 "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")
Welcome to today’s live coverage from across Africa. From cultural preservation efforts in Morocco to security directives in Nigeria, regional diplomacy in West Africa, and groundbreaking scientific discoveries in South Africa, we’re tracking the continent’s most pressing developments. Today’s updates spotlight political manoeuvring, infrastructure progress, public health policy and the resilience of communities treading through complex social, environmental and economic challenges. Stay with us for real-time reporting, context and analysis as events unfold:
Africa News Live Updates: Crime reportedly on the rise in South Africa across six key categories
FP Alpha
• July 4, 2025, 05:45:14 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 operations, regional integration efforts, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track Africa’s evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to address both internal and external challenges across sectors:
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Welcome to today’s live coverage from across Africa. From cultural preservation efforts in Morocco to security directives in Nigeria, regional diplomacy in West Africa, and groundbreaking scientific discoveries in South Africa, we're tracking the continent’s most pressing developments. Today’s updates spotlight political maneuvering, infrastructure progress, public health policy and the resilience of communities treading through complex social, environmental and economic challenges. Stay with us for real-time reporting, context and analysis as events unfold:
Real-time stories shaping Africa’s present and its future
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 operations, regional integration efforts, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track Africa’s evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to address both internal and external challenges across sectors:
July 4, 2025, 05:45:14 (IST)
Video from Uganda offers clues on how viruses may spread from bats to other species
New video footage from a national park in Uganda shows a variety of predatory species feeding on and dispersing fruit bats, which are known natural reservoirs of infectious diseases, according to a report in The New York Times. The footage provides visual evidence of a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover, where viruses can leap from bats to other animals and potentially to humans. This observation is significant for understanding the mechanisms of disease transmission in the wild and informs global efforts for pandemic preparedness and surveillance.
July 4, 2025, 05:31:22 (IST)
Wike approves use of council revenue to pay striking teachers in Nigeria's FCT
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has approved the use of 10% of the internally generated revenue from the six area councils to settle outstanding dues owed to striking primary school teachers, Premium Times says in a report. The decision is a response to an ongoing strike by teachers, who have accused the council chairpersons of failing to implement the new national minimum wage and other previously reached agreements.
July 4, 2025, 05:31:22 (IST)
Nigerian court jails one for illegal mineral possession, convicts three for internet fraud
A court in Nigeria’s Kwara State has sentenced one individual to jail for the illegal possession of solid minerals and convicted three others in separate cases of internet fraud, according to a report in Premium Times. The individual jailed for the minerals offense, identified as Basit, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in June 2024 in the Asa Local Government Area for transporting the resources without the required documentation. The convictions are part of a broader Nigerian government effort to address economic crimes, including illegal mining and cybercrime.
July 4, 2025, 05:30:15 (IST)
Nigeria's electoral commission receives 12 new applications for political parties
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received 12 new applications from groups seeking to register as political parties between June 23 and July 2, according to a report in Premium Times. The receipt of these applications marks the first step in the commission’s process for vetting potential new parties to ensure they meet the country’s legal and constitutional requirements for official registration.
July 4, 2025, 05:30:15 (IST)
Head of Nigeria's human rights commission elected to lead West African network
The head of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been elected to serve as the president of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa, according to a report in Premium Times. The new president stated that a primary focus of the tenure will be on enhancing the capabilities of the national institutions across the region. This includes addressing persistent challenges related to resourcing, governance structures, and the operational effectiveness of the member National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).
July 4, 2025, 05:19:39 (IST)
Rwandan minister launches youth program, calls for embrace of national values
Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr Jean-Damascène Bizimana, has officially launched the 15th edition of the ‘Itorero Indangamirwa’ program, a national civic education and leadership initiative, The New Times says in a report. During the launch event, Bizimana addressed the youth cohort, urging them to embrace national values such as unity and patriotism and to serve as role models in their communities. The ‘Itorero’ program is a government initiative designed to instill these principles in young Rwandans as part of the country’s ongoing nation-building efforts.
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July 4, 2025, 05:18:34 (IST)
Morocco hosts 2025 Gaming Expo in Rabat
The second Morocco Gaming Expo is taking place in Rabat from July 2 to July 6, 2025, as per a report in Africanews. The event, which is the second edition of the expo, is focused on exploring the country’s digital future within the gaming sector.
July 4, 2025, 05:18:34 (IST)
Nigeria's oil sector secured $16 billion in investment commitments in two years, says NUPRC
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced that the country’s oil sector has attracted $16 billion in investment commitments over the last two years, Premium Times said in a report. Gbenga Komolafe, the commission’s chief executive, credited this to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and recent reforms by the presidency. Komolafe stated that these efforts, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, have significantly advanced Nigeria’s energy security and the resilience of its upstream sector.
July 4, 2025, 05:16:22 (IST)
Katsina state launches N100m climate-smart farming initiative with NEPAD
The governor of Nigeria’s Katsina State, Dikko Radda, has launched a new N100 million initiative aimed at promoting climate-smart farming practices, according to a report in Premium Times. The program is a collaborative effort, with N63.75 million contributed by the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the remaining N36.25 million provided by the Katsina State Government. This initiative is designed to address the challenges of climate change, such as desertification and erratic rainfall, which significantly impact agriculture in the northern Nigerian state, and aims to enhance food security and build resilience among local farmers.
July 4, 2025, 05:16:22 (IST)
Atiku Abubakar and Ahmed Musa lead tributes for late Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai
Tributes are being paid across Nigeria for football icon Peter Rufai, who passed away at the age of 61 in Lagos on Thursday following a prolonged illness, Premium Times says in a report. The former national team goalkeeper was a revered figure in Nigerian sports. Prominent political leader Atiku Abubakar and footballer Ahmed Musa were among those leading the public mourning for the late legend.
July 4, 2025, 05:15:15 (IST)
IMF warns Nigeria's budget deficit will increase to 4.7% of GDP in 2025
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Nigeria’s consolidated fiscal deficit is projected to increase to 4.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025, according to a report in Premium Times. The projection, which was part of a report prepared by an IMF staff team for its executive board, attributes the anticipated rise in the deficit to the impact of falling global oil prices on the nation’s finances.
July 4, 2025, 04:16:21 (IST)
Cape Verde marks 50 years of independence with major gains in development and stability
Cape Verde is marking its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975, and is widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable and developed nations, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. Over the past five decades, the country has made significant progress, particularly in education, where the illiteracy rate has dropped from 65% in 1975 to about 3% today. The healthcare system has also seen vast improvements, with life expectancy now at approximately 74.7 years. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including a youth unemployment rate of around 23.9% in 2023, continued emigration, and about 2.3% of the population living in extreme poverty. The government has implemented social policies, such as the ‘Mais’ fund established in 2023, to support vulnerable groups.
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July 4, 2025, 04:16:21 (IST)
Oldest known DNA from ancient Egypt reveals diverse ancestry
Scientists have successfully sequenced the oldest known DNA from ancient Egypt, providing a rare genetic snapshot of the region’s early population, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The genetic material was recovered from a potter who lived approximately 4,500 years ago. This scientific achievement offers new insights into the diverse ancestry of ancient Egyptians.
July 4, 2025, 04:15:17 (IST)
Cape Verde to mark 50 years of independence and stability
Cape Verde is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal on July 5, 2025. Since gaining its freedom in 1975, the archipelago has become recognized as one of West Africa’s most stable democratic nations. Among its notable post-independence successes are significant advancements in overcoming previously low literacy rates and improving its healthcare system.
July 4, 2025, 04:00:20 (IST)
Supreme Court allows Trump administration to resume deportations to South Sudan
The U.S. Supreme Court, in an apparent 7-2 decision, has permitted the Trump administration to restart its plans to deport a group of convicted criminals to the war-torn nation of South Sudan, as per a report in The Hill. The individuals reportedly have no existing ties to the African country. This ruling follows a decision last month by the high court to lift an injunction from U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy that had previously limited the administration from deporting the migrants.
July 4, 2025, 03:30:15 (IST)
UN warns global progress on gender equality is at risk
UN Women has issued a warning that global progress on gender equality is slowing and at risk of reversal, Africa News says in a report. Marking its 15th anniversary, the organization called for renewed commitment and bold action from governments and international partners. The warning highlights that ongoing conflicts, particularly in African regions such as the Sahel and East Africa, along with economic setbacks and a backlash against women’s rights, have disproportionately affected women and girls. These challenges have hindered advancements in education, economic participation, and safety from violence, putting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal for gender equality in jeopardy.
July 4, 2025, 03:17:26 (IST)
Former South African deputy president David Mabuza dies; SA and Tunisia hold water seminar
Former South African deputy president David Mabuza has passed away, Mail & Guardian says in a report. Mabuza served as the country’s deputy president from 2018 to 2023. In separate news, South Africa and Tunisia held a joint seminar focused on water management, addressing growing concerns over resource scarcity and climate change in Africa. The event highlights an increase in inter-African collaboration on critical environmental challenges.
July 4, 2025, 03:17:26 (IST)
Ons Jabeur retires from Wimbledon opener due to health issues
Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur retired from her opening match at Wimbledon on July 1 after experiencing breathing difficulties, Africa News said in a report. The retirement marks another setback in what has been an injury-plagued season for the athlete, who previously dealt with shoulder and leg issues in 2024. Jabeur was a finalist at the U.S. Open in 2022.
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July 4, 2025, 03:17:26 (IST)
Global conference on sustainable development financing opens in Spain
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development has opened in Seville, Spain, drawing around 60 heads of state and government along with 15,000 participants for a major global summit that occurs only once every ten years, Africa News says in a report. The conference aims to mobilize financial resources to accelerate progress on global goals. For African nations, the event is a critical platform to address key issues such as unsustainable debt burdens, the need for climate finance, and strategies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
July 4, 2025, 03:16:21 (IST)
Kenyan whistleblower faces lawsuit and death threats over $2bn airport deal
A whistleblower in Kenya is facing a lawsuit and death threats after exposing an alleged $2 billion corruption scandal involving a major airport deal, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The incident places significant pressure on President William Ruto’s administration, which has publicly committed to fighting corruption. This case highlights the challenges whistleblowers face in the country, which critics say has weak legal protections for individuals who expose malfeasance. The alleged scandal fits a pattern of previous large-scale infrastructure projects in Kenya that have been marred by allegations of corruption and a lack of transparency.
July 4, 2025, 03:16:21 (IST)
Conservation groups face lawsuit over deadly elephant translocation in Malawi
A lawsuit has been filed against large conservation organizations over a deadly elephant translocation project in Malawi, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The legal action stems from an incident where the process of moving elephants, a common but risky conservation practice, resulted in fatalities. The lawsuit places scrutiny on the methods and accountability of international conservation NGOs operating in Africa, particularly concerning their impact on local communities and the management of human-wildlife interactions.
July 4, 2025, 03:01:22 (IST)
World will have to learn to live with heatwaves, UN says
The United Nations has declared that the world will need to learn to live with heatwaves, as one currently grips Europe with temperatures exceeding 40°C, Africa News says in a report. This statement highlights the dual need for robust adaptation strategies to manage unavoidable climate impacts and aggressive mitigation efforts to curb future warming. While the immediate trigger is a European event, the message has profound implications for Africa, a continent that contributes minimally to historical emissions but is disproportionately vulnerable to extreme weather, including severe droughts and floods. The UN’s position reinforces the urgency of international climate negotiations focused on climate finance and support for developing nations to build resilience.
July 4, 2025, 03:00:16 (IST)
Mali's armed forces say they killed 80 militants after coordinated attacks
Mali’s armed forces claim to have killed 80 al Qaeda-linked militants following a series of coordinated attacks on military posts in the country’s central and western regions, Africa News says in a report. The military stated its operation was a direct response to simultaneous and coordinated assaults launched by the militants against several of its positions.
July 4, 2025, 02:45:07 (IST)
Foreign aid cuts raise concerns for major displacement crises in Africa
Reductions in foreign aid are raising concerns for the continent’s most severe displacement crises, which affect millions of people, according to a report in Foreign Policy. The cuts are anticipated to diminish vital humanitarian assistance such as food, shelter, and medical care for both refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This development is expected to place additional strain on the resources of host nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, potentially threatening regional stability. The timing of these cuts is particularly notable, following a recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, a region central to the displacement crisis.
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July 4, 2025, 02:30:20 (IST)
South Africa reports new bird flu outbreak on poultry farms
A new outbreak of avian influenza has been reported on poultry farms in South Africa, prompting authorities to implement containment measures to prevent its further spread, according to a report in Africa News. The response includes established biosecurity protocols aimed at managing the situation within the country’s poultry sector, which has faced similar significant outbreaks in past years.
July 4, 2025, 02:15:14 (IST)
Aid cuts deepen humanitarian crisis for millions displaced in Sudan
A severe humanitarian crisis is deepening for millions of people displaced by Sudan’s ongoing conflict, as significant shortfalls in international aid are forcing humanitarian organizations to scale back critical operations, Foreign Policy says in a report. The crisis, driven by the conflict that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to what is described as the world’s worst displacement crisis in terms of speed and scale. A combination of donor fatigue and the reprioritization of funds to other global emergencies has left aid appeals for Sudan severely underfunded, exacerbating hunger and disease among both internally displaced persons and refugees in neighboring countries like Chad and South Sudan, and contributing to wider regional instability.
July 4, 2025, 02:15:14 (IST)
AU military helicopter crash in Somalia kills at least three
An African Union military helicopter has crashed at the airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, killing at least three people, according to a report in Africanews. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) confirmed the incident, stating that three surviving passengers have been transported to a hospital for medical treatment. The total number of casualties from the crash remains unclear at this time.
July 4, 2025, 02:15:14 (IST)
Ancient DNA reveals genetic link between early Egypt and Mesopotamia
Analysis of ancient DNA has revealed a genetic link between the early populations of Egypt and Mesopotamia, providing scientific evidence for long-suspected ties, according to a report in Africa News. Previously, this connection was inferred primarily from archaeological evidence such as shared pottery styles and the presence of trade goods. The new findings suggest a significant movement of people, with researchers proposing that the Nile River acted as a crucial transportation route, or an “ancient superhighway,” facilitating the exchange of both populations and cultural ideas between the two regions.
July 4, 2025, 01:48:36 (IST)
US President Trump announces summit with five African nations to focus on trade and security
US President Donald Trump has announced a surprise summit with five African nations, the first multilateral US-Africa meeting of his second term, according to a report in Africanews. The agenda for the summit will prioritize trade and opportunities for economic cooperation, alongside discussions on regional security.
July 4, 2025, 01:48:36 (IST)
Abure-led Labour Party faction gives Peter Obi 48-hour ultimatum to resign
A coalition within the Julius Abure-led faction of Nigeria’s Labour Party has given Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, a 48-hour ultimatum to resign, Premium Times says in a report. The group accused Obi of holding secret meetings to persuade party members to defect to a new political party he is allegedly forming. This development underscores the severe and ongoing internal leadership crisis that has fractured the Labour Party since the last general election, potentially forcing a formal split between Obi and the political platform that brought him to national prominence.
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July 4, 2025, 01:48:36 (IST)
Kenyan blogger who went missing resurfaces in court
Kenyan blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, who had been missing since June 21, resurfaced in a Kenyan court on Thursday, Standard Media Kenya says in a report.
July 4, 2025, 01:47:32 (IST)
EAC armed forces provide free medical care to over 40,000 in Rwanda
More than 40,000 patients in Rwanda were given free medical care during the fifth East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) week, according to a report in The New Times. The initiative involved armed forces from the regional bloc providing treatment and engaging in community-building activities across the country as part of a program designed to foster goodwill and demonstrate regional cooperation.
July 4, 2025, 01:45:20 (IST)
Senegal's supreme court upholds defamation conviction for opposition leader Ousmane Sonko
Senegal’s Supreme Court on July 3 upheld a six-month suspended prison sentence for defamation against key opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, as per a report in Africanews. The ruling affirms the conviction stemming from a lawsuit filed by Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang, whom Sonko had accused of embezzlement. This final conviction could render Sonko, a prominent candidate for the 2024 presidential election, ineligible to run under Senegalese electoral law. Following the verdict, Sonko stated that for him, the case was not yet closed.
July 4, 2025, 01:33:20 (IST)
Defense questions witness's motive in Nigerian ex-governor's N27bn fraud trial
During the ongoing N27 billion fraud trial of a former Nigerian governor, the defense counsel created a stir by directly asking a key prosecution witness if he personally wanted a conviction, Premium Times says in a report. The question challenged the witness’s impartiality by suggesting his testimony could be motivated by personal bias.
July 4, 2025, 01:32:16 (IST)
Nigerian electricity distributors installed 187,194 meters in Q1 2025
Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) installed 187,194 meters in the first quarter of 2025, a marginal 0.41 percent increase compared to the 186,431 meters installed in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a report in Premium Times. The data, released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which regulates the privately-owned DisCos, highlights the slow progress in addressing the country’s multi-million metering gap. This gap is a primary cause of widespread consumer complaints regarding estimated billing, an issue that persists despite government initiatives like the National Mass Metering Programme.
July 4, 2025, 01:31:14 (IST)
Nigerian electricity distributors collected N553.63 billion in first quarter of 2024
Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) collected N553.63 billion from consumers during the first three months of 2024, as per a report in Premium Times. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) stated that this amount reflects a collection efficiency of 74.39 per cent. This figure marks a decrease from the 77.41 per cent collection efficiency recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.
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July 4, 2025, 01:31:14 (IST)
RSF-allied coalition announces parallel government in Sudan
The Tasis alliance in Sudan, a coalition of armed groups and political parties allied with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), announced the formation of a new governance council on Tuesday, July 1, according to a report in Africanews. This move establishes a parallel government structure challenging the authority of the internationally recognized government led by the Sudanese Armed Forces. The Tasis alliance, which includes political parties and civil society organizations, was formally launched in February in Nairobi, Kenya, and its declaration represents a significant political escalation in the country’s ongoing conflict.
July 4, 2025, 01:31:14 (IST)
Lagos court remands man for allegedly raping stepdaughters
A man in Lagos, Nigeria, has been remanded in custody by a court after being accused of raping his stepdaughters, Premium Times said in a report. The alleged offenses are being prosecuted under Sections 137 and 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The court’s decision means the accused will be held in custody pending further legal proceedings.
July 4, 2025, 01:17:29 (IST)
Akinyosoye becomes Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer
UK-based fencer Akinyosoye, 20, is now the highest-ranked fencer representing Nigeria, Premium Times says in a report. The athlete, who formerly represented England at junior and cadet levels, has officially surpassed Inkosi Brou to claim the top national spot in the rankings.
July 4, 2025, 01:17:29 (IST)
Nigerian power companies resolved less than half of complaints in Q1 2025
Nigerian power distribution companies (DisCos) successfully resolved less than half of the customer complaints filed with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in the first quarter of 2025, as per a report in Premium Times. During the period, a total of 4,169 complaints were lodged with the NERC, of which the DisCos managed to resolve 1,554.
End of Liveblog