Global Snapshot: South Africa Moves Army Against Gangs, UN Flags Sudan Atrocities, US Weighs Iran Action
Story: written by Springnewsng February 16,2026
Developments across continents this week highlight rising security concerns, humanitarian crises and mounting geopolitical tensions.
In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to support police efforts against organised crime, gang violence and illegal mining. Addressing the nation, Ramaphosa warned that criminal networks pose a direct threat to democracy and economic stability as the country battles persistently high murder rates.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has alleged that more than 6,000 people were killed within three days when Rapid Support Forces overran the Sudanese city of el-Fasher. The UN report cites mass executions, abductions and sexual violence that could amount to war crimes, accusations the RSF has previously rejected.
The World Health Organization has condemned the suspension of a US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau, describing the decision as unethical. The agency warned that delaying a proven birth-dose vaccine for newborns risked serious and irreversible harm.
In the United States, the The New York Times reported that the administration of Donald Trump deported nine individuals to Cameroon despite some holding court protections. The deportations were reportedly carried out without informing those involved of their destination.
Elsewhere in southern Africa, Cyclone Gezani swept through Mozambique’s Inhambane province, killing at least four people and knocking out power to thousands. The storm follows deadly flooding in Madagascar, with scientists linking the increasing severity of such weather events to climate change.
On the geopolitical front, US officials say the United States military is preparing for the possibility of extended operations against Iran should authorisation be given. Diplomatic talks continue in Geneva with Oman acting as mediator, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted progress remains difficult.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has criticised European involvement in nuclear negotiations, branding France, Germany and the UK as ineffective partners compared with Gulf states.
In the Middle East, Israel has approved plans to formally register large swathes of the occupied West Bank as state property, a move expected to draw international scrutiny.
