Burkina Faso has requested France to withdraw its approximately 400 soldiers from the country within a month. The French military special unit 'Sabre Force' was stationed in Burkina Faso to contain the spread of terrorist groups in the Sahel region. The decision does not stem from a specific event, nor does it signify the end of diplomatic relations with France. The French government accepted the request and recalled its ambassador for consultations. Relations between Paris and Ouagadougou have deteriorated over recent months, with anti-French demonstrations and attacks on French institutions in Burkina Faso. The move reflects a potential shift in Burkina Faso's alliances, with possible new partnerships with Russia or Iran, as indicated by the government's recent actions and the visit of a Wagner Group team to Burkina Faso.

A report by The Sentry, an American investigative collective, revealed that during a crisis in South Sudan where millions lacked access to healthcare, $993 million intended for medicine, fuel, and food procurement vanished. The funds, provided by Qatar National Bank and Kenya's Stanbic Bank, were allegedly diverted by the government to companies with ties to high-ranking officials, including family members of President Salva Kiir. The South Sudanese government, unable to repay the banks, reached a debt restructuring agreement, ultimately burdening the state treasury. South Sudan's Information Minister Michael Makuei Leuth denied the allegations, while the banks involved defended their transactions. The Sentry's Denisse Rudich called for investigations to recover some of the misappropriated funds.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, discussions in African countries have reignited regarding the colonial legacy of the British monarchy. In Uganda, debates arose about renaming the Queen Elizabeth National Park, while in Kenya, lawyer Alice Mugo highlighted the colonial oppression by sharing a movement pass from 1956. Calls for the return of the Cullinan Diamond, part of the British Crown Jewels, have also resurfaced in South Africa. The Economic Freedom Fighters, a South African opposition party, criticized the Queen's death as a reminder of a tragic period. In contrast, African leaders like Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari and Uganda's Yoweri Museveni praised the Queen's global influence and cooperation within the Commonwealth. The article reflects a mix of opinions and sentiments towards the British monarchy and its colonial past in Africa.

Dut Majak, a South Sudanese entrepreneur, launched a successful taxi service named Shilu Ana in the capital city of Juba, overcoming the challenges of a civil war-torn country. Starting with a single taxi in December 2019, his company has grown to 65 employees and 17 taxis, providing a reliable, affordable, and safe service, especially to Juba's middle and upper classes and foreigners. The service, which operates through a mobile app, has adapted the Uber model to local conditions, including a phone service for non-smartphone users and company-owned vehicles for drivers. Despite the difficulties of high fuel prices and inflation, Majak has managed to avoid layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic by adding a delivery service to the app. With over 10,000 rides per month, Majak is now planning to expand Shilu Ana to Syria by the end of the year.

Nigerian customs officials seized 17 tons of pangolin scales, 60 kilos of pangolin claws, and 870 kilos of elephant tusks in a warehouse raid in Lekki, near Lagos's main ports. The black market value of the seizure is estimated at around 48 million Swiss francs. This event marks the ninth-largest pangolin scale seizure worldwide since 2019 and the third-largest in Nigeria. Collaboration with British, American, and German officials and international organizations led to the arrest of three foreign nationals, with a fourth suspect still being pursued. The Wildlife Justice Commission noted that the trade has not slowed during the pandemic, and Nigeria has become a hub for trafficking African pangolins to Asia. The Nigerian authorities emphasized their commitment to combating poaching and wildlife trade, stating that Nigeria is used as a transit route, not a source or demand country for wildlife products.