Africa Update July 8: Liberia Apology, Ramaphosa-Trump Tariffs, Guinea Criticized

Liberian Government Apologises to Victims of War Crimes

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has issued an official apology to victims of the two civil wars that led to the deaths of over 250,000 people and displaced millions. “To every victim of our civil conflict, to every family broken, to every dream shattered, we say: ‘We are sorry’,” the president said at a memorial event in the capital city Monrovia. It’s the first official apology offered to victims and their families by the Liberian government, a symbolic gesture that ties into Boakai’s campaign promises to bring about societal “peace and reconciliation” and justice for victims of war crimes during the civil wars.

Last year, Boakai signed a resolution to establish a war crimes court, a long overdue process that was recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) in 2009. Before the memorial, Boakai attended services honoring former presidents William Tolbert and Samuel Doe. Tolbert was killed in a violent coup led by Doe in 1980, while Doe was tortured and killed at the start of the first civil war by warlord-turned-political-godfather Prince Johnson, who died late last year.

Ramaphosa Pushes Back as Trump Slaps 30% Tariff on South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected the 30% tariff hike announced by U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday, Monday, July 7, saying it misrepresents trade realities between the two nations. Trump’s new tariff, set to take effect on August 1, targets South African exports under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has provided duty-free access for key industries like agriculture, wine, and auto parts. Ramaphosa says 77% of U.S. goods enter South Africa tariff-free and the country’s average tariff is just 7.6%. The U.S. president sent tariff letters to South Africa and 13 other countries, with Tanzania being the only other African country to receive this letter, and its tariff was set at 25%.

South Africa’s agriculture minister John Steenhuisen warned that Trump’s move could disrupt citrus and wine exports and said that Trump’s team wants South Africa to offer “more ambition” in trade negotiations. Talks have been ongoing since May, but no deal has been reached. The U.S. remains South Africa’s second-largest trading partner. Trump has said the tariff could change depending on future trade talks — but his administration also hinted this may signal the end of AGOA for South Africa.

Amnesty and Civil Groups Call for an End to Abductions of Activists in Guinea

Amnesty International and well over a dozen civil society organizations have condemned the increased level of abductions of activists and political voices critical of Guinea’s military government. Deeming the country’s political space as a “climate of terror,” the callout coincides with the first anniversary since the disappearance of Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah, two activists with the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC). Both men were arrested by Sylla and allegedly taken to be interrogated and tortured; the Prosecutor General’s announcement of investigations into the abductions has yielded nothing so far.

More people have been reportedly abducted and tortured by state security forces, including journalist Habib Marouane Camara, activist Abdoul Sacko, and former Guinean Bar Association President Mohamed Traoré. “We call on [Guinea’s junta] to shed full light on the cases of abductions and disappearances in the country by conducting prompt, independent, and transparent investigations into these cases,” Amnesty and the civil groups said in their statement. Col. Mamady Doumbouya has been Guinea’s dictator since ousting Alpha Conde in a coup, and his regime has consistently shut down calls for a return to democracy.

First Malaria Drug for Newborns Approved, Set to Roll Out in Africa

The first malaria treatment designed specifically for babies under 4.5kg (about 10 lbs) has been approved and is expected to launch in African countries within weeks. Developed by Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture, the drug, called Coartem Baby, closes a dangerous treatment gap for newborns who were previously given scaled-down doses of medication meant for older children. Nearly 600,000 people died from malaria in 2023, most of them in Africa, and around 75% were children under five. The new treatment will be introduced largely not-for-profit, with eight African countries that helped test the drug set to be among the first to receive it.

Ugandan Opposition Leader Launches New Party from Behind Bars

Kizza Besigye’s new party, the People’s Front for Freedom, was officially launched in Kampala today, Tuesday, July 8, despite the Ugandan opposition leader’s ongoing detention on treason charges. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and fierce critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been jailed since November, accused of plotting to overthrow the government by seeking military support abroad. His party says the charges are politically motivated, aimed at sidelining him ahead of Uganda’s 2026 election. Museveni, in power since 1986, has declared his candidacy, while his son, army chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called for Besigye’s execution and expressed ambitions to succeed his father.

Rwandan Opposition Leader Victoire Ingabire Faces New Charges, Bail Hearing Delayed

Rwandan opposition figure Victoire Ingabire appeared in a Kigali court today, Tuesday, July 8, on subversion charges linked to alleged efforts to incite unrest through her unregistered party, DALFA-Umurinzi. Prosecutors say she was in contact with nine suspects, including journalist Theoneste Nsengimana, in a plot to destabilize the country — claims Ingabire denies. Her bail hearing was pushed to July 15 after she rejected a court-appointed lawyer, insisting on a Kenyan legal team. A longtime critic of President Paul Kagame, Ingabire was jailed in 2010 and freed by presidential pardon in 2018. If convicted, she could face a lengthy prison term. The latest arrest happened on June 19, 2025.

Hospitals Attacked During Deadly Kenya Protests

Two hospitals in Kenya were stormed and damaged during protests yesterday, Monday, July 7, which left at least 11 people dead. In Kitengela, a mob armed with clubs forced its way into a hospital demanding treatment, damaging equipment, and forcing staff to flee, some hiding in patient uniforms. In Nairobi’s Embakasi area, another group looted Bristol Hospital, stealing over $6,000 worth of equipment and assaulting staff. The protests marked the anniversary of Kenya’s 1990 pro-democracy rallies and followed public outrage over the death of teacher, activist, and political blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. Health workers are now demanding armed security in response to the attacks.

South Sudan’s President Fires Army Chief Amid Ongoing Tensions

President Salva Kiir has dismissed South Sudan’s army chief, Paul Nang Majok, just seven months into the role, and replaced him with Dau Aturjong, state radio announced late yesterday, Monday, July 7, without explanation. Majok’s removal comes after clashes between government forces and the White Army militia earlier this year triggered a fresh political crisis. The army recaptured the town of Nasir in May following intense fighting. The move adds to growing instability in the country, where First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest in March, accused of inciting rebellion.