From contested elections in Gabon and a foiled coup in Burkina Faso to escalating violence in Sudan and Uganda, Africa is witnessing a wave of political and security developments. Meanwhile, environmental and human rights concerns are mounting, with mass hippo poisonings in Congo, torture allegations in Tanzania and whistleblower threats in Kenya. Stay tuned as we track the continent’s rapidly unfolding events:
Africa News Live Updates: Nigerian civil society seeks unified approach to domestic health financing
Africa News Live Updates: Nigerian civil society seeks unified approach to domestic health financing
FP News Desk
• June 27, 2025, 06:17:26 IST
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping operations, regional integration efforts, econofrica News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog tracking the latest developments across the continent. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, peacekeeping operations, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration, and grassroots activism. Stay informed on Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and its responses to internal and external challenges across sectorsmic 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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From contested elections in Gabon and a foiled coup in Burkina Faso to escalating violence in Sudan and Uganda, Africa is witnessing a wave of political and security developments. Meanwhile, environmental and human rights concerns are mounting, with mass hippo poisonings in Congo, torture allegations in Tanzania and whistleblower threats in Kenya. Stay tuned as we track the continent’s rapidly unfolding events:
From Gabon to Sudan: A continent confronts crisis and change
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping operations, regional integration efforts, econofrica News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog tracking the latest developments across the continent. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, peacekeeping operations, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration, and grassroots activism. Stay informed on Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and its responses to internal and external challenges across sectorsmic 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:
June 27, 2025, 06:17:26 (IST)
Zimbabwe to host cricket tri-series with South Africa in soft power push
Zimbabwe will host a Twenty20 cricket tri-series next month featuring South Africa and New Zealand, an event framed by the country’s political and economic context, AP says in a report. According to political analysts, the series serves as a strategic opportunity for Zimbabwe’s government to project an image of stability and normalcy to the international community following controversial elections. For neighboring South Africa, participation is seen as a way to reinforce its regional leadership and boost national morale amid its own domestic challenges. The event also highlights a broader global trend where national sports bodies face challenges retaining top players, such as New Zealand’s Devon Conway, who prioritize lucrative overseas leagues.
June 27, 2025, 06:16:21 (IST)
Kenyan writer and post-colonial critic Ngugi wa Thiong’o dies at 87
Ngugi wa Thiong’o, one of Africa’s most significant writers and post-colonial thinkers, has died at age 87, The Washington Post says in a report. His literary work and essays consistently grappled with the enduring impact of colonialism and critiqued contemporary issues in post-independence Africa, including corruption and authoritarianism. A prominent political activist, Ngugi was imprisoned without trial in Kenya in 1977 for his work and was subsequently forced into exile for more than two decades. A core part of his legacy was his decision to stop writing in English and adopt his native Gikuyu, a move he described as a crucial act of “linguistic decolonization” to challenge the cultural dominance of former colonial powers.
June 27, 2025, 06:16:21 (IST)
Guinean lawyer Mohamed Traoré reportedly abducted and tortured
The reported abduction and torture of lawyer Mohamed Traoré has sparked alarm in Guinea, as per a report in Jeune Afrique. This event is seen as part of a broader crackdown on civil liberties and dissent following the September 2021 military coup. The incident underscores the risks faced by civil society and legal professionals under the ruling military junta, the CNRD, and raises further concerns about the country’s delayed transition back to civilian rule and the erosion of the rule of law.
June 27, 2025, 06:15:17 (IST)
Russian mercenaries in Africa reportedly use Telegram to publicize violent acts
Russian mercenaries associated with the Wagner Group in Africa are reportedly using the Telegram messaging app to publicize violent acts and alleged war crimes, according to a report in Jeune Afrique. This practice is described as a deliberate psychological warfare tactic designed to terrorize local populations and intimidate adversaries. The use of Telegram, which has more permissive content policies than other platforms, allows for the dissemination of graphic material. These actions are part of a broader pattern of documented human rights abuses by the group in countries like Mali and the Central African Republic, and they highlight a key component of Russia’s strategy to exert influence on the continent through unconventional means.
June 27, 2025, 05:30:16 (IST)
Scientists raise alarm over worsening pollution in Rwanda's Nyabugogo river
Scientists have issued a warning about the escalating pollution of the Nyabugogo river, a critical urban waterway in Kigali, Rwanda, according to a report in The New Times. The increasing contamination is attributed to a variety of sources linked to inadequate waste management, encompassing industrial and domestic wastewater. This environmental degradation poses a direct threat to public health and challenges the country’s national development plans, including its Vision 2050 green growth strategy and its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals for clean water.
June 27, 2025, 04:31:21 (IST)
Rwanda to begin construction on delayed Kigali sewerage system in July
Rwanda’s government has committed to fast-tracking the long-delayed Kigali Centralized Sewerage System, with construction now scheduled to start in July, according to a report in The New Times. After being marred by delays, the preparatory work for the project is now in its final stage. The system is a critical infrastructure project aligned with Kigali’s rapid urbanization and the country’s national development goals for improved public health and sustainable cities.
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June 27, 2025, 04:30:16 (IST)
Dehorning strategy in South Africa leads to 78% drop in rhino deaths
A conservation strategy of removing rhino horns in South Africa has resulted in a 78% reduction in poaching-related deaths, according to a report in The Washington Post. The measure is being implemented by conservationists to protect the animals by removing the object desired by poachers. This direct anti-poaching tactic is part of a wider set of conservation efforts and debates, including the use of advanced surveillance technology and ongoing international discussions about the possibility of a regulated legal trade in rhino horn.
June 27, 2025, 04:30:16 (IST)
Presley Chweneyagae, star of South African Oscar-winner 'Tsotsi', dies at 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his starring role in the 2005 film ‘Tsotsi,’ has died at 40, the Washington Post says in a report. The film, a drama set in a Johannesburg slum, garnered South Africa’s first Academy Award for best foreign-language film in 2006, with Chweneyagae’s performance being central to its success.
June 27, 2025, 04:15:16 (IST)
Mobile loan uptake surges in Rwanda amid digital finance growth
The uptake of mobile loans is surging in Rwanda, driven by the rapid growth of mobile money usage and a broader shift toward more accessible digital financial services, according to a report in The New Times. This increase in digital financing is enabling more people to access credit directly through their mobile devices. The trend aligns with the country’s national strategy for digital transformation and financial inclusion, which has been supported by government initiatives to promote a cashless economy and policies from the National Bank of Rwanda aimed at modernizing the financial sector.
June 27, 2025, 03:15:07 (IST)
Investors and central bank push for lower inflation target in South Africa
Investors are increasingly pressing South Africa to lower its official inflation target from the current 3-6% range, as per a report in the Financial Times. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has also indicated that the existing target keeps long-term price risks ‘higher than they need to be,’ suggesting an alignment with investor sentiment on the need for greater price stability. This push for tighter monetary policy comes amid significant economic challenges for the country, including high unemployment and persistent power cuts, creating a difficult balancing act for policymakers between attracting investment and fostering short-term economic growth.
June 27, 2025, 03:01:22 (IST)
Judge warns Trump administration against deportations to Libya
A federal judge issued a stern warning to the Trump administration, cautioning against any plans to deport immigrants to Libya, the Washington Post said in a report. The judicial order came in response to reports that the United States was preparing to send a plane of immigrants to the North African country, which is currently experiencing significant civil conflict and instability. The judge’s action underscores the legal and humanitarian concerns surrounding the forced return of individuals to a nation widely considered unsafe.
June 27, 2025, 03:01:22 (IST)
Botswana advocacy group urges UN to recognize same-sex unions
The advocacy group Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) has appealed to the UN Human Rights Committee to urge the Botswana government to legally recognize same-sex partnerships, according to a report in the Botswana Gazette. The organization is requesting that the UN push for recognition through various means, including civil unions, domestic partnerships, or full marriage equality. In its appeal, LEGABIBO specifically included the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming women. This action follows a landmark 2019 High Court ruling in the country that decriminalized consensual same-sex relations but did not grant legal status to same-sex unions.
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June 27, 2025, 03:01:22 (IST)
AI prompts call for urgent intellectual property reform in Botswana
An intellectual property attorney in Botswana is calling for urgent legal reform to protect the country’s creatives from copyright issues posed by the rapid growth of AI-generated content, according to a report in the Botswana Gazette. The attorney highlights that the explosion of content created by artificial intelligence has established new legal grey zones, creating a risk of “copyright chaos.” The call for reform aims to address how intellectual property laws define originality and authorship in an era where machines can compose music, write poetry, and generate other creative works, thereby safeguarding the rights of human creators.
June 27, 2025, 03:00:15 (IST)
UK minister rejects £24bn plan to bring power from Morocco
The UK government has rejected a £24bn project proposed by the company Xlinks to import electricity from Morocco via undersea cables, according to a report in the Financial Times. UK minister Ed Miliband stated the project did not “stack up,” leading to the decision. In response, Xlinks expressed that it was “bitterly disappointed” by the minister’s view and announced it will now consider other options for its renewable energy project based in Morocco.
June 27, 2025, 02:46:20 (IST)
Faith Kipyegon falls short in bid for first sub-four minute mile by a woman
Kenyan athlete and triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon did not achieve her goal of running the first sub-four-minute mile by a woman during a race on Thursday, according to a report in Standard Media. The attempt at the historic athletic benchmark was unsuccessful, with the report stating she fell well short of the target time.
June 27, 2025, 02:45:15 (IST)
Botswana government secures P500 million for retired soldiers' benefits
The Government of Botswana has secured P500 million to facilitate the payment of long-awaited retirement benefits owed to members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), according to a report in the Botswana Gazette. The Ministry for State President announced the development, confirming that the funds will be channelled through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) to cover the transfer of benefits to the retired soldiers.
June 27, 2025, 02:16:22 (IST)
Africa sees use of AI drones against malaria, mobilization of sovereign wealth funds, and economic hardship in Niger
Recent developments across Africa include the deployment of AI-powered drones to target high-risk malaria areas, as per a report in Africa News. In Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, a meeting of African sovereign wealth funds focused on mobilizing domestic capital to finance infrastructure projects on the continent. Meanwhile, herders in Niger are facing significant economic difficulty due to a ban on livestock exports, which is a result of regional sanctions imposed after the 2023 coup.
June 27, 2025, 02:15:17 (IST)
US-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and DR Congo finalized for signing
A peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, brokered by the United States, has been finalized and is scheduled to be signed in Washington D.C. on Friday, June 27, The New Times says in a report. The deal, which aims to de-escalate tensions fueled by conflict in eastern DR Congo, will be signed by the foreign affairs ministers of both nations. This development follows increased U.S. diplomatic engagement in Africa’s Great Lakes region amid a severe humanitarian crisis linked to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group.
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June 27, 2025, 01:45:28 (IST)
Opposition in Togo plans further protests against President Gnassingbe's rule
Opposition groups in Togo are organizing additional rallies in response to a new political structure that could potentially allow President Faure Gnassingbe to remain in power indefinitely. These planned demonstrations follow earlier anti-government protests, which were met with dozens of arrests by authorities. The movement is reportedly driven significantly by the country’s youth, who are rejecting the changes and challenging the long-standing rule of the Gnassingbe family.
June 27, 2025, 01:45:28 (IST)
Tensions rise in Côte d'Ivoire as supporters rally for banned opposition candidate
Supporters of an unnamed, banned opposition candidate have held rallies in Côte d’Ivoire, raising political tensions ahead of the scheduled October presidential polls, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The demonstrations come amid growing concerns among the public of a potential repeat of the significant election-related violence that occurred in the country following the 2010-2011 elections.
June 27, 2025, 01:31:22 (IST)
AfDB grants $500,000 for Kigali cable car feasibility study
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $500,000 grant to fund a feasibility study for a proposed urban cable car transport system in Kigali, Rwanda, The New Times said in a report. The grant, finalized on June 25, is designated for the initial planning phase to assess the viability of the project’s first stage. This funding is not for construction, which would be subject to the study’s findings and require further financing. The proposed system is part of Kigali’s broader urban modernization efforts and aligns with Rwanda’s national strategy to improve infrastructure and sustainable transport.
June 27, 2025, 01:30:17 (IST)
Heavy police presence in Nairobi ahead of anniversary protests
A significant police presence was deployed in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday in anticipation of protests marking the one-year anniversary of anti-tax demonstrations that resulted in 60 deaths and 20 missing persons, Africanews said in a report. The planned demonstrations commemorate the widespread public opposition to the government’s Finance Bill 2023, which introduced new taxes and levies amid a severe cost of living crisis. The heavy deployment underscores tensions as citizens prepare to protest again over ongoing economic grievances.
June 27, 2025, 01:15:25 (IST)
African Union Commission elects new chairperson
The African Union Commission has elected a new chairperson to lead the continental body, as per a report in Premium Times. The election marks a significant leadership transition for the organization, which is responsible for implementing the African Union’s policies and decisions across the continent. The new chairperson will be tasked with guiding the commission’s agenda on key issues such as peace, security, and economic development.
June 27, 2025, 00:45:18 (IST)
Abidjan forecast to see rain and thunderstorms on Friday
The forecast for Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for Friday, June 27, predicts rain and a thunderstorm with a high of 28 degrees and a low of 24 degrees Celsius, as per a report in AP. The forecast also indicates a 92% chance of precipitation with southwesterly winds of 14 kph and 87% humidity.
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June 27, 2025, 00:45:18 (IST)
Kenyan deputy president warns against 'anarchy' following violent protests
Following violent nationwide protests on Wednesday, Kenyan Deputy President Kithure Kindiki issued a strong warning that the country will not be allowed to “slide into anarchy,” Standard Media says in a report. Kindiki, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, made the statement in response to escalating demonstrations. The protests are part of a movement against the government’s proposed Finance Bill 2024 and the high cost of living, which have recently intensified and turned violent.
June 27, 2025, 00:00:17 (IST)
Lawsuit targets conservation groups over deadly elephant translocation in Malawi
A lawsuit has been filed against major international conservation organizations, referred to as ‘Big Conservation’, over an elephant translocation in Malawi that resulted in fatalities, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The legal action alleges negative human and social impacts on local communities, challenging projects that are claimed to have adversely affected local land and livelihoods. The case formally questions the accountability of the powerful non-governmental organizations involved in the large-scale conservation project.
June 26, 2025, 23:45:22 (IST)
Edouard Mendy says he joined Al-Ahli for trophies, not money
Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has said that his transfer from English club Chelsea to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli was driven by the prospect of winning more silverware, according to a report in BBC. The former Chelsea player stated that he believed Al-Ahli presented a better opportunity to win trophies than his previous club in west London. His move is part of a broader trend of high-profile football players transferring to the Saudi Pro League.
June 26, 2025, 23:45:22 (IST)
Zimbabwe divided over land compensation 25 years after farm seizures
A quarter-century after the start of Zimbabwe’s contentious fast-track land reform program, the nation’s former white commercial farmers are still split on how to proceed, as per a report in BBC News. While some have opted to accept a compensation package from the government, others are continuing their fight for what they consider a more just resolution. The central issue revolves around the 2020 Global Compensation Deed, in which the Zimbabwean government agreed to pay US$3.5 billion for improvements made on the seized farms, but not for the land itself. The slow pace of payments and the fundamental disagreement over the terms have created a division, with some farmers seeking closure and others holding out for full property rights or better compensation, a situation that continues to impact Zimbabwe’s efforts to attract foreign investment and re-engage with international financial institutions.
June 26, 2025, 23:31:29 (IST)
Rwandan peacekeepers provide medical aid to 600 displaced persons in South Sudan
Peacekeepers from Rwanda, serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), have provided free medical care to approximately 600 displaced persons, according to a report in The New Times. The two-day medical outreach offered much-needed treatment and also included education on aftercare for the internally displaced population. This humanitarian action falls under the UNMISS mandate to protect civilians in the region.
June 26, 2025, 23:30:23 (IST)
Nigeria introduces major tax system overhaul
Nigeria has introduced a major overhaul of its tax system, a move the government argues is intended to boost state revenue while also helping poorer families, BBC says in a report. The policy is a significant part of the broader economic reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has been grappling with high inflation and the economic effects of the 2023 fuel subsidy removal. The overhaul aims to restructure the nation’s fiscal framework to increase government income and manage the rising cost of living for its citizens.
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June 26, 2025, 23:20:48 (IST)
African leaders order military commanders to plan for immediate DRC ceasefire
Leaders from Southern and East Africa have given military commanders a five-day deadline to provide the technical direction for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The directive followed a summit aimed at addressing the escalating violence in the region. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the outcome of the summit, which represents a regional effort to de-escalate hostilities and find a path toward stability.
June 26, 2025, 23:19:43 (IST)
Kenyan president warns against violence as protests over finance bill grip nation
Kenyan President William Ruto issued a warning against violence and vandalism as widespread protests continued across the country on June 25, Standard Media says in a report. The demonstrations, primarily led by Kenyan youth and organized through social media, are in opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2024. Critics argue the bill’s new tax measures, including levies on vehicles and imported goods, will significantly increase the cost of living. In a statement appealing for unity, President Ruto remarked, “We have no other country,” framing it as a call to avoid actions that could destabilize the nation.
June 26, 2025, 23:18:37 (IST)
SADC announces phased withdrawal of troops from eastern DRC
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will begin a phased withdrawal of its military mission from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, reiterating the need for a political and diplomatic solution to restore peace in the conflict-torn country, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which was deployed in December 2023, was tasked with supporting the Congolese army (FARDC) against various armed groups, notably the M23 rebels. This withdrawal follows the departure of the East African Community Regional Force in late 2023 and coincides with the ongoing drawdown of the UN’s MONUSCO peacekeeping mission.
June 26, 2025, 23:18:37 (IST)
Kenyan opposition and protesters challenge President Ruto over broken promises and state force
Opposition leaders and youth protesters in Kenya are challenging President William Ruto’s government, accusing him of failing to keep promises and warning against the use of state force to suppress dissent, according to a report in Standard Media Kenya. The demonstrations are reportedly fueled by public anger over the rising cost of living and controversial tax proposals. Protesters, particularly young people, claim President Ruto has not delivered on his 2022 election pledges for economic relief, while opposition figures have cautioned the government against violating constitutional order by using force to quell the protests.
June 26, 2025, 23:17:32 (IST)
Africa is key to solving global crises, B20 South Africa leader says
The leader of the B20 (Business 20) in South Africa has asserted that the African continent is key to resolving global crises, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The B20, which serves as the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community, frames this view based on Africa’s growing geopolitical significance, its demographic dividend, and its vast reserves of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. This perspective positions Africa as a crucial partner in tackling worldwide challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and supply chain stability, shifting the narrative from aid-dependency to strategic partnership.
June 26, 2025, 23:17:32 (IST)
Report highlights refinery boom in West Africa boosting local energy production
A significant refinery boom is reshaping the energy landscape in West Africa, boosting local production capacity and reducing the region’s dependence on imported fuel products, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The trend, highlighted in a report by the African Development Bank, marks a strategic shift for oil-producing nations that have historically exported raw crude oil only to re-import more expensive refined products. This increase in domestic refining is expected to enhance energy security, lower import bills, and create new investment opportunities, aligning with broader economic goals of adding value to raw materials locally and fostering intra-regional trade.
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June 26, 2025, 23:16:27 (IST)
Experts call for development of AI skills in Africa's education sector
A collective of experts is urging African nations to integrate AI skills development across all levels of the education sector, according to a report in Africanews. The call emphasizes the need to build human capital capable of driving economic growth, addressing high youth unemployment, and harnessing the continent’s demographic dividend. This initiative aligns with existing continental goals, such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, and requires significant policy reforms, curriculum updates, and investment in teacher training and digital infrastructure. The move is seen as crucial for creating high-value jobs, fostering innovation, and opening avenues for public-private partnerships to build a more skilled local workforce.
June 26, 2025, 23:15:26 (IST)
South Africa's ruling coalition divided over military deployment in DRC
A parliamentary debate in South Africa has revealed divisions within the new Government of National Unity (GNU) regarding the country’s military deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a report in Mail & Guardian. While opposition parties are demanding an immediate withdrawal of troops, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola, representing the African National Congress’s (ANC) position, has strongly opposed the move. Lamola stated in parliament that a withdrawal would be “worse than surrender,” highlighting a significant policy disagreement between the ANC and its GNU partners.
June 26, 2025, 23:15:26 (IST)
Irish business leaders view Africa as key for agricultural growth amid rising food import costs
Irish business leaders are highlighting Africa as a crucial area for expanding agriculture and food production, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The focus comes as the continent’s food imports exceeded $55 billion last year. This figure is projected to nearly double, reaching an estimated $110 billion in 2025, signaling a significant and growing market dependency that has captured the attention of the Irish business community for potential investment and development.
June 26, 2025, 23:15:26 (IST)
Conflict in eastern Congo puts park rangers protecting wildlife at high risk
Park rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are risking their lives to protect endangered species amid the multifaceted armed conflict in the country’s eastern region, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. These rangers operate in a highly dangerous environment where armed groups, involved in the illicit trade of natural resources like minerals and timber, frequently target national parks. The persistent conflict and associated economic instability leave the rangers and their families vulnerable, despite assistance efforts from park authorities. The situation highlights the challenges of conservation in active conflict zones where rangers often serve as the primary state authority in remote areas.
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‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’
Erika Kirk delivered an emotional speech from her late husband's studio, addressing President Trump directly. She urged people to join a church and keep Charlie Kirk's mission alive, despite technical interruptions. Erika vowed to continue Charlie's campus tours and podcast, promising his mission will not end.
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