Uganda’s Museveni Secures Seventh Term Amid Clashes, Election Controversy

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has won a seventh term in office, extending his nearly 40-year rule, in an election overshadowed by violence, internet shutdowns, and allegations of electoral malpractice.

The Electoral Commission announced that the 81-year-old leader secured 71.65% of the vote, defeating opposition figure Bobi Wine, who garnered 24.72%, in what critics have described as a highly contentious and polarizing election. Museveni’s victory consolidates his grip on power in Uganda, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

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The election period was marked by violent clashes, arrests of opposition supporters, and a government-imposed internet blackout, which opponents said undermined transparency and electoral integrity. Reports indicate that at least 10 people were killed in election-related unrest across several regions, while opposition figures accused security forces of intimidation and ballot manipulation.

Bobi Wine rejected the official results, describing them as “fraudulent” and vowing to continue challenging the outcome. Observers from civil society and international bodies expressed concern over the climate of fear, suppression of dissent, and restricted media access during the polls.

Museveni’s presidency, which began in 1986, has been sustained through constitutional amendments removing age and term limits, enabling him to maintain power well into his eighties. While supporters cite stability and development achievements, critics argue his rule has been marked by authoritarian tendencies and curbs on political freedom.

The international community and Ugandan civil society groups continue to call for peaceful dialogue and respect for democratic principles, urging all parties to prioritize stability amid heightened tensions.

Uganda’s Museveni Secures Seventh Term Amid Clashes, Election Controversy

Mass Grave of 21 African Migrants Discovered in Eastern Libya, Human Smuggler Arrested

A mass grave containing the remains of 21 African migrants has been discovered in eastern Libya, in a grim development that has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by migrants transiting the country.

According to reports by DWAfrica, citing local media, the Ajdabiya branch of Libya’s Internal Security Agency uncovered the grave during a raid on a farm allegedly owned by a Libyan human smuggler. The location was reportedly used to detain migrants under inhumane conditions while ransom demands were made to their families.

Security officials said some of the recovered bodies showed signs of gunshot wounds, with reports indicating that the migrants were allegedly killed after their families failed to pay the demanded ransom.

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The suspect has been arrested and taken into police custody, and is currently awaiting trial. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether other victims or accomplices are linked to the operation.

The discovery has sparked outrage among local residents and human rights activists, some of whom have reportedly called for the death penalty for those responsible.

Libya remains a major transit route for African migrants seeking to reach Europe, and the country has long been criticised by international organisations for widespread human trafficking, abuse and exploitation of migrants amid prolonged political instability.

The latest incident adds to a growing list of similar discoveries in recent years, reinforcing calls for stronger action by Libyan authorities and the international community to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable migrants.

Mass Grave of 21 African Migrants Discovered in Eastern Libya, Human Smuggler Arrested

Somalia Condemns Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Warns of Terror Threat

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Somalia has raised serious concerns over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, warning that the move could destabilize the region and provide terrorist groups like Al-Shabab and ISIS (Daesh) opportunities to expand their operations.

In an interview with Arab News, Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, said Israel’s decision on December 26, 2025, to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state represents a major setback in Mogadishu’s fight against terrorism. He stressed that the presence of Israel in the region could allow extremist groups to spread ideologies and exploit the situation, undermining regional security.

Jama explained that the political disruption could hinder Somalia’s ongoing military operations against Al-Shabab, creating a vacuum that may attract external terrorist groups to the Horn of Africa. He warned that the implications extend beyond Somalia, potentially affecting the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, the Middle East, and global trade routes.

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The Somali minister also accused Israel of having strategic motives beyond recognition, including the potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza in Somaliland. “This violates the rights of the Palestinian people and undermines the internationally supported two-state solution,” he said.

Somalia’s UN Ambassador, Abukar Dahir Osman, stated that countries including Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Somalia reject any efforts by Israel to relocate Palestinians to northern Somalia.

Israel is the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but has not been recognized internationally. Mogadishu immediately rejected the move, backed by global partners, including Saudi Arabia, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the African Union, and regional bodies.

The Arab League condemned Israel’s action, calling it an attempt to facilitate forced displacement of Palestinians and exploit Somali ports for military purposes. The OIC and other international actors warned of “serious repercussions for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.”

The latest escalation occurred when Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland to formalize diplomatic relations, further inflaming tensions. Jama described the recognition as a “blatant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty” and international law, emphasizing that Somalia will continue to pursue diplomatic avenues to defend its territorial integrity.

Somalia Condemns Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Warns of Terror Threat

ARAB NEWS