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We begin today’s updates with a poignant scene from northern Kenya, where refugee children in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei camp are turning to traditional Acholi dance to cope with deepening hunger. With food rations slashed due to aid cuts, these young refugees, many fleeing conflict zones like South Sudan and Uganda are finding resilience in cultural expression. It’s a stark reminder of the human toll of global funding shortfalls:
Africa News Live Updates: Nine Nigerian judges in Imo state forced to retire over age falsification
FP News Desk
• June 28, 2025, 05:45:17 IST
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog tracking the latest developments from across the continent. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, peacekeeping and security operations, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Stay informed on Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and its responses to both internal and external challenges across key sectors
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We begin today’s updates with a poignant scene from northern Kenya, where refugee children in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei camp are turning to traditional Acholi dance to cope with deepening hunger. With food rations slashed due to aid cuts, these young refugees—many fleeing conflict zones like South Sudan and Uganda are finding resilience in cultural expression. It’s a stark reminder of the human toll of global funding shortfalls:
Kakuma’s refugee children dance through hunger; key updates from across Africa
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog tracking the latest developments from across the continent. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, peacekeeping and security operations, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Stay informed on Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and its responses to both internal and external challenges across key sectors
June 28, 2025, 05:45:17 (IST)
Dehorning rhinos reduces poaching deaths by 78 percent in South Africa
A conservation strategy of removing rhino horns has resulted in a 78 percent decrease in poaching-related deaths across South Africa, according to a report in The Washington Post. This measure, aimed at making the animals less valuable to poachers, is a direct response to the persistent illegal horn trade facilitated by organized crime syndicates. While the reduction in deaths is seen as a significant success, the practice has sparked debate over the ethics of the intervention, its potential impact on tourism, and whether it addresses the underlying socio-economic drivers of poaching. South Africa is home to approximately 80% of the world’s rhinos, making its conservation policies globally significant.
June 28, 2025, 05:45:17 (IST)
Presley Chweneyagae, acclaimed star of 'Tsotsi', dies at 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his starring role in the 2005 film “Tsotsi,” has died at 40, according to a report in The Washington Post. The film, a drama set in a Johannesburg slum, garnered significant critical acclaim and won South Africa’s first Academy Award for best foreign-language film, with Chweneyagae’s performance being a central element of its success.
June 28, 2025, 05:00:16 (IST)
Botswana trade unions criticize government over doctor allowance cuts
Public sector trade unions in Botswana, including the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU), have strongly criticized the Ministry of Health’s recent decision to withdraw emergency call and commuted overtime allowances for doctors, the Botswana Gazette says in a report. The unions have warned that patients’ lives are at stake due to the potential impact on healthcare services. In response, the ministry has described the actions of the Botswana Doctors Union as being “inconsistent with the provisions governing essential services,” indicating a deepening labor dispute within the country’s public health sector.
June 28, 2025, 02:01:23 (IST)
Nigerian hurdler Tobi Amusan to compete at Diamond League event in Hayward Field
Nigerian sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan is set to compete in the 100m hurdles at the upcoming Diamond League meet at Hayward Field, according to a report in Premium Times. This marks her return to the track where she achieved a historic 12.12-second world record in 2022. The event is a key showdown on the international athletics calendar.
June 28, 2025, 02:00:18 (IST)
Four governors and Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila to attend President Federation Cup final in Nigeria
The final of Nigeria’s President Federation Cup is set to be attended by several high-profile figures, including four state governors and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, according to a report in Premium Times. The event will also be graced by entertainment icons, along with prominent members from the Lagos State cabinet, the Lagos State Sports Commission, and the Lagos State Football Association.
June 28, 2025, 02:00:18 (IST)
Nigerian President Tinubu to attend BRICS summit in Brazil
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Brazil to take part in the 17th BRICS Summit being held in Rio de Janeiro, according to a report in Premium Times. This trip will occur after a visit to the island nation of Saint Lucia. President Tinubu’s attendance at the summit is significant given Nigeria’s previously expressed interest in joining the BRICS bloc of emerging economies.
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June 28, 2025, 01:48:35 (IST)
Prof Bismark Tyobeka appointed chairperson of SA Bureau of Standards board
Professor Bismark Tyobeka has been appointed as the new chairperson of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) board, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The appointment, which is for a five-year term, became effective on June 18, 2025.
June 28, 2025, 01:48:35 (IST)
Financial ombud recovers R328 million for South African consumers
South Africa’s Financial Ombud, an independent dispute resolution body, has secured R328 million for consumers who had lodged complaints against financial service providers, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The recovery highlights the role of the ombudsman in resolving disputes between individuals and institutions like banks and insurers without resorting to court proceedings. This significant sum represents a tangible return of funds to consumers found to have been treated unfairly by financial firms.
June 28, 2025, 01:47:30 (IST)
NWU medical school and North West Department of Health form partnership for student training
The North-West University’s (NWU) Desmond Tutu School of Medicine and South Africa’s North West Department of Health (NWDOH) have established a strategic partnership to grant medical students access to the province’s medical and infrastructural resources, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. Under the agreement, NWU students will gain essential practical training and clinical exposure in public hospitals and clinics managed by the NWDOH. The collaboration is designed to help serve the healthcare needs of the region and address challenges such as staff shortages by bolstering the training of future medical professionals.
June 28, 2025, 01:47:30 (IST)
Gulf states increase investment in Africa as China modifies its lending strategy
Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are significantly increasing their investments in Africa, emerging as major financial partners for the continent, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This development coincides with a strategic shift by China, which is moving away from its traditional model of large-scale, state-backed infrastructure loans. Beijing is now reportedly focusing on smaller, more sustainable, and commercially viable investments, partly in response to international criticism regarding debt sustainability and its own domestic economic pressures. This changing landscape provides African nations with opportunities to diversify their sources of funding and reduce reliance on any single external partner.
June 28, 2025, 01:46:24 (IST)
Africa is key to solving global crises, says B20 South Africa leader
A leader from B20 South Africa has asserted that the African continent is key to solving major global crises, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This statement comes as Africa’s global standing is bolstered by recent developments, including the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 and the expansion of the BRICS group to include more African nations. The continent’s growing geopolitical importance is further highlighted by the progress of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and increased engagement from global powers competing for strategic influence and resources.
June 28, 2025, 01:45:15 (IST)
Basketball Africa League commences its fifth season
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has launched its fifth season, continuing its mission to grow the sport professionally on the continent, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. A joint venture between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the league is the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. The BAL’s stated goals include developing Africa’s basketball ecosystem, providing a professional platform for African players, creating economic opportunities, and inspiring youth across the continent.
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June 28, 2025, 01:32:29 (IST)
Sudan's leader approves seven-day humanitarian ceasefire in El-Fasher
Sudan’s Sovereign Council President, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has approved a seven-day humanitarian ceasefire in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, Africanews says in a report. The move comes amid intensifying clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the strategic city. El-Fasher is considered the last major SAF stronghold in the Darfur region and a critical hub for humanitarian aid. The ceasefire is intended to allow for the delivery of aid as the broader conflict, which began in April 2023, continues to cause a severe humanitarian crisis and widespread displacement.
June 28, 2025, 01:31:23 (IST)
Irish minister calls new visa requirement for South Africans harsh but necessary
Irish state minister Neale Richmond has characterized the newly imposed visa requirement for South African citizens as “harsh, but necessary,” Mail & Guardian says in a report. Richmond acknowledged that the Irish government is aware of the negative effects the policy has had on businesses and individuals traveling between the two countries. Despite these impacts, he defended the measure and stated that it is subject to constant review by the government.
June 28, 2025, 01:31:23 (IST)
Tests reveal unsafe drinking water in numerous school storage tanks
Of 53 schools that participated in a water sampling program by uploading valid data, 23 returned results showing their stored water was unsafe to drink, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. This finding, representing over 43% of the sampled educational institutions, highlights a significant health risk for students due to contaminated water in on-site storage tanks.
June 28, 2025, 01:30:18 (IST)
South Africa's green hydrogen plan faces scrutiny from civil society
Despite praise from South Africa’s president for the country’s green hydrogen strategy, a civil society coalition has raised concerns, describing the vision as fragile and pointing to potential roadblocks, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The criticism comes as the government promotes green hydrogen as a key part of its economic and energy transition plans, especially in the context of the country’s persistent energy crisis and international climate finance commitments like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The coalition’s assessment questions the feasibility and implementation of the ambitious project.
June 28, 2025, 01:30:18 (IST)
South Africa's old coal mines could host 300GW of solar power, researchers say
Researchers in South Africa have proposed that repurposing abandoned and closing coal mines in the Mpumalanga province could generate 300 gigawatts of solar energy, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The proposal suggests that using these specific sites, which are the heartland of the country’s coal industry, could provide a significant new power source to help address the nation’s ongoing energy crisis. The plan aligns with the country’s Just Energy Transition Partnership goals by offering a potential new use for land and infrastructure as South Africa moves away from coal dependency.
June 28, 2025, 00:31:25 (IST)
Umar Ganduje resigns as national chairman of Nigeria's APC
Umar Ganduje has resigned from his position as the National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to a report in Premium Times. The report notes that his tenure as chairman of the West African nation’s governing party has been marked by controversy and challenges.
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June 28, 2025, 00:30:20 (IST)
Nigerian judicial council sanctions judge over improper appointment in Imo state
Nigeria’s National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken disciplinary action against Judge Theophilus Nzeukwu and reaffirmed its strict stance on judicial appointment procedures, Premium Times says in a report. The decision follows the governor of Imo State’s selection of Nzeukwu, who is fourth in the state’s judicial hierarchy, for the position of acting chief judge. The NJC’s action underscores the violation of the established principle of seniority, as the appointment bypassed more senior judges for the top judicial post in the state.
June 28, 2025, 00:30:20 (IST)
Tinubu appoints former aide to Buhari as chair of palliative committee
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has appointed a former aide to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, to lead the Presidential Committee on National Palliative Intervention (PCNGi), Premium Times said in a report. The appointment places the former official in charge of a key component of the Tinubu administration’s palliative program. This initiative is designed to mitigate the economic hardship faced by citizens following recent government reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy.
June 28, 2025, 00:16:26 (IST)
Nigeria's judicial council recommends 21 new judges for state courts
Nigeria’s National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 21 individuals for various judicial positions across the country, including new chief judges for Ekiti and Yobe states, Premium Times said in a report. The recommendations, which also include appointments for Grand Kadis and Presidents of Customary Courts of Appeal in several states, were made to the respective state governors for formal appointment. According to the NJC, the candidates were selected after a rigorous screening process by an interview committee, which also took public complaints into consideration.
June 27, 2025, 23:30:28 (IST)
African Human Rights court to hear DRC case against Rwanda
The Tanzania-based African Court of Human Rights has declared it is competent to hear a case filed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) against Rwanda, Africanews says in a report. This ruling now permits a full hearing into the DRC’s allegations of human rights violations connected to the protracted conflict in eastern Congo.
June 27, 2025, 23:15:21 (IST)
Rwandan minister urges youth near DR Congo border to embrace patriotism
Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascène Bizimana, has called upon young people residing in the Rubavu district, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, to embrace patriotism and national unity, The New Times said in a report. The minister’s address specifically targeted youth in the border region, encouraging them to uphold civic values amidst ongoing regional tensions.
June 27, 2025, 22:45:14 (IST)
Eleven killed in militia attack on displacement camp in northeastern Congo
Militiamen killed 11 people in an attack on a camp for displaced persons in the northeastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, according to a report in AP. A U.N. spokesperson and a local civil society representative confirmed the death toll. The incident is part of a surge in violence across eastern Congo, a region where conflict has persisted for decades. More than 120 armed groups are active in the area, with most fighting for control of land and valuable mineral resources, while others state they are trying to protect their communities.
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June 27, 2025, 22:30:16 (IST)
Burundi calls on United Nations to recognize 1972 Hutu killings as genocide
The government of Burundi has formally requested that the United Nations officially recognize the 1972 mass killings of ethnic Hutus as a genocide, according to a report in Africa News. The call is part of a wider effort in the African Great Lakes region to address historical atrocities and seek international acknowledgment. The 1972 events, which followed an attempted Hutu-led coup against the Tutsi-dominated government of the time, have been widely documented as massacres, but their classification as genocide under international law remains a subject of legal and historical debate.
June 27, 2025, 21:45:19 (IST)
Kenyan cabinet secretary warns opposition following protest violence
A Kenyan cabinet secretary, identified as CS Ruku, has warned the opposition to “follow the right path to power” amid ongoing controversy following recent protests, according to a report in Standard Media Kenya. The statement comes as senior government officials continue to blame opposition politicians for sponsoring violence during demonstrations on June 25. These protests were held in response to the country’s controversial Finance Bill 2024.
June 27, 2025, 21:45:19 (IST)
One in six cancer drugs in four African nations found to be defective
A significant health risk has been identified in four African nations where one in six cancer medications are either substandard or falsified, Deutsche Welle says in a report. This means patients are receiving medicines that may be ineffective or potentially harmful. The findings highlight a widespread issue across the continent with defective drugs entering the healthcare supply chain, undermining cancer treatment and public health.
June 27, 2025, 21:33:31 (IST)
Fifty hippos killed by poisoning in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Fifty hippopotamuses have been killed by poisoning in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report in Premium Times. The incident is being viewed in the context of escalating human-wildlife conflict and persistent illegal poaching in the country. Conservation bodies note that hippos are classified as a ‘Vulnerable’ species by the IUCN, and this mass killing represents a significant blow to an already fragile population in a critical biodiversity hotspot. The event puts pressure on the Congolese government to investigate the killings and strengthen its wildlife protection and enforcement measures.
June 27, 2025, 21:32:26 (IST)
Cameroon's economic committee addresses persistent issues in bank-client relations
Persistent issues and “permanent misunderstandings” are defining the relationship between banks and their customers in Cameroon, prompting involvement from the country’s National Economic and Financial Committee (CNEF), according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. These ongoing problems are reportedly rooted in systemic challenges within the financial sector, including a lack of transparency from financial institutions, complex fee structures, inadequate customer service, and an ineffective framework for resolving disputes. The CNEF’s engagement highlights official concern over these issues, which affect consumer trust and the overall stability of the financial system.
June 27, 2025, 21:32:26 (IST)
Kenyan President Ruto challenges protesters to provide alternative plan amid calls for resignation
Kenyan President William Ruto has responded to widespread calls for his resignation, challenging critics to present a better plan for the country than his government’s current agenda, as per a report in Standard Media. The president’s statement comes amid nationwide protests, largely led by youth, against the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and a severe cost of living crisis. The ‘Ruto must go’ slogan has become prominent during these demonstrations, which are fueled by public dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies and rising taxes.
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June 27, 2025, 21:31:21 (IST)
UN reports rape is being used as a war tactic in Sudan
The United Nations has officially reported that the use of rape has become a deliberate and systematic tactic of war in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Premium Times says in a report. This finding points to widespread and severe human rights violations occurring as the power struggle continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UN’s designation of rape as a “war tactic” implies it is not an isolated crime but a weapon used to terrorize and displace civilian populations, elevating the acts to the level of war crimes and potential crimes against humanity.
June 27, 2025, 21:30:14 (IST)
Sudan's health system faces collapse as conflict devastates facilities
Sudan’s health system is facing a catastrophic collapse after more than a year of intense conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023, as per a report in Premium Times. The fighting has rendered over 70% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas non-functional, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement of over 10 million people, widespread food insecurity, and the outbreak of diseases. Reports indicate that healthcare facilities and personnel have been systematically targeted, looted, or occupied by the warring factions, while multiple international peace initiatives have so far failed to secure a ceasefire or unimpeded humanitarian access.
June 27, 2025, 21:18:31 (IST)
Dutch platform calls for suspension of aid to Tanzania over torture allegations
Dutch-based journalism platform ZAM has called on the government of the Netherlands to suspend its aid to Tanzania following allegations of a torture scandal, according to a report in Premium Times. The request from the investigative journalism organization puts pressure on the Dutch government, a significant bilateral donor to Tanzania, to leverage its financial support to address human rights issues. The call comes amid persistent concerns from international groups about the state of human rights and civic space in Tanzania under the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
June 27, 2025, 21:17:26 (IST)
Burkina Faso junta says it thwarted plot to topple leader Ibrahim Traore
Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta has announced on state television that it successfully foiled a coup attempt against the country’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, as per a report in Premium Times. According to the junta’s statement, the plot was uncovered by intelligence and security services, leading to the arrest of several military officers allegedly involved in the destabilization effort. This development occurs in a context of significant political instability, with Traore himself having taken power in a coup in September 2022.
June 27, 2025, 21:16:22 (IST)
Southern African countries removed from UN hunger hotspot list after improved harvests
Several Southern African nations have been removed from the United Nations’ ‘Hunger Hotspot’ list due to improved agricultural harvests, according to a report in Daily Maverick. The list, often compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), identifies areas at high risk of acute food insecurity. The development in Southern Africa, which has previously faced periods of drought, is attributed to more favorable weather conditions leading to better crop yields and a reduction in the immediate risk of severe hunger for the population.
June 27, 2025, 21:15:16 (IST)
Starlink's unregulated use fuels conflict and crime in Africa's Sahel region
The unregulated use of Starlink satellite internet devices is shaping conflict and crime across Africa’s Sahel region, empowering non-state actors and undermining state control, according to a report in Premium Times. The technology provides reliable, high-speed internet that bypasses traditional state-controlled infrastructure, allowing jihadist groups, criminal networks, and other armed factions to improve their communication, coordination, intelligence gathering, and propaganda dissemination. This development poses a significant challenge to Sahelian governments, which are already grappling with instability from recent military coups and the withdrawal of Western forces, as it erodes their ability to monitor and regulate information flows critical to national security.
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June 27, 2025, 20:30:15 (IST)
World Bank reports accelerating poverty and hunger in conflict zones, primarily in Africa
Extreme poverty is accelerating in 39 countries affected by war and conflict, with a significant concentration in Africa, leaving more than a billion people to go hungry. The World Bank stated that civil wars and confrontations between nations have set back economic growth and reduced incomes for over a billion people, causing extreme poverty to rise faster in these areas than anywhere else. In its first such assessment since the 2020 pandemic, the Washington-based institution urged other countries to increase their support for the affected regions.
June 27, 2025, 20:30:15 (IST)
Johannesburg council faces ongoing power struggle after speaker's ousting
A power struggle continues within the Johannesburg City Council following the recent ousting of the incumbent speaker, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The situation highlights ongoing instability within the city’s coalition government and internal divisions within the African National Congress (ANC). Some factions within the ANC are reportedly advocating for the return of Margaret Arnolds, who previously held the speaker position. Despite the turmoil over the speaker’s role, the political standing of prominent ANC figure Dada Morero is considered to be secure for the time being.
June 27, 2025, 20:15:15 (IST)
China and Senegal pledge to strengthen strategic partnership in Beijing talks
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in Beijing on Friday, with both nations pledging to enhance their strategic partnership, according to a report in Africa News. During the talks, President Xi affirmed that China is prepared to collaborate with Senegal to bolster solidarity and cooperation. The stated objective of this strengthened partnership is to deliver increased benefits to the populations of both countries.
June 27, 2025, 20:00:16 (IST)
Former Kenyan chief justice says his security has been withdrawn
Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga alleges that his state-provided security has been withdrawn, according to a report in Standard Media. Following the removal, Maraga joined protests in the capital, Nairobi, to demand the immediate reinstatement of his police guards.
End of Liveblog