Africa News Live Updates: Raila Odinga's support for Kenyan government raises questions about his 2027 election plans
Africa News Live Updates: Raila Odinga's support for Kenyan government raises questions about his 2027 election plans
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• July 12, 2025, 06:00:02 IST
This is an AI assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources
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Africa News Live Updates: Stay connected as we bring you unfolding developments from across the continent — from power shifts and peacebuilding to bold strides in tech, trade and climate resilience. Explore how African nations are shaping their futures, responding to global pressures and driving change through diplomacy, innovation and community action
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 "Africa News Live Updates: Raila Odinga's support for Kenyan government raises questions about his 2027 election plans")
The day's news from Africa
Welcome to our Africa Live Updates: Today’s developments reflect the continent’s complex intersections of governance, reform, justice and public voice. From Raila Odinga’s political repositioning in Kenya to threats against Nigeria’s tax reform chief and fresh scrutiny over consumer protections in Rwanda, we track key shifts reshaping national trajectories. Ongoing crises—like the worsening conflict in Darfur and rising health threats—further underscore the urgency of local resilience and international accountability. Stay with us for timely reports and critical insights from across the continent
Today’s pulse from across Africa
Africa News Live Updates: Stay connected as we bring you unfolding developments from across the continent — from power shifts and peacebuilding to bold strides in tech, trade and climate resilience. Explore how African nations are shaping their futures, responding to global pressures and driving change through diplomacy, innovation and community action
July 12, 2025, 06:00:02 (IST)
ICC finds reasonable grounds to believe war crimes are being committed in Sudan
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced there are “reasonable grounds to believe” that war crimes are being committed in western Sudan, particularly the Darfur region, according to a report in BBC. This assessment stems from the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023. The ICC’s statement represents a formal legal step, indicating sufficient preliminary evidence exists to warrant further investigation into alleged atrocities such as targeting civilians and sexual violence. The court’s jurisdiction in Darfur dates back to a 2005 UN Security Council referral, and this new development increases international legal pressure on the leadership of both warring factions.
July 12, 2025, 05:49:16 (IST)
Africa focuses on legal frameworks for digital boom as Kigali plans new cable-car system
As Africa undergoes a significant digital transformation, efforts are underway to build a ‘tech-ready legal force’ and create laws that can keep pace with the continent’s rapid technological evolution, according to a report in Africanews. In a related infrastructure development, Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is set to launch Sub-Saharan Africa’s first urban cable-car system. The project is designed to enhance urban accessibility and generate employment opportunities.
July 12, 2025, 05:47:07 (IST)
Kenyan citizen faces execution in Vietnam after alleged security lapse at Addis Ababa airport
A Kenyan citizen is facing a potential death sentence in Vietnam for drug trafficking, with the ordeal allegedly beginning due to security issues at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The incident highlights concerns about the use of African airports as transit points for international drug trafficking. The case also brings attention to the severe legal penalties for such offenses in countries like Vietnam and the challenges of providing consular assistance to citizens facing legal trouble abroad.
July 12, 2025, 05:46:43 (IST)
UNESCO adds new African sites to World Heritage list
The United Nations’ cultural agency, UNESCO, has officially designated new locations in Africa for its World Heritage list, Al Jazeera says in a report. The announcement, made this week, recognizes the “outstanding universal value” of these cultural and historical locations. The new designations add to the continent’s recognized heritage and highlight the cultural significance of the newly listed sites.
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July 12, 2025, 05:42:14 (IST)
South Africa appoints head of new expert panel on nuclear energy
Professor Bismark Tyobeka has been appointed chairperson of a new South African ministerial expert panel on nuclear energy, the Mail & Guardian says in a report. The advisory body is tasked with providing recommendations to the government regarding the pace, scale, and procurement approach for developing new nuclear capacity. This appointment is a significant step in the country’s efforts to address its ongoing energy crisis and plan for long-term energy security.
July 12, 2025, 05:32:30 (IST)
South Africa secure quarter-final spot after 1-1 draw with Tanzania at Wafcon
Defending champions South Africa salvaged a 1-1 draw against Tanzania in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match, as per a report in BBC. The result means the holders are now virtually assured of progressing to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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July 12, 2025, 05:20:43 (IST)
Nigeria's federal government inaugurates local organising committee for AFRIMA 2025
Nigeria’s federal government has officially inaugurated the Local Organising Committee for the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which is set to return to Lagos, according to a report in Premium Times. The pan-African music event is scheduled to take place from November 25 to November 30 under the theme “Unstoppable Africa”. This follows the 2023 edition of the awards, which was hosted by Senegal.
July 12, 2025, 05:19:19 (IST)
Court to hear Dangote Refinery's suit to block petroleum product imports in Nigeria
The Dangote Refinery has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the importation of all petroleum products into Nigeria, according to a report in Premium Times. The company is asking a court to declare that the import licences currently being issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) are in violation of the country’s Petroleum Industry Act. The suit, which could significantly alter Nigeria’s downstream energy sector, has been scheduled for a hearing.
July 12, 2025, 05:15:18 (IST)
Police in Nigeria's Jigawa state arrest ruling party member over social media comment
Police in the northern Nigerian state of Jigawa have arrested an All Progressives Congress (APC) party member, Mr. Gossima, for a social media comment, Premium Times said in a report. The arrest allegedly followed a complaint from Mr. Suleiman, an APC aspirant for the House of Representatives, who reportedly took offence at the online post. This incident points to internal political disputes within Nigeria’s ruling party at the state level.
July 12, 2025, 03:51:51 (IST)
Kenyan court nullifies Ruto's gazettement but upholds nomination process
A court in Kenya has issued a dual ruling, nullifying the official gazettement of Ruto while simultaneously finding no fault in the nomination process itself, Standard Media says in a report. The decision validates the procedures followed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for candidate nominations. However, the nullification of the gazettement, the official public notice that makes an election result legally binding, casts uncertainty on the outcome.
July 12, 2025, 03:45:14 (IST)
Rwanda's chief justice calls for integrity as 53 new judges and registrars are sworn in
In Rwanda, 53 new judges and court registrars have been sworn into the nation’s judiciary, as per a report in The New Times. During the ceremony, Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa addressed the new appointees, urging them to uphold professionalism and integrity in their duties. She stressed the importance of their oath as a fundamental commitment to the country’s justice system.
July 12, 2025, 02:43:58 (IST)
Cameroon awaits UNESCO decision on Diy-Gid-Biy world heritage status
Cameroon is awaiting a decision from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee regarding the nomination of the Diy-Gid-Biy site for World Heritage status, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The application is reportedly in the final stages of a multi-step evaluation process, with a decision anticipated at the committee’s next session. The nomination is a key part of Cameroon’s national strategy to preserve and promote its cultural sites.
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July 12, 2025, 02:40:20 (IST)
Nigerian stock market gains N1.08 trillion to close the week
The Nigerian stock market concluded the week on a positive note, recording a gain of N1.08 trillion, according to a report in Premium Times. This upward trend was primarily fueled by heightened investor demand for banking sector equities. Key stocks that saw increased interest included First Bank Holding Company, United Bank for Africa, and FCMB, contributing to the market’s overall strong performance.
July 12, 2025, 02:34:37 (IST)
Kenyan interior minister tells government critics to wait for 2027 elections
Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has advised government critics to wait for the 2027 general election rather than seeking “shortcuts to power,” Standard Media says in a report. Addressing ongoing criticism against the Kenya Kwanza administration, Kindiki emphasized that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is now fully constituted and prepared to oversee the next electoral cycle. His statement positions the 2027 polls as the legitimate avenue for political contestation and challenges to the current government, which came to power after the 2022 elections.
July 12, 2025, 02:30:40 (IST)
New documentary highlights political exclusion of women in Nigeria
A new documentary, ‘Double Minority’, has been released to highlight the issue of women’s political exclusion in Nigeria, according to a report in Premium Times. The film aims to contribute to the national conversation on gender imbalance in the country’s political landscape, where women hold less than 7% of the seats in the National Assembly following the 2023 elections. This release comes after several bills aimed at promoting women’s inclusion in politics failed to pass in the National Assembly in 2022.
July 12, 2025, 02:30:20 (IST)
Rwandan minister warns against unsafe rebuilding in flood-hit districts
A Rwandan government minister has issued a warning to families in the Musanze and Rubavu districts who are rebuilding their homes in an unsafe manner, The New Times says in a report. These areas were severely affected by floods and landslides in 2023 that displaced hundreds of residents. The warning addresses concerns that some families, in their efforts to reconstruct their homes, are not adhering to safety standards, potentially putting themselves at future risk.
July 12, 2025, 02:18:24 (IST)
Discarded clothing from UK chokes protected wetlands in Ghana
Discarded clothing from UK consumers is increasingly polluting Ghana’s protected wetlands, expanding beyond the country’s known urban ‘fast-fashion graveyards’, according to a report in France 24. A new study by investigative unit Unearthed and Greenpeace Africa discovered large mounds of unwanted clothes from brands including Next, Primark, and H&M clogging the protected Densu Delta. Greenpeace Africa stated that one specific dumpsite in the area now “looms taller than a two-storey building”, highlighting the escalating scale of the waste problem.
July 12, 2025, 02:16:29 (IST)
FRSC officers in Nigeria commended for returning N2.1m found at fatal crash site
Officers of Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have been commended for returning N2.1 million found at the scene of a fatal road accident in Jigawa State, according to a report in Premium Times. The crash resulted in two fatalities and ten injuries. The money was reportedly discovered on one of the deceased victims and an injured survivor, and the officers subsequently returned the full amount.
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July 12, 2025, 02:15:15 (IST)
Nigeria's EFCC and former governor Murtala Nyako consider out-of-court settlement in N29bn fraud case
Former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are exploring an out-of-court settlement for an alleged N29 billion fraud case, according to a report in Premium Times. The prosecution of Nyako, a retired rear admiral, began in 2015 over allegations of money laundering and diversion of state funds during his governorship. The move toward a settlement, which could involve a plea bargain or asset forfeiture, reflects a growing trend in Nigeria of using such mechanisms to recover funds and avoid protracted trials in high-profile corruption cases.
July 12, 2025, 02:10:57 (IST)
Cameroon assesses challenges and opportunities in its local dairy sector
Cameroon is examining strategies to improve the profitability of its local dairy sector, which currently faces significant challenges from a heavy reliance on imported products and fluctuations in global prices, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The discussion aligns with the government’s broader National Agricultural Investment Plan (PNIA) aimed at boosting food self-sufficiency. Key considerations for the sector’s development include the potential impacts of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on market competition and addressing structural issues for smallholder farmers, such as access to quality feed, veterinary services, and cold chain infrastructure.
July 12, 2025, 02:06:06 (IST)
Eswatini fears US funding cuts could undermine progress against HIV
Eswatini is concerned that recent US funding cuts could jeopardize decades of progress in its fight against the HIV pandemic, according to a report in Africa News. The nation has achieved a notable 70% decrease in new HIV infections since 2010, but the reduction in US financial support is reportedly undermining both prevention and treatment programs. The concerns arise in a global context where HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health crisis, with 1.3 million new infections and more than 600,000 related deaths recorded worldwide last year.
July 12, 2025, 02:02:27 (IST)
Ugandan army says it captured ADF leader's base in DR Congo
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced its troops operating in eastern DR Congo captured the primary base camp of Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) leader Musa Baluku on July 10, 2025, according to a report in The New Times. The base, located in Apakwang, Ituri province, was taken as part of the ongoing joint military campaign, Operation Shujaa, which the UPDF is conducting with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The operation aims to dismantle the capabilities of the ADF, an Islamist militia group active in the region.
July 12, 2025, 01:15:18 (IST)
Mali nears Wafcon quarter-finals after draw with Ghana
Mali has moved closer to a quarter-final place at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after securing a 1-1 draw against Ghana, as per a report in BBC News. The Malian team came from behind to claim the crucial point, which significantly improves their chances of advancing from their group in the continental tournament.
July 12, 2025, 00:20:39 (IST)
Kagame and Kenyatta discuss peace efforts in eastern DR Congo
Rwandan President Paul Kagame met with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday to discuss the progress of African-led initiatives aimed at restoring peace in eastern DR Congo, The New Times said in a report. The discussion centered on the ongoing regional diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in the area. Uhuru Kenyatta is serving as the official facilitator for the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi Process, which is the primary political track for achieving peace in the region.
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July 12, 2025, 00:00:24 (IST)
Girl, 12, killed by stray bullet during Kenya protests
A 12-year-old girl, Bridgit Njoki, was killed inside her home by a stray bullet during recent anti-government protests in Kenya, as per a report in BBC News. The fatal incident occurred while police were clashing with demonstrators. This event takes place amid widespread, youth-led protests across the country driven by public anger over the rising cost of living and new tax proposals, which have frequently led to confrontations with security forces.
July 11, 2025, 23:15:44 (IST)
Six dead after lorry and matatu crash in Kenya
A road crash involving a lorry and a matatu on the Kisii-Sotik road in Kenya has left six people dead and several others injured, Standard Media said in a report. The fatal accident occurred on Friday evening at the Kijauri Shopping Centre. The collision involved a public service vehicle, known as a matatu, and a lorry.
July 11, 2025, 23:15:05 (IST)
Cameroon's public works minister addresses 'permanent' road construction and maintenance efforts
Cameroon’s Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel N…, is addressing the ongoing state of the nation’s road infrastructure, characterized as a ‘permanent construction site’ due to continuous building and repair projects, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The situation highlights the government’s sustained focus on infrastructure development as well as the persistent challenges involved in the execution and upkeep of road networks across the country.
July 11, 2025, 23:08:18 (IST)
NGO in Nigeria launches app to combat online gender-based violence
An NGO in Nigeria has launched a new chatbot app designed as a localized technological solution to combat gender-based violence on digital platforms, according to a report in Premium Times. The initiative aims to provide a tool specifically adapted to the local context to address violence and harassment perpetrated online. This development aligns with a broader trend across Africa of civil society organizations creating technological solutions to address pressing social issues and advocate for digital rights.
July 11, 2025, 23:01:59 (IST)
Nigerian musician Sound Sultan honoured with tribute match and legacy projects four years after death
On the fourth anniversary of his passing, the late Nigerian musician Sound Sultan was honoured with a tribute match and the launch of legacy projects, Premium Times said in a report. The events commemorate the artist, who died on July 11, 2021. The tribute serves to celebrate his life and continue his influence through various initiatives.
July 11, 2025, 23:01:49 (IST)
Police arraign 22 suspects over killing of wedding travellers in Nigeria's Plateau State
Police in Nigeria’s Plateau State have arraigned 22 suspects in connection with the killing of travellers who were part of a wedding convoy, Premium Times says in a report. The suspects were formally charged in court following an attack where the victims’ vehicle was reportedly set ablaze with them still inside. This legal action addresses an incident within the broader context of ongoing ethno-religious and farmer-herder conflicts that have long affected the state and Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where such violence and a subsequent lack of convictions have been persistent issues.
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July 11, 2025, 23:00:27 (IST)
Wife of Niger state governor backs measles-rubella vaccination campaign
The wife of the governor of Nigeria’s Niger State, Mrs Bago, has pledged her support for an upcoming measles-rubella (MR) vaccination drive, as per a report in Premium Times. She made the commitment during an advocacy visit from key health stakeholders to her office. The endorsement comes ahead of the planned state-wide vaccination campaign, which is scheduled to be rolled out in October 2025 to protect children against the diseases.
July 11, 2025, 23:00:07 (IST)
Nigerian university workers protest non-implementation of new minimum wage
Workers at a Nigerian university have initiated a protest over the failure to implement a new minimum wage, Premium Times says in a report. The chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the institution confirmed the industrial action and stated that a meeting has been arranged with a representative from the state government for the upcoming Monday to address the dispute.
July 11, 2025, 22:57:08 (IST)
Four arrested in South Africa after viral video of public killing sparks outrage
Authorities in South Africa have arrested four individuals in connection with a killing in front of Mitford hospital, the Daily Sun says in a report. The incident drew significant public attention and condemnation after a video of the event was widely circulated on social media.
July 11, 2025, 22:55:57 (IST)
UN's food agency limits aid operations in West and Central Africa due to funding cuts
The United Nations’ food agency announced it is suspending food and nutritional assistance across West and Central Africa due to significant funding shortfalls, AP says in a report. The decision is attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy of cutting aid and funding to the UN, leaving millions to face worsening humanitarian crises. This suspension of aid occurs as militant groups continue to expand their operations in many parts of the continent. According to the agency, current food stocks for most of the affected regions are projected to run out around September.
July 11, 2025, 22:53:14 (IST)
Nigerian vice president's office says his remarks were misinterpreted, affirms loyalty to president
The office of Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima has released a statement addressing what it termed a “gross misrepresentation” of his remarks made during a public book presentation, according to a report in Premium Times. The statement clarifies that the Vice President’s comments were misinterpreted and serves to declare his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This clarification appears in the context of the political crisis surrounding the potential suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
July 11, 2025, 22:50:28 (IST)
Nigeria targets $10 billion pharmaceutical sector to improve medicine security
Nigeria has announced a strategic goal to develop its local pharmaceutical sector into a $10 billion industry in an effort to bolster national medicine security, Premium Times says in a report. The initiative directly addresses the country’s significant dependence on foreign drugs, as it currently imports up to 70 per cent of its pharmaceutical products. This policy aims to promote local manufacturing capabilities, decrease import dependency, and establish a more resilient domestic supply chain for essential medicines.
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July 11, 2025, 22:48:35 (IST)
Imran Saleh alleges some political parties are attempting to foil election process in South Africa
Imran Saleh has accused some political parties of attempting to foil the election process in South Africa, the Daily Sun said in a report. The allegation follows the country’s highly contested May 2024 general election, which resulted in the African National Congress losing its parliamentary majority and the subsequent formation of a Government of National Unity.
July 11, 2025, 22:44:40 (IST)
Kagame promotes 190 and dismisses 219 Rwanda correctional officers
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has promoted 190 officers and dismissed 219 others within the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), according to a report in The New Times. The personnel changes within the country’s prison service were announced on Friday, July 11.
July 11, 2025, 22:34:51 (IST)
Banjul mayor implicated in alleged D20M fraudulent land deal
Rohey Malick Lowe, the current Mayor of Gambia’s capital city, Banjul, has been implicated in an alleged fraudulent land transaction amounting to 20 million Gambian Dalasi (GMD), The Point says in a report. The allegations connect the high-profile municipal official to the deal, a sum equivalent to approximately 300,000 US Dollars. The term ‘implicated’ signifies an accusation of involvement that requires further investigation and does not represent a legal conviction.
July 11, 2025, 22:33:12 (IST)
AfDB report notes African growth spurred by West African refinery boom
An African Development Bank (AfDB) report has highlighted significant growth, reforms, and investment booms across Africa, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. A key factor in this trend is a refinery boom in West Africa, which is reshaping the region’s energy landscape. This expansion is boosting local production capacity and helping to reduce the continent’s dependence on imported refined fuel products.
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