Africa News Live Updates: Illicit ‘blood gold’ trade fuels conflict in West Africa’s Sahel region

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kagame and IAEA chief discuss nuclear innovation in Rwa