Africa News

Unpaid health workers strike as Congo’s Ebola contact tracing falls behind

August 16, 2026

Gédéon Banga Ngbape said a challenge they are facing with right now is that health workers haven’t been paid in over three months.

Observers say Zambia's vote marred by intimidation, counting pause

August 16, 2026

International observers of Zambia's elections said Saturday the poll was marred by claims of intimidation, abductions and an hours-long pause in the vote count.

Hundreds of migrants intercepted near Morocco's border with Ceuta

August 16, 2026

Scores of would-be migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, were intercepted on Saturday in northern Morocco near the border with the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, an AFP correspondent saw, two weeks after thousands of migrants rushed into the tiny territory.

Chad opposition figure, Succes Masra, calls for reconciliation after his release

August 16, 2026

Masra, one of the president's fiercest critics, was sentenced to 20 years in prison a year ago, convicted of hate speech, xenophobia and having incited a massacre.

Argentina’s big cats begin relocation to sanctuaries abroad

August 16, 2026

A global animal welfare organization has begun relocating 30 big cats from the former Zoo Luján in Argentina in one of the largest animal moves of its kind.

UN warns South Sudan refugees at risk as aid funding runs short

August 16, 2026

Two United Nations agencies warned on Friday that hundreds of thousands of refugees in South Sudan are at risk of losing much needed humanitarian assistance due to a lack of funding.

Zimbabwe ferry death toll rises to 80 after Lake Kariba capsizing

August 16, 2026

The death toll after a ferry capsized on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba this week has risen to 80 after more bodies were recovered on Sunday, the police said.

Senegal hikes fuel prices amid surge in global oil markets

August 15, 2026

Senegal has raised fuel prices in a move the government says is necessary because of the sharp rise in global oil costs.

Tributes pour in for Jason Arday after his sudden death

August 15, 2026

Friends have paid tribute to British sociologist and professor Jason Arday following his death, days after he stepped down from Cambridge amid intense scrutiny over plagiarism allegations.

Taliban authorities mark five years ruling Afghanistan

August 15, 2026

Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers on Saturday marked five years since sweeping back to power.

Burkina Faso imposes military training on journalists

August 15, 2026

More than 40 journalists in Burkina Faso have taken part in a military-style "patriotism" training course imposed by the authoritarian ruling junta.

UN says $50 million ransom fueled Al-Qaeda offensive in Mali

August 15, 2026

According to a new UN report, most of the money was redistributed to fighters in the Sahel, while some was passed on to Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in the Arabian Peninsula and to the group’s central command.

Morocco and Spain boost security in Ceuta as another call for border rush seen online

August 15, 2026

Moroccan authorities on Wednesday announced measures to counter a new influx of migrants to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, after monitoring a new wave of online disinformation.

UN calls for negotiations to end the conflict in Mozambique

August 15, 2026

A military victory over jihadist insurgents in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province does not appear imminent, according to a report by a United Nations special rapporteur released Friday.

Central African Republic: Muslims return as Sibut rebuilds

August 14, 2026

Years after civil war drove many Muslims from Sibut, the call to prayer is echoing again from the town’s rebuilt central mosque. Returning residents and Christian neighbours are seeking to restore trust and revive a community once known for peaceful coexistence.

Zambia resumes counting after violence disrupts election process

August 14, 2026

Zambia has resumed vote counting after a nationwide suspension over election-related violence, with the Electoral Commission saying security threats have been contained. The first presidential results are expected at 10:00 p.m. local time, or 2000 GMT.

South African lawmakers question effectiveness of army deployment against gang Violence

August 14, 2026

Officials have maintained that the military deployment is intended to support—not replace—long-term policing efforts, but lawmakers say urgent changes are needed if the operation is to have any meaningful impact.

Survivors recount horror as Zimbabwe Lake Kariba ferry death toll hits 46

August 14, 2026

Grieving families gathered at a mortuary in Kariba on Thursday as the death toll from Tuesday’s ferry disaster on Lake Kariba rose to 46, while survivors described the desperate struggle to escape the sinking vessel.

China and Egypt launch second joint air force exercise

August 14, 2026

The exercises reflect growing defense ties between Beijing and Cairo as both countries expand military cooperation through joint training and strategic exchanges.

Croatia wildfire near Omiš injures residents and disrupts holiday travel

August 14, 2026

A major wildfire near Omiš, around 25 kilometres south-east of Split, forced about 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate overnight on Thursday and into Friday as strong winds drove the flames towards the coastal town.

Zambia's opposition leader expresses 'grave concern' as vote count suspended

August 14, 2026

Just hours after Zambia’s electoral commission suspended vote counting nationwide, opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile raised “grave concern,” calling for full transparency amid reports of violence.

Zambia suspends vote counting after election violence

August 14, 2026

Official presidential results are expected on Monday, with authorities appealing for calm as election officials work to resolve the disruptions and resume the counting process.

Worries grow over mysterious illness killing Kenyan elephants

August 14, 2026

Worries over the death of elephants are mounting in southern Kenya, where at least 19 animals have died since June from an unexplained condition. With symptoms including partial paralysis, conservationists and communities are demanding urgent investigations into what is killing the elephants.

War in Ukraine: Deadly Russian air raid on Kramatorsk leaves 1 dead and 17 wounded

August 14, 2026

At least one person was killed and 17 injured in a Russian airstrike on Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.

Rome’s Colosseum extends cool night tours as heatwaves scorch city

August 14, 2026

Rome’s Colosseum is opening late four nights a week this summer, offering fully booked evening tours as a cooler, more magical way to visit.

AI could transform African agriculture but access remains a major challenge

August 14, 2026

Senior FAO official for Africa Meshack Malo described artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for farmers, stressing the need for Africa datasets, language models, research capacity and agritech firms, to enable the continent to be not only the consumer but the driver of the technology.

Emmy-nominated director looks to Tupac trial for long-awaited closure

August 14, 2026

Emmy-nominated director Alexandria Stapleton is hoping the trial of a man accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing will bring answers and “some sort of closure” to the rapper’s family, friends and fans.

Chad's president pardons opposition leader and former prime minister Succes Masra

August 14, 2026

The presidency has not provided further details on the reasons behind the pardon, and it remains unclear whether the move could open the door to renewed political dialogue between the government and the opposition.

Activists attempt to deliver supplies to besieged Palestinian families

August 14, 2026

Three homes in the village of Qusra in the occupied West Bank have been under an almost week-long siege by Israeli settlers.

From Research to the Field: Transforming Africa’s Seed Systems

August 14, 2026

On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, AGRA looks back on a transformation that starts with a seed, but goes far beyond it.

In quake-hit Cali, ‘hugs here’ station brings comfort amid rubble

August 14, 2026

In quake-hit Cali, residents find comfort at a “hugs here” station, as Andres Solomon and volunteers share solidarity while rescuers clear rubble.

Turkey urges Egypt to join its defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

August 14, 2026

The trilateral deal signed last week stipulates that an attack on any of the three states will be treated as an attack on all.

Vietnam police seize nearly 1.2 tonnes of ivory hidden in timber logs

August 14, 2026

Vietnamese police have seized nearly 1.2 tonnes of ivory at Quy Nhon port, in Gia Lai province.

Colombia earthquake: Dog rescued alive as 72-hour window closes

August 14, 2026

Colombia rescuers treated a dog pulled alive from earthquake rubble in Cali on Thursday, as emergency teams made a final push to find survivors before the critical 72-hour window closed.

Nigeria’s Muslim and Christian leaders sign new peace accord

August 14, 2026

More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders have signed a new peace accord in Nigeria, aiming to ease religious tensions and promote harmony.

Burkina Faso: Appeal delays trial of Norbert Zongo murder accused

August 14, 2026

The Attorney General said three prominent figures were to go on trial to answer to charges of murder, aggravated destruction of property, and complicity in murder.

Unprecedented rainfall in Japan leaves at least four dead in Chiba prefecture

August 14, 2026

Unprecedented rainfall battered Japan on Thursday, leaving at least four people dead and flooding parts of Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. Authorities issued the region’s highest-level rain warning for the first time, while landslide alerts and power cuts affected thousands of residents.

France wildfire forces 525 people to flee as Landes forest burns

August 14, 2026

France evacuated about 500 people from the village of Luglon on Thursday, 13 August, as a fast-moving wildfire swept through drought-hit pine forest in the Landes.

DR Congo's fastest-growing ebola outbreak spreads to sixth province

August 14, 2026

The World Health Organization says it on track to surpass the deadliest in history, which killed over 11,000 people a decade ago.

Wildfire forces evacuation of 1,000 as flames sweep Croatia’s coast

August 14, 2026

Croatia is battling a wildfire that swept through vegetation and homes in Lokva Rogoznica on Thursday, 13 August, forcing about 1,000 residents and tourists to evacuate.

Cuba marks 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth amid energy crisis

August 14, 2026

Cubans are facing food and water shortages, and chronic power cuts, exacerbated by a US oil embargo, with some asking whether his successors are up to the job.

Vote counting underway in Zambia after presidential election

August 13, 2026

Vote counting is underway after Zambians cast ballots Thursday in a presidential election testing incumbent Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record against widespread frustration over the cost of living. About 8 million voters were registered, with results expected Monday.

Zimbabwe's Kariba ferry disaster victims honoured as death toll reaches 44

August 13, 2026

Hundreds gathered for a memorial service in northern Zimbabwe on Thursday to honour victims of the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, which killed at least 44 people. Survivors recalled a desperate struggle for life as the vessel capsized in rough waters.

Mali frees 82 soldiers held by militants, pardons French embassy official

August 13, 2026

Mali says 82 soldiers held captive since deadly attacks in April have been freed by armed groups, in a rare breakthrough as the country battles jihadist and rebel insurgencies. The junta also pardoned a French embassy official accused of spying and ordered his expulsion.

Displaced families and hospitals struggle as Sudan's war ravages El-Obeid

August 13, 2026

The war, which began in April 2023, has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced around 13 million, and pushed large parts of Sudan into famine.

Doku commits to Manchester City until 2031 in five-year deal

August 13, 2026

Jérémy Doku has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City, keeping the Belgium winger at the Etihad until 2031. The 24-year-old has become a key part of the squad since joining from Rennes in 2023.

One dead, several injured in Rotterdam port blast at Gunvor refinery

August 13, 2026

The Netherlands is investigating an explosion at the port of Rotterdam that killed one person and injured several others on Thursday, 13 August. The blast happened at about 11:30 a.m. at an oil facility in the Europoort industrial section of Europe’s largest port.

Brussels unveils giant flower carpet inspired by Hokusai masterpiece

August 13, 2026

Brussels has transformed its historic Grand Place into a giant floral version of Japan’s Great Wave off Kanagawa, using around 500,000 dahlias laid out over 1,300 square metres of cobblestones.

Ecuador police seize 370kg of cocaine near Colombian border

August 13, 2026

Ecuadorian police have seized hundreds of kilograms of cocainee in an area known as Guagua Negro near the Colombian border. Anti-narcotics officers spotted a suspicious truck during an operation and moved in.

France opens disciplinary proceedings against ambassador to Central African Republic

August 13, 2026

The case comes at a sensitive time for French diplomacy. Paris has been working to restore ties with the Central African Republic after relations deteriorated in recent years as Russia expanded its influence in the country through the Wagner paramilitary group