B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
Somalia’s federal system enriches elites and al-Shabaab, leaving public behind
Since the establishment of Somalia's federal government in 2013, political elites at federal and state levels have profited from corruption linked to international aid and control over transport chokepoints. Meanwhile, al-Shabaab remains entrenched, taxing and regulating trade. This situation benefits elites and militants but fails the Somali population, perpetuating conflict and instability.
Research tracks health changes in young South African migrants
A longitudinal study of 3,000 young adults from rural Mpumalanga, South Africa, shows that migration influences health in complex ways. Conducted by South African and US researchers, the Migrant Health Follow-Up Study finds that health changes vary by condition and are shaped by individual traits and destination circumstances. This highlights the nuanced relationship between migration, urbanisation, and health in South Africa.
King Sunny Adé Celebrates 80 Years of Shaping Nigerian Jùjú Music and Culture
King Sunny Adé, born Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, celebrates his 80th birthday in 2026, marking a career spanning more than six decades in Nigerian jùjú music. His work has been pivotal in promoting Yoruba cultural identity, social reflection, and innovation within African popular music, earning him global acclaim as the 'King of Jùjú.'
Fabien Eboussi Boulaga’s Legacy: Rethinking African Intellectual Freedom
Fabien Eboussi Boulaga, a Cameroonian philosopher and former Jesuit priest, critically explored the challenges of African intellectual freedom under colonial and postcolonial influences. His work questions how African thinkers can assert independent thought beyond imposed identities and ideologies.
Seven Ethiopian armed groups unite against PM Abiy Ahmed in new alliance
In September 2026, seven Ethiopian armed groups announced the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, aiming to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. This alliance emerges amid ongoing armed conflicts in the Amhara and Tigray regions and deepening political and ethnic divisions. The national dialogue process initiated in 2022 has struggled to include key armed groups, contributing to persistent instability.
Shared African strategy aims to tackle climate-fueled conflicts
African governments face growing security challenges exacerbated by climate change, including failed harvests, water scarcity, and extreme weather. These conditions increase competition for resources, fueling conflicts especially in regions like the Sahel and Horn of Africa. To tackle these interconnected issues, governments are developing a Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security, aiming for coordinated action to improve stability and livelihoods.
Research highlights lessons from South Africa’s minibus taxi industry for policymakers
Recent research presented in two books explores South Africa's minibus taxi industry, challenging common labels like 'informal' or 'unregulated'. The studies reveal the sector's complex organisation, knowledge systems, and social practices developed by those involved. They argue that understanding this industry requires acknowledging its historical, economic, and governance contexts, and question the benefits and losses of formalisation efforts.