirmed President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso’s victory in the recent election, granting the 82-year-old leader a fifth term with 94.90% of the vote.

“The president Denis Sassou-N’Guesso is elected with 94.90% of the vote, representing an absolute majority,” said Auguste Iloki, president of the constitutional Court, at the end of the hearing.

Provisional results announced March 17 by Interior Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou had already placed Sassou-N’Guesso in the lead with 94.82% of the vote.

Six other candidates challenged the 82-year-old for the top job in the Central African country that boasts one of the largest oil reserves in sub-Saharan Africa.

Two of his challengers had rejected the provisional results last week. One of them, Uphrem Mafoula, had filed an appeal with the constitutional Court seeking to annul the election. The constitutional Court on Saturday rejected the appeal.

The election is the latest in a trend of octogenarian African leaders clinging to power. Sassou N’Guesso is the third-longest-serving African president, only behind Cameroon ’s Paul Biya and Equatorial Guinea ’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Sassou N’Guesso, running for the Congolese Party of Labor, first came to power in 1979 and ruled until 1992 when he organized the country’s first multi-party elections. He returned to power as a militia leader following a four-month civil war in 1997.

The campaign period showed a vast mismatch between Sassou N’Guesso and his opponents, with the incumbent being the only candidate to travel around the country to canvass for votes. Roads in the capital city, Brazzaville, were paved with Sassou N’Guesso’s effigies.

Two other major parties boycotted the elections over allegations of unfair electoral practices.

A constitutional referendum in 2015 removed presidential age and term limits, allowing N’Guesso to run again.

The Republic of Congo is struggling with high international debt, which stands at 94.5% of its gross domestic product, according to the World Bank, and skyrocketing unemployment rates for young people. More than half the country’s 5.7 million population lives in poverty and 47% of the country’s population is under 18.

Europe Seeks to Increase Deportations as Some Warn of Trump-like Tactics

Migrants trying to reach Britain, walk on a beach shore in Gravelines, northern France, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

By SAM McNEIL and GIADA ZAMPANO

11:35 AM EDT, March 29, 2026

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is expanding its powers to track, raid and deport migrants to " return hubs ″ in third countries in Africa and elsewhere, quietly adopting tactics of the Trump administration that have drawn public criticism across the 27-nation bloc.

The EU continues to tighten migration policies after right-wing parties took power in some countries in 2024. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, from the center-right European People’s Party coalition, has said that the new measures will prevent a repeat of the 2015 crisis caused by Syria’s civil war, when about 1 million people arrived to seek asylum.

“We have learnt the lessons of the past. And today, we are better equipped,” von der Leyen has said. The new policies, known as the Pact on Migration and Asylum, go into effect on June 12.

Far-right parties in Europe have praised the deportation policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and called for the EU to adopt a similar approach. Human rights groups warn that authorities are already illegally pushing back migrants at EU borders and hollowing out their legal protections.

Italy provides a model

The EU already spends millions of dollars to deter migrants before they reach its shores, and has supported tens of thousands of Africans returning home, voluntarily or by force.

What’s envisioned now is an expansion of what Italy has created under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her “tough on migration” stance. It operates two migrant detention centers for rejected asylum-seekers in Albania. One currently holds at least 90 migrants, said lawmaker Rachele Scarpa, who said that she found people confused and scared during a recent visit.

In addition, Meloni’s Cabinet has approved an anti-immigration package that would allow the navy to halt vessels in international waters for up to six months if they are deemed a threat to public order; return intercepted migrants to countries of origin or third countries; and speed up the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of crimes.

An “informal group” of EU nations including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece are pursuing deportation center agreements, said Bernd Parusel, a researcher at the Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies.

Kenya is one country they are speaking with, said Tineke Strik, a Dutch member of the European Parliament. Whether consciously or not, the plan is similar to Trump’s deals with nations like El Salvador to take in deported migrants, she said.

Other countries are exploring similar ideas. Sweden’s migration minister has said the conservative ruling coalition approves setting up hubs outside Europe, especially for Afghan and Syrian asylum-seekers.

Some in Europe cheer Trump-style tactics

During the Winter Olympics in Italy, protests erupted over the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to provide security to the U.S. delegation. But others in Europe have praised ICE’s actions and called for setting up deportation-focused police units.

In 2024, Belgium passed a law allowing the EU border service Frontex operations inside the country, stoking fears among activists that Frontex could join in on raids.

But Frontex’s mandate just covers borders, said spokesperson Chris Borowski, and the current role in voluntary or involuntary returns for the service includes “coordinating flights, helping with travel documents and making sure fundamental rights are respected throughout the process.”

The European Commission has declined requests to take a position on U.S. federal immigration policies.

In Britain, which left the EU several years ago, the center-left Labour Party government has made curbing unauthorized immigration a key focus.

In February, the Home Office said that almost 60,000 people had been deported since the government was elected in July 2024. It said 9,000 arrests were made of people working without permission in 2025, up by more than half from the year before.

Pushbacks, raids and surveillance increase

Under the principle of non-refoulement in EU and international law, a person can’t be returned to a country where they would face persecution.

But European immigration enforcement tactics include so-called pushbacks, where people trying to cross into the EU are forced back across a border without access to asylum procedures.

Authorities in Europe carry out an average of 221 pushbacks a day, according to a February report by a group of humanitarian organizations. More than 80,000 pushbacks were recorded in 2025, the report said, mostly in Italy, Poland, Bulgaria and Latvia.

“Men, women and children — including individuals in critical medical condition — are routinely subjected to beatings, attacks by police dogs, forced stripping, forced river crossings and theft of personal belongings,” according to the report.

European agents are brutalizing migrants just like in the U.S., said Flor Didden, migration policy expert at the Belgian human rights group 11.11.11. Some, like in Greece, even wear masks.

“The images are shocking and the outrage is justified,” he said of the U.S. “But where is that same moral clarity when European border authorities abuse, rob and let people die?”

Europe still has more protections for migrants

The groups also have recorded an expansion of surveillance technology like drones, thermal cameras and satellites to monitor people on the move.

Other human rights groups warn of a weakening of legal protections.

The EU’s new migration regulations allow for more police raids in private homes and public spaces and more use of surveillance and racial profiling, said a letter to EU institutions in February from 88 nonprofit groups including the Brussels-based Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants.

“We cannot be outraged by ICE in the United States while also supporting these practices in Europe,” said the platform’s director, Michele LeVoy.

Olivia Sundberg Diez, EU migration advocate for Amnesty International, said Europe retains more protections for vulnerable migrants than the United States but shares much of the political momentum toward harsher policies.

“There’s a level of institutions’ and courts’ independence and human rights compliance in Europe that you can’t disregard,” she said. “But the fundamental political impulse is the same, and I worry that the human consequences will be the same.”

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Giada Zampano reported from Rome. Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece, Jill Lawless in London, Paolo Santalucia in Rome, Claudia Ciobanu in Warsaw, Poland, and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, contributed to this report.

5 African Countries Benefit as Dangote Supplies 456,000 Tons of Fuel Amid Global Oil Disruption

Solomon Ekanem

23 March 2026 05:52 AM

Nigeria is rapidly cementing its status as a regional fuel hub, as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery expands its export footprint across Africa at a time of heightened global energy instability triggered by the Middle East conflict.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is boosting Nigeria's role as a regional fuel hub by exporting refined products to multiple African nations.

Recently, the refinery sold 12 cargoes totaling 456,000 tonnes to Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, and Togo, marking significant export expansion.

Dangote's exports are helping African countries reduce reliance on distant suppliers, shorten supply chains, and mitigate geopolitical and logistical risks.

The refinery's production of high-quality, Euro V-standard petrol and diesel enhances its attractiveness within Africa.

The refinery recently confirmed the sale of 12 cargoes of refined petroleum products, totaling 456,000 tonnes, to five African countries - Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, and Togo.

Sold on a Free on Board (FOB) basis through international traders, the shipments highlight the growing reach of Dangote’s distribution channels beyond Nigeria’s borders.

This milestone comes just months after the refinery ramped up to its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, unlocking its ability to serve both domestic and regional markets.

With disruptions to key global shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, many African countries are increasingly turning to closer, more reliable supply sources positioning Dangote as a strategic alternative.

Dangote expands African footprint as global oil routes falter

The refinery’s export drive signals a broader shift in African fuel trade dynamics. Historically dependent on imports from Europe and the Middle East, several African economies are now sourcing refined products within the continent.

The refinery's production of high-quality, Euro V-standard petrol and diesel enhances its attractiveness within Africa.

The refinery's production of high-quality, Euro V-standard petrol and diesel enhances its attractiveness within Africa.

Analysts say this shortens supply chains, reduces exposure to geopolitical shocks, and lowers logistics costs, even as global crude prices remain volatile.

Dangote’s production of Euro V-standard petrol and diesel further strengthens its appeal, offering higher-quality fuel to markets that have long relied on substandard imports.

As volumes scale, the refinery is expected to deepen its penetration across West, Central, and East Africa, building a pan-African distribution network anchored in Nigeria.

For Nigeria, the benefits are both strategic and economic. The refinery is reducing reliance on imported fuel, improving foreign exchange stability, and enhancing energy security.

It is also positioning the country as a key player in global energy supply diversification, a point underscored by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who has emphasized Nigeria’s role as a partner in stabilizing supply during global crises.

However, global disruptions have also had domestic consequences. Petrol prices have surged from around N870 per litre to nearly N1,500 in parts of the country, reflecting the ripple effects of rising crude prices. In response, the government is accelerating its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme to ease pressure on consumers.

Even so, the Dangote refinery’s growing export capacity marks a turning point which includes shaping Nigeria’s role from a fuel importer to a continental supplier at a critical moment for global energy markets.

Chinese $900 Million Poultry Deal Faces Setback in Nigeria as Farmers Push Back

Solomon Ekanem

28 March 2026 07:37 AM

Nigeria’s proposed $900 million poultry partnership with Chinese investors is encountering early resistance from local farmers, raising fresh concerns about how foreign-backed agricultural projects could reshape the country’s domestic industry.

Nigeria plans a $900 million poultry partnership with Chinese investors to establish six large-scale farms across the country.

Each farm is designed to produce up to one million eggs daily, significantly boosting national egg supply.

Officials promote the initiative as a means to modernize the poultry sector via technology transfer and increased production capacity.

Local farmers express concerns that the project could disrupt markets and marginalize smaller domestic producers.

The deal, which is part of a broader government strategy to boost food security, aims to establish six large-scale, integrated poultry farms across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

Each facility is projected to produce up to one million eggs daily, potentially delivering a combined output of six million eggs per day and significantly expanding national supply.

Officials have framed the initiative as a pathway to modernize Nigeria’s poultry sector through technology transfer, improved infrastructure, and industrial-scale production.

Under the arrangement, Nigeria is expected to fund initial pilot phases, while Chinese partners will provide the bulk of financing for full implementation.

Farmers warn of market disruption

Despite these ambitions, the proposal has sparked pushback from local producers, particularly members of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), who argue that the plan risks sidelining indigenous farmers.

Many in the industry fear that heavily financed, large-scale operations could dominate the market, making it difficult for smaller producers to compete.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates Nigeria’s poultry industry is worth about $4.2 billion, making it one of the country’s major agricultural sectors after services. Chicken remains a key source of protein for a large share of Nigeria’s population.

Stakeholders also point out that Nigeria’s poultry challenges are deeply structural. Feed costs which have been driven largely by the price of maize and soy, account for the majority of production expenses, while weak consumer purchasing power continues to limit demand.

In this context, farmers argue that increasing supply without addressing cost pressures could worsen market imbalances rather than solve them.

Speaking, Lagos PAN Vice President and Chairman of Aiyedoto Poultry Farmers Settlement, Foluso Adams, urged the government to prioritize local producers to strengthen the sector and boost food security.

He warned that relying on foreign-backed projects could undermine domestic investors, stressing the need to empower Nigerian farmers instead.

“It will be better for the government to develop local poultry production to keep farmers employed… Empowering our poultry industry will open export opportunities and generate foreign exchange. Bringing them here will undermine our investors… If we don’t take time, the Nigerian poultry sector will become a toy business.”

There are growing calls for the government to shift focus toward strengthening local capacity, including investment in feed production, access to credit, and broader support for domestic producers. Some stakeholders have also urged authorities to ensure strict regulatory oversight and industry consultation before moving forward.

The debate highlights a broader tension in Nigeria’s economic policy: balancing the need for foreign investment and rapid agricultural expansion with the protection and sustainability of local industries.

North Africa’s Largest Economy Triggers Emergency Measures, Slashes Fuel Use Amid Iran War Fallout

Solomon Ekanem

29 March 2026 03:09 PM

North Africa’s largest economy, Egypt, is rolling out emergency energy-saving measures as the economic shock from the Iran war ripples beyond the Middle East, tightening fuel supplies and putting pressure on public finances.

Egypt is implementing emergency energy-saving measures due to economic shocks from the Iran war affecting fuel supplies.

The government will cut fuel allocations for state vehicles by 30% and slow down large infrastructure projects.

Most public and private sector workers, except essential services and manufacturing, will work remotely every Sunday in April.

Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are causing higher fuel prices, increased inflation, and public transport costs in Egypt.

According to Reuters, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the government will cut fuel allocations for all state vehicles by 30% and scale back large infrastructure projects dependent on diesel for at least two months.

In addition, both public and private sector workers excluding essential services and manufacturing, will work remotely every Sunday in April, a move that could be extended if pressures persist.

“Egypt will slow down large state projects that involve high fuel and diesel consumption… while fuel allocations for all government vehicles will be cut by 30%,” Madbouly said, adding that remote work could be prolonged “if the war continues.”

Strait of Hormuz disruption amplifies Africa’s energy strain

The measures reflect Egypt’s exposure to global energy shocks, particularly as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz disrupt oil and gas flows.

As one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, any instability in the corridor has immediate consequences for fuel-importing economies across Africa.

For Egypt, which relies heavily on imported energy, the fallout has been swift. Rising global prices have already forced fuel price increases and higher public transport costs, adding to inflationary pressures and squeezing households.

Across the continent, similar dynamics are unfolding, with governments facing higher import bills, currency strain, and difficult fiscal trade-offs.

Despite the austerity measures, Cairo has sought to reassure citizens that the steps are temporary. The government is weighing an increase in the minimum wage and higher allocations for healthcare and education in the upcoming fiscal year to cushion the impact.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said debt servicing costs - already one of the largest components of government spending, are projected to rise by about 5% in the next fiscal cycle.

As global energy markets remain volatile, Egypt’s response underscores a broader reality: external shocks tied to Middle East supply routes continue to shape economic policy across Africa, exposing the continent’s dependence on imported fuel and fragile trade corridors.

Africa’s Biggest Gas Producer Becomes a Lifeline for Italy and Spain Amid Middle East War

Adekunle Agbetiloye

26 March 2026 09:35 AM

Italy is seeking to increase gas imports from Algeria after both countries agreed to deepen energy cooperation, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said during a visit to Algiers.

Italy aims to increase gas imports from Algeria following new energy cooperation agreements.

Prime Minister Meloni met with President Tebboune amid LNG supply disruptions from Qatar.

The cooperation includes expanding projects between Eni and Sonatrach, as well as exploring shale gas and offshore opportunities.

No specific timeline or details were given on when additional gas supplies might start.

Italy is seeking to increase gas imports from Algeria after both countries agreed to deepen energy cooperation, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said during a visit to Algiers.

Meloni met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune as Italy grapples with ongoing disruptions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Qatar, which previously accounted for about 10% of the country’s annual gas consumption, Reuters reported.

“We have agreed to strengthen our cooperation, particularly through our national champions, Eni and Sonatrach, while also exploring new areas such as shale gas and offshore projects,” Meloni said. “Over the long term, this will help boost gas flows from Algeria to Italy.”

Neither leader provided a timeline or specifics on how quickly additional supplies could materialise.

Tebboune, however, reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to supporting Italy’s energy needs. “I want to underline Algeria’s readiness to honour its commitments with Italy as we navigate challenges in oil and gas markets,” he said at a joint press briefing.

Italy has been actively seeking alternative suppliers to offset reduced deliveries from Qatar. Last week, Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said Rome was in talks with several countries, including Algeria, to secure additional gas supplies.

Algeria is already a key energy partner for Italy. In 2024, it supplied around 20 billion cubic metres of gas, roughly 30% of Italy’s total consumption, with about half delivered under contracts between Sonatrach and Italy’s Eni.

Spain Also Looking to Algeria

This growing reliance on Algerian gas is not limited to Italy. Spain is also weighing increased pipeline imports from Algeria as it looks to shore up supplies amid rising prices driven by the war in the Middle East.

Algeria was once Spain’s largest gas supplier, but flows declined after a key pipeline route through Morocco was shut down, forcing Madrid to rely more heavily on liquefied natural gas (LNG) from major exporters such as the United States and Qatar.

Global Auto Giant Ford Builds First Ever Pickup Truck with Nelson Mandela’s Signature to Support Charity in South Africa

Olamilekan Okebiorun

26 March 2026 06:56 AM

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has built a one-of-a-kind Ford Ranger Wildtrak X from scratch, featuring Nelson Mandela’s signature, and donated it to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) to support its fundraising efforts.

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa donated a unique Ford Ranger Wildtrak X with Nelson Mandela's signature to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) for fundraising.

This special-edition vehicle symbolizes Ford's partnership with the NMCF and commemorates Mandela's legacy, with proceeds supporting community programs.

The gesture links back to Mandela’s first car, a 1937 Ford V8, highlighting Ford’s historic connection to South Africa and Mandela.

In addition to the Wildtrak X, Ford has supplied 19 vehicles to assist the NMCF, underscoring its ongoing commitment to child welfare and community development in South Africa.

The special-edition Wildtrak X, produced at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, is a tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy and serves as a strategic fundraising tool for the NMCF.

The bakkie features Mandela’s signature stitched into its interior, marking a significant symbolic gesture.

“The symbolism of Madiba’s official signature reflects the spirit of the partnership between Ford and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund,” said Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa.

“As a company, we believe in generational impact and, like both the Fund and Madiba himself, we share values of sustained effort to ensure sustainable impact. What a privilege it is for us to carry this signature on one of our vehicles and an even greater privilege that we can play a part in driving South Africa forward,” Hill added.

The vehicle will be sold, with proceeds directed towards supporting community programmes run by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

Ford’s Long History with Mandela

The special-edition Ranger Wildtrak X marks a significant moment in Ford’s enduring connection with Nelson Mandela.

This vehicle pays tribute to a powerful historical link: Mandela’s first car was a 1937 Ford V8, which he drove during the early years of his activism.

This gesture not only celebrates that pivotal moment in history but also underscores the long-standing bond between Ford and South Africa.

The gesture links back to Mandela’s first car, a 1937 Ford V8, highlighting Ford’s historic connection to South Africa and Mandela.

The gesture links back to Mandela’s first car, a 1937 Ford V8, highlighting Ford’s historic connection to South Africa and Mandela.

Ford’s Strong Presence in South Africa

Ford has maintained a manufacturing presence in South Africa for over a century, with its Silverton plant serving as a key part of its global production network.

In 2025, Ford sold approximately 34,628 vehicles across all models in South Africa, securing its place as one of the top-selling brands in the country.

Despite market challenges, Ford continues to see strong sales, particularly with the Ford Ranger, which remains one of the top-selling bakkies in South Africa.

The Ranger recorded 25,465 units sold in 2025, though this represented a slight 0.3% decline from the previous year.

Despite this minor setback, the Ranger retained its position as the second-best-selling bakkie in the country.

In addition to the Wildtrak X, Ford has provided 19 vehicles to the NMCF to assist with its outreach and community programmes across South Africa.

Founded by Nelson Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund continues to focus on child protection and development across South Africa.

“Thirty years after Madiba founded the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, our mission remains as urgent as ever,” said Dr. Linda Ncube-Nkomo, CEO of the NMCF.

“Partnerships like the one we share with Ford demonstrate how the private sector can play a meaningful role in protecting children and strengthening communities.”

Ford’s commitment to South Africa extends beyond vehicle production, reflecting the company’s broader social responsibility efforts.

“This is about honouring Madiba’s legacy by investing in the well-being of children. For more than a century, Ford has been part of South Africa’s story. We deeply believe businesses like ours have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve,” Hill said.

Burkina Faso Fast-tracks 8-hectare Brewery and Beverage Plant with Urgent Decree

Solomon Ekanem

27 March 2026 10:43 AM

The Burkina Faso government has adopted a decree declaring the creation of a new 8-hectare brewery and beverage plant for SN-BRAFASO, the country’s leading brewery and beverage producer, as an urgent public utility.

The Burkina Faso government declared the creation of an 8-hectare SN-BRAFASO brewery and beverage plant as an urgent public utility.

The new facility will be built in Silmissin, Komsilga, aiming to boost employment and strengthen the national industrial sector.

A designated easement zone around the plant will protect infrastructure, facilitate utilities, and allow future expansion.

This project is part of Burkina Faso's broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond mining and attract private investment.

The move signals a push to accelerate industrial development and strengthen local manufacturing capacity.

The facility will be built in Silmissin, Komsilga, in the Kadiogo province, and is expected to boost employment while reinforcing the national industrial sector.

According to government officials, a peripheral easement zone surrounding the site will protect critical infrastructure and strategic equipment, facilitate construction of roads and utilities, prevent unauthorized occupation, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

The easement also reserves land for potential future expansions, reflecting a long-term vision for the growth of Burkina Faso’s industrial capacity and the strategic importance of SN-BRAFASO in the country’s economic diversification agenda.

Diversifying Burkina Faso’s economy beyond mining

Historically dependent on gold exports, Burkina Faso has sought to diversify its revenue streams by developing other industrial and agricultural sectors.

For Burkina Faso, the new brewery represents a shift toward commodities and manufacturing-led development, complementing mining, cotton, and agricultural production.

For Burkina Faso, the new brewery represents a shift toward commodities and manufacturing-led development, complementing mining, cotton, and agricultural production.

The brewery and beverage project is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on mining, increase domestic production of consumer goods, and attract private investment.

Industrial projects such as SN-BRAFASO aim to provide sustainable jobs, enhance local supply chains, and foster economic resilience.

Economists note that West African nations are increasingly prioritizing projects that combine industrial expansion with social impact. For Burkina Faso, the new brewery represents a shift toward commodities and manufacturing-led development, complementing mining, cotton, and agricultural production.

By fast-tracking the plant with urgent public utility status, the government intends to remove administrative delays and signal confidence to investors.

Analysts say the facility could also encourage similar investments in food and beverage processing, helping Burkina Faso position itself as a regional industrial hub.

The project underscores the country’s commitment to economic diversification and modernization, providing a tangible example of how targeted industrial policy can expand the scope of national production while supporting broader growth objectives.

Belgian Ex‑official Appeals War Crimes Trial Over 1961 Congo Leader's Murder

Patrice Lumumba

A 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat ordered to stand trial over the 1961 killing of Congolese independence icon Patrice Lumumba has appealed the decision, his lawmaker said Friday.

A novice diplomat at the time, Etienne Davignon is the only person still alive among 10 Belgians accused by the Congolese leader's family of complicity in his murder.

"Mr Davignon has decided to lodge an appeal," lawyer Johan Verbist told AFP.

Davignon was ordered earlier this month to stand trial for "participation in war crimes" over his role in the "unlawful detention and transfer" of Lumumba, a prisoner of war at the time, and for him being denied a fair trial.

The one-time European commissioner is also accused of "humiliating and degrading treatment", although not of direct involvement in Lumumba's killing.

Lumumba, an outspoken critic of Belgium's colonial rule, became his country's first prime minister after it gained independence in 1960.

But he fell out with the former colonial power and with the United States and was ousted in a coup a few months after taking office.

He was executed on January 17, 1961, aged just 35, in the southern region of Katanga, with the aid of Belgian mercenaries -- and his body dissolved in acid.

Should the trial go ahead, Davignon would be the first Belgian official to face justice in the 65 years since Lumumba's death.

A new closed‑door hearing will now pit the parties' lawyers against each other.

If the court decision is upheld, Davignon's trial would take place at the earliest in January 2027, according to Christophe Marchand, lawyer for Lumumba's children.

Report on the 'State of African Governance' Paints Mixed Picture for Continent's Political Outlook

Africa News

By Jerry Fisayo-Bambi

Governance, legitimacy, partnerships and global influence are set to shape Africa’s political outlook in 2026, according to a new flagship report released after a two-day high-level forum in Brussels.

The APO report, titled “Report on the State of African Governance: Forces of the Future”, examines political trends, governance challenges and stability prospects across the continent, presenting a forward-looking but fragile picture.

“We think there are positive trends in African governance, and we think we should expose it. We should talk about it,” said Viwanou Gnassounou, Chairman of APO’s Advisory Board. “When we do our reports, we point our fingers at those aspects on the continent where we think we can do much, much better. Definitely elections.

“Yes, there have been fair elections on the day of voting. But if you look at the whole process, there is a way of kicking out some of the candidates relatively legally, which does not make it a truly fair election,” he added. “If you want real legitimacy, and if you want your people to feel you represent them, make sure you don’t create frustration or a sense that you are not addressing their issues.”

The report notes that 15 elections are scheduled across Africa this year, posing a key test of whether countries can move toward more credible, peaceful and inclusive electoral processes.

At the forum’s Grand Dialogue, leaders and policymakers described a fragmented international environment in which geopolitical tensions are reshaping alliances and priorities. They stressed, however, that the current moment also offers opportunities for reform and progress.

Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe said the continent must “have skin in the game” by embracing reform. “For us to move away from business as usual and speak on governance issues and the management of affairs in our respective countries in a way that opens up to the ideas we are putting forward, we must speak with one voice,” he said. “It doesn’t help for me in Zambia to say one thing and in Benin there is a different language being spoken. We have to speak with one voice, with one accord. And of course, we also have to understand that partnerships are crucial.”

Guinea’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Ismael Nabe, said that while reports are important, the country’s recent experience shows how discipline, good governance and the rule of law can drive change. “The last three or four years have been great years for us based on discipline and good governance and rule of law,” he said. Guinea has developed a 15-year economic blueprint built on five main pillars and a set of enabling measures, he added.

On Africa’s position in global affairs, the report finds the continent is more consequential to international decision-making than at any time since independence. However, it cautions that being consequential is not the same as being influential, and urges governments and institutions to make choices firmly aligned with Africa’s own interests.

The report depicts a continent under pressure but also in transition. While governance challenges are intensifying, the demand for reform is also growing, particularly among younger populations who are increasingly vocal, driving change and reshaping political debates across Africa.

Reporting by Jerry Fisayo-Bambi for Africanews.