Africa News Live Updates: Trump praises Liberian president for speaking 'good English'
Africa News Live Updates: Trump praises Liberian president for speaking 'good English'
FP Alpha
• July 11, 2025, 06:00:22 IST
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security operations, regional integration efforts, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track the continent’s evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to tackle internal and external challenges across sectors
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 "Africa News Live Updates: Trump praises Liberian president for speaking 'good English'")
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to today’s live blog, bringing you the latest developments from across Africa. From heated political showdowns in Kenya and Tunisia to significant cultural moments and diplomatic tensions, it’s a day marked by both crisis and change. Leaders spar over language and legitimacy, protests erupt in the streets and questions are raised about governance, justice and identity across the continent. Follow along as we break down the top stories shaping Africa right now:
Key stories shaping Africa today
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security operations, regional integration efforts, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track the continent’s evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to tackle internal and external challenges across sectors
July 11, 2025, 06:00:22 (IST)
Kenyan opposition warned against police brutality ahead of Saba Saba memorial
Opposition leaders in Kenya issued a warning to the government against using police force on youths during the Saba Saba memorial, which took place on Monday, Standard Media Kenya said in a report. The warning came in the wake of recent widespread, youth-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024 that saw significant clashes with police. ‘Saba Saba’, or July 7th, commemorates the historical pro-democracy movement in Kenya, and the opposition’s statement highlighted concerns rooted in a history of police using excessive force during public demonstrations.
July 11, 2025, 05:30:19 (IST)
ICC says war crimes and crimes against humanity are ongoing in Sudan's Darfur
The International Criminal Court believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are continuing in Sudan’s Darfur region, where civil war has raged for over two years, AP says in a report. On Thursday, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan informed the U.N. Security Council that the suffering has reached an “intolerable state.” She highlighted that famine is escalating while civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and humanitarian convoys, are being targeted.
July 11, 2025, 05:16:19 (IST)
Rwanda's biomedical centre warns esophageal cancer cases have nearly doubled in five years
Esophageal cancer is emerging as a serious health concern in Rwanda, with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) warning that new cases have persistently risen and nearly doubled over the past five years, according to a report in The New Times. The government agency’s data indicates a concerning trend, which is compounded by the issue of patients being diagnosed at a late stage of the disease. This development marks the disease as an increasingly significant public health challenge for the country.
July 11, 2025, 05:15:15 (IST)
Rwandan lawmakers question lack of price regulation in new consumer protection bill
A new competition and consumer protection bill under review in Rwanda’s Parliament has prompted questions from some members regarding its lack of provisions for price regulation, The New Times says in a report. During a parliamentary session on July 10, lawmakers debated the proposed legislation, which focuses on fostering competition and protecting consumers from unfair trade practices rather than direct government intervention in pricing. This approach aligns with Rwanda’s broader economic strategy of promoting a market-driven economy to attract investment.
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July 11, 2025, 04:31:27 (IST)
Nigerian tax reform chairman Taiwo Oyedele reports death threats over plan to curb illegal levies
Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of Nigeria’s Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, revealed he received death threats and had to flee his home, according to a report in Premium Times. The threats reportedly began after Oyedele announced plans to halt more than 60 government agencies from illegally collecting taxes and levies from citizens and businesses. The committee, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, is tasked with overhauling the nation’s tax system to address a severe revenue crisis and reduce the burden of multiple, often illicit, taxation that hampers economic activity. This incident highlights the significant resistance from entrenched interests to the government’s fiscal and anti-corruption reform agenda.
July 11, 2025, 04:30:19 (IST)
Doctors in Nigeria's Kogi state raise concerns over poor pay and lack of promotions
Doctors in Nigeria’s Kogi state are voicing concerns over significant challenges related to their employment conditions, according to a report in Premium Times. The medical professionals have highlighted several key issues, including the partial implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). They also report a lack of cash backing for previously awarded promotions and the absence of standard annual salary increments, leading to financial strain and low morale.
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July 11, 2025, 04:17:28 (IST)
Four clubs, including two private teams, secure promotion to Nigeria's top football league
Four clubs—Wikki Tourist, Barau FC, Warri Wolves, and Kun Khalifat—have earned promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season, according to a report in Premium Times. The promotion of Barau FC and Kun Khalifat FC is noted as a significant development, as both are privately-owned clubs, marking a shift in the composition of the traditionally state-funded league.
July 11, 2025, 04:17:28 (IST)
Nigerian court issues final warning to developer over trespass charges
A Nigerian court has issued a final warning to a property developer and two associates who repeatedly failed to appear for their arraignment on trespass charges, Premium Times says in a report. The judge rescheduled the arraignment, stating it was the final summons for the defendants to appear. The case stems from an ongoing land dispute.
July 11, 2025, 04:16:23 (IST)
Nigerian government to audit skills centres to address national skills gap
The Nigerian government is planning a comprehensive audit of all its skills acquisition centres following a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima to address the country’s significant skills gap, Premium Times says in a report. This initiative is a component of the broader economic reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which aims to boost job creation and human capital development. The audit will evaluate the operational efficiency and curriculum relevance of the training centres to better align them with the needs of the job market and support Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.
July 11, 2025, 04:16:23 (IST)
Nigerian senate asks president to approve N200m compensation for family of child killed by stray bullet
The Nigerian Senate has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a N200 million compensation package for the family of a child who was killed by a stray bullet fired by an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), according to a report in Premium Times. In addition to the compensation request, the Senate has also directed the NDLEA to assume full financial responsibility for the medical treatment of the deceased child’s brother, who sustained an eye injury after being shot by the officer during the same incident.
July 11, 2025, 04:15:18 (IST)
Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo reports death threats over Mohbad activism
Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo has reported that her life and family are under threat following a recent fire at her Lagos office, according to a report in Premium Times. She stated that she has received direct threats, including videos and images of coffins with her name on them. Ojo connects these acts of intimidation to her vocal activism in the ‘Justice for Mohbad’ movement, which has been demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Nigerian musician Mohbad in September 2023.
July 11, 2025, 04:02:28 (IST)
Nigeria win to book spot in Wafcon quarter-finals
Nigeria has become the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after securing a victory over Botswana, according to a report in BBC. The team netted a late goal to win the match and book their spot in the next stage of the tournament.
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July 11, 2025, 04:01:22 (IST)
Bismark Tyobeka appointed to chair South Africa's nuclear expert panel
South Africa has appointed Bismark Tyobeka as the chairperson of a new Ministerial Expert Panel on Nuclear, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The panel is tasked with providing advice to the government on the appropriate pace, scale, and procurement approach for developing new nuclear capacity. This appointment is part of the government’s response to the country’s long-running energy crisis and its exploration of various long-term solutions to ensure a stable electricity supply.
July 11, 2025, 04:01:22 (IST)
Nigerian legislative network seeks N5bn for cancer fund in 2026 budget
A legislative network in Nigeria is pushing for the inclusion of a N5 billion cancer fund in the country’s 2026 national budget, according to a report in Premium Times. The proposal, championed by figures including former Senator Oloriegbe, cites Nigeria’s growing population and a corresponding increase in cancer diagnoses as the primary reasons for the essential funding increase. The move represents an early-stage advocacy effort to influence the upcoming budget cycle and secure dedicated resources for cancer treatment and care.
July 11, 2025, 04:00:14 (IST)
Nigerian court bars influencer from posting about prophet amid N1 billion lawsuit
A court in Nigeria has issued an interlocutory injunction barring social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) from making further posts about televangelist Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, Premium Times says in a report. The order is part of an ongoing N1 billion defamation lawsuit that Fufeyin filed in August 2024 after VDM publicly questioned the authenticity of the prophet’s faith-based items, which included products described as a spiritual shirt and miracle water. The court has adjourned its final ruling on the matter.
July 11, 2025, 03:30:15 (IST)
Kenyan police officer faces revised charges in hawker shooting case
A Kenyan police officer, Masinde, is being prosecuted under a revised charge sheet for the shooting of a hawker, according to a report in Standard Media. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) changed the charges against the officer, leading to his court appearance where a co-accused in the case was set free. The event takes place amid broader national discussions in Kenya concerning police accountability and the challenges faced by informal traders, known as hawkers, in urban areas.
July 11, 2025, 03:15:18 (IST)
High-grade lithium deposits discovered in Rwanda
The UK-based critical minerals exploration company Aterian Plc has announced the discovery of high-grade lithium deposits within Rwanda, according to a report in The New Times. The finding was the result of a recent drilling exercise conducted by the company. This discovery positions Rwanda as a potential new source for the critical mineral, which is in high demand globally for the manufacturing of batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
July 11, 2025, 01:45:15 (IST)
Kenyan court nullifies president Ruto's gazettement of electoral commissioners
A court in Kenya has nullified the official gazettement of nominees to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by President William Ruto, Standard Media said in a report. The ruling found a procedural flaw in the final appointment act—the gazettement—which makes the appointments legally binding. However, the court did not find fault with the initial nomination process that selected the candidates. This decision effectively blocks the new commissioners from taking office and leaves the electoral body in a state of uncertainty, impacting its ability to function fully.
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July 11, 2025, 01:00:03 (IST)
Hassan Joho leads coastal MPs in campaign for President Ruto
ODM Deputy Party Leader Hassan Joho, a prominent opposition figure, is now leading several Members of Parliament from the Coast region in a political campaign supporting President William Ruto, according to a report in Standard Media. The campaign, which represents a major political shift, included fund drives for women and youth. During these events, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki distributed funds on behalf of President Ruto as part of the administration’s efforts to consolidate support in the historically opposition-aligned region.
July 11, 2025, 00:30:20 (IST)
South African government revokes directive requiring female officials to be addressed as 'sir'
The government of South Africa has formally revoked a protocol directive that mandated female officials be addressed with the title ‘sir’, according to a report in the Daily Sun. The annulment is part of a broader effort to modernize the public service and align with contemporary values of gender equality. In conjunction with this decision, a committee has been established to review other protocol rules inherited from past administrations to identify and remove outdated or discriminatory practices.
July 11, 2025, 00:30:20 (IST)
South African group threatens new protests over unpublished 'July charter'
Spokesperson Nahid Islam has issued an ultimatum in South Africa, warning of renewed street protests if a ‘July charter’ is not published by 3 August, the Daily Sun says in a report. The charter reportedly contains demands related to persistent socio-economic grievances in the country. Islam’s threat to ‘take to the streets again’ indicates the action would be a potential resumption of previous demonstrations.
July 11, 2025, 00:15:19 (IST)
Senegalese navy intercepts 201 West African migrants
Senegal’s navy intercepted 201 West African migrants in the country’s western Fatick region, the army announced on Wednesday, according to a report in AP. The operation, conducted by marines based in Foundiougne, stopped 132 people at sea and another 69 on land. The report notes that the Atlantic Ocean crossing continues to be the most popular and deadliest migration route for those travelling from Africa to Europe.
July 10, 2025, 23:15:02 (IST)
Kenyan MP released on bail following arrest during Saba Saba protests
Manyatta Member of Parliament (MP) Gitonga Mukunji has been released on bail after being arrested in connection with the ‘Saba Saba’ protests in Kenya on July 7, as per a report in Standard Media. The demonstrations were part of a broader, sustained public movement against the government’s proposed Finance Bill 2024. The ‘Saba Saba’ (July 7th) date is historically significant in Kenya, commemorating major pro-democracy protests that first took place in 1990. Mukunji’s release on bail grants him temporary liberty while the legal case against him proceeds.
July 10, 2025, 23:15:02 (IST)
European human rights court rules Caster Semenya was denied a fair hearing
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that South African runner Caster Semenya was denied a fair hearing in her legal battle against track and field’s sex eligibility rules, AP said in a report. In what is being called a partial victory for the two-time Olympic champion, the court’s 17-judge highest chamber found that Switzerland’s Supreme Court had violated some of Semenya’s rights during her appeal process. This decision stems from her seven-year fight against the regulations, with the ECHR concluding the Swiss court did not adequately address her claims of discrimination.
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July 10, 2025, 23:00:16 (IST)
South African government retires judges based on years of service, citing public interest
The government of South Africa has sent 25 judges into retirement upon their completion of 25 years of service, stating the decision was made in the public interest, as per a report in Daily Sun. This action is notable as the standard retirement for judges in the country is typically based on reaching the age of 70, not on years of service. The report contained conflicting figures, with its headline mentioning 18 judges while the description specified 25.
July 10, 2025, 22:45:19 (IST)
Rwandan minister warns against unsafe rebuilding in Musanze and Rubavu districts
A Rwandan government minister has issued a warning against unsafe housing reconstruction in the Musanze and Rubavu districts, where many families are rebuilding after being displaced by severe floods and landslides in 2023, according to a report in The New Times. The concerns focus on residents constructing homes that are either structurally unsound or located in high-risk zones prone to future natural disasters. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in the recovery and resettlement efforts following the environmental disasters from the previous year.
July 10, 2025, 22:15:21 (IST)
Rwanda's urban inflation rate rose to 7% in June
The cost of goods and services in Rwanda’s urban areas continued to rise in June 2025, with the consumer price index (CPI) showing a 7% year-on-year increase, according to a report in The New Times. This marks an acceleration from the 6.9% annual inflation rate recorded in the previous month, May 2025, indicating that inflationary pressures on the economy remained elevated.
July 10, 2025, 22:00:21 (IST)
Rwanda launches data science programme for public sector policymakers
A new programme has been launched in Rwanda to address the data skills gap among public sector employees and empower policymakers with data-driven insights, The New Times says in a report. The initiative is led by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) and is designed to enhance the capacity for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. This aligns with the nation’s broader goals of fostering a knowledge-based economy and advancing its digital transformation agenda.
July 10, 2025, 22:00:21 (IST)
Several killed in Kenya after police open fire on anti-government protesters
Several people have been killed in Kenya after police opened fire on anti-government protests fueled by a cost of living crisis, Al Jazeera says in a report. The demonstrations, largely spearheaded by opposition leader Raila Odinga and his Azimio la Umoja coalition, are a response to widespread public anger over rising inflation and a controversial proposed Finance Bill containing new taxes. The deadly clashes represent an escalation in a series of protests that have occurred following the breakdown of bipartisan talks between the opposition and the government of President William Ruto.
July 10, 2025, 21:30:36 (IST)
Cyclist Biniam Girmay optimistic for Tour de France, uncertain on Rwanda World Championships
African cycling star Biniam Girmay is optimistic about the current Tour de France, although he faces a difficult challenge in repeating his successes from the 2024 event, Deutsche Welle says in a report. Girmay also expressed uncertainty about whether he will compete in the forthcoming World Championships, which are set to be held in Rwanda.
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July 10, 2025, 21:01:20 (IST)
AFC/M23 rebel coalition praises Uganda for reopening DR Congo borders
The AFC/M23 rebel coalition has publicly praised Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to reopen all border posts with eastern DR Congo, according to a report in The New Times. Bertrand Bisimwa, the deputy coordinator for the AFC/M23 rebellion, issued a statement applauding the move by Uganda. This development occurs amid an ongoing military offensive by the M23 group in the volatile eastern DRC region and persistent diplomatic tensions between the DR Congo and its neighbors concerning the conflict.
July 10, 2025, 21:00:15 (IST)
UN security council welcomes peace deal between Rwanda and DR Congo
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, July 9, formally welcomed a peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as per a report in The New Times. The deal, which was concluded in Washington, D.C. on June 27, is intended to address the long-standing conflict and de-escalate severe tensions in Africa’s Great Lakes region. The conflict has historically been centered on mutual accusations, including DR Congo’s claims of Rwandan support for M23 rebels and Rwanda’s claims of DR Congo harboring FDLR militants.
July 10, 2025, 21:00:15 (IST)
European human rights court rules in favor of Caster Semenya in fair hearing case
South African Olympic champion Caster Semenya secured a victory at the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled on Thursday that she was denied a fair hearing by Switzerland’s Supreme Court, according to a report in AP. The court’s highest chamber found that Semenya’s rights were violated during her appeal against a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling. That original ruling had upheld World Athletics’ regulations that require female athletes with certain differences in sex development to medically lower their natural testosterone levels to compete in specific events. This decision marks a significant development in Semenya’s seven-year legal challenge against the sports eligibility rules.
July 10, 2025, 20:47:36 (IST)
Resilience can be passed from mothers to daughters in Rwanda, new study finds
A new study focused on Rwanda suggests that resilience, the capacity to recover after traumatic events, can be transmitted from mothers to their daughters, according to a report in The New Times. This intergenerational transfer of resilience can help protect both generations from developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The research is significant in the context of the widespread trauma resulting from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting a potential mechanism for breaking the cycle of trauma within families.
July 10, 2025, 20:47:36 (IST)
South African political parties reach consensus on chief justice appointment criteria
Political parties in South Africa have achieved a consensus on two key aspects of the appointment process for the nation’s Chief Justice, the Daily Sun says in a report. The agreement, reached among all attending parties, stipulates that the candidate for the top judicial post will be selected from the pool of the seniormost judges currently serving on the Supreme Court of Appeal (also referred to as the Appellate Division). This development establishes a clearer framework for future appointments to the head of the judiciary.
July 10, 2025, 20:46:25 (IST)
Miss Cameroon 2025 pageant faces early challenges
The upcoming Miss Cameroon 2025 pageant is encountering unspecified challenges ahead of the event, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The article indicates that the path to winning the prestigious crown is facing difficulties, though the specific nature of these hurdles was not detailed in the available text.
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July 10, 2025, 20:45:23 (IST)
International business forum for diaspora opens in Douala, Cameroon
An international business forum aimed at connecting the Cameroonian diaspora with local investment opportunities has opened in the city of Douala, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The event, named the ‘Impact Diaspora International Business Forum’, seeks to foster socio-economic development by encouraging members of the diaspora to invest in Cameroon. The forum provides a platform for expatriates, local entrepreneurs, and officials to discuss partnerships and support the country’s national development strategy.
July 10, 2025, 20:45:23 (IST)
Kenyan police officer to face murder charge in hawker's shooting death
A Kenyan court has deferred the plea of police officer Klinzy Masinde, who is facing a murder charge in the shooting death of hawker Boniface Kariuki, according to a report in Standard Media Kenya. The plea was postponed to allow for a mental assessment of the accused officer. Masinde will be detained at the Nairobi Remand Prison pending the next court appearance.
July 10, 2025, 20:45:23 (IST)
African newspapers shift to digital distribution amid economic pressures and government modernization goals
A move toward digital distribution for newspapers is gaining momentum across Africa, driven by a combination of factors, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. Traditional print media outlets face significant economic challenges, including high production costs and declining revenues, making digital platforms a necessary survival strategy. This transition aligns with broader national digital transformation strategies being implemented by many African governments, such as in Cameroon, to modernize services. However, this shift also highlights significant concerns, including the potential to worsen the ‘digital divide’ by limiting access for rural or less-connected populations. Furthermore, the move to online media has intensified debates around press freedom, misinformation, and the potential for increased government surveillance or control over digital content.
July 10, 2025, 20:15:15 (IST)
US imposes 30 percent tariff on South African goods, prompting condemnation
The United States has imposed a 30 percent tariff on goods from South Africa, part of a broader action by President Donald Trump’s administration targeting 14 countries for alleged unfair trade practices, according to a report in France 24. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the move, calling it a “misinterpretation of data,” and warned of serious harm to the nation’s economy, as the US is a major trading partner. The US also threatened an additional 10 percent tariff on countries that work with the BRICS bloc.
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