B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
eLDee’s ‘I Wish You Well’ challenges financial expectations in Nigerian romance
Nigerian rapper eLDee has released 'I Wish You Well,' a song that humorously challenges the prevalent 'billing culture' in Nigerian dating, where men are expected to financially support women. Known for his political and social commentary, eLDee uses wit to critique how romance has become transactional, highlighting shifting gender and consumption dynamics in Nigeria.
South African Study Finds Mutual Suspicion Undermines Immigrant Integration
A 2026 study conducted in Pretoria and Johannesburg urban areas reveals ongoing mutual suspicion and prejudice between South Africans and African immigrants, despite legal immigrants generally being accepted as neighbours. The research suggests documentation, awareness, and social security improvements to ease community tensions.
São Tomé and Príncipe prepares for elections as youth emigration challenges loom
Ahead of the elections in São Tomé and Príncipe, voters express hopes for better leadership focused on job creation to curb youth emigration. The 142,000 voters will choose among seven parties for the 55-seat National Assembly, with youth unemployment and emigration as central issues.
Fighting resumes in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, raising federalism dilemma anew
Nearly four years after a peace deal ended the Tigray war, renewed fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions underscores the challenges of Ethiopia's multinational federalism. The 1995 constitution grants ethnic groups rights to self-determination, complicating relations between regional autonomy and federal authority. The conflict highlights the difficulty of balancing ethnic identity, territorial control, and political power in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s Tigray region sees Mekelle airport captured by regional forces
Tigrayan forces have seized Mekelle airport from federal police, escalating tensions in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights amid safety concerns. Recent drone strikes have caused casualties, with accusations against federal forces. The Tigray People's Liberation Front formed an alliance with six armed groups aiming to remove the Addis Ababa government, threatening the fragile peace established in 2022.
Tunisia Faces Summer of Water and Power Shortages Amid Underinvestment
Tunisia endured repeated water and electricity shortages during the summer of 2026, impacting millions. The shortages, including power outages, water scarcity, and damage to poultry farms from heat, stem from years of underinvestment. Although the water shortage eased in late August with bottled water deliveries, concerns remain for future summers.
Senegal Explores Private Sector Role in Sports Facilities Post-Youth Olympics
Ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Senegal has heavily invested in sports infrastructure in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. Experts highlight that these investments could transform Senegal's traditional public funding model by incorporating private sector participation for sustainable management and financing post-Games, supported by recent legal reforms.
ICC convicts former CAR militia leader Mahamat Said Abdel Kani for crimes against humanity
The International Criminal Court convicted Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, a former Seleka rebel commander in the Central African Republic, on four counts of crimes against humanity related to torture and unlawful imprisonment during the 2013 civil war. The verdict has drawn mixed reactions in Bangui, with some expressing pride and others disappointed over dismissed charges due to insufficient evidence. The ICC acknowledged the victims' suffering amid the country's ongoing efforts to stabilize after years of conflict.
IOM expands Ebola surveillance beyond DR Congo amid rising cases
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is expanding Ebola surveillance beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo's borders in response to the country's escalating outbreak, which has surpassed 7,700 cases and 3,700 deaths. Screening efforts at key transit points like Kinshasa's Bende-Bende port include temperature checks and health questionnaires, with suspected cases referred for testing. IOM is also collaborating with neighboring countries to enhance preparedness and reduce cross-border transmission risks.
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu urges fair verdict in treason trial
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has called on judges to deliver a fair and courageous verdict in his treason trial, which accuses him of inciting rebellion to disrupt the 2025 election. Lissu, detained since April 2025 and barred from running for president, denies the charges he says are politically motivated. The trial highlights concerns over democratic backsliding in Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Africa CDC unveils Continental Immunisation Strategy 2026-2030 to improve vaccine coverage
Africa faces slowing vaccination progress with 7.1 million children missing routine vaccines in 2025. The Africa CDC has launched the Continental Immunisation Strategy 2026-2030 to address financing, data, healthcare integration, community engagement, vaccine manufacturing, and epidemic preparedness. Key priorities include sustainable domestic financing, digital systems, primary healthcare integration, community partnerships, and vaccine sovereignty.
Morocco’s 2,700km Berm in Western Sahara: History and Ecological Impact
Morocco’s Berm, a 2,700km-long wall built between 1980 and 1987, divides Western Sahara into Moroccan-controlled and Polisario Front-controlled areas. It is heavily militarized, surrounded by the world's longest continuous minefield, and disrupts Sahrawi pastoral life and desert ecosystems. The conflict remains unresolved, with significant humanitarian and ecological consequences.
Gauteng street names map shows apartheid and anti-apartheid legacies
A recent mapping project analyzing nearly 44,000 street names across Gauteng, South Africa's economic hub, found that 57% are named after people, reflecting complex historical narratives including apartheid and anti-apartheid legacies. The study highlights how these names serve as a dispersed memorial landscape, influencing residents' sense of belonging in a region where many feel disconnected from their communities.
South Sudan’s Election Commission calls for peaceful December polls
South Sudan's National Elections Commission has urged politicians and parties to ensure a peaceful electoral process ahead of the general elections scheduled for 22 December. This call follows President Salva Kiir's dissolution of the transitional government, clearing the way for the country's first polls since independence in 2011. Preparations including voter registration and voting card distribution are underway.
Study finds South Africa’s green building growth centered in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Sandton
A study tracking 510 green building certifications in South Africa between 2011 and 2023 reveals growth in green building upgrades, predominantly in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Sandton. Most certifications are mid-level, with few achieving the highest rating, and some low ratings suggest possible greenwashing. The trend mainly involves upgrading existing buildings rather than new constructions.
Senegal Signs IMF Deal to Restore Confidence, Debt Amount Unchanged
Senegal concluded a technical agreement with the IMF on September 1, 2026, for a $2.2 billion program over 36 months. The deal changes debt management by setting a fiscal framework and enabling negotiations with creditors but has not yet decreased the debt amount. The country's debt remains high, with ratings downgraded and market confidence low, especially on international eurobonds compared to regional CFA franc debt.
Ebola response in DR Congo includes awareness efforts for deaf people
Ebola response teams in Kisangani, DR Congo, held a meeting with deaf people to raise awareness of Ebola symptoms and prevention. Doctor Gloris Esaa emphasized the vulnerability of people with disabilities during the outbreak, noting communication challenges in healthcare. The outbreak has recorded over 7,500 cases and 3,600 deaths, with the WHO warning it remains out of control.
UN warns up to 10,000 Yemenis may flee to Djibouti amid renewed fighting
The UN has warned that renewed fighting in Yemen could cause up to 10,000 Yemenis to flee across the Red Sea to Djibouti in the coming months, while internal displacement in Yemen could rise to over 230,000. Djibouti, already hosting refugees, faces funding shortfalls for aid operations.
US deports migrants to Eswatini, a country that rejects them
Migrants convicted in US courts have been deported to Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, where they face imprisonment and local suspicion. This follows a secret deportation agreement made under the Trump administration, as revealed by The Deportation Project.
African Union’s peace missions yield mixed outcomes, research reveals
The African Union (AU) has become a key actor in peace and security in Africa over the past two decades, deploying missions in countries like Burundi, Sudan, Somalia, Mali, and the Central African Republic. A recent review of 186 academic articles published between 2000 and 2026 shows that AU interventions produce mixed results, reflecting both growing African agency and ongoing challenges such as limited capacities and dependence on external support. The study underscores the complex realities of AU peace operations, which neither fully succeed nor fail, but increasingly shape conflict responses in collaboration with international partners.