A Turkish Airlines flight bound for Tunisia encountered severe turbulence, causing passengers to scream in fear. Video footage captured the chaotic moments as the aircraft suddenly lost altitude. The incident occurred on…
#Africa
This week in Africa · updated Tue Oct 06 2026
Egypt has dominated African business headlines this week, with multiple startups and institutions gaining international recognition. An Egyptian agricultural technology firm advanced in a major entrepreneurship competition, while a local customer experience company earned regional rankings as the sole Arab firm in its category. Financial innovation is accelerating through a new fintech sandbox attracting regional entrepreneurs, and real estate investment is democratizing through fractional ownership platforms. Beyond Egypt, health concerns have intensified as Kenya recorded its first Ebola death from a traveler returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the fourth affected nation in the current outbreak. Meanwhile, West African trade patterns are reshaping, with Benin's port experiencing surging cargo volumes as regional routes redirect through alternative pathways.
AI-written weekly briefing drawn from this topic's recent stories.
World · Open in Mobble · RSS
Turkish Airlines flight to Tunisia hit by terrifying mid-air jolt
Deadly blaze at schools in Bukavu claims over 20 lives
A fire at two primary schools and a nearby settlement in Bukavu, a city controlled by AFC/M23 rebels in DR Congo, killed at least 20 people, including many children. The fire caused a stampede, and local officials report…
Sudanese refugees in Uganda begin voluntary return flights
Uganda hosts more than 96,000 Sudanese refugees, and a new program aims to fly at least 1,300 of them back to Sudan. The initiative is part of efforts to facilitate voluntary repatriation. The returning refugees hope to …
Report: Nigeria and Boko Haram agree to quiet three-month truce
An investigation by The New Humanitarian reports that Nigeria and Boko Haram have observed a secret ceasefire for three months, following negotiations that led to the release of 360 abducted villagers. The truce began in…
Top Kenyan editor released unharmed following armed abduction, rights groups seek inquiry
A leading Kenyan editor was abducted from his home by heavily armed men but has since been located safe. Kenyan rights groups are demanding a full investigation into the incident. The case highlights ongoing concerns abo…
Spanish inquiry accuses Moroccan border forces of standing aside during Ceuta surge
A Spanish police report reviewed by AFP contends that Moroccan security personnel made no meaningful attempt to block the July mass entry into Ceuta, pointing to unusually thin deployments and witnesses describing office…
Six South Africans Missing After Glacial Flood on Nepal-China Border
A glacial flood on the Nepal-China border has left six South Africans missing, according to Africa Disaster Relief. The disaster has caused deadly flooding in the region. Search efforts are underway.
Failed Niger mutiny exposes junta's reliance on Russian mercenaries
A mutiny attempt in Niger's capital was suppressed with the assistance of Russia's Africa Corps, highlighting the junta's growing dependence on Moscow. Analysts say the incident reveals a deteriorating security situation…
Algerian president pushes for capital punishment for arsonists after deadly wildfires
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered the justice minister to propose amending the penal code to allow the death penalty for deliberate arson. The move follows wildfires in northeastern Algeria that killed at least …
Airport workers' strike in Kenya grounds flights and disrupts travel
Kenya's main airport is experiencing major disruptions as staff go on strike, grounding many travelers. The action has led to long queues and cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers. The strike's duration and im…
Niger army quells mutiny as Russia's Africa Corps aids government
An attempted mutiny by soldiers in Niger's capital was suppressed by government forces, with Russia's Africa Corps providing ground and aerial assistance. The uprising began at a military base near the airport and spread…
Russian intervention helps Niger's junta crush soldier rebellion
Mutinous soldiers in Niger stormed the presidential palace and a military base at Niamey's airport, triggering clashes with loyalist forces. Russia's Africa Corps intervened, helping the junta regain control. Dozens of s…
Afghan with family ties to US forces sent to Central African Republic
An Afghan man who had been granted protection from deportation was among dozens sent to the Central African Republic on a US flight. His family had worked with US forces and faced Taliban threats. Advocacy groups confirm…
Darfur residents manually rebuild road to aid emergency services
In Golo, central Darfur, residents are clearing and repairing a rugged road by hand to allow emergency vehicles to pass. The effort aims to improve access for medical and humanitarian aid. The community is undertaking th…
South Africa's online anti-Muslim rhetoric contrasts with local tolerance
Despite rising anti-Muslim posts on social media, rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal show acceptance of Muslim practices. The funeral of a 105-year-old convert to Islam was conducted without controversy. The article high…
Joint Turkish-Somali operation frees hijacked cargo ship, killing 14 pirates
Somali and Turkish forces rescued the Cameroon-flagged MV Latuf after a 10-day operation off Puntland. The Somali Defence Ministry reported 14 pirates killed and four boats destroyed. The vessel, which was hijacked on Au…
Algeria wildfires kill at least 12, survivors report total destruction
Wildfires sweeping northeastern Algeria have claimed at least 12 lives, with authorities warning the toll may increase. Survivors describe losing everything in the blazes. Emergency response efforts are ongoing as the fi…
Niger junta faces fresh mutiny as gunfire erupts near Niamey military base
Soldiers in Niger's capital rebelled against officers at a key military base, firing at sensitive locations in an apparent mutiny that authorities acknowledged on Saturday. The unrest poses a serious challenge to the cou…
Niger military claims it is restoring order after overnight attack in Niamey
Niger's defense ministry said the armed forces are progressively regaining control of sites targeted in an overnight attack on the capital, Niamey. The statement was broadcast on state television, which resumed transmiss…
Overnight Blasts Rock Niamey Near Airport Base
Residents in Niger's capital reported heavy gunfire and explosions overnight near Base 101, adjacent to the international airport that has been attacked twice this year by jihadist groups. Witnesses confirmed the sounds,…
Congo leader proposes talks without rebel group as universities face closure
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has urged a national dialogue to reduce tensions, but explicitly ruled out participation by M23 rebels. The government also plans to suspend operations at 1…
Tooro Kingdom in Uganda mourns passing of King Oyo Nyimba, aged 34
King Oyo Nyimba of Uganda's Tooro Kingdom has died at 34, according to the kingdom's prime minister. He was crowned at age three in 1995, making him the world's youngest reigning monarch at the time. The king, who was un…
Report exposes scale of ransom payments in Nigeria's kidnapping industry
A new report by a Lagos analyst details the financial scale of abductions in Nigeria. The programme also covers Tanzania's ruling party expelling its vice-president despite his planned resignation, and Senegal's first lo…
South African crime figure concludes testimony at corruption inquiry
Alleged underworld leader Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala finished his testimony before South Africa's Madlanga Commission on Wednesday. The inquiry is examining allegations that a suspended deputy police chief accepted bribes fr…
Tunisian town buries eight youths lost in Mediterranean crossing
A remote Tunisian city near the Libyan border held funerals for eight local youths who perished in the Mediterranean. The victims were part of a group of 15 whose small boat capsized off the Tunisian coast late last week…
Ghana halts unrefined gold exports to boost local processing
Ghana, Africa's leading gold producer, has announced a ban on exporting unrefined gold. The move aims to shift the country from a raw mineral supplier to capturing greater economic value from its gold resources. The poli…
Basketball initiative opens doors for girls in northern Nigeria
A grassroots initiative called Grassroots To Greatness is helping girls in northern Nigeria train and compete in basketball, a sport traditionally dominated by men in the region. The program, founded by youth advocate Ja…
Deadly Algerian wildfires claim 12 lives amid regional heatwave
At least 12 people have died and 54 others were injured as wildfires swept through northern Algeria, with six victims in critical condition. The blazes, numbering over 150 across the country, hit provinces including Jije…
Underworld testimony exposes police links in South Africa; Tunisia mourns Mediterranean victims; Kenyan designer revives slow fashion
A three-day testimony by an alleged crime boss before a corruption commission revealed deep ties between suspected criminals and senior South African police officers. In Tunisia, families buried young people who died whe…
US calls for UN arms embargo on all of Sudan
The United States has urged the UN Security Council to extend the existing arms embargo on Sudan's Darfur region to the entire country, citing the risk of regional escalation. The current Darfur embargo, in place for ove…
Tigray cancels Mawlid events as drone attack fears mount
Authorities in Ethiopia's Tigray region have called off Mawlid celebrations at the last minute due to concerns about drone strikes. The cancellation follows a similar decision for the Ashenda festival, as recent drone at…
Kenyan village overwhelmed by gold rush influx
A gold discovery in the remote Kenyan village of Cheporor has drawn thousands of amateur prospectors, transforming the area into a bustling but ill-equipped settlement. The sudden population surge has overwhelmed local i…
Sudan's war dynamics shift as army gains and RSF defections mount
Sudan's army has made territorial advances in North Kordofan, securing key supply routes and increasing pressure on the Rapid Support Forces. A wave of defections from the RSF and General al-Burhan's political outreach s…
Severe water shortages compound suffering in Sudan's El Obeid camps
Displaced families in Sudan's El Obeid refugee camps are facing critical water shortages, worsening their already dire conditions. The crisis adds to the hardships caused by the ongoing war that forced them from their ho…
Ethiopia's Tigray region calls off Mawlid celebrations following drone strikes
The United States has urged the UN to impose tougher sanctions on the parties involved in Sudan's conflict. In Tigray, Ethiopia, Mawlid celebrations were scrapped following drone strikes in the area. A gold find in the K…
Tinubu directs security forces to free hundreds abducted in Niger State mosque raid
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has instructed military and security agencies to immediately launch a rescue mission following a mass abduction at a mosque in north-central Niger State. Local residents report that around …
Nairobi designer champions handloom weaving to keep heritage alive
Hillary Mukabwa, founder of Mukabwa Studio in Nairobi, creates clothing and accessories using hand looms and cotton fabrics, deliberately rejecting mass production. His work aims to revive a traditional craft that is bei…
Congo peace talks resume as government and M23 rebels agree on roadmap
After months of deadlock, the Democratic Republic of Congo's government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have agreed to a roadmap for renewed peace negotiations. The rebels continue to control large areas in the east of …
Libyan rivals sign preliminary election agreement, but implementation hurdles remain
Libya's rival factions have signed a preliminary agreement on electoral laws and the restructuring of the national elections commission, following talks in Tunis. However, analysts warn that the pact lacks concrete plans…
Zambia suspends judiciary amid rights group outcry
Zambia has completely shut down its court system, prompting rights groups and the law association to demand an explanation. The closure is the focus of a France 24 program that also covers a deadly landfill collapse in G…
Joint ceasefire monitoring team arrives in eastern DR Congo to verify truce
A ceasefire verification mission comprising representatives from the DR Congo government, the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 group, and regional observers has deployed to South Kivu province. The team arrived in Minembwe by UN he…
Guinea rescue efforts continue after dump collapse kills dozens
A landslide at a landfill outside Guinea's capital Conakry has killed at least 30 people, with rescue teams searching for survivors. The government said it has deployed significant resources to the site. The announcement…
DRC Ebola outbreak surpasses 5,500 cases as Pope calls for international aid
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached 5,515 confirmed cases and 2,642 deaths, with a case fatality rate near 48 percent. Pope Leo urged global action to contain the epidemic, which is the…
Kenya's data center boom raises water scarcity fears in Naivasha
A proposed Microsoft-G42 data centre near Lake Naivasha has stalled over power capacity, but residents already face water shortages. The facility, part of a $1bn investment, would run on geothermal energy but its water c…
Congo and M23 rebels set negotiation roadmap following Swiss-hosted discussions
Mediators for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 group announced Sunday that they have agreed on a structured plan for peace negotiations. The roadmap includes timelines and steps under the Do…
Displaced Sudanese seek refuge in El Obeid as Kordofan clashes continue
Thousands of people are fleeing ongoing fighting in Sudan's Kordofan region, seeking safety in the city of El Obeid. The displacement highlights the escalating violence and humanitarian needs in the area.
Solar-powered telemedicine kiosks bridge healthcare gap in rural Chad
A solar-powered telemedicine initiative in Chad is enabling remote consultations for communities far from medical facilities. The kiosks, launched in 2021 by Abakar Mahamat, operate on solar panels and batteries, with lo…
Khartoum's open-air cinema offers wartime escape
An open-air cinema in Khartoum is drawing families back to movie screenings, providing a temporary reprieve from the ongoing conflict. The initiative allows residents to enjoy films in a communal setting despite the war.…
Togo cites drone use and permit issues in case against French documentary crew
Togo's justice and security ministries stated they hold substantial evidence against two French filmmakers and their Togolese fixer, arrested July 27 for allegedly making false declarations. The authorities claim the cre…
Ebola vaccine doses arrive in DR Congo as outbreak death toll climbs
The Democratic Republic of Congo has received over 16,000 doses of an Ebola vaccine. More than 2,500 people have died in the current outbreak. WHO officials warn it could surpass the deadliest Ebola epidemic on record, w…
Ethiopian wine industry flourishes with French grape varieties
A collaboration between French experts and Ethiopian winemakers has led to a growing wine industry in East Africa. Using grapevines imported from Bordeaux, the country has increased its wine exports and domestic consumpt…
DR Congo Ebola outbreak accelerates at unprecedented rate
The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed over 2,500 people, with the UN coordinator warning that the virus is spreading exponentially. Existing funds are expected to run out within weeks, complic…
Central African Republic mine collapse leaves dozens unaccounted for
A gold mine collapse in the Central African Republic on Tuesday has left at least 49 dead, according to the government, though local sources suggest a higher toll. The search for victims is ongoing, with Cameroonian and …
Somalia's child malnutrition cases surge 32% as funding cuts force clinic closures
Severe acute malnutrition among Somali children has increased by 32% in the first half of 2026, according to UNICEF. More than 200 health and nutrition facilities have closed due to international aid cuts, with hundreds …
Thirteen Tunisian migrants missing after boat capsizes in Mediterranean
A migrant boat heading from Tunisia to Italy capsized, leaving at least 13 Tunisians missing, according to a migrant rights group. Two people were rescued, one in critical condition. The incident highlights ongoing risks…
Diplomatic rift between Nigeria and Sahel states complicates joint security efforts
The detention of 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel by Burkina Faso in December 2025 highlighted the widening political divide between Nigeria and the Alliance of Sahel States (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger). The incident occur…
Rescue operations persist after gold mine landslide kills dozens near Cameroon-CAR frontier
A landslide at a gold mine in the Central African Republic has left dozens dead, with victims reportedly from Cameroon and Chad. Search efforts are ongoing as authorities work to locate missing miners. The incident highl…
UN reports exponential spread of Ebola in DR Congo, death toll surpasses 2,500
The United Nations' senior coordinator says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is expanding at an exponential rate, with over 2,500 deaths recorded. Half of those fatalities occurred in the last 20 da…
Rescue efforts wind down in CAR gold mine collapse as death toll disputed
Rescue teams in the Central African Republic are losing hope of finding survivors two days after a gold mine collapse, with local officials and the Red Cross reporting over 100 deaths. The government's official toll stan…
DR Congo Ebola crisis accelerates, half of deaths in last three weeks
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed over 2,500 people, with half of those deaths occurring in the past 20 days, according to the UN's senior Ebola coordinator. The virus is spreading faster …