As of February 19, 2026, the Senegalese government has formally adopted a draft bill that significantly toughens penalties for same-sex relations. The bill was approved during a Council of Ministers meeting and now proceeds to the National Assembly for a final vote. Key features of the new legislation include: Increased Penalties: The draft law seeks to increase existing prison sentences for what are legally termed "acts against nature". While current law carries a maximum of five years, previous proposals have suggested extending this to 10 or 15 years. Clarification of Offenses: The bill provides a more explicit definition of "unnatural acts" to strengthen the legal framework against same-sex conduct. Targeting Advocacy: The reform expands the scope of the law to criminalize the "glorification" and "financing" of such acts, effectively targeting LGBTQ+ advocacy and support groups. Context of Crackdown: The adoption of this bill follows a rece...

A report presented to Kenya's parliament on February 18, 2026, revealed that more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for the Russian army in Ukraine. Key Details from the Report Recruitment Tactics:  Many recruits were reportedly lured by "rogue recruitment agencies" with false promises of skilled civilian jobs (such as plumbers, electricians,  or mall security) or high-paying roles "painting drones". Financial Incentives: Recruits were promised monthly salaries of up to 350,000 shillings (~$2,715), sign-on bonuses of up to 1.2 million shillings, and the possibility of Russian citizenship. Current Status of Recruits: 89 Kenyans are confirmed to be on the front lines ,  39 are hospitalized with injuries ,  28 are missing in action.  At least one Kenyan death has been officially confirmed. Collusion Allegations: Parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung’wah accused Russian embassy officials and some Kenyan immigration and airport staff of colluding with traf...

Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda has received a seven-match suspension from the Spanish football federation (RFEF) following his expulsion against Deportivo Alavés on February 14, 2026.  The ban, which Sevilla deemed "excessive" and is appealing, includes penalties for contempt, protesting, failing to leave the pitch promptly, and conduct against public order. The seven-match ban is broken down by the RFEF disciplinary committee as follows:  Three matches: Contempt and disregard for the referee. Two matches: Complaints made to the officiating crew. One match: Not immediately leaving the area after being sent off. One match: Conduct disregarding public order. Almeyda was sent off during a 1-1 home draw after clashing with officials. The sanction constitutes a major blow for Sevilla, which is currently fighting to avoid relegation and sits just above the drop zone. 

In February 2026, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) launched an investigation into the global e-commerce platform Temu regarding alleged violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023. Key Details of the Probe Triggering Concerns: The investigation focuses on potential online surveillance, lack of accountability, and failure to meet data minimization and transparency requirements. Affected Scale: Preliminary findings indicate Temu processes the personal information of approximately 12.7 million Nigerian users.  Temu has publicly stated it will cooperate with the NDPC's inquiry and maintains that privacy is a core value.  The NDPC warned that third-party processors (e.g., payment gateways and logistics firms) could also be held liable if they engage with platforms that do not verify their compliance with the NDP Act. If found in violation, Temu could face substantial fines or a temporary suspension of its operations in Nigeria. In the same vein, Temu f...

  The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of 100 US military personnel and equipment in Nigeria, saying they arrived at Bauchi airfield. Defence spokesman, Samaila Uba, in a statement on Monday, said the deployment follows a recent security agreement between Nigeria and the US. Uba noted that the Federal Government had made a formal request to the US for assistance in terms of military training, technical support, and intelligence sharing with the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. “The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists’ threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” the statement reads. Uba said the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. Noting that the US personnel are not combat forces, the defence spokesman noted that all training activities will be conducted under the aut...

  Civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 84, his family announced. Known for his "Rainbow Coalition" vision and work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he died peacefully in Chicago while dealing with a neurological condition. Key Details Regarding Rev. Jackson's Passing: Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Age: 84 years old. Cause: The family did not immediately specify a cause, but noted he had been dealing with a neurological condition (progressive supranuclear palsy) in recent months. Jesse Jackson was one of the most influential figures in American politics and civil rights for over six decades: Civil Rights: He was a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was present at the Lorraine Motel when King was assassinated in 1968. Presidential Runs: He mounted historic campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, paving the way for future Black political le...