Eye on Africa - South Africa secures release of more nationals lured to Ukraine war
France 24
by Clarisse FORTUNÉFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
South Africa has successfully secured the release of 11 of its nationals who were tricked into joining the Russia-Ukraine war. President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly thanked Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his assistance in facilitating their return. These individuals had been lured into the conflict, highlighting concerns about misinformation and exploitation in modern warfare. Their repatriation marks a significant diplomatic achievement for South Africa, underscoring the ongoing efforts to protect its citizens abroad.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), tensions remain high as the military spokesperson for the M23 rebel group was reportedly killed in an army drone strike in eastern regions. This incident comes amid ongoing peace efforts led by regional leaders, including Angola’s President Joao Lourenco, who is mediating between the Congolese government and the rebels. The death of a key figure in the rebel movement could further complicate efforts to stabilize the region.
In Somalia, over 6 million people are facing severe food insecurity due to widespread drought conditions. International aid organizations warn that without immediate intervention, the situation could escalate into full-blown famine. This crisis is exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and climate change, which has disrupted traditional farming and pastoral practices across the Horn of Africa. The region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events continues to pose a significant challenge to global food security and humanitarian response capabilities.
These developments underscore the interconnectedness of global security, diplomatic challenges, and environmental crises. For readers interested in international relations, conflict resolution, and humanitarian issues, these stories highlight the complexities of modern warfare, the importance of diplomatic engagement, and the urgent need for climate action to prevent further disasters.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/24/2026