Africa News Live Updates: Botswana’s health crisis, South Africa’s policing woes signal institutional strain

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the police for arresting lawyers representing the Anambra State government, Premium Times said in a report. The arrests occurred after the state lawyers withdrew charges against Joshua Ikechukwu, a suspect accused of killing an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative, Aminu Salisu, during a raid in Anambra State in January.

Human rights group Amnesty International and lawyers have condemned the detention of Nigerian activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, who was taken into custody on Wednesday, August 6, after voluntarily responding to a police invitation, according to a report in Premium Times. Sowore is a prominent pro-democracy campaigner, founder of the news outlet Sahara Reporters, and a former presidential candidate. Rights groups have characterized the detention as an infringement on fundamental rights and part of a broader pattern of state pressure on activists and civil society in the country.

A Nigerian lawmaker is challenging the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) after the body withheld the results of 192,089 candidates from the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, as per a report in Premium Times. The decision, announced by WAEC’s Head of National Office, Amos Dangut, affects 9.75% of the total candidates who participated in the examination. The results were reportedly withheld due to ongoing investigations into suspected examination malpractice.

Police in Nigeria’s Ebonyi State have confirmed the abduction of a couple from a local community, an incident reportedly linked to an ongoing land dispute, Premium Times said in a report.

Authorities in Nigeria’s Kaduna state are set to begin a monkeypox vaccination drive in local government areas (LGAs) that have seen a significant number of cases, according to a report in Premium Times. The public health initiative is a response to the recording of a notable number of monkeypox infections across several LGAs within the state, prompting the measure to curb the spread of the virus.

A fire at the Egbin Power Plc facility has resulted in significant damage to a 150MVA power transformer belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), according to a report in Premium Times. This event underscores the severe vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s power sector, which is plagued by ageing infrastructure and chronic underinvestment. The incident highlights the operational and coordination challenges within the country’s partially privatised energy system, as the state-owned TCN is responsible for transmission from privately-run generation plants like Egbin. The damage is expected to lead to considerable power supply disruptions, increasing operational costs for businesses and impacting industrial output, thereby posing a material risk to economic stability and potentially deterring foreign investment.

The humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports its health facilities in southwest Ethiopia are overwhelmed by rising infant hunger and malaria cases following aid cuts, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The organisation states that its facilities in the region, which also shelters thousands of refugees, are struggling to cope with the increased demand for medical care. The crisis is reportedly driven by a combination of reduced international aid, ongoing regional conflicts, and the influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, placing immense strain on existing health infrastructure.

An American hunter, Asher Watkins, died after being attacked by a Cape buffalo he was stalking during an expedition in South Africa’s Limpopo province on August 3, according to a report in The Guardian. The hunting trip was organized by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, which confirmed the death in a statement, noting the incident occurred while Watkins was tracking the animal.

Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has lauded the Zimbabwean government for its significant role in the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) efforts to address the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, The New Times says in a report. The commendation acknowledges Zimbabwe’s leadership and contribution to the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), a military deployment aimed at supporting the Congolese army against armed factions, primarily the M23 rebel group in the country’s eastern region. This diplomatic statement highlights the evolving regional security architecture, with the SADC-led intervention having taken over responsibilities from a previous East African Community force.

A man in South Africa, charged with the murder of a woman he reportedly met on Facebook, has abandoned his bail application, The Star says in a report. The decision means the accused will not pursue temporary release from custody while awaiting trial.

The systematic and illegal harvesting of South Sudan’s valuable teak forests by soldiers and smugglers is causing significant economic and environmental damage, as per a report in Daily Maverick. This illicit trade represents a substantial loss of national assets and potential state revenue for the fragile, post-conflict economy, thereby hindering development and perpetuating aid dependency. The involvement of state security personnel highlights a severe breakdown in the rule of law and deep-seated corruption, creating an extremely high-risk environment that deters legitimate business and investment. This activity, a manifestation of the ‘resource curse’, not only undermines governance and peace efforts but also inflicts long-term ecological damage on the nation’s natural capital.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has publicly endorsed Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory, a move that directly challenges South Africa’s established foreign policy, as per a report in Daily Maverick. South Africa has historically been a key supporter of the Polisario Front and the self-declared Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic’s (SADR) quest for self-determination. Zuma’s statement is seen as a significant diplomatic victory for Morocco’s efforts to gain support across Africa for its position and creates a complex situation for the current South African government and the African Union, where the SADR is a member state.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is enhancing its military support for Angola and Namibia, focusing on building the capabilities of the two nations’ armed forces, Daily Maverick says in a report. The support primarily involves training, advising, and assisting partner forces, rather than direct US combat operations. This co-operation is expected to cover a wide range of activities, including professional military education, maritime security to address challenges like piracy and illegal fishing, logistics training, and intelligence sharing.

France has called for the European Union to take a leading role in addressing a perceived development gap in Africa, which it suggests has been created by a shift in United States foreign policy priorities, Daily Maverick says in a report. The French statement urges the EU to increase its strategic engagement and investment on the continent, implicitly positioning the bloc’s Global Gateway initiative as a key mechanism. This call to action is set against a backdrop of growing economic and political influence in Africa from other global powers, such as China and Russia, prompting a push for a more unified and proactive European strategy.

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered an end to visa exemptions for Algerian diplomats, significantly escalating a diplomatic dispute centred on Algeria’s refusal to cooperate on the return of its nationals, France 24 says in a report. The measure occurs amid deteriorating relations, which were exacerbated by France’s recent recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. The decision further strains the diplomatic relationship, affecting bilateral cooperation in areas such as regional security, energy, and trade.

Young migrants from Sierra Leone are increasingly falling victim to human traffickers and smugglers who operate with impunity due to weak law enforcement and a lack of regional cooperation, according to a report in Daily Maverick. High youth unemployment and severe economic hardship are significant factors compelling young people to seek livelihoods abroad, making them vulnerable to smuggling networks. The issue is exacerbated by systemic challenges in enforcing Sierra Leone’s anti-trafficking laws and regional protocols from organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Low prosecution rates for traffickers and difficulties in cross-border law enforcement contribute to a climate of impunity, leaving migrants susceptible to severe exploitation.

Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo are set to continue on Thursday, according to a report in Africanews. The report indicates an extension or continuation of the voting process in the country.

A call for unity from former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bédié to his Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI-RDA) is shaping the political environment ahead of the country’s 2025 presidential election, Africanews says in a report. The move is viewed as an attempt to consolidate the opposition after a fragmented effort during the 2020 election. A more unified opposition could present a stronger challenge to the ruling RHDP party, potentially introducing greater political uncertainty for investors. This development may affect market sentiment towards Ivorian sovereign debt and influence the broader economic outlook, depending on whether it leads to increased political competition or instability.

An investigator for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has found that Enercon Namibia, a fuel company, used money from the state-owned National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) to pay a N$35 million debt it owed to a Namcor subsidiary, The Namibian says in a report. The event reportedly occurred in 2022 after Enercon sold fuel station assets located at Namibian Defence Force bases to Namcor Petroleum Trading and Distribution, a subsidiary of Namcor.

The Rwandan government has announced a plan for one million households to adopt bioethanol as a primary cooking fuel within the next five years, as per a report in The New Times. This major policy initiative is designed to reduce national dependence on traditional biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal, which are linked to deforestation and significant public health issues from indoor air pollution. The transition is poised to create a substantial new market for bioethanol producers and investors while potentially disrupting the livelihoods of those in the traditional charcoal and firewood sectors. The move aligns with Rwanda’s broader environmental strategies and its climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Botswana’s government has reaffirmed its strategy to leverage sports as a catalyst for economic growth with the launch of the Local Organising Committee for the 2026 World Athletics Relay, as per a report in the Botswana Gazette. This initiative is a continuation of the nation’s long-standing policy to diversify its economy, which has historically been dependent on diamond mining. By hosting the international athletics event, the government aims to stimulate key sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and construction, creating opportunities for local businesses and enhancing the nation’s profile on the global stage.

The secretary-general of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), Fikile Mbalula, has stated that no party member will sing the divisive song ‘Kill the Boer’, stressing it has no place in the country’s current democracy, The Star said in a report. This declaration comes despite a previous court ruling that did not classify the song as hate speech, a decision currently under appeal. From a financial perspective, the ANC’s public disavowal of such radical rhetoric can be interpreted as a strategic move to bolster investor confidence by projecting an image of stability and de-escalating political tensions. The stance distances the governing party from more radical factions and may help to lower perceived political risk for capital invested in South Africa, particularly in sectors sensitive to social stability like agriculture and tourism.

The British High Commissioner has formally presented the insignia for a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Shaheen Anam in South Africa, as per a report in Daily Sun. The event marks the official conferral of the British honour, which is awarded for a significant achievement or service to the community.

In South Africa, the Western Cape High Court has dismissed a legal application by a Cape Town woman who was seeking access to her estranged husband’s portion of the proceeds from a home sale during their divorce, according to a report in The Star. The court’s decision rejected the woman’s specific claim on her husband’s share of the property assets, applying existing matrimonial law to the facts of the case.

Namibia’s Ministry of Works and Transport has sold 190 vehicles from government garages, raising about N$15 million in an auction, The Namibian says in a report. The sale was confirmed by Sam Kadhikwa, the acting head of government garages. The auction follows a directive issued in April by Veikko Nekundi, the minister of works and transport, which required all government garages to prepare vehicles for disposal as part of a government initiative.

A Nigerian Appeal Court has reinstated an interim forfeiture order from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against properties linked to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Premium Times says in a report. The appellate court’s ruling clarified that the constitutional immunity granted to serving governors does not shield assets suspected to be the proceeds of criminal activities. This decision sets a legal precedent regarding the scope of gubernatorial immunity and strengthens the EFCC’s ability to pursue asset recovery against politically exposed persons. The ruling directly impacts Yahaya Bello, whose term has ended and whose immunity has expired, making his assets subject to the interim order while legal proceedings continue.

Nigeria’s Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) has announced it is conducting a thorough investigation into an incident involving prominent Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, over his alleged controversial behaviour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, according to a report in Premium Times. The authority has stated that the matter is under investigation and has committed to holding any parties found culpable accountable under the law.

The casting of Nigerian actress Ashionye Raccah in the globally popular Netflix series ‘Wednesday’ signifies a notable moment for Nigeria’s creative industry, as per a report in Premium Times. This development aligns with a broader trend of major streaming platforms increasing investment in African content, driven by the continent’s vibrant creative sector and expanding subscriber base. For Nigeria, such high-profile international roles validate the government’s strategic emphasis on the creative economy as a pillar for economic diversification and for enhancing the nation’s soft power on the global stage. The achievement is viewed as a significant event for the Nigerian creative industry, potentially inspiring further foreign direct investment and fostering more international collaborations.

Nigerian customs officials have seized more than 1,600 parrots and canaries at Lagos’s international airport that were being illegally transported to Kuwait without a permit, according to a report in AP. The operation is considered one of the most significant wildlife trafficking seizures in Nigeria in recent years. Mark Ofua, a spokesperson for the non-governmental organization Wild Africa, stated the seizure represents a positive development in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade, noting that Nigeria has been a major hub for the global trafficking of protected species.

The United Nations has reported that M23 rebels were responsible for killing 319 civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo throughout July, marking one of the highest documented monthly death tolls attributed to the group, Al Jazeera says in a report. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, highlighted that the significant violence and loss of life in the North Kivu province occurred despite the existence of a regional truce agreement intended to de-escalate the conflict.

A severe cold front is expected to impact central and eastern South Africa with heavy rain and snow, as per a report in The Star. The extreme weather event is anticipated to place considerable strain on the nation’s fragile electricity grid, likely exacerbating the ongoing load shedding crisis as demand for heating increases. This poses significant risks for businesses through potential disruptions to operations and supply chains. The situation also presents an early and critical test for the disaster response and service delivery capabilities of the recently formed Government of National Unity, particularly concerning its ability to protect vulnerable populations in informal settlements who are most exposed to the harsh conditions.

The Lucas-Kennedy Foundation for African Development has hosted a reunion honouring the legacy of development organisation Africare while discussing new models for foreign assistance in Africa, according to a report in AllAfrica. The event’s theme, ‘Reimagining the Future of Foreign Assistance,’ suggests a move away from traditional, donor-driven aid towards strategies that prioritise equitable partnerships, local ownership, and private sector engagement. The gathering acknowledged the history of organisations like Africare, which was founded in 1970 and represents a more traditional era of aid delivery, while exploring how development support can adapt to contemporary challenges on the continent, aligning with the current US government’s strategic re-evaluation of its engagement with Africa.

A Nigerian court has ordered a man, identified as a ‘native doctor’ in Enugu, to be held in custody following his arrest in May for allegedly burying multiple people alive, including a pregnant woman, for ritual purposes, Premium Times says in a report. This case has significant implications beyond the criminal proceedings, drawing attention to the persistent security challenges and rule of law issues in Nigeria. From a business and investment perspective, such high-profile incidents can heighten perceived country risk, potentially deterring foreign and domestic capital by undermining confidence in state governance and its ability to ensure public safety and deliver justice.

Kenyan President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have appointed a five-member committee tasked with overseeing the execution of their joint 10-point agenda and the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, according to a report in Standard Media. This development follows an agreement reached between the two political figures in March. The new team will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the deal struck between Ruto’s UDA party and Odinga’s ODM party.

Siyabonga Mabena’s return is set to boost Mamelodi Sundowns as the club prepares for a challenging season, according to a report in The Star. The South African team is reportedly relying on its young talents, including Mabena, to support its quest for a title in the Premier Soccer League. His return is noted as an energising factor for the squad.

The Namibian government is consulting with the mining industry on a proposal to take a mandatory 51% ownership stake in all new mining ventures, according to a report in The Namibian. This policy, aimed at increasing local ownership, would require new legislation as current law does not provide for automatic state share acquisition outside of specific mineral agreements. The government currently holds smaller, minority stakes of between 3.4% and 10% in various existing mining companies. The proposal is explicitly focused on future projects and does not suggest changes to ownership in existing operations.

Former Namibian health minister Kalumbi Shangula was officially presented with a continental certificate of recognition from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Tuesday, The Namibian says in a report. The award honours Shangula for his “outstanding contribution to public health” in both Namibia and the wider southern African sub-region. The handover ceremony was conducted at the headquarters of the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

Nigerian footballer Asisat Oshoala visited a youth academy to interact with and inspire young players following the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament, as per a report in Premium Times. During the visit, Oshoala engaged with the players and team officials, thanking them for their support during the competition, noting that the academy’s team had watched the final match together.

Namibia’s parliament has recommended a ban on the import and sale of hookah, also known as hubbly bubbly, and vaping products, as per a report in The Namibian. The proposal is a response to the increasing popularity of these items, particularly among teenagers, and the rapid growth of hookah lounges in the country’s northern regions. The parliamentary recommendation has raised concerns among Namibian youth, who are frequent patrons of these establishments.