https://www.nytimes.com/section/world/africa en-us Copyright 2026 The New York Times Company Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:43:11 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:53:39 +0000 https://static01.nyt.com/images/misc/NYT_logo_rss_250x40.png https://www.nytimes.com/section/world/africa https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/18/world/africa/pope-news-media-trump-africa.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/18/world/africa/pope-news-media-trump-africa.html Pope Leo responded directly on Monday to a presidential attack. But since then, he said, some of his statements during his Africa trip have been misconstrued. Motoko Rich Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:52:52 +0000 Leo XIV Roman Catholic Church Popes Africa Religion-State Relations News and News Media US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) United States International Relations United States Politics and Government Trump, Donald J internal-open-access-from-nl Patrick Meinhardt/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images El papa León XIV en Yaundé, capital de Camerún, el sábado. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/18/world/africa/pope-leo-slavery-africa-angola.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/18/world/africa/pope-leo-slavery-africa-angola.html His visit includes a trip to a shrine where enslaved Africans were baptized before being forced into the treacherous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Cláudio C. Silva and John Eligon Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:40:56 +0000 Leo XIV Roman Catholic Church Africa Angola Luanda (Angola) Religion-State Relations International Relations Popes Politics and Government Slavery (Historical) Priests Evangelical Movement Christians and Christianity Baptism Themba Hadebe/Associated Press Pope Leo XIV in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday. Angola’s is the oldest Catholic community in southern Africa, dating back more than 500 years. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/world/africa/botswana-dwarfism-johnson-masase.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/world/africa/botswana-dwarfism-johnson-masase.html Johnson Masase has found local fame, and self acceptance, through performances that play on people’s ignorance about his genetic condition and his 3-foot-4 inch frame. John Eligon, Yvonne Mooka and Joao Silva Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:49 +0000 Dwarfism Content Type: Personal Profile Comedy and Humor Social Media Dancing Masase, Johnson (Mojoni) (Six Six) Botswana Joao Silva/The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/world/africa/pope-leo-trump-peace.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/world/africa/pope-leo-trump-peace.html For days, Pope Leo XIV has attracted criticism from President Trump and his allies for refusing to back the war in Iran. On Thursday, he reiterated his calls for peace. Motoko Rich Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:27:51 +0000 Leo XIV Roman Catholic Church Popes Speeches and Statements Religion-State Relations Cameroon Biya, Paul War and Armed Conflicts US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) United States International Relations Trump, Donald J internal-open-access-from-nl Andrew Medichini/Associated Press Pope Leo XIV at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Bamenda, Cameroon, on Thursday. A violent secessionist movement centered in the area has divided the country over the past decade. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/world/africa/south-africa-malema-sentencing-prison.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/world/africa/south-africa-malema-sentencing-prison.html The leftist lawmaker has been a prime target of President Trump’s attacks on South Africa. The ruling, handed down after a conviction on gun charges, leaves Mr. Malema’s political future in doubt. John Eligon Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:40:05 +0000 Decisions and Verdicts United States International Relations Legislatures and Parliaments Race and Ethnicity Apartheid (Policy) Courts and the Judiciary Economic Freedom Fighters (South Africa) Malema, Julius S South Africa Trump, Donald J internal-open-access-from-nl Associated Press Julius Malema at a hearing in KuGompo City, South Africa, on Wednesday. Citizens are barred from serving as a lawmaker if they are sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/world/africa/sudan-war-hunger-crisis.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/world/africa/sudan-war-hunger-crisis.html Fighting that erupted in 2023 has forced millions from their homes and left widespread hunger that is now being compounded by strife in the Middle East. Ephrat Livni and Declan Walsh Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:16:02 +0000 Sudan War and Armed Conflicts War Crimes, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity Civilian Casualties Defense and Military Forces Rapid Support Forces (Sudan) Darfur (Sudan) South Kordofan (Sudan) Refugees and Displaced Persons Food Insecurity Humanitarian Aid Food Aid United Nations Children's Fund International Relations Bernat Armangue/Associated Press A 2-month-old patient, Saidal Altaher, getting treatment for malnutrition on Wednesday in Port Sudan, Sudan. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/world/africa/south-africa-us-ambassador-roelf-meyer.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/world/africa/south-africa-us-ambassador-roelf-meyer.html The move comes as the country looks to strengthen diplomatic ties with the United States after months of hostility between the two nations. Zimasa Matiwane Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:10:46 +0000 Trump, Donald J Ramaphosa, Cyril African National Congress International Relations United States International Relations Diplomatic Service, Embassies and Consulates Appointments and Executive Changes Apartheid (Policy) Politics and Government Refugees and Displaced Persons Whites Minorities Phill Magakoe/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Roelf Meyer, center, with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to his right at an event in Pretoria in August. Mr. Meyer was appointed ambassador to the United States on Wednesday. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/movies/kannywood-nigeria-film-censorship.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/movies/kannywood-nigeria-film-censorship.html A city in Northern Nigeria has turned into a moviemaking machine, churning out hundreds of productions a year. Ricci Shryock Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:23:47 +0000 Movies Censorship Muslims and Islam Politics and Government Arewa24 (TV Network) Kano (Nigeria) Isah, Mansura Abba el-Mustapha internal-open-access-from-nl Ricci Shryock for The New York Times Ibrahim Bala (left) directs a scene in his Kannywood film “The Footprint of the Elephant.” Bala has been a filmmaker in Kano for 12 years and has directed more than 30 films. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/travel/cape-town-south-africa-gardens.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/travel/cape-town-south-africa-gardens.html Visits to three green spaces in and around the South African city reveal a shift in the country’s botanical world, which has long been seen as the province of the white population. Paula Deitz and Lee-Ann Olwage Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:53:39 +0000 Gardens and Gardening Flowers and Plants Wetlands Biodiversity Black People Travel and Vacations Apartheid (Policy) Cape Town (South Africa) internal-open-access-from-nl Works by the artist Anton Smit on view at Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens in Cape Town. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/world/africa/pope-leo-cameroon-africa.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/world/africa/pope-leo-cameroon-africa.html Catholicism is growing fast on the continent, yet Africans play a comparatively small role in church leadership. Cameroon, where Leo XIV arrived on Wednesday, shows the disparity. Motoko Rich Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:58:58 +0000 Roman Catholic Church Leo XIV Biya, Paul Africa Cameroon internal-open-access-from-nl Yaounde (Cameroon) Polygamy Popes Daniel Beloumou Olomo/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Pope Leo arriving in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, on Tuesday. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/science/pirates-gold-africa.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/science/pirates-gold-africa.html Centuries-old European tales about Gold Coast traders adulterating precious metals hundreds of years ago are challenged by the famous Whydah Gally shipwreck. Katherine Kornei Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:41:56 +0000 Shipwrecks (Historic) Gold Piracy at Sea Heritage Science (Journal) West Africa Research Archaeology and Anthropology your-feed-science https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/world/africa/benin-election-president-romuald-wadagni.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/world/africa/benin-election-president-romuald-wadagni.html Romuald Wadagni received 94 percent of the vote, according to provisional results. He faces the challenge of a growing jihadist insurgency in the region. Saikou Jammeh Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:37:12 +0000 internal-open-access-from-nl Elections Coups D'Etat and Attempted Coups D'Etat Wadagni, Romuald Talon, Patrice Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) Benin Africa Charles Placide Tossou/Reuters Romuald Wadagni campaigning in Cotonou, Benin, last month. He has become the country’s new president, according to provisional results. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/world/africa/pope-leo-algeria-africa-visit.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/world/africa/pope-leo-algeria-africa-visit.html Some theologians say the pontiff’s understanding of Augustine’s teachings helped inform his response to President Trump’s negative comments about him. Matthew Mpoke Bigg Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:46:42 +0000 Leo XIV Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Francis Roman Catholic Church Popes Religion and Belief Christians and Christianity Africa Algeria Middle East internal-open-access-from-nl Trump, Donald J Religion-State Relations United States Politics and Government Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters Pope Leo XIV presiding over Holy Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, on Tuesday. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/12/world/africa/snigerian-airstrike-insurgents-civilians.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/12/world/africa/snigerian-airstrike-insurgents-civilians.html Nigerian officials said they attacked a terrorist enclave, but locals and rights groups said the airstrikes hit a popular market, killing many civilians. Saikou Jammeh and Eric Schmitt Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:55:03 +0000 Borno (Nigeria) Civilian Casualties Terrorism Defense and Military Forces Boko Haram Islamic State West African Province Nigeria The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/10/world/africa/iran-south-africa-trump-war-ceasefire.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/10/world/africa/iran-south-africa-trump-war-ceasefire.html Official social media accounts for Iranian embassies have engaged in information warfare, but the ones in Africa appear to have taken the lead on the attacks. John Eligon Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:21:00 +0000 X (Formerly Twitter) US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) International Relations United States International Relations Iran-Israel War (2025- ) United States Politics and Government Social Media United States Defense and Military Forces Africa Iran Israel Pakistan South Africa Zimbabwe Arash Khamooshi for The New York Times Iranian pro-government demonstrators rally in Tehran on Wednesday after the announcement of a two-week cease-fire in the war against the United States and Israel. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/10/world/africa/south-africa-theater-generations-mfundi-vundla.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/10/world/africa/south-africa-theater-generations-mfundi-vundla.html Mfundi Vundla spent 21 years in exile and created the popular television show “Generations.” His latest project is a play that explores the imperfections of the fight against apartheid. Zimasa Matiwane Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:01:08 +0000 Africa Johannesburg (South Africa) South Africa African National Congress Amherst College Black People Apartheid (Policy) Politics and Government Minorities Corruption (Institutional) Demonstrations, Protests and Riots Race and Ethnicity International Relations Movies Theater Milch, David internal-open-access-from-nl Joao Silva/The New York Times Mfundi Vundla, South African activist and writer, at the Johannesburg Theater after a performance of his new play, “Man With No Surname,” in March. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/science/chimpanzees-war-ngogo-uganda.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/science/chimpanzees-war-ngogo-uganda.html A long-running conflict in a Ugandan park may provide clues to the origins of human warfare, and how to avoid it. Carl Zimmer Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:46:01 +0000 Monkeys and Apes Animal Behavior Uganda Research https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/world/africa/nigeria-erotica-writers-censors.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/world/africa/nigeria-erotica-writers-censors.html Zealous officials burned their predecessors’ romance novels. Now, young Muslim women in northern Nigeria publish their erotic books in installments on WhatsApp. Ruth Maclean, Ismail Auwal and Taiwo Aina Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:50:48 +0000 Nigeria Kano (Nigeria) Women and Girls Writing and Writers Book Bans Censorship WhatsApp Inc Muslims and Islam Shariah (Islamic Law) Sex Indecency, Obscenity and Profanity Pornography vis-photo internal-open-access-from-nl Taiwo Aina for The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/06/health/trump-foreign-aid.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/06/health/trump-foreign-aid.html While organizations in the developing world were nearly shut out, the big aid agencies DOGE had called wasteful received huge infusions of cash, a new analysis found. Stephanie Nolen Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:19:50 +0000 Foreign Aid United States Politics and Government Developing Countries Government Contracts and Procurement Medicine and Health Humanitarian Aid internal-open-access-from-nl Taiwo Aina for The New York Times Women in Borno, Nigeria, waiting with their children to receive nutrition treatment and therapeutic food at an outpatient therapeutic program run by FHI 360, a nonprofit based in North Carolina. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/05/us/politics/trump-iran-war-crimes-truth-social.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/05/us/politics/trump-iran-war-crimes-truth-social.html The president said he would bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages.” Until this administration, American leaders had insisted they were trying to follow international law in war. Edward Wong Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:21:00 +0000 US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) United States Defense and Military Forces Civilian Casualties United States International Relations Trump, Donald J Iran Kharg Island (Iran) Middle East Geneva Conventions War Crimes, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity Infrastructure (Public Works) internal-open-access-from-nl Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times President Trump wrote on social media that “all Hell will reign down” on Iran unless it opens the Strait of Hormuz.