B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
Deadly migrant boat capsizing off Senegal claims 39 lives
At least 39 migrants have died after a boat capsized off Senegal's northwest coast, one of the country's deadliest migration tragedies in recent years. The tragedy highlights ongoing risks faced by migrants despite the dangers involved.
South African study links food insecurity to poor school concentration
A study conducted at Tshehlo Secondary School in Limpopo, South Africa, reveals that food insecurity significantly impairs learners' ability to concentrate and engage in class. Despite receiving school meals, many students face hunger outside school hours, which affects their academic focus and participation. The research highlights the critical role of stable nutrition in supporting educational outcomes, especially in impoverished rural communities.
Kenyan protests linked to crop cycles, study shows
Research analyzing 20 years of data in Kenya reveals that protests in rural farming communities follow a seasonal rhythm tied to agricultural cycles. Protests tend to increase after harvests when farmers face economic pressures. This insight could help governments and aid agencies anticipate and manage unrest more effectively.
Malaria elimination gains from science face hurdles in implementation in Africa
Recent scientific advances, including vaccines and satellite monitoring, have strengthened malaria control efforts. However, sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear 95% of malaria cases and deaths. Challenges remain in translating scientific knowledge into timely preparedness, effective policy, and community action. Experts call for linking early warnings to practical plans, improving access to prevention and treatment, and enhancing program leadership and coordination.
Deadly migrant boat disaster off Senegal kills 39, families grieve
Thirty-nine people died when an overcrowded migrant boat capsized off Senegal's coast near Lompoul. Families in northeastern Senegal are mourning their lost loved ones amid economic hardship driving migration.
Violence in Ethiopia forces 50,000 to seek refuge in Kenya
Since October 22, escalating clashes in Ethiopian Moyale have forced up to 50,000 people to flee across the border into Kenya. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and partners are providing emergency relief amid urgent needs for food, water, sanitation, and healthcare. The conflict stems from a regional dispute between Oromo and Somali communities.
Giant statue of Pope Leo XIV revealed in Peru before papal visit
Peru has unveiled a monumental statue of Pope Leo XIV in Callao ahead of his 12-day South America tour. The pope, who spent years as a missionary and bishop in Peru, is celebrated for his close ties to the country. The unveiling honors his legacy and marks the significance of his upcoming visit for Peruvian Catholics.
Kenya seizes 454 kg of crystal meth worth $27 million in coastal raid
Kenyan police seized 454 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine valued at $27 million in a coastal operation following a tip-off from Tanzanian authorities. Three suspects—two Tanzanians and a Ugandan—were arrested. This marks a significant step in Kenya's intensified fight against drug trafficking, which uses the country as a transit route.
Accountability of African autocrats’ families differs across six countries
A recent study examining six African countries—Angola, Gabon, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, and The Gambia—finds that legal actions against ruling families after authoritarian leaders leave office take diverse forms, including imprisonment, prosecution in absentia, and financial sanctions. These actions have different political consequences and do not necessarily result in democratic transformation, as they may simply reshape elite power without reforming institutions.
African Development Bank pushes to mobilize over $1 trillion in continent’s pension assets for development
The African Development Bank (AfDB), under President Sidi Ould Tah, is spearheading efforts to mobilize Africa's own financial resources, including over $1 trillion in pension assets, to reduce reliance on external aid and build a continent-wide financial framework for development. This initiative, supported by the African Union and launched in 2026, aims to create a new growth model truly owned by African countries.
Mobile Betting Drives Football Gambling Boom Among African Youth
A recent study highlights the explosive growth of sports betting among African youth, driven by mobile technology and football's popularity. Countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria see high engagement, with most bets placed via smartphones. This trend raises concerns about gambling risks but also reflects changing digital and cultural landscapes in Africa.
Kenyan women transform discarded synthetic hair into stylish handmade bags
Queening Afrika, a Kenyan social enterprise, collects discarded synthetic hair from salons and transforms it into stylish handmade bags. This initiative empowers women by providing sustainable income and skills training, addressing waste management issues and supporting Kenya's large informal job sector.
Sudan detains Ahmed Haroun again amid war and ICC charges
Sudan's military authorities have re-arrested Ahmed Haroun, a former senior official under Omar al-Bashir wanted by the ICC for war crimes in Darfur. Haroun was detained in Omdurman, with no official reason given. His re-arrest follows his recent podcast comments on political and military divisions amid Sudan's ongoing conflict. The National Congress Party demands his release, citing freedom of expression.
Egypt intensifies crackdown on independent media with Mada Masr closure and journalist prosecutions
Egypt has escalated its crackdown on independent media by detaining the entire staff of fact-checking platform Matsadaash, ordering the closure of Mada Masr, and prosecuting its chief Lina Attalah. This marks a severe restriction of the already limited space for free press in the country, drawing international condemnation.
Egypt train crash near Giza kills seven, injures more than 125
A train collision in Egypt's Giza province near Cairo on Sunday resulted in seven deaths and at least 125 injuries. The crash involved a train to Fayoum colliding with the rear of a train to Aswan. Survivors described mangled carriages and dust-filled air hampering rescue efforts. Emergency teams responded promptly, and President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi ordered an investigation.
Art d’Egypte’s ‘Forever Is Now’ Exhibition Returns to Giza Pyramids
The sixth edition of Art d'Egypte's 'Forever Is Now' exhibition opened at the Giza Pyramids, featuring contemporary art that dialogues with Egypt's ancient monuments. French-American artist Raphaele Shirley and French artist Geoffroy Pithon are among the contributors, with a focus on female artists and themes of cultural memory and spatial order.
Study finds West African climate policies overlook invisible losses from disasters
Research on climate policies from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone reveals that while these countries acknowledge physical damages from climate disasters, they often neglect less visible losses such as cultural heritage, mental health, and community ties. This gap complicates recovery and support coordination, highlighting the need for clearer responsibilities and broader recognition of loss and damage in West Africa's climate strategies.
Malaria resurgence in SADC linked to climate change and reduced funding
Malaria control efforts in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are under threat from increasing cases, climate change, drug resistance, and significant funding cuts. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Angola, and Tanzania carry nearly a quarter of the global malaria burden. The recent end of US government funding and reduced Global Fund allocations have forced difficult choices in malaria protection strategies. Experts urge African governments to increase domestic investment and develop genomic monitoring to counter these challenges.
South Africa’s ANC Faces Historic Losses as Local Election Results Signal Coalition Battles
Partial results from South Africa's local elections reveal significant losses for the ruling ANC, which is set to lose outright majorities in major metros including Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Democratic Alliance gains ground, while the new uMkhonto weSizwe party emerges as a key player. The fragmented vote will lead to complex coalition talks amid voter frustration over corruption and unemployment.
Paul Mackenzie receives 200-year prison term over Shakahola Forest tragedy
Paul Mackenzie, leader of a Kenyan cult, has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for ordering the starvation deaths of 190 children in Shakahola Forest. The case highlights serious failures by authorities despite warnings since 2017, with the death toll from the wider investigation reaching 448 confirmed and around 500 suspected victims.