Veteran Nigerian actor Davis Ofor, widely known for his role as Clarus in the classic 1980s sitcom New Masquerade, has passed away at the age of 85.
The news of his death was confirmed on Tuesday by fellow Nollywood actor Tony Akposheri in a post shared on Instagram.
Akposheri expressed deep shock and sadness over the loss, reflecting on their recent interactions and the impact the late actor had on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) unveiled a $10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme on April 7, 2026, to help African and Caribbean economies manage economic shocks stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The initiative is aimed at supporting countries, banks and companies grappling with rising costs and supply disruptions, particularly in fuel, fertiliser and food markets.
Afreximbank says the programme will use a mix of balance‑sheet support, liquidity facilities, and risk guarantees to stabilise vulnerable sectors. Although detailed allocations are yet to be disclosed, the plan is expected to prioritise nations hardest hit by inflationary pressures and logistical bottlenecks.
The bank’s intervention comes amid broader warnings that continued geopolitical strife could derail economic growth across Africa. A joint report from the United Nations, African Union and the African Development Bank has cautioned that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could shave up to 0.2 percentage points off Africa’s GDP growth in 2026, as disruptions to trade, energy and fertiliser supplies ripple through regional economies.
Afreximbank officials emphasise that the response programme will be implemented in coordination with member states, financial institutions and development partners. They say this collaborative approach is crucial to maximising impact and ensuring that resources reach industries and communities most in need.
Afreximbank has played a major role in supporting African trade and investment, with total assets and guarantees reaching over $40 billion by the end of 2024. The bank’s track record includes disbursing tens of billions of dollars to help countries manage past crises such as COVID‑19 and the Ukraine war, highlighting its strategic role in bolstering resilience.
Egypt’s non‑oil private sector deteriorated sharply in March 2026, with the S&P Global PMI sliding to 48.0, its lowest reading in nearly two years, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline and underscoring persistent headwinds outside the energy sector.
Firms cited rising input costs, particularly for fuel and imports, partly driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict, as key factors behind deteriorating activity and dampened demand. Input prices rose at their fastest pace in more than a year, squeezing profit margins and prompting some companies to boost selling prices modestly.
Output and new orders both hit near two‑year lows, reflecting weakening client demand at home and abroad. For the first time, business expectations for the next 12 months turned negative, with companies citing uncertainty over geopolitical developments as a major concern.
Despite the contraction in the non‑oil sector, underlying economic indicators still suggest some resilience. Senior economists noted that the PMI level corresponds with annual GDP growth of around 4.3%, signalling that broader macroeconomic growth may remain intact even as private‑sector sentiment weakens.
The ongoing downturn raises questions about the strength of Egypt’s economic recovery. Continued external pressures, especially volatile energy markets and war‑driven supply disruptions, could slow investment and job creation, complicating government efforts to sustain economic stability and growth.
Kenya’s private sector contracted in March 2026 for the first time since August 2025, with the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropping to 47.7 from 50.4 in February. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in business activity, marking a notable shift in economic momentum.
The slowdown was linked to weaker consumer spending, tighter household budgets and reduced cash flow, pressures that have dampened demand for goods and services across industries. Geopolitical tensions, such as the war in the Middle East, have also compounded the strain by disrupting logistics and driving up transport and energy costs.
While the wholesale and retail trade segments exhibited some resilience, most sectors reported declines in output and new orders. Survey respondents reflected broad unease about future demand, signalling continued challenges ahead for businesses reliant on domestic and regional markets.
President William Ruto’s administration has been monitoring the fallout from global price volatility and supply disruptions. Officials said they were assessing measures to stabilise supplies and support key sectors, while the finance ministry maintained a positive overall growth forecast of about 5.3% in 2026, up from previous years.
Kenya’s private sector has also been affected by fuel shortages linked to the Middle East conflict, with about 20% of fuel outlets reporting supply issues as price freezes clash with higher global oil costs.
Cameroon has officially confirmed that 16 of its citizens were killed while fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war, marking the first time the Central African state has publicly acknowledged such fatalities.
The statement, broadcast on state media and backed by a diplomatic note, said the deceased were described as “military contractors” in Russian‑designated conflict operations.
Details surrounding how these Cameroonians were recruited and transported to the conflict zone remain unclear. The Russian embassy in Yaounde has not responded to requests for comment, deepening questions about the mechanisms that brought these nationals into foreign combat.
This confirmation follows reports by Ukraine that thousands of African fighters have joined Russian forces, either through private intermediaries or contracted arrangements. Independent analyses suggest that African recruits may be drawn by economic incentives, raising diplomatic and humanitarian concerns across the continent.
Cameroon’s defence ministry reiterated that it does not officially send troops into foreign conflicts unless under international or regional mandates. Families of the deceased have been urged to contact the foreign ministry for support, as Yaounde seeks to clarify circumstances and provide consular assistance.
The confirmation may trigger diplomatic engagements with Russia and international partners to address recruitment practices and protections for African nationals. It also spotlights a growing concern among African governments about citizens being drawn into distant conflicts with limited oversight or safeguards.
South Africa’s private sector showed tentative signs of recovery in March 2026, as the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 50.8, up from a flat 50.0 in February, signalling a return to marginal expansion after months of stagnation.
Output saw its fastest rise in six months, led by stock rebuilding and new projects, while employment growth hit its highest pace since mid‑2024, a welcome shift after prolonged demand weakness.
Despite these gains, new orders continued to decline and export sales contracted at the steepest pace in over two years, underlining persistent weakness in foreign demand. Analysts say global uncertainty particularly due to the lingering U.S.‑Israeli war with Iran has dampened business confidence worldwide, contributing to subdued international orders and hesitance among local firms to scale up output.
Business sentiment in South Africa remains fragile: confidence dropped to its lowest level since July 2021. Only about 32% of firms surveyed expect output to rise over the next 12 months, pointing to cautious expectations against a backdrop of volatile commodity prices and fluctuating demand.
The economic backdrop is further complicated by cost pressures. Firms face higher input costs, notably for fuel and logistics, as global energy market disruptions filter through local supply chains. South Africa’s manufacturing sector also expressed concerns about the war’s impact on supply reliability and pricing, a theme echoed in broader geopolitical risk assessments across industries.
Economists caution that while the slight uptick in activity is encouraging, the recovery remains highly vulnerable to external shocks. Continued conflict in the Middle East, weak global demand and elevated inflation risks could undercut investment and slow the pace of expansion. South Africa’s policymakers are now under pressure to maintain growth without triggering inflationary blowbacks.
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has agreed to receive migrants deported from the United States under a new arrangement that includes individuals who are not Congolese nationals. The move is part of Washington’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
Authorities stated that the United States would provide “logistical and technical support” for the initiative, while the Congolese government would not bear any financial burden. However, no official figure has been released regarding how many deportees are expected.
Officials in Kinshasa confirmed that the deal took effect this month, with preparations already underway to receive deportees. A temporary reception system has been established, and designated facilities have been selected in the capital, Kinshasa, to accommodate arrivals.
The agreement allows DR Congo to accept so-called third-country migrants—individuals who are neither citizens of the United States nor of DR Congo. Congolese officials said the decision reflects the country’s commitment to international solidarity, human dignity, and the protection of migrant rights.
At the same time, the government emphasized that the arrangement is temporary and should not be viewed as a permanent relocation system or an outsourcing of US immigration policy.
The policy forms part of the immigration strategy of Donald Trump, whose administration has intensified deportations since returning to power. In recent months, the United States has sent deportees to several countries across Africa and beyond.
The US State Department has maintained that it remains committed to curbing illegal migration and strengthening border security, though it declined to comment directly on specific diplomatic agreements.
DR Congo joins a number of countries that have agreed to accept deportees from the US, including Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan. In a related development, Uganda recently received eight deportees from different African nations.
A report from the US Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations suggests that more than $40 million may have been spent on third-country deportation programs as of January 2026, though the total figure remains unclear.
The policy has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue that deporting migrants to third countries raises legal and ethical concerns. Some have warned that individuals could eventually be sent back to their home countries, where they may face persecution.
Congolese authorities, however, have assured that no such transfers are currently planned under the agreement.
The migration deal comes amid wider engagement between the US and DR Congo, including ongoing discussions over access to the country’s vast mineral resources such as cobalt, lithium, and copper critical to global technology and energy industries.
The US has also played a role in facilitating a peace agreement between DR Congo and Rwanda, although implementation challenges persist.
As DR Congo begins to receive deportees under the new arrangement, the agreement underscores the expanding scope of US immigration policy beyond its borders. While officials frame the deal as a humanitarian and cooperative effort, it continues to generate debate over its long-term implications for migrants and participating nations alike.
Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, has sparked widespread debate after urging citizens to “forget about democracy,” signaling a major shift in the country’s political direction amid ongoing security challenges.
Speaking during a televised discussion, Traoré stated that democracy is not suitable for Burkina Faso, insisting that the country must prioritise stability over political systems. He controversially argued that “democracy kills” and cited global examples to support his claim, suggesting that attempts to impose democratic systems have often led to violence and instability.
He also referenced countries like Libya as cautionary examples, where external efforts to enforce democracy allegedly resulted in conflict and destruction.
Traoré, who came to power in a 2022 coup, had initially promised a return to civilian rule with elections planned for 2024. However, he has now made it clear that elections will not take place until security conditions improve significantly.
According to him, Burkina Faso cannot conduct a credible nationwide vote while large parts of the country remain affected by insurgency and violence linked to extremist groups.
In a further consolidation of power, the military government earlier dissolved all political parties, effectively halting political activity in the country. Before the ban, Burkina Faso had over 100 registered parties, reflecting a previously active multi-party system.
The move aligns Burkina Faso with neighbouring countries like Mali and Niger, where military-led governments have taken similar steps following coups.
The junta has justified its stance by pointing to the worsening security situation. Burkina Faso has been battling Islamist insurgencies for over a decade, with thousands killed and millions displaced.
Traoré maintains that restoring order and territorial control must come before any discussion of democratic governance, framing his leadership as necessary for national survival.
The remarks have drawn criticism from observers and human rights groups, who warn that abandoning democratic principles could deepen authoritarian rule and limit freedoms. Concerns have also been raised about increasing restrictions on opposition, media, and civil society under the current administration.
Traoré’s comments mark one of the clearest indications yet that Burkina Faso’s transition back to democracy is unlikely in the near future. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, the debate over governance, stability, and civil liberties is expected to intensify both within the nation and across the region.
A high-stakes geopolitical standoff is unfolding as Donald Trump’s deadline to Iran draws closer, raising fears of a broader Middle East conflict with far-reaching global consequences.
At the center of the crisis is Iran’s refusal to comply with U.S. demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy artery through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. The ultimatum, reopen the route and return to negotiations or face intensified military action, has set the stage for a decisive moment in the ongoing 2026 Iran War.
Tehran has responded with firm resistance, rejecting what it describes as coercive diplomacy. Officials insist that Iran will not bow to pressure or accept temporary measures that fail to address broader geopolitical grievances.
Iran has instead proposed a multi-point negotiation framework, signaling willingness for dialogue, but strictly on revised terms that move beyond Washington’s current demands. The country has also warned of potential retaliation should military action escalate, including threats to U.S. assets and allied infrastructure across the Gulf region.
By leveraging its strategic position along the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is effectively using energy supply as both a shield and a bargaining tool, reinforcing its stance that it cannot be forced into submission.
World leaders are reacting with a mix of caution, concern, and strategic calculation.
Western allies have largely aligned with Washington’s position, but there is growing unease about the risk of escalation. European governments, in particular, are pushing for renewed diplomacy, wary of the economic and humanitarian fallout of a prolonged conflict.
In Asia, major energy importers such as Japan are exploring ways to secure shipping routes, including possible military support for maritime operations. Meanwhile, China has called for immediate de-escalation, emphasizing the need to protect global trade stability.
Across the Middle East, Gulf states are on high alert, with fears that critical oil infrastructure could become targets if tensions spiral into open warfare.
As the deadline looms, analysts are outlining three likely paths forward.
First, escalation. If Iran refuses to comply, the United States could carry out targeted strikes on key infrastructure, potentially triggering retaliatory attacks across the region and drawing multiple actors into a wider conflict.
Second, last-minute diplomacy. There remains a slim possibility of a breakthrough, with backchannel negotiations leading to a temporary arrangement, such as a partial reopening of the Strait, buying time for further talks.
Third, a prolonged standoff. Both sides could hold their ground without immediate escalation, resulting in continued disruptions to global shipping, sustained economic pressure, and an extended period of geopolitical uncertainty.
The crisis is already sending shockwaves through global markets.
Oil Prices Surge
Crude oil prices have climbed sharply, surpassing $110 per barrel, as fears of supply disruptions intensify. The closure, or even partial disruption, of the Strait of Hormuz has immediate implications for energy markets worldwide.
Trade Disruptions
Shipping activity through the Strait has slowed significantly, forcing vessels to reroute or delay shipments. This has increased transportation costs and disrupted supply chains, affecting industries far beyond the energy sector.
Inflation Pressures
Rising fuel costs are feeding into broader inflation, raising concerns among central banks about a potential stagflation scenario, where economic growth slows while prices continue to rise.
Market Volatility
Global financial markets are reacting with caution. Investors are shifting toward safe-haven assets, while equities face increased volatility amid uncertainty about the conflict’s trajectory.
For countries like Nigeria, the implications are mixed but largely challenging. While higher oil prices may boost revenues for exporters, increased fuel import costs, inflationary pressures, and currency instability pose significant risks to economic stability.
Beyond immediate military and economic concerns, the standoff highlights a deeper shift in global geopolitics. Energy security has once again emerged as a powerful strategic weapon, and the Middle East remains central to the balance of global economic stability.
The coming days will be critical. Whether through diplomacy, confrontation, or stalemate, the outcome of this crisis will shape not only regional dynamics but also the trajectory of the global economy.
As the deadline approaches, the world watches closely, aware that the next move could determine whether tensions ease or escalate into a conflict with consequences that reach far beyond the Gulf.
Cameroon is set for a significant constitutional shift as President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving leader, prepares to appoint a vice-president for the first time in his more than four decades in power. The move follows the approval of controversial constitutional amendments by parliament.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the reform during a joint session, paving the way for the reintroduction of the vice-presidential role—an office that was scrapped in 1972. The new law now awaits formal assent from Biya to come into effect.
Under the revised constitution, the vice-president will automatically assume office as head of state if the president dies or becomes incapacitated, completing the remainder of the seven-year term before fresh elections are held.
Before the amendment, Cameroon’s constitution designated the Senate president as interim leader in such circumstances, with the responsibility limited to overseeing a transition until elections were conducted.
The new arrangement marks a major departure, granting the vice-president—who will be appointed directly by the president—full authority to govern until the end of the term.
Supporters of the amendment argue that the change will improve governance and ensure continuity in leadership. They say it will also reduce the burden on the Senate, allowing it to focus on its legislative duties rather than succession responsibilities.
The reform is also seen by backers as a way to strengthen institutional stability in a country where leadership continuity has long been a sensitive issue.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups, who claim the amendment was rushed through parliament without sufficient consultation. Some lawmakers have questioned the transparency of the process, describing it as “suspicious.”
The Social Democratic Front boycotted the vote, arguing that the vice-president should be elected alongside the president rather than appointed. The party also pushed for a power-sharing arrangement reflecting Cameroon’s linguistic divide between its English-speaking and French-speaking regions.
Prominent opposition figure Maurice Kamto went further, describing the reform as a “constitutional and institutional coup,” and warning that it risks concentrating power in the hands of the presidency.
Biya, now 93, has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. His extended tenure has fueled ongoing speculation about succession, particularly amid recurring concerns about his health—though such discussions remain largely taboo within the country.
Despite long absences from public view, the president has repeatedly dismissed rumours about his condition by reappearing at official events.
Cameroon previously had a vice-president during its federal era between 1961 and 1972, when the country maintained a system that balanced its anglophone and francophone regions. The role was abolished after a 1972 referendum that transformed the nation into a unitary state.
The reintroduction of the position marks a return to a structure not seen in over five decades, though under very different political circumstances.
While the constitutional amendment provides clarity on succession procedures, it has also intensified speculation over who will be appointed as vice-president. Political discussions within Cameroon are now increasingly focused on the potential candidate and what the choice could signal for the country’s future.
As Cameroon moves to reinstate the vice-presidency, the reform highlights both an attempt to formalise succession and the enduring tensions surrounding governance in the country. With Paul Biya still firmly in power, questions about the nation’s political future remain unresolved.
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