Dec 20, 2025
3 min read
Africa Today, December 19: US under fire in Guinea-Bissau UK companies linked to vaccine trials, Sudan war, AFCON injuries sideline Algeria and Ivory Coast
In Africa Today - December 19, 2025: UK companies linked to Sudan war, AFCON injured as US vaccine trials burn
Checking the internet for today's top news, so no need.On December 19, coverage included the ethical fallout of a US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau, revelations linking UK-registered companies to Colombian mercenaries fighting for the Rapid Support Force in Sudan, casualty failures in Algeria and the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco and elsewhere.
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A US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau has raised morale concerns.
The Trump administration plans to invest $1.6 million in Guinea-Bissau to vaccinate newborns with the hepatitis B vaccine, a move criticized by international health experts as unethical and dangerous.In one of the countries with the highest infection rates, where about 18 percent of adults are infected, health experts warn that withholding a proven vaccine under these conditions could put infants at serious risk.
Critics say the study follows recent policy changes led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy, including lowering the CDC's birth-dose vaccination guidelines and cutting funding for global vaccine programs.The trial will be conducted by the Bandim Health Project, led by Danish researchers whose previous work on vaccine safety led to the review.According to experts, unclear study questions, potential for compromised informed consent, and a focus on "overall health effects" rather than vaccine effectiveness all raise red flags.In a country where too many children remain vulnerable, many say increasing access to the vaccine at birth is a priority, not reexamining its safety.
UK-linked companies linked to Colombian mercenaries fighting for Sudan's RSF, investigation finds
Companies linked to US sanctioned individuals operated from the UK while recruiting Colombian fighters to support Sudan's Rapid Support Force, according to a Guardian investigation.Colombian mercenaries participated in the October takeover of RSF El Fasher.
UK company records show that a company linked to the recruitment network, Zeuz Global, was registered in north London by private individuals and later sanctioned by the US Treasury for fueling the Sudanese war.The company quickly changed its address to central London soon after the sanctions were announced, raising concerns about oversight and enforcement.to be used by actors involved in armed conflict.The British government says new identity checks and expanded powers at Companies House are supposed to curb abuse, while reiterating its condemnation of RSF atrocities and support for civilian protection in Sudan.
AFCON injury blow: Algeria lose Ouard, Ivory Coast without Haller
Algeria's preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations was interrupted due to the injury, where midfielder Houssem Aouar was treated after suffering an injury in training.The Algerian Football Federation said that Himad Abdelli of the French club Angers will replace Aouar.Details of the injury were not released.
Ivory Coast are also affected, with star striker Sebastien Haller ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury.Haller picked up the injury while playing for Dutch league side Utrecht and was receiving treatment at Ivory Coast's camp in Marbella before doctors confirmed he would miss the AFCON.He will be replaced by 24-year-old Aston Villa striker Evann Guessand.Haller was a key figure in Ivory Coast's title-winning campaign for two years, scoring the decisive goal after returning from cancer and injury treatment.The world champions begin their campaign against Mozambique in Marrakesh on Wednesday.AFCON takes place in Morocco from Sunday 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
More than 84,000 people are fleeing eastern Doctor Congo into Burundi as fighting intensifies near Uvira
More than 84,000 people have fled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring Burundi this month as fighting between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-backed M23 continues around the town of Uvira, the UN refugee agency said.The influx - the second major wave this year - has overwhelmed Burundi's ability to respond, with refugees arriving daily on foot and by boat across Lake Tanganyika, despite the M23's pledge to UNHCR to leave.warned of dangerous conditions in the overcrowded camps, including lack of food and water, poor sanitation and the spread of cholera, and said a boat carrying refugees capsized this week, killing those on board.Burundi has launched an emergency appeal of $35 million, but the amount is not known as the international aid shortage deepens, raising fears that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate rapidly.
South Africa Rejects US Demands to Torture Dina Raid African Refugee Center
South Africa has disputed US claims of harassment and intimidation of US officials during a raid on a US refugee claim processing center for white Africans, calling the claims baseless.The raid resulted in the deportation of 7 Kenyan nationals who, according to the authorities, were working illegally after being denied work permits.Washington condemned the move, saying South Africa had released US passport details and warning of possible repercussions, but Pretoria declined to disclose the information and said no US officials had been arrested.The dispute deepened the conflict, which was discussed by US President Donald Trump, who said that Africans are facing persecution - a claim that South Africa denied - and because of the actions of the United States to reduce the influx of refugees around the world while prioritizing the case of African asylum.
The second trial opened with the 2009 Guinea Stadium massacre
A new trial opens in Guinea's capital, Conakry, 16 years after a deadly crackdown on an opposition protest at a stadium left 156 dead and hundreds injured.Seven people were indicted for their involvement in the September 28, 2009 attack and face charges including murder, rape, torture and abuse of power, with three defendants tried in absentia.The case unfolds.came after a landmark trial that ended in 2024, when former leader Moussa Dadis Camara was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity before being pardoned by Guinea's military government earlier this year.The massacre also involved the rape of more than 100 women, some of whom were arrested, and subjected to sexual violence.
Nigeria has reopened 47 federal unit schools after security closures
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reopened all 47 Federal Unity Schools that were closed last month due to increasing insecurity and mass abduction of students, the Ministry of Education said yesterday, Thursday, December 18.Officials informed that after tightening the security in and around the schools, academic activities have resumed completely.The shutdown follows attacks in several northern states that have raised concerns at the national level.The government says it is working with security agencies to keep students safe and prevent further disruptions, stressing its commitment to continuing education despite ongoing security challenges.
Ghana is demanding the US extradition of the former finance minister on corruption charges
Ghana has formally requested the United States to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former technical adviser Ernest Darko Akore to face 78 corruption-related charges, Attorney General Dominic Ann said in Accra.Ain said the extradition package was sent to the US Justice Department on December 10 after legal requirements were met, and the decision is now up to US courts, where the accused can challenge the request.He said this reflected President John Mahama's anti-corruption campaign.
