By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on IOL
Two observer groups judged South Africa’s 2026 local elections free and fair, while noting late openings of polling stations and staff-training problems. Allegations concerning election material and electoral officials also remain unresolved, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, according to IOL.
The EFF and ActionSA have begun coalition talks in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, where no party holds a majority after the 2026 municipal elections. The two parties aim for a power-sharing agreement within 14 days, before the first council sittings expected around 25 or 26 November, according to IOL.
🇿🇦 South Africa · Source: IOL ·
Nigeria and Türkiye signed nine strategic agreements during Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Ankara in January, covering defence, drones and military training. Türkiye’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, said the two countries aim to increase trade from about $2 billion to $5 billion, according to This Day.
🇳🇬 Nigeria · Source: ThisDay ·
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) praises the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for organising the 2026 local elections well. According to its spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, it calls for public coalition agreements specific to each municipality, pending the adoption of a law by Parliament.
🇿🇦 South Africa · Source: SABC News ·
Former president Thabo Mbeki believes the seven ANC leaders should step down after the party’s poor score in the 2026 municipal elections, described as a "catastrophe" by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. He considers a possible resignation by Cyril Ramaphosa acceptable, although the latter has ruled it out. These remarks were made on the African Renaissance podcast, according to TimesLIVE.
🇿🇦 South Africa · Source: TimesLIVE ·
Mbeki and ANC Youth League clash in statementsTwo weeks after the ANC’s defeat in local elections, former president Thabo Mbeki called on the party leadership to resign, saying Cyril Ramaphosa had been right to consider stepping down. ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji responded by accusing him of hypocrisy, saying the party’s current problems date back to his presidency.
Washington warns of Islamic State insurgents' piracy in MozambiqueGeneral John W. Brennan, deputy commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), warned that Islamic State-linked insurgents in Mozambique are increasing their maritime capabilities. He cited recent acts of piracy off the coast and the threat to the Mozambique Channel, a major route for global trade. Washington wants to strengthen security cooperation with Maputo, he said at a virtual State Department briefing.The week in Africa
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