B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
South Africans cast votes in pivotal municipal elections amid regional tensions
Millions of South Africans are voting in crucial municipal elections, testing the ruling ANC's local governance strength. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has expelled six Sudanese diplomats over allegations of drone strikes by the RSF launched from its territory, intensifying regional tensions and humanitarian crises.
UK police arrest 25 Palestine Action supporters outside Supreme Court
UK police detained 25 supporters of Palestine Action outside the Supreme Court as the group challenges its designation as a terrorist organisation. The arrests relate to alleged support under the Terrorism Act, with further arrests expected.
Eastern Cape Communities Report Losses from Kat River Pollution
Residents of 13 villages along South Africa's Kat River rely on it for water, food, and cultural practices. Research shows pollution and sewage discharge have degraded the river over two decades, reducing resources and harming community well-being.
How Namibia’s Geoscientists View Their Role in Public Engagement on Mining
Namibian geoscientists, working amid expanding mining and energy sectors, mostly view public engagement as one-way education rather than dialogue. Research with 13 professionals reveals a need to shift towards two-way communication to build trust and involve communities in decisions about mining and water resources, crucial for sustainable development in Namibia.
For AI and blockchain to benefit African farmers, four key issues must be addressed
AI, sensors, and blockchain technologies are expanding in African agriculture, especially horticulture, offering improved decision-making and traceability. However, a recent study highlights that for smallholder farmers to benefit, four key issues must be addressed: ensuring data quality, defining data control and benefits, adapting technologies to farmers' contexts, and establishing clear governance rules. Combining AI's predictive power with blockchain's secure records could support sustainable production and fair participation.
Niger signs cooperation deal with eastern Libya’s military leader Khalifa Haftar
Niger has signed a memorandum of understanding with Khalifa Haftar, the military commander of eastern Libya, to expand cooperation across various fields. This agreement, approved by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine during his visit to Benghazi, signals closer ties with the eastern Libyan administration amid Libya's ongoing division between rival governments.
Portugal’s housing protesters reoccupy Rossio square after legal win
After a Lisbon court ruled that a curfew on protests was not absolute, housing activists resumed camping in Rossio square, Lisbon, demanding government action amid Portugal's housing crisis. The protest camp was lighter on police presence, and talks with the president were accepted by protesters.
Sudanese Arab refugees face hostility from fellow Sudanese in Chad
Thousands of Arab Sudanese refugees who fled fighting in Sudan have arrived in Chad but face hostility and distrust from other Sudanese refugees. The Rapid Support Forces, linked to Sudan's Arab communities, have been accused of targeting civilians from other ethnic groups, fueling tensions in refugee camps.
Researchers urge WHO to declare climate change a public health emergency
Researchers emphasize that climate change is no longer a future threat but an immediate health danger globally, including severe impacts on vulnerable African populations, and call on WHO to declare it a public health emergency.
Keisha Lance Bottoms becomes first Black woman governor in US history
Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta mayor and Biden adviser, won the Georgia governor race, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in the US. Her victory returns the office to Democrats after 20 years and signals Georgia's continued swing state status.
South Africa holds local elections as public discontent grows
South Africans are voting in local government elections marked by widespread dissatisfaction with failing infrastructure, high unemployment, and inequality. The African National Congress faces further erosion of support, with opposition parties targeting major cities. Results will influence political dynamics ahead of the 2029 national elections.
Johannesburg Faces Severe Water Shortages Ahead of Local Elections
Johannesburg, South Africa's economic hub, is experiencing severe water shortages that have disrupted basic services and sparked public protests ahead of the November 4 local elections. Authorities cite aging infrastructure, leaks, and the El Nino weather pattern as causes, while an inquiry highlights significant water loss and weak municipal management in Gauteng province. The crisis underscores voter frustration with service delivery and may impact support for the ruling African National Congress.
How Community Developers Help South Africans Navigate Government Services
In South Africa, community developers play a crucial role in helping citizens navigate complex government systems and raise concerns about public service failures. They organize residents, explain government procedures, and connect community actions with relevant authorities, making it easier for citizens to get answers and harder for governments to ignore community issues.
Study shows Zimbabwe’s farming subsidies diversify risks but barely boost income
A study of Zimbabwe's Pfumvudza input subsidy programme in Mashonaland East province reveals that while subsidised inputs help rural households spread crop risk by encouraging diversification, the impact on overall income remains limited. The research suggests that diversification beyond a certain point may reduce income, highlighting the need for targeted support to optimize livelihood strategies.
Green hydrogen projects in North Africa could threaten scarce water and ecosystems
North African countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt are rapidly developing green hydrogen projects to export renewable energy to Europe. However, a recent study warns that these projects could severely impact local water supplies and marine life due to the large water requirements for hydrogen production in already arid regions.
South Africans vote amid concerns over crime and service failures
As South Africa prepares for municipal elections on November 4, voters express deep concerns over high crime rates and failures in basic services like water and electricity. These issues have eroded confidence in the ruling African National Congress, making the elections a crucial indicator of shifting political loyalties.
Explosion at Cameroon’s Metafrique Steel plant kills four, injures 16
An explosion followed by a fire at the Metafrique Steel metal processing plant in Douala, Cameroon, on Monday morning killed at least four people and seriously injured sixteen others. The Littoral Region governor condemned safety lapses and announced an investigation.
Rwanda’s Defense Ministry sanctioned by US as DRC peace accords falter
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's Ministry of Defense due to its involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo conflict. This move follows earlier sanctions on the Rwandan army and aims to enforce the Washington agreements signed in December 2025, which seek to end hostilities and promote regional trade and investment. However, the accords remain stalled as Rwanda continues supporting the M23 rebel group, while the DRC's efforts to neutralize the FDLR face operational uncertainties.
Kenya prepares to register 50,000 Ethiopian refugees fleeing regional violence
Following violent clashes between Ethiopia's Oromia and Somali regional leaders, approximately 50,000 Ethiopians have fled to Kenya, awaiting registration and aid in the border city of Moyale. The UNHCR has granted them temporary protection status and is coordinating with Kenyan authorities and humanitarian groups to provide assistance.
Cape Verde’s Neves begins campaign seeking second term, highlights economic reforms
Cape Verde President Jose Maria Neves began his campaign for a second term on November 2 in Sao Vicente, emphasizing the need for wage increases and economic reforms. Backed by the ruling PAICV party, Neves faces five other candidates, including his main rival Joana Rosa from the MpD. The election is set for November 15.