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From courtroom battles in The Hague to grassroots struggles in Giza, today’s live blog tracks a sweeping range of developments shaping Africa. As Equatorial Guinea challenges France at the UN’s top court, local business owners in Egypt reel from yet another delay in a landmark museum opening. From breakthroughs in malaria treatment for newborns to alarming drug pollution in South African rivers, the day’s events highlight both urgent challenges and moments of hope. Stay tuned for real-time updates on diplomacy, environmental issues, innovation, sports and the stories driving headlines across the continent:
Africa News Live Updates: South Africa cuts rhino poaching deaths by 78%; France, Equatorial Guinea set for clash at UN court
Africa News Live Updates: South Africa cuts rhino poaching deaths by 78%; France, Equatorial Guinea set for clash at UN court
FP Alpha
• July 16, 2025, 02:57:40 IST
Africa News Live Updates: Stay informed with continuous coverage highlighting dynamic shifts across the continent. Monitor Africa’s growing influence on the world stage and its proactive responses to both domestic and international pressures
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 "Africa News Live Updates: South Africa cuts rhino poaching deaths by 78%; France, Equatorial Guinea set for clash at UN court")
From courtroom battles in The Hague to grassroots struggles in Giza, today’s live blog tracks a sweeping range of developments shaping Africa. As Equatorial Guinea challenges France at the UN’s top court, local business owners in Egypt reel from yet another delay in a landmark museum opening. From breakthroughs in malaria treatment for newborns to alarming drug pollution in South African rivers, the day’s events highlight both urgent challenges and moments of hope. Stay tuned for real-time updates on diplomacy, environmental issues, innovation, sports and the stories driving headlines across the continent:
Tracking Africa’s key moments
Africa News Live Updates: Stay informed with continuous coverage highlighting dynamic shifts across the continent. Monitor Africa’s growing influence on the world stage and its proactive responses to both domestic and international pressures
July 16, 2025, 02:57:40 (IST)
G20 finance deputies meet in Durban to discuss global financial reforms
G20 finance and central bank deputies are holding a two-day meeting in Durban, South Africa, on Monday and Tuesday to discuss global financial reforms, as per a report in Africanews. The discussions aim to prepare for future ministerial-level talks by seeking consensus on key issues. Holding the meeting in Durban places a focus on priorities relevant to the African continent, including debt restructuring, climate finance, and calls for a more equitable global financial system.
July 16, 2025, 02:54:37 (IST)
Rwanda to relocate Gisozi carpentry businesses to Kigali Special Economic Zone
Carpentry businesses operating in the Agakiriro workshops in the Gisozi area of Kigali, Rwanda, are set to be relocated to the Kigali Special Economic Zone. The move is a direct implementation of the Kigali City Master Plan, which aims to separate industrial activities from residential zones and promote organized urban development. This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader national strategy to industrialize its economy by moving informal businesses into formal structures. The relocation is intended to provide the businesses with access to better infrastructure within the SEZ, thereby enhancing productivity, standards, and integration into the formal economy.
July 16, 2025, 02:45:09 (IST)
Civilians and foreigners caught in escalating Mali violence
Clashes between Mali’s army and various armed groups are intensifying, creating a severe security crisis where civilians and foreign nationals are increasingly at risk, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The escalating violence, which recently included the abduction of Indian nationals, is raising concerns that the instability could have repercussions beyond the Sahel region. The situation is reportedly exacerbated by a security vacuum following the withdrawal of international peacekeeping forces, ongoing political instability from past military coups, and the expansion of jihadist groups.
July 16, 2025, 01:04:50 (IST)
Rwanda's BDF reports 330,000 jobs created amid parliamentary push for loan recovery
Rwanda’s Business Development Fund (BDF) has contributed to the creation of 330,000 jobs since its inception, according to a report in The New Times. The announcement was made by the fund’s chief executive, Vincent Munyeshyaka. The report of this achievement comes as Members of Parliament are simultaneously pushing for the BDF to enhance its efforts in recovering outstanding loans.
July 16, 2025, 01:03:09 (IST)
Equatorial Guinea asks UN court to block French sale of seized mansion
Equatorial Guinea’s lawyers have asked the UN’s International Court of Justice in The Hague to block France from selling a multimillion-dollar mansion located in Paris, according to a report in AP. The African nation accused France of “neo-colonial” actions, arguing that the seizure and planned sale of the property violate international law. The mansion was confiscated by French authorities as part of a corruption and money laundering investigation that led to the conviction of Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the son of Equatorial Guinea’s president. Equatorial Guinea initiated the case at the ICJ in 2022, seeking the return of assets seized during the French probe.
July 16, 2025, 00:55:19 (IST)
Gaza conflict dominates EU meeting with Egypt and Israel in Brussels
The fifth EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting, held in Brussels on Monday, was largely dominated by discussions on the Gaza conflict, according to a report in Africanews. Foreign ministers from Egypt and Israel attended the talks with EU officials, which marked the first such high-level gathering since the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza. The focus on the conflict reportedly overshadowed the meeting’s broader agenda, which typically covers a range of cooperation issues between the EU and its southern partners.
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July 16, 2025, 00:53:40 (IST)
Igbo community holds cultural festival in Abuja
The Ndi Igbo community of southeastern Nigeria held the Abuja Igbo Festival 2025, featuring displays of culture including music, dance, and food, according to a report in Africanews. The event in Nigeria’s capital city was described as a classic display of visual arts, traditional attire, language, and other cultural elements representative of the Igbo people.
July 16, 2025, 00:49:35 (IST)
Ghana endorses campaign for visa-free travel within Africa
Ghana has officially endorsed a campaign for visa-free travel for African citizens across the continent, a move proponents say is intended to unlock economic and cultural potential. The endorsement aligns with broader continental integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s long-term Agenda 2063. This development adds momentum to the AU’s African Passport initiative, which was first launched in 2016, and follows recent unilateral visa liberalization policies announced by Rwanda and Kenya. The initiative is seen as a significant step toward increasing intra-African trade, tourism, and labour mobility.
July 16, 2025, 00:45:08 (IST)
G20 think tanks call for overhaul of IMF and World Bank financing model
The Think Tank 20 (T20) group, an official engagement body for the G20, has submitted policy recommendations calling for a fundamental overhaul of the financing models at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The submission was made halfway through South Africa’s G20 presidency, aligning with the country’s agenda of advocating for the Global South and reforming multilateral institutions. These recommendations address the growing pressure on developing nations, particularly in Africa, which face significant debt burdens and economic challenges, pushing for a more equitable global financial architecture.
July 16, 2025, 00:38:57 (IST)
Burna Boy apologises for distancing himself from Afrobeats label
Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy has issued an apology for his previous statements distancing himself from the Afrobeats label, according to a report in BBC. The artist, one of the genre’s most prominent global figures, explained that his initial reluctance was due to a desire to not have his musical style confined to ‘one box’. The apology acknowledges the significance of the Afrobeats movement, which has become a major cultural and economic force for the continent, representing a broad range of modern African music on the world stage.
July 15, 2025, 23:45:09 (IST)
Adamawa state government relaxes curfew following deadly communal clash
The government in Nigeria’s Adamawa state has relaxed a curfew that was imposed last Friday following a deadly communal clash, according to a report in Premium Times. The measure was instituted after violence over disputes concerning farmlands resulted in the deaths of more than 10 individuals.
July 15, 2025, 23:42:50 (IST)
Over 295,000 voter cards remain uncollected in Nigeria's Ondo State
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 295,856 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have not yet been collected by registered voters in Ondo State, Premium Times says in a report. The commission also confirmed that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise is scheduled to commence in August. This development is significant as the state prepares for its governorship election, and the uncollected cards represent a substantial number of potential voters.
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July 15, 2025, 23:38:19 (IST)
Nigerian innovations shortlisted for £1m prize to combat antimicrobial resistance
Nigerian data-driven innovations have been shortlisted for the £1 million Trinity Challenge, which aims to fund solutions for the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as per a report in Premium Times. The recognition provides significant visibility for Nigeria’s health-tech ecosystem, potentially attracting further venture capital and international partnerships for solutions targeting substandard antibiotics and inefficient stock control in low- and middle-income countries. While the shortlisting is a positive catalyst, experts note that scaling these innovations to achieve widespread economic and health impact will depend on sustainable funding and integration into national health systems.
July 15, 2025, 22:39:22 (IST)
Rwanda launches digital system to curb regulatory delays
To combat ongoing delays in its services, the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has launched a new Integrated Regulatory Information Management System, according to a report in The New Times. The new digital platform is designed to streamline regulatory work and improve efficiency in the approval and monitoring of food and pharmaceutical products. This initiative is part of the Rwandan government’s broader strategy for digital transformation and e-governance, which aims to enhance public service delivery and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for both businesses and citizens.
July 15, 2025, 22:34:17 (IST)
Five rehabilitated vultures released back into the wild in South Africa
Five rehabilitated vultures, including two rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, have been released back into the wild on a mountain range in South Africa, as per a report in AP. The conservation group Vulpro released the Cape Vultures in Magaliesburg after a period of rehabilitation. Two of the birds had been rescued from traffickers who seek their body parts for use in traditional potions and charms. One of these vultures required nearly a year of care after all its feathers were removed. The other vultures in the group had been treated for various injuries before being deemed ready for release.
July 15, 2025, 21:26:25 (IST)
South African court bars former ANC MP from Facebook for defamation
A South African court has ordered former African National Congress (ANC) MP Boy Mamabolo to be barred from using Facebook, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The ruling also mandates that Mamabolo must cease publishing any defamatory statements concerning Polokwane mayor John Mpe and his family across all social media platforms. The legal action was initiated by Mpe in response to the allegedly defamatory content posted by the former parliamentarian.
July 15, 2025, 21:15:10 (IST)
South Africa reports 375 new dengue cases in 24 hours
South Africa is facing a growing dengue outbreak, with 375 new cases reported in a single 24-hour period, according to a report in the Daily Sun. This surge brings the total number of patients currently receiving treatment in hospitals across the country to 1,210. The rising figures underscore the increasing public health challenge presented by the mosquito-borne illness.
July 15, 2025, 19:46:45 (IST)
Mass protests erupt in Angola over rising prices
Mass protests have taken place in Angola over the rising cost of fuel and transportation, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. On July 12, police in the capital, Luanda, used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters. In response to the unrest and the price hikes, which are linked to the government’s removal of fuel subsidies, activists are now calling for a stay-at-home strike.
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July 15, 2025, 19:31:50 (IST)
Governor Radda reveals former President Buhari's alleged remarks on Tinubu's fuel subsidy removal
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has revealed the details of an alleged private conversation with former President Muhammadu Buhari concerning the removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy, Premium Times said in a report. Speaking to reporters in Daura, Radda recounted what he claims Buhari said in reaction to the major economic policy, which was implemented by his successor, President Bola Tinubu, in May 2023.
July 15, 2025, 19:30:09 (IST)
Report finds trust in South African police at an all-time low
A new report from the Human Sciences Research Council found that public trust in the South African Police Service has fallen to an all-time low, Mail & Guardian said in a report. The findings were released on July 14, a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence in response to corruption allegations made against him.
July 15, 2025, 19:22:22 (IST)
Cameroon's women's basketball team prepares in Egypt for Afrobasket 2025
The Cameroon women’s national basketball team, known as the ‘Lionnes’, is currently holding a training camp in Egypt ahead of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket 2025, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The team is using the time in Egypt to finalize its preparations for the continental championship.
July 15, 2025, 19:19:50 (IST)
Gulf of Guinea nations convene for conference on sustainable blue economy
An international conference on the sustainable blue economy is being held for nations in the Gulf of Guinea, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The event focuses on developing strategies to harness the region’s vast maritime resources, which encompass sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, and coastal tourism. A central theme of the conference is ensuring that economic development is balanced with environmental sustainability and enhanced regional security to address persistent challenges like illegal fishing and piracy.
July 15, 2025, 19:15:08 (IST)
Cameroonian official announces 'repressive phase' against media
Following what were described as multiple consultations, a prefect in Cameroon has announced the start of a ‘repressive phase’ against media outlets over alleged calls for insurrection, as per a report in Cameroon Tribune. The move signals a government crackdown on media content deemed seditious. A prefect in Cameroon is a senior administrative official appointed by the president to represent the state at a departmental level, holding significant authority over public order and security.
July 15, 2025, 18:31:40 (IST)
UDA's Cleophas Malala accuses Raila Odinga of political betrayal
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala has accused Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga of abandoning his party’s constitutional duty as the opposition by aligning with the current government, according to a report in Standard Media. Malala’s accusation frames Odinga’s alleged cooperation with the government as a political betrayal. The statement positions Malala, a key figure in the ruling UDA party, as a vocal critic of the veteran opposition leader’s recent political manoeuvres.
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July 15, 2025, 18:30:09 (IST)
African commission aims to finalize unified stance on 20 key reforms by end of July
A consensus commission is working to finalize a unified political stance for African nations on nearly 20 key reform proposals by a deadline of July 31, Daily Sun said in a report. This initiative aims to establish a common continental position on significant issues, aligning with broader efforts such as ongoing African Union institutional reforms and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The effort is considered a high-stakes endeavor to strengthen Africa’s collective voice and bargaining power on the global stage.
July 15, 2025, 18:24:56 (IST)
Rwanda allocates Rwf10 billion for industrial park land acquisition
The government of Rwanda has allocated Rwf10 billion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to facilitate the expropriation of residents from land needed for four strategically prioritised industrial parks, The New Times said in a report. This investment supports Rwanda’s long-term development goals, including the National Strategy for Transformation, which prioritizes industrialization to boost economic growth and exports. The process is legally governed by Rwandan law, which permits land acquisition for public interest projects provided fair compensation is given to the affected residents.
July 15, 2025, 18:22:46 (IST)
Police in Gambia investigate private aircraft for unauthorized access
Authorities in Gambia are conducting an investigation into a private aircraft for suspected ‘unauthorized access’, The Point said in a report. The inquiry is a multi-agency effort involving the Gambia Police Force, the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, and the Immigration Department. The investigation aims to determine the specific nature of the incident, which in aviation can range from a minor procedural breach to more serious offenses such as the transport of illicit cargo. This event occurs amid broader regional security concerns in West Africa over transnational crime and serves as a test for Gambia’s security apparatus, which has been undergoing reforms.
July 15, 2025, 18:18:14 (IST)
Dangote Group applies to build Nigeria's largest seaport
The Dangote Group has applied to Nigerian authorities to construct what is planned to be the country’s largest and deepest seaport, Premium Times says in a report. The application, which was reportedly filed last month, proposes the port be built in the coastal area of Olokola. This development is aimed at addressing significant congestion issues at Nigeria’s existing ports, such as those in Lagos, and boosting the nation’s trade and logistics capacity.
July 15, 2025, 18:16:59 (IST)
Gambian MP's intervention addresses critical hospital delays
Parliamentary intervention by Member of Parliament Hon. Njai has addressed severe delays in The Gambia’s hospital system that were reportedly leading to preventable deaths, according to a report in The Point. The action, described as ‘parliamentary pressure’, is credited with mitigating long waiting times for medical care. This development follows previous public outcry over shortcomings in the nation’s healthcare sector and highlights the role of legislative oversight in prompting improvements in public service delivery.
July 15, 2025, 18:15:53 (IST)
Growing desertification threatens survival of oases in Morocco
The once-thriving Skoura Oasis in Morocco is facing an uncertain future as it dries up due to intensifying desertification, according to a report in Africanews. The oasis, traditionally known for its fertile land and consistent water supply, is now struggling for survival. This environmental crisis is exacerbated by severe droughts and highlights the broader challenges of water scarcity and land degradation impacting the region, threatening local livelihoods and traditional ecosystems.
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July 15, 2025, 18:15:08 (IST)
Oyo State government partners with SQI to offer tech skills scholarships
The government of Oyo State in Nigeria has launched a partnership with the tech education institute SQI to offer scholarships for technology skills training, according to a report in Premium Times. The initiative is designed to equip youths, primarily in Oyo State but also open to others across Africa, with technical skills needed for careers in the technology sector. This program represents a public-private partnership aimed at addressing youth unemployment and contributing to Nigeria’s digital economy goals.
July 15, 2025, 18:11:09 (IST)
Togo security forces vote early ahead of municipal elections
Security and defense forces in Togo, including paramilitary units and members of the operational reserve, cast their ballots on Monday, July 14, in Lomé during an early voting period ahead of the nation’s municipal elections, according to a report in Africanews. The early voting enables security personnel to participate in the election before their deployment to provide security on the main polling day.
July 15, 2025, 18:04:36 (IST)
Gambian deputies demand missing records in probe of former president's assets
Members of The Gambia’s National Assembly are demanding access to missing records pertinent to the ongoing probe into the assets of former President Yahya Jammeh, The Point says in a report. The demand from the deputies, who serve as the nation’s legislative body, signals a potential hurdle in the long-running effort to recover state funds and assets allegedly embezzled during Jammeh’s 22-year rule. This investigation is a key part of the country’s transitional justice process, which followed the 2017 establishment of the Janneh Commission of Inquiry to examine the financial activities of the former president and his associates.
July 15, 2025, 18:02:10 (IST)
Burkina Faso introduces sanctions for preachers over online hate speech
Islamic preachers in Burkina Faso are now subject to a new online code of conduct aimed at curbing hate speech on social media, Africanews said in a report. Following a rally by preachers against online hate, it was announced that failure to adhere to the new rules could lead to significant penalties. The sanctions for non-compliance include disciplinary action or criminal charges, which could result in a ban from preaching for up to two years.
July 15, 2025, 18:01:25 (IST)
Gambian minister vows to make Hajj pilgrimage affordable for citizens
A Gambian government minister has vowed to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca affordable for all citizens of the West African nation, according to a report in The Point. The pledge is aimed at assisting the country’s majority-Muslim population in fulfilling the religious duty, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The initiative addresses the financial challenges that often prevent many Gambians from undertaking the journey to Saudi Arabia.
July 15, 2025, 18:00:13 (IST)
Rwanda's former trade minister appointed director general of Africa Risk Capacity
Rwanda’s former Minister of Trade and Industry, Jean-Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, has been appointed as the new Group Director General of the Africa Risk Capacity (ARC), according to a report in The New Times. The ARC is a specialized agency of the African Union (AU) that helps member states plan for and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters, primarily through risk financing and insurance. Ngabitsinze assumes the leadership of the pan-African institution following his previous role within the Rwandan government.
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July 15, 2025, 17:48:49 (IST)
Gambia introduces bill to streamline prison pardon process
A new bill has been introduced in Gambia to streamline the country’s prison pardon process, The Point says in a report. The legislation is intended to create a more efficient, transparent, and less arbitrary system for granting presidential pardons, which are currently handled on the advice of a Prerogative of Mercy Committee. This move is part of broader justice sector reforms initiated after 2017 and also aims to address issues such as prison overcrowding and human rights concerns within the correctional system.
July 15, 2025, 17:46:22 (IST)
144 political parties fail to qualify in South Africa's initial election review
A total of 144 political parties in South Africa, including the National Conservative Party (NCP), have failed to qualify to contest the upcoming national and provincial elections following an initial review by the country’s Electoral Commission (EC), the Daily Sun said in a report. This preliminary assessment is a routine part of the EC’s process to ensure all participating parties are compliant with legal and administrative requirements. The disqualified parties face exclusion from the ballot but may have the opportunity to appeal the decision or rectify their non-compliance issues within a specified period.
July 15, 2025, 16:49:24 (IST)
Rwanda in talks to acquire new injectable HIV prevention drug
The Rwandan government is in talks to acquire a newly approved HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, with the potential to be among the first nations to deploy it, as per a report in The New Times. The injectable drug is scheduled for introduction in at least nine countries starting in early 2026. These discussions position Rwanda as a potential early adopter of the new preventative treatment.
July 15, 2025, 16:10:11 (IST)
Nick Barigye appointed chief executive of Rwanda's Crystal Ventures Group
Nick Barigye has been appointed as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Ventures Ltd (CVL), a significant investment holding company in Rwanda, according to a report in The New Times. He takes over the leadership role from Jack Kayonga, who was the previous head of the firm. The appointment places Barigye at the helm of a company with substantial interests across various sectors of the Rwandan economy.
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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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