B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
UN experts: US deportations to third countries trigger rights violations
UN independent experts have warned that US deportations of migrants to over 35 third countries are triggering a cascade of human rights violations, including torture, slavery, and trafficking. These deportations often send migrants to countries with no ties to them and lacking asylum infrastructure, heightening risks for vulnerable groups such as children, women, and LGBT persons.
Guinea-Bissau’s ousted president Embalo to run in December elections after coup
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, ousted in a November coup in Guinea-Bissau, announced he will return from exile and run in the December 6 presidential election. The military junta that seized power after the coup set the election date to restore civilian rule but tensions remain high. Embalo's return is legally permitted, though the political climate is fragile in the coup-prone nation.
Ebola spreads rapidly in DRC’s North Kivu, straining healthcare workers
The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying in North Kivu, a region burdened by decades of conflict and a fragile healthcare system. The disease's epicenter has shifted from Ituri to North Kivu, causing rapid spread and accelerating transmission. In Butembo, health workers face immense challenges, often caring for neighbors and relatives without sufficient protective gear, highlighting the crisis in this densely populated city.
Ethiopia’s 2022 Pretoria peace deal unravels as fighting resumes in Tigray
The 2022 Pretoria peace deal aimed to cease hostilities and pave the way for political dialogue in Ethiopia's Tigray region. However, failure to reach a broader political settlement has led to renewed fighting, formation of armed alliances, and increased regional tensions by 2026.
Johannesburg’s crisis rooted in institutional flaws, lessons from Medellín suggest reform
Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, is facing a severe crisis characterized by failing basic services and governance instability. Research indicates that the root cause is institutional and legal, with the city manager lacking real authority. Drawing on Medellín, Colombia's experience of overcoming violence and dysfunction through empowered city utilities and governance, experts suggest Johannesburg needs to grant operational autonomy to its utilities and confront entrenched political and criminal resistance to recover.
Igbo Community Celebrates New Yam Festival in Abuja with Cultural Grandeur
The Igbo community in Abuja, Nigeria, held a vibrant New Yam Festival celebration featuring traditional music, dance, and cultural rituals. The event served as a cultural homecoming and thanksgiving for the harvest season, emphasizing the importance of yam in Igbo society and reconnecting youths with their heritage.
Burkina Faso’s Traoré marks four years in power, echoing Sankara’s vision
Captain Ibrahim Traoré has completed four years as Burkina Faso's leader, paralleling Thomas Sankara's tenure. Both young army captains promoted Pan-Africanism and economic independence. Traoré has nationalised gold mines, launched infrastructure projects, and shifted alliances away from France toward Russia, while facing jihadist violence and political restrictions.
Research finds farming alone may not drive rural development in South Africa
A University of the Free State study involving 132 small-scale farming households in former homeland areas of South Africa reveals that farming, though important for food security, is rarely the primary income source. Households combine farming with wage employment, small businesses, and social grants. This challenges government policies that emphasize land access and agricultural production as the main drivers of rural development.
Undernutrition Remains a Major Challenge for Children Under Five in Sub-Saharan Africa
A review of 50 studies from 2015 to 2025 highlights that undernutrition, particularly stunting, wasting, and underweight, remains a predominant form of child malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. The research emphasizes that malnutrition is driven by multiple factors beyond food scarcity, including disease, poor sanitation, climate pressures, healthcare access, and socio-cultural influences. Effective solutions must integrate nutrition support with broader social, economic, and environmental actions.
Senegal’s Youth Olympic Games spark debate on long-term sports infrastructure funding
Senegal has invested heavily in building and renovating sports facilities in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games from October 31 to November 13. The government, supported by partners like the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the French Development Agency, is now focusing on sustainable financing and management of these venues post-Games. Experts highlight the potential for public-private partnerships to maintain accessibility and international standards, ensuring a lasting legacy for Senegalese sports infrastructure.
Sudan rejects Ethiopian claims of aiding northern rebels
Sudan's military has categorically denied Ethiopian army chief Birhanu Jula's allegations that Khartoum supports armed groups fighting in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region. The accusations come amid escalating conflict and regional tensions involving Sudan, Egypt, and Eritrea. Sudan insists on adherence to international law and good-neighbourly relations, while also accusing Ethiopia of supporting Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Expansion of Houthis in Yemen threatens maritime security near Africa
The Houthis' recent control over key Yemeni Red Sea coastal areas, including the port of Mokha and several islands near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, poses heightened security and economic risks to African countries bordering the Red Sea. This development threatens vital maritime routes used by about 12% of global trade and could exacerbate regional conflicts.
DR Congo Ebola cases exceed 8,000 amid new EU and US aid pledges
The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 8,000 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths in the ongoing outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain. This is the largest and deadliest Ebola epidemic in the country's history. With no approved vaccines or treatments for this strain, the WHO plans vaccine trials soon. Meanwhile, the EU and US have pledged significant financial aid to support the response and preparedness efforts.
New pollen monitoring network maps allergy hotspots across South Africa
South Africa has launched its first comprehensive five-year pollen calendars through the South African Pollen Monitoring Network, covering multiple regions and plant types. This initiative helps allergy sufferers and doctors better understand seasonal pollen variations and prepare for hayfever and asthma symptoms.
Heavy fighting in northern Ethiopia raises fears of new humanitarian crisis
Heavy fighting resumed in northern Ethiopia between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and federal government forces, displacing at least 150,000 people in Afar and raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis. The Ethiopian army accuses Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of backing armed groups allied with the TPLF. Communications disruptions and drone strikes have complicated reporting and aid efforts. The conflict threatens regional stability and international trade routes through Djibouti.
Bangkok floods after intense rainfall, emergency measures in place
Bangkok faces severe flooding after heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to disaster declaration and public holidays to support emergency efforts. Over 3,000 people are in shelters, with flooding also impacting over half a million people in nearby provinces.
27 killed in two separate shootings in South Africa
Two separate shootings in South Africa on the same night resulted in 27 deaths. Police reported 17 people were killed at a tavern outside Johannesburg, possibly linked to illegal mining turf wars, while 10 others died near Cape Town in a shooting possibly related to business rivalry. No arrests have been made yet.
Rising femicides in Johannesburg spark national outcry and police reward
Eleven women have been killed in Johannesburg over the past two months, with several victims showing signs of sexual assault. Police suspect a serial killer and have offered a $25,000 reward for information. This surge in femicides has sparked national outrage in South Africa, a country already grappling with high rates of gender-based violence.
Morocco’s PAM leads 2026 legislative elections amid low voter turnout
In Morocco's September 23, 2026 legislative elections, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the leading party with 97 seats out of 395. However, voter turnout dropped significantly to around 38%, highlighting a crisis of confidence in political institutions. Analysts attribute PAM's success to strategic recruitment of notable figures and the popularity of technocrat Faouzi Lakjaa. The low participation reflects citizens' perception of limited parliamentary power and central government dominance.
Study Shows Africa Exports Raw Minerals, Missing Value in Green Tech Industry
A recent study commissioned by the World Bank reveals that although African countries possess deposits of 41 minerals critical for green technologies, most export these minerals in raw or lightly processed forms. This limits Africa's participation in higher-value green technology industries and industrial development.