Nigeria’s battle against a deadly Lassa fever outbreak has taken a troubling turn. While new infections showed a modest decline—falling to 65 cases in the final week of February from 77 the week before—the crisis is far from over.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, a more alarming trend is emerging. The case fatality rate has surged to over 23 percent, a sharp rise from just under 19 percent recorded during the same period last year—highlighting the growing severity of the outbreak despite fewer reported cases.

In a swift and unexpected political shake-up, Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar’s transitional leader, has appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as the country’s new prime minister—just days after abruptly dissolving the government.
The presidency announced on Sunday that Rajaonarison, who has headed the anti-money-laundering agency SAMIFIN since 2021, will now lead a newly formed cabinet.

Voters in Republic of the Congo headed to the polls on Sunday in a high-stakes election widely expected to tighten the long grip of 82-year-old President Denis Sassou Nguesso on power.
Having ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for more than four decades, Sassou Nguesso now appears poised to secure yet another five-year term.

A devastating airstrike allegedly carried out by Pakistan has struck the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, leaving a trail of destruction and mass casualties.
Officials from the Taliban claim more than 400 people—most of them patients—were killed in the attack late Monday, with a further 250 reported injured.

BREAKING
🇮🇱⚔️🇱🇧
Residential building collapses after Israel Air Force airstrike in Beirut.

The Lebanese health ministry says that 912 people, including at least 111 children, have been killed since 2 March. - BBC

The proposed renaming of Graaff-Reinet in honor of anti-apartheid figure Robert Sobukwe has prompted mixed reactions from residents.
While some view the change as a meaningful recognition of Sobukwe’s legacy, others have expressed concern, leading to protests and public debate.
The situation highlights ongoing discussions in South Africa around post-apartheid renaming efforts, reflecting differing perspectives on history, identity, and heritage.

Chuck Norris has died at 86.
His family confirmed he passed away suddenly on March 20, 2026, in Hawaii after a medical emergency.
Known for Walker, Texas Ranger and The Delta Force, he was a global icon of action and discipline.

Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae, took part in a military training exercise featuring newly developed main battle tanks, state media Korean Central News Agency reported.

Super Micro Computer Co-Founder Yih-Shyan “Wally” Liaw and Two Others Indicted in U.S. Over Alleged $2.5B AI Server Export Scheme to China Involving Restricted Nvidia Chips

Gold extended a sharp selloff, dropping around 5–6% in a single session to near $4,200 per ounce, marking a steep correction from its recent highs above $5,300 as rising oil prices, a stronger U.S. dollar, and expectations of prolonged higher interest rates triggered broad liquidation across precious metals.

Silver declined even more aggressively with an overall of 45–50% from peak, with losses accelerating into double-digit weekly of 14–20%.

U.S. forces report ongoing operations targeting Iran’s one-way attack drone capabilities.

Crazy footage of an Iranian ballistic missile falling in the Old Town of Jerusalem today.

It hit just 300 meters from the Al-Aqsq Mosque

The government of Argentina carried out several military exercises in the south of the country in recent days, focusing on artillery.

At least 90 soldiers died this Monday after a Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules military aircraft crashed in the town of Puerto Leguízamo.

BREAKING:

Iran has reportedly rejected a peace proposal put forward by the United States.

According to officials, Tehran responded negatively to the American initiative aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, which it has described as an “imposed war.

Global financial markets experienced sharp volatility on Monday, with major stock indexes declining while oil prices climbed to elevated levels.

A trend likely to increase inflationary pressures, raise energy and transport costs, and slow economic growth across multiple countries worldwide.

At least 80 people have been killed, with many more reported missing, after devastating landslides struck Ethiopia, according to Sky News. The disasters follow heavy rainfall across East Africa, which has also claimed over 60 lives in neighboring Kenya.

Ghana and South Korea Strengthen Maritime Security and Cooperation
Ghana’s President John Mahama and South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol have agreed to deepen collaboration on maritime security, climate policy, and digital innovation, signing three agreements including a maritime safety pact between the Korea Coast Guard and Ghana Navy.

Tanzanian Billionaire Acquires Majority Stake in East Africa’s Largest Media Group.

Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi has purchased a 54.08% controlling stake in Kenya’s Nation Media Group, marking a historic shift in ownership. The stake was previously held by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, which ended its 66-year involvement with the company.

https://www.southerncrossreport.com/post/the-crisis-in-the-middle-east-and-a-new-push-toward-africa

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is sending shockwaves through global energy markets, forcing countries to rethink long-standing alliances and supply chains. As oil and gas prices surge and critical infrastructure comes under attack, nations across Southeast Asia and Africa are turning to new partners — with Russia aggressively expanding its reach. South Africa, despite infrastructure and logistical challenges, is now being drawn into these emerging energy discussions, highlighting both its vulnerability to global instability and the urgent need to secure alternative energy sources. As President Cyril Ramaphosa warns of serious economic fallout, the crisis is not only reshaping global power dynamics but placing Africa at the center of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The White House and Pentagon are reportedly considering the deployment of up to 10,000 additional U.S. combat troops to the Middle East, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

A decision is expected in the coming week as the administration evaluates a range of military options in response to rising tensions with Iran. These considerations reportedly include the potential use of ground forces alongside other strategic measures.