Ethiopia, Sudan & More: Africa News Roundup – February 10, 2026

Ethiopia is hosting a secret training camp for fighters aligned with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a development that marks the first direct evidence of Addis Ababa’s involvement in the ongoing Sudanese civil war. The camp, located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region near the Sudanese border, has been rapidly expanding since late 2025, according to a Reuters investigation citing satellite imagery, officials, and diplomatic sources.

The facility reportedly began operations in October and was already training approximately 4,300 fighters as of early January. Sources indicate that recruitment includes not only Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals but also Ethiopians themselves, with some already crossing into Sudan’s Blue Nile region to join RSF forces. This raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and regional destabilization.

Eight sources, including a senior Ethiopian government official, have identified the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the primary financier of the camp’s construction and provider of military trainers and logistical support. This claim is also supported by an internal Ethiopian security memo and a diplomatic cable reviewed by Reuters. However, Reuters noted it could not independently verify the UAE’s involvement, and the UAE’s foreign ministry has denied any participation in the conflict.

Satellite imagery reveals extensive construction at the site, including hundreds of tents, heavy truck activity, and infrastructure linked to drone operations. Alongside the camp, upgrades are underway at the nearby Asosa airport, including the addition of drone-related facilities and new hangars. Analysts and officials suggest these improvements could support operations along the Sudan border, potentially complicating the already fragile security situation in the region.

The Sudanese civil war erupted in 2023 following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, derailing a planned transition to civilian rule. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, famine, and allegations of racially-charged atrocities, with millions of refugees fleeing to neighboring countries including Egypt, Chad, Libya, and South Sudan. The involvement of external actors, such as the alleged support from the UAE and now Ethiopia, underscores the increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

The emergence of this training camp adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. It provides the RSF with a substantial influx of fresh soldiers, potentially prolonging the fighting and hindering efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ethiopia itself faces internal security challenges, including ethnic tensions and regional conflicts.

Elsewhere in Africa, Kenya is taking steps to halt the recruitment of its citizens into the Russian military. Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi has condemned the practice as “unacceptable and clandestine,” stating that the government has shut down several illegal recruitment agencies. Mudavadi indicated that Kenya is seeking an agreement with Russia to prevent the conscription of its nationals, following reports of Kenyans being lured with promises of lucrative security jobs only to be forced into military service in Ukraine.

According to reports, approximately 27 Kenyans have been repatriated from Russia and are receiving medical and psychological care. Ukrainian intelligence estimates that around 1,400 Africans from 36 countries are currently fighting alongside Russian forces. The issue has sparked political controversy in South Africa, with Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigning from parliament following allegations of involvement in recruiting South African men for the Russian army.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a minerals-for-security agreement between the U.S. And DRC is facing a constitutional challenge. Critics argue the deal, which grants Washington preferential access to critical minerals like cobalt and coltan, was signed without parliamentary approval. The agreement, part of the Washington Accords linked to a U.S.-brokered peace agreement with Rwanda, has raised concerns about Congo’s sovereignty and control over its natural resources. Civil society groups are also demanding greater transparency and safeguards for local communities.

Meanwhile, a student has died during protests over unpaid financial aid at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. Abdoulaye Ba, a dental surgery student, reportedly suffered fatal head injuries during clashes with security forces. Student leaders accuse police of assault, while authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The unrest reflects broader frustrations over Senegal’s strained public finances and the government’s handling of student stipends.

Gunfire near a prison in Conakry, Guinea, triggered panic in the capital on Tuesday, February 10th. The source and motive behind the shooting remain unclear, and authorities have yet to comment. The incident comes weeks after Guinea’s disputed presidential election and amid ongoing concerns about political stability.

Burkina Faso’s parliament has approved a bill banning all political parties, a move widely condemned as a further consolidation of power by the military junta led by Ibrahim Traore. The decision has sparked international criticism, with the United Nations rights chief urging Burkina Faso to reverse the ban and respect civic space.

In Tanzania, opposition leader Tundu Lissu appeared in court for the first time in months, but his treason case was adjourned again due to his objection to the use of secret witnesses. Lissu has been detained for ten months following his arrest after an opposition rally, and his case has raised concerns about political repression and due process.

Madagascar’s military authorities have condemned Eswatini for hosting ousted President Andry Rajoelina, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty. The move comes amid ongoing political turmoil in Madagascar following Rajoelina’s removal from power in October.

Finally, U.S. Senator Jim Risch has warned Uganda of potential sanctions following inflammatory tweets by the country’s army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing the U.S. Embassy of supporting opposition figures. The exchange has heightened tensions between Washington and Kampala, raising concerns about future security cooperation.

Nigeria’s Senate has reversed its earlier decision and approved a proposal requiring the real-time electronic transmission of election results, responding to public pressure and concerns about electoral fraud. The move is seen as a positive step towards improving transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.