Africa enters 2026 with a surge of sports excitement, political tensions and ongoing conflicts dominating discussions. Who Owns Africa rounds up the continent’s top trends, from the Africa Cup of Nations to migration crises and cultural highlights. Stories are drawn from real-time developments, reflecting Africa’s resilience amid challenges.
Football fever grips the continent as the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco advances to knockout stages.
South Africa takes on Cameroon in a last-16 match tonight, showcasing Bafana Bafana’s strategy against the Indomitable Lions’ skill. Senegal moved to the quarterfinals with a 3-1 win over Sudan, led by Pape Gueye’s two goals, while Mali beat Tunisia 3-2 in penalties despite a red card. Gabon’s elimination led to a government suspension of the team and a lifetime ban for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Hosts Morocco face scrutiny, with Equatorial Guinea banned for referee misconduct. Social media is alive with fan predictions and memes, uniting Africans around the sport.
Political unrest marks the start of the year. In Burkina Faso, authorities stopped a coup attempt overnight, arresting a suspect tied to ex-President Blaise Compaore’s circle, as crowds rallied for President Ibrahim Traore. Thousands protested outside the palace against foreign influence. Guinea’s coup leader, Mamady Doumbouya, won the presidency in provisional results, ending military rule but sparking debate on democracy. Benin’s leader denounced a failed soldier-led coup, with plotters escaping. Tanzania bolstered security after Independence Day protests, amid probes into police shootings and possible mass graves following elections. Online, users question the African Union’s focus on external issues like Venezuela over domestic ones.
Violence persists in key regions. In Sudan, a paramilitary drone strike killed 50 people, including 33 children, in Kordofan, with satellite images showing bodies in canals. Sudan’s AFCON team played Senegal amid the civil war, symbolizing national struggle. In eastern Congo, fighting resumed shortly after a U.S.-brokered truce, as Rwanda-supported M23 rebels left Uvira amid claims of Kigali’s involvement. Islamic State affiliates killed 15 there, worsening refugee crises. Mozambique faces an ISIS revival, complicating aid amid U.S. funding cuts. Somali forces killed 29 al-Shabab militants, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud blaming extremists for the country’s woes. Somaliland rejected accusations of hosting Israeli bases or resettling Palestinians, following Israel’s recognition of its independence.
Humanitarian issues spotlight dangers. A boat with 200 migrants sank off Gambia, killing seven, leaving dozens missing and rescuing 96 headed to Spain. The incident highlights risky Atlantic routes and calls for safer migration options. In Nigeria, U.S. strikes hit ISIS targets amid attacks on Christians, with warnings against unexploded devices. Kidnappers released 130 schoolchildren after a month, following another group’s freedom. A helicopter crash on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro killed five, while South African police seek suspects in a shooting that left nine dead.
Debt and health trends emerge. Ethiopia agreed to restructure its $1 billion bond, alleviating financial strain. Gabon dismissed its finance minister over rising debts. A report highlights growing drug-resistant infections across Africa, posing health risks. South Africa shifts from La Nina floods to El Nino droughts, threatening farms and water supplies.
Lighter stories trend too. British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a fatal Nigerian car crash, with his driver facing charges. Ethiopian jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke began a farewell tour marking 60 years. Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge announced a seven-continent marathon tour. Wizkid was hailed as Africa’s top-awarded artist with 200 honors and 81 million units sold. Viral clips show diaspora children resisting post-holiday returns from Ghana and a South African ostrich swimming in a pool.
Pan-African talks criticize Western meddling and leadership failures, from Ugandan opposition arrests to South African racism. Mali and Burkina Faso barred U.S. citizens in response to policies, as Trump’s tariffs drive ties toward China. Gen Z protests ousted Madagascar’s leader, inspiring digital activism from Morocco southward.
These trends capture Africa’s 2026 start: promise mixed with peril. Stay tuned for updates.
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