South Africa: 69 arrests after anti-migrant protest violence near Gqeberha
via SeneNews2 min read
Sixty-nine individuals were arrested in South Africa after an anti-migrant demonstration near Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, escalated into looting and violence. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, July 16, 2026, resulted in 23 businesses being plundered and one person hospitalized in Jeffreys Bay. The South African police confirmed the arrests of suspects aged 18 to 52 for public disorder. Several foreign nationals were moved to a temporary shelter for their safety. This event is part of a series of xenophobic incidents and anti-migrant protests that have been ongoing for several months, leading approximately 150,000 people to leave South Africa, according to AFP data. These protests, sometimes violent, are driven by various organizations accusing migrants of taking jobs from South Africans. Police have reported that at least four foreign nationals, including two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian, and one Malawian, have died in violence linked to this campaign. As of July 8, authorities had arrested 350 people in connection with illegal acts, intimidation, incitement to violence, and similar offenses. The government stated its commitment to firmly address crime, vigilantism, public violence, intimidation, discrimination, and informal attempts to resolve immigration issues. South Africa, the continent's largest economy, attracts many migrants but faces high unemployment 32%, and up to 42% among youth, significant inequality, and high crime rates, with an average of 60 murd
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A series of changes has been announced within the command of the Senegalese Armed Forces, aligning with the Armament and Mobilization Plan, which dictates regular rotations for military personnel. Colonel Massamba Thiam, former commander of Military Zone No. 3, is now in charge of Military Zone No. 1, succeeding Colonel Clément Chrizogone Nassalan, who moves to the Senegal Defense Institute as Director of the Superior War Course. Colonel Abdoulaye Mbengue, known as "Vipère," will take command of Military Zone No. 3, arriving from the PMS. Other key appointments include Colonel Aba Wade to Military Zone No. 6 and Colonel Théodore Adrien Sarr, known as "TAS," to lead the Special Operations Command. Additionally, Military Zone No. 7 will be led by Colonel Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Sylla, replacing Colonel Elhadj Omar Faye. Colonel Faye has been promoted to Chief of Staff for the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, taking over from Colonel Mamour Sarr. These appointments are part of the standard career progression and routine management within the army.
Must ReadFatou Binetou Guèye, daughter of Mame Matar Guèye, president of the NGO Jamra, has been referred to the public prosecutor's office in Dakar along with her companion, RS Guissé, son of a university professor, and two Nigerian nationals. They are implicated in an investigation into alleged international cocaine trafficking and unnatural acts. The case began with an infiltration operation by gendarmes from the Faidherbe Research Brigade, which uncovered a suspected cocaine network. Guèye, born December 26, 2001, is accused of criminal association, possession and use of cocaine, alleged international cocaine trafficking, and unnatural acts. The investigation reportedly revealed pornographic videos and private messages from Guèye's phone, where she sought a "lively girlfriend." The inquiry started months ago based on intelligence suggesting Guèye consumed cocaine and had connections to suppliers. An intermediary, working with gendarmes, facilitated a controlled purchase where Guèye allegedly provided one gram of cocaine. This led to further investigation, including a planned gathering for drug consumption. During an arrest on July 14, a gram of cocaine was found in Guèye's handbag. She then cooperated, leading gendarmes to RS Guissé, who was found consuming cocaine during a search of his room. Guissé also cooperated, identifying his supplier, KM Ogbu, a Nigerian national. Ogbu was arrested on July 15 during a controlled delivery of cocaine. Exploitation of Ogbu's phone led to the
Must ReadMacky Sall, former President of Senegal, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow as part of his campaign for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. During the meeting, Lavrov outlined Russia's expectations for the next Secretary-General, focusing on the challenges facing the UN, strengthening its central role in global governance, and the need for more effective multilateralism. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to the UN's coordinating role in international affairs amidst geopolitical crises. Sall stated they discussed "subjects of common interest concerning the major challenges that the Organization must address to better manage the global issues of multilateralism for the present and the future." This visit to Russia is part of Sall's diplomatic tour, which includes engagements with various capitals. Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council with veto power, is a key player in the selection process. Sall's candidacy has received official support from Senegal, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye mobilizing the government and diplomatic network to promote it as Senegal's bid to serve Africa. His candidacy, presented by Burundi, is officially registered with the UN General Assembly to succeed António Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. Consultations and indicative votes by the Security Council are expected to enter a decisive phase soon.