Africa: All of Africa Today - June 9, 2026

Somali Referee Omar Artan Dropped from 2026 World Cup After US Entry Denial

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been dropped from the 2026 tournament after being denied entry into the United States. Artan, the 2025 CAF men's referee of the year, was stopped at Miami International Airport despite travelling with valid documents and a diplomatic passport issued to ease earlier visa challenges. FIFA confirmed he will no longer officiate at the tournament, saying host countries made immigration decisions. US authorities gave no official reason. Somalia is among the countries affected by a travel ban introduced under President Donald Trump's administration. Artan has since returned to Turkey and said he remains positive and focused on future competitions.

More than 13,000 people have been displaced in South Darfur within a week as clashes between the Beni Halba and Salamat people continue to intensify. According to the International Organization for Migration, over 11,000 people fled fighting in Kubum locality between 4 and 6 June, seeking refuge in nearby areas including Nyala and Shattaya. The violence, which erupted in late May, has reportedly left several people dead and marks the third major conflict between the two groups since Sudan's war began more than three years ago. Despite successive peace initiatives, renewed clashes have once again displaced thousands of civilians and raised fears of further instability in South Darfur.

Politician Besigye Accuses Ugandan Military of Rights Violations in High Court Case

Veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, have filed a fresh application before the High Court seeking declarations against the government and senior military officials over alleged grave human rights violations linked to their arrest, detention, and prosecution. They name the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Col. Peter Ahimbisibwe, Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga, and the Attorney General as respondents. They argue that their prosecution on charges of treason and misprision of treason was preceded by what they describe as an unlawful abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, and an extraordinary rendition to Uganda outside established extradition procedures. According to them, the operation on November 16, 2024, involved their arrest in Kenya by Ugandan military personnel and their forcible transfer to Uganda. They say that it violated their constitutional rights of personal liberty, due process, and a fair hearing