Iran, Uganda, Niger

Today's three stories you should know

Iran

About 2,000 people have been killed in protests in Iran, an Iranian official told Reuters—the first time authorities have confirmed such a high death toll since anti-government protests erupted across the country two weeks ago. The official told the news agency that protesters and security forces were among the dead, and blamed what he called terrorists. The demonstrations were initially sparked by a tanking economy and soaring inflation in a country battered by Western sanctions for years. U.S. President Donald Trump has used the unrest as a pretext to threaten military action against the Islamic Republic’s government.

More from Reuters here.

Uganda

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has warned of street protests if this week’s presidential election is rigged. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is widely expected to extend his almost 40 years in power against a background of widespread intimidation and violence against his opponents. Wine, a rapper-turned-politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, is Museveni’s biggest threat and is running for the second time. The last election, in 2021, was marred by violence and accusations of fraud. The vote takes place on Thursday.

More from Africa News here.

NB: Proximities recently published a deep dive on the Uganda election for paid subscribers. Consider going paid for weekly Q&As that put our world in context.

Niger

Niger has begun revoking the licenses of haulage companies and drivers refusing to deliver fuel to neighboring Mali, fearing attacks by an al-Qaeda-linked group. Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has been at war with Mali’s government for years, imposed a fuel blockade on Mali in September, piling economic pressure on Mali’s military junta. Niger, also facing attacks from JNIM, is a major ally of Mali with both countries among a slew of West African nations where juntas have taken power in coups in recent years.

More from BBC here.