 "Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 jolts Assam, tremors felt in Bhutan and north Bengal")
 "5 US F-35 jets land in Puerto Rico amid tensions with Venezuela")
From political manoeuvers in Nigeria to environmental reforms and landmark cultural celebrations, today’s top stories capture a continent in motion. A Nigerian-led PR campaign wins big at the SABRE Awards, while authorities escalate action in a high-profile rape investigation involving a controversial singer. Meanwhile, Lagos launches a sweeping plastic ban and calls grow within the opposition PDP for a united front ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. Across the region, illicit gold trades stoke conflict, Rwanda raises fuel prices and a marine discovery in South Africa offers new hope in cancer treatment. Stay with us for breaking updates and in-depth coverage throughout the day:
Africa News Live Updates: Illicit 'blood gold' trade fuels conflict in West Africa's Sahel region
Africa News Live Updates: Illicit 'blood gold' trade fuels conflict in West Africa's Sahel region
FP News Desk
• July 3, 2025, 04:15:24 IST
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest developments from across the continent. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Stay informed on Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and its efforts to address challenges both within and beyond its borders
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 "Africa News Live Updates: Illicit 'blood gold' trade fuels conflict in West Africa's Sahel region")
The day's news from Africa
From political manoeuvers in Nigeria to environmental reforms and landmark cultural celebrations, today's top stories capture a continent in motion. A Nigerian-led PR campaign wins big at the SABRE Awards, while authorities escalate action in a high-profile rape investigation involving a controversial singer. Meanwhile, Lagos launches a sweeping plastic ban and calls grow within the opposition PDP for a united front ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. Across the region, illicit gold trades stoke conflict, Rwanda raises fuel prices and a marine discovery in South Africa offers new hope in cancer treatment. Stay with us for breaking updates and in-depth coverage throughout the day:
Africa's pulse in real time
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest developments from across the continent. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Stay informed on Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and its efforts to address challenges both within and beyond its borders
July 3, 2025, 04:15:24 (IST)
Suspect arrested in Anambra, Nigeria massacre that killed 13
Police in Nigeria’s Anambra State have arrested a suspect as they investigate the motive behind a massacre on Monday evening in which about 13 people were killed, according to a report in Premium Times. The attack occurred when gunmen invaded Ogboji, a community located in the Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.
July 3, 2025, 03:01:24 (IST)
Nigerian health workers issue 21-day strike ultimatum over allowances
Health workers in Nigeria have threatened to begin a nationwide strike, giving the government a 21-day ultimatum to address their demands for adjusted allowances, Premium Times says in a report. Mr. Audu emphasized that the adjustment must be guided by principles of fairness and justice as stipulated in previous agreements between the unions and the government. The ultimatum serves as a formal pre-strike notice, escalating the dispute and allowing a period for negotiation to avert a potential disruption of national healthcare services.
July 3, 2025, 03:00:19 (IST)
FMC Abuja appoints new emergency head after viral neglect video
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja, Nigeria, has appointed a new head of its emergency department, according to a report in Premium Times. The decision follows an investigation that was launched after a video circulated widely on social media, which alleged that accident victims had been neglected at the public hospital facility. The appointment is a direct administrative response to the findings of the inquiry into the incident.
July 3, 2025, 02:46:30 (IST)
Kenya to require health warning labels on 90% of packaged food
Kenya has introduced new regulations that will require 90% of packaged food products to display a health warning label, according to a report in Africa News. The policy aims to address what the World Health Organization (WHO) calls a “ticking time bomb” of rising obesity and non-communicable diseases on the continent, as stated by Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. The new rules are expected to have a significant impact on the food and beverage industry, which faces substantial compliance costs for redesigning packaging and may need to reformulate products. Public health advocates have praised the policy for empowering consumers with clearer information to make healthier choices.
July 3, 2025, 02:45:19 (IST)
ECOWAS calls for restraint amid violent protests in Togo
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for restraint as violent protests sweep through Togo, according to a report in Africa News. The demonstrations are fueled by public anger over the rising cost of living and opposition to the regime of President Faure Gnassingbé. Tensions have been exacerbated by a recent constitutional reform, which critics say has concentrated executive power in Gnassingbé’s hands and allows him to extend his family’s long-standing rule.
July 3, 2025, 02:16:18 (IST)
Nigerian court approves freeze on Germany-based national's bank account
A court in Nigeria has granted an order to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the bank account of a Nigerian citizen residing in Germany, Premium Times said in a report. The anti-graft agency stated that it holds a reasonable suspicion that the funds within the account are the proceeds of a criminal breach of trust. The court-ordered freeze is an interim measure intended to preserve the assets while the EFCC conducts a full investigation into the matter.
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July 3, 2025, 02:16:18 (IST)
IMF praises Nigerian economic reforms, projects 3.4% growth in 2025 amid worsening poverty
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Nigeria’s economic reforms, projecting a 3.4% growth rate for the country’s economy in 2025, according to a report in Premium Times. Despite the positive assessment of policies such as the 2023 fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation, the IMF highlighted that poverty and food insecurity have worsened as a direct consequence. The international body urged the Nigerian government to accelerate the implementation of support and palliative measures for the most vulnerable segments of the population to mitigate the increased hardship.
July 3, 2025, 02:15:13 (IST)
Yoruba actors support All Progressives Congress in Lagos local elections
Several prominent Yoruba actors, including Daramola and Kosoko, are publicly supporting Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of local government elections in Lagos, Premium Times says in a report. The endorsement is for candidates running for positions of local government chairmen and councillors in the state. This action follows similar high-profile support the actors provided to the APC during the 2023 Nigerian general elections.
July 3, 2025, 00:30:14 (IST)
First Trump-Africa summit reportedly scheduled for next week
The first African leaders’ summit of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term is scheduled to be held next week in Washington, according to a report in Reuters. The summit, which Semafor reported will take place from July 9-11, is expected to be attended by President Trump and the heads of state from Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Mauritania, Senegal, and Liberia. Reuters noted that it could not immediately confirm the report from Semafor.
July 3, 2025, 00:16:29 (IST)
Nigeria's supreme court hears appeal in Edo state election dispute, adjourns for judgment
Nigeria’s Supreme Court has concluded hearings on an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a dispute related to the Edo State governorship election, as per a report in Premium Times. The court heard arguments from both parties concerning the legal challenge. Following the conclusion of the arguments, the court has adjourned the case to deliberate and will deliver its final judgment on a future date.
July 3, 2025, 00:16:29 (IST)
Nigeria needs $1 billion to sustain immunization gains, official says
Nigeria needs an estimated $1 billion to sustain its recent gains in public immunization programs, a Nigerian official has stated, according to a report in Premium Times. The official, identified as Mr. Aina, stressed that while the country has made significant progress in vaccine coverage, securing adequate financing has become a critical bottleneck. The funding is required to prevent a reversal of public health achievements, such as improved coverage against vaccine-preventable diseases.
July 3, 2025, 00:15:23 (IST)
Nigeria appoints Alakija as global envoy on antimicrobial resistance
The government of Nigeria has appointed Alakija to the position of global envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), according to a report in Premium Times. Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated the appointment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen both global and national efforts to combat AMR. This initiative is intended to enhance Nigeria’s participation and leadership in addressing critical global health challenges.
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July 3, 2025, 00:04:39 (IST)
Nigeria's U-20 football team begins preparations for WAFU B tournament
Nigeria’s national under-20 men’s football team, known as the Flying Eagles, has commenced preparations for the WAFU B U-20 tournament, according to a report in Premium Times. The team’s coach, Zubairu, reportedly views the regional championship as a significant testing ground for his squad.
July 3, 2025, 00:03:34 (IST)
Nigeria's Hajj commission completes airlift of 2025 pilgrims
Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has completed the airlift of all its pilgrims back home from the 2025 Hajj, according to a report in Premium Times. The final flight departed from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday morning. This concluding flight transported the last group of 88 pilgrims from Kaduna State and one pilgrim from Katsina State, marking the end of the return operations.
July 3, 2025, 00:02:29 (IST)
Nigerian House of Representatives protests Senate delays on 146 bills
Tensions have escalated in Nigeria’s National Assembly as the House of Representatives has stepped down two bills to protest significant delays by the Senate, Premium Times says in a report. Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, stated that 146 bills passed by the House are currently awaiting concurrence from the Senate, with some having been stalled for over six months. This action signifies a ‘showdown’ between the two legislative chambers over the pace of legislative work and the lack of attention to bills sent from the House for Senate approval.
July 3, 2025, 00:02:29 (IST)
Court grants Yahaya Bello's nephew approval to travel abroad amid N3 billion fraud trial
A court in Nigeria on Wednesday granted permission for Ali Bello, the nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and a co-defendant to travel to different foreign countries, according to a report in Premium Times. The approval comes as both individuals are facing an ongoing trial over their alleged involvement in a N3 billion fraud case prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case against Ali Bello is part of broader corruption investigations involving his uncle, the immediate past governor of the state.
July 3, 2025, 00:01:25 (IST)
Student in Nigeria sentenced to death for murder of teacher
A final-year student in Nigeria has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of a teacher, Premium Times says in a report. The conviction stems from an incident where the student fatally stabbed the teacher during a dispute reportedly over a school meal.
July 3, 2025, 00:01:25 (IST)
Nigerian senate moves to amend procurement law to support local contractors
Nigeria’s Senate is moving to amend the Public Procurement Act of 2007 to give preference to local contractors, according to a report in Premium Times. The proposed changes are intended to direct significant government contract spending toward Nigerian-owned and operated companies, potentially opening up billions of naira in opportunities. The stated goals of the legislative action are to bolster indigenous technical capabilities, promote local job creation, and stimulate domestic economic growth by ensuring more government funds are retained within the country’s economy. This initiative seeks to legally formalize and strengthen previous government efforts to prioritize Nigerian goods and services in public procurement.
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July 3, 2025, 00:00:20 (IST)
Teacher strike in Nigeria's capital keeps students out of school for months
An ongoing teachers’ strike in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has kept children in the capital city of Abuja out of school for several months, Premium Times says in a report. This industrial action is the third in a series of strikes that have occurred since late 2024, indicating a persistent and unresolved dispute between the teachers’ union and government authorities over their demands.
July 3, 2025, 00:00:20 (IST)
Trial of 109 foreigners for alleged internet fraud stalls in Nigeria
The trial of 109 foreign nationals in Nigeria for alleged internet fraud has stalled following the absence of the prosecution in court, according to a report in Premium Times. The defendants were arraigned last year on a six-count charge that included involvement in activities described as a threat to the nation’s security. The case could not proceed as scheduled due to the failure of the prosecution to appear.
July 2, 2025, 23:47:28 (IST)
eSwatini's successful snakebite program faces closure after USAID funding freeze
A highly successful public health program in eSwatini, which had reportedly reduced deaths from snakebites to zero, is now facing a severe threat after a funding freeze from USAID, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The cessation of funding places a key treatment center at risk of closure, jeopardizing the significant progress made against snakebite mortality in the southern African nation.
July 2, 2025, 23:47:28 (IST)
First ancient Egyptian has whole genome sequenced by scientists
Scientists have successfully sequenced and analyzed the entire genetic code of an ancient Egyptian for the first time, using the skeleton of a man who lived more than 4,500 years ago, according to a report in The Guardian. The remains, which were discovered in 1902 inside a sealed pottery vessel within a tomb in Nuwayrat, Egypt, have been held in a museum since their recovery. The unusual burial method is believed to have helped preserve the DNA over the millennia, enabling this recent scientific breakthrough.
July 2, 2025, 23:46:20 (IST)
New AfDB report highlights economic growth and a refinery boom in Africa
A new report from the African Development Bank (AfDB) points to positive economic trends across Africa, including growth, reforms, and investment booms, the Mail & Guardian says in a report. A key development highlighted is a burgeoning refinery sector, especially in West Africa, which is significantly reshaping the region’s energy landscape. This boom is increasing local refining capacity, thereby helping to reduce the continent’s long-standing reliance on imported petroleum products.
July 2, 2025, 23:45:15 (IST)
South Africa's ruling coalition divided over military deployment in DRC
South Africa’s new Government of National Unity (GNU) is facing internal division over the country’s military involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per a report in Mail & Guardian. During a parliamentary debate, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola argued that withdrawing troops from the SADC mission would be “worse than surrender,” defending the deployment against unified calls from opposition parties for an immediate withdrawal. The debate highlights significant political and fiscal pressure on the new coalition, testing its cohesion on foreign policy and military expenditure as the costs and risks of the mission come under intense public and parliamentary scrutiny.
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July 2, 2025, 23:31:27 (IST)
Influential Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o dies at 87
Renowned Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a major figure in African literature, has passed away at 87, the Washington Post said in a report. His extensive body of work, including novels, plays, and essays, critically examined the enduring legacy of colonialism and post-colonial abuses in Africa. His political activism and writings led to his imprisonment without trial by the Kenyan government in 1977, which was followed by a long period of exile. A pivotal moment in his career was his decision to abandon English and write primarily in his native Gikuyu language, a political act he detailed in his work “Decolonising the Mind” to challenge linguistic imperialism and promote African cultural sovereignty.
July 2, 2025, 23:30:19 (IST)
South Africa sees 78% drop in rhino deaths after widespread dehorning efforts
A widespread conservation effort to remove rhino horns has resulted in a 78% decrease in rhino deaths from poaching across South Africa, the Washington Post says in a report. The strategy involves the systematic dehorning of rhinos to make them less valuable to poachers and represents a large-scale application of a tactic used for decades. The demand for rhino horn, which has no scientifically proven medicinal value and is made of keratin, is largely driven by its use as a status symbol in certain markets. This large-scale poaching is primarily orchestrated by sophisticated international criminal syndicates.
July 2, 2025, 23:30:19 (IST)
Presley Chweneyagae, star of Oscar-winning film 'Tsotsi,' dies at 40
South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, who gained international recognition for his starring role in the film “Tsotsi,” has died at the age of 40, the Washington Post said in a report. Chweneyagae played the title character in the 2005 drama, which depicted life in a Johannesburg slum and went on to win South Africa’s first Academy Award for best foreign-language film. His performance in the film was widely acclaimed and became a landmark moment for the country’s film industry.
July 2, 2025, 23:17:24 (IST)
Rwandan cyclist wins historic Rwf60 million lottery prize
A cyclist named Simeon Mukeshimana from the Masaka Sector in Kicukiro District has won a Rwf60 million jackpot, the largest lottery prize ever awarded in Rwanda, according to a report in The New Times. The win marks a historic moment for the national lottery in the country.
July 2, 2025, 23:16:19 (IST)
Kenyan Deputy President Gachagua dares president to arrest him amid political rift
Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly dared President William Ruto to arrest him, escalating a political rift between the nation’s top two leaders, according to a report in Standard Media. The challenge comes amidst a widely reported fallout between the president and his deputy, with Gachagua stating he is prepared for imprisonment and would lead his Mt Kenya region political base from jail. This public defiance is linked to ongoing power struggles within the ruling party, Gachagua’s advocacy for the ‘One Man, One Vote, One Shilling’ revenue formula, and President Ruto’s recent efforts to cultivate new allies in the Mt Kenya region.
July 2, 2025, 23:16:19 (IST)
Kagame and IAEA chief discuss nuclear innovation in Rwanda
Rwandan President Paul Kagame held a meeting with Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Kigali on Tuesday, July 1, The New Times said in a report. The discussion centered on Rwanda’s interest in exploring peaceful applications of nuclear technology and innovation.
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July 2, 2025, 23:15:15 (IST)
Jihadist fighters stage series of attacks on Mali military posts
Jihadist fighters carried out a series of attacks on military posts in Mali on Tuesday, the third major assault targeting the country’s army within the past month, BBC says in a report. The attacks are occurring amid a worsening security situation across the broader Sahel region, which has been exacerbated by a security vacuum following the past withdrawal of French forces and the ongoing departure of the UN’s MINUSMA peacekeeping mission. Groups such as the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) are exploiting the instability, which challenges Mali’s transitional military government.
July 2, 2025, 23:00:19 (IST)
UNDP unveils 2025 Human Development Report with focus on African nations
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released its 2025 Human Development Report, which assesses countries’ progress based on human capability metrics like life expectancy, education, and income, rather than solely on economic growth, according to a report in The Point. The report’s findings are particularly relevant for Africa, where progress is often impacted by persistent challenges. These include ongoing debt crises limiting public investment, political instability in regions like the Sahel, and significant vulnerability to climate change, which affects food security and public health.
July 2, 2025, 21:46:21 (IST)
Ancient DNA shows genetic link between Egypt and Mesopotamia
Newly published research on ancient DNA has revealed a genetic link between the historical populations of Egypt and Mesopotamia, according to a report in AP. Scientists sequenced the genome from the teeth of a well-preserved skeleton found in an Egyptian tomb dating back between 4,495 and 4,880 years. The analysis showed that while four-fifths of the individual’s genome was linked to North Africa and the surrounding Egyptian region, a fifth showed connections to the Mesopotamian area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
July 2, 2025, 21:45:14 (IST)
South African government sends four top NBR officials into retirement
Four senior officials from a South African government body identified as ‘NBR’ have been sent into retirement by the government, the Daily Sun says in a report. The official justification for the action is that the officials have each completed 25 years of service and their retirement is considered to be in the public interest.
July 2, 2025, 21:45:14 (IST)
South Africa's fiscal year export growth at 8.58% despite 7.55% drop in June earnings
South Africa’s export earnings experienced a 7.55% decline in June compared to the same month last year, a drop attributed to fewer working days from Eid holidays and a two-day work boycott by customs officials, according to a report in the Daily Sun. Despite the monthly setback, the country’s overall exports for the fiscal year 2025, which began in April 2024, have shown an 8.58% growth. The disruption by customs officials highlights the impact of public sector labor disputes on the nation’s trade and economic performance.
July 2, 2025, 21:30:17 (IST)
EU commissioner to visit Libya seeking tougher measures on migrant crossings
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner is scheduled to visit Libya next week, accompanied by representatives from Italy, Greece, and Malta, to seek tougher measures from Libyan authorities on migrant sea crossings, according to a report in Africanews. The visit is a direct response to a recent increase in irregular migrant arrivals in frontline EU states. The delegation’s goal is to press Libyan authorities to enhance efforts to prevent migrant departures from their coastline, continuing the EU’s long-standing policy of providing financial and logistical support to curb migration flows.
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July 2, 2025, 21:19:43 (IST)
Liberia holds state funeral for former president William Tolbert 45 years after his murder
Liberia held a symbolic state funeral for former President William Tolbert on Tuesday, 45 years after he was assassinated during a 1980 coup, according to a report in Africa News. The ceremony also honored 13 of his cabinet members who were executed following the coup. Current Liberian President Joseph Boakai attended the state funeral.
July 2, 2025, 21:19:43 (IST)
Dozens of Ghanaians rescued in Nigeria from football job trafficking scam
Dozens of Ghanaian nationals have been rescued in Nigeria after falling victim to a human trafficking scam that lured them with false promises of football contracts or other jobs abroad, BBC says in a report. The victims, who are primarily young men, were discovered following a security operation. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of transnational trafficking in West Africa, often fueled by high youth unemployment which makes individuals vulnerable to such fraudulent schemes promising opportunities overseas.
July 2, 2025, 21:18:37 (IST)
Solar mini-grid brings power to Goma neighbourhood in eastern DRC
The Congolese-American company Nuru has established a 1.3-megawatt solar mini-grid in the Ndosho neighbourhood of Goma, located in the conflict-affected North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa News said in a report. This project provides a new, localized electricity distribution network, operating independently of a national grid, to bring power to the community.
July 2, 2025, 21:16:24 (IST)
South Africa reports 23 COVID-19 deaths so far this year
South Africa has recorded one additional COVID-19 fatality, bringing the year’s total death toll to 23 and the cumulative case count to 609, as per a report in the Daily Sun. The figures, released by the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS), reflect the ongoing, though low-level, presence of the virus in the country.
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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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