B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
Senegal to accept IMF program amid hidden debt crisis
Senegal has uncovered a hidden debt crisis with its public debt revised to 132% of GDP. The country plans to accept a new IMF program aimed at restoring fiscal balance and debt sustainability. The IMF, which failed to detect the full extent of the debt problem earlier, now requires transparency, better debt management, and fiscal consolidation. However, concerns remain about the social and economic impact of austerity measures.
Foreign workers in Comoros face challenges after law limits their job opportunities
The Comoros government enacted a law in July restricting foreign nationals from certain jobs, notably affecting Malagasy traders like Larissa Razafitianna. While critics call the law discriminatory, supporters argue it promotes economic sovereignty and social justice, similar to measures in Tanzania and Kenya.
South Africa employs social listening to address persistent COVID misinformation
South Africa's national Department of Health implemented a circular social listening system during the COVID-19 pandemic to track public concerns and misinformation. Despite identifying recurring misinformation around vaccines, treatments, and government communication, similar concerns persisted. The system involved listening, understanding, recommending responses, and continuous monitoring to improve health communication and manage misinformation.
Lavrov lauds Afghan government and condemns NATO military deployment
At the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the Kabul government for its governance and condemned NATO's military presence in Afghanistan and neighboring countries as destabilizing. He emphasized Moscow's support for Afghan counterterrorism efforts.
Senegal Confronts Fast-Spreading Diphtheria Epidemic Affecting 12 Regions
In 2026, Senegal is confronting a diphtheria outbreak with 114 confirmed cases and 11 deaths reported by September, affecting 12 of 14 regions. The disease, once thought controlled, is spreading quickly with a lethality rate of about 10%. The outbreak highlights challenges in vaccination and healthcare access in the region.
Aliou Bah, Guinea opposition head, granted pardon and released from prison
Guinea's opposition politician Aliou Bah was released from prison after nearly two years, following a presidential pardon granted by junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya. Bah had been jailed for insulting the military ruler and was sentenced to two years in 2025. His release comes amid accusations of political repression by Guinea's military government since its 2021 coup.
AfCRA aims to expand Africa’s credit intelligence and boost productive investment
The Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) is not just a competitor to global rating agencies but a strategic tool to expand Africa's capital markets and redirect domestic capital towards productive sectors. With less than 5% of Africa's estimated $4 trillion domestic capital formally rated, AfCRA aims to enhance credit intelligence and support long-term financing for infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, fostering economic growth and job creation.
Fuel Crisis in Sudan Disrupts Transport and Pushes Up Food Costs
Sudan is experiencing a severe fuel shortage driven by global oil disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict and domestic import restrictions, leading to halted transport and rising food prices. The government has ordered extra petroleum supplies, but challenges like refinery shutdowns and foreign exchange scarcity persist, fueling black market activity amid ongoing civil war.
Fighting intensifies as Ethiopian forces push back Tigrayan rebels
The Ethiopian army is advancing toward the Tigrayan capital as fighting intensifies, with new explosions reported in Addis Ababa. The African Union urges all sides to exercise restraint amid escalating tensions following Ethiopia and Eritrea severing ties.
LRA leader Joseph Kony still active after 20 years, attacks rise in Central African Republic
Joseph Kony, the Ugandan warlord and leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), remains active despite being on the run for over 20 years. Recent attacks in the eastern Central African Republic have been attributed to the LRA, highlighting the group's resurgence. Kony is wanted by the International Criminal Court for atrocities committed in the 1990s and 2000s.
Union of Arab Football Associations backs FIFA chief Gianni Infantino for re-election
The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), representing 22 nations from Asia and Africa, has declared support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid in March 2027. The Gulf Football Federation also pledged backing. This comes amid Infantino facing criticism over a failed World Cup investment proposal and Switzerland withdrawing support over concerns about integrity.
Diabetes kills more South Africans than any other natural cause for third year running
South Africa's 2024 mortality data reveals diabetes as the leading natural cause of death for the third consecutive year, with 28,767 fatalities averaging nearly 79 per day. Women and working-age adults bear the highest burden. Experts urge urgent government action to implement a coordinated national diabetes strategy.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal uncertain after training camp exit
Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s training camp amid a rift with coach Jorge Jesus has fans mourning what could be the end of his international career. Ronaldo, 41, left after being told he would not start against Denmark in the Nations League. He has promised to explain his reasons in time. Portugal won the match 4-2 without him.
CAS to Hear Senegal’s Appeal Over 2025 AFCON Final on October 8
Senegal's appeal against the CAF decision awarding Morocco a 3-0 forfeit victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8 in Lausanne. The case stems from a controversial penalty decision and Senegal's temporary walk-off during the final in Rabat.
At 100, Olympe Bhêly-Quenum Reflects Benin’s Role in African Francophone Literature
Olympe Bhêly-Quenum, a pioneering Beninese writer, celebrates his 100th birthday. His work, emerging at the dawn of Benin's independence, explores complex social and moral forces beyond colonial critique, marking a unique contribution to francophone African literature.
Six Matsadaash journalists arrested in Egypt amid press freedom concerns
Egypt's interior ministry arrested the entire six-member team of Matsadaash, an independent fact-checking platform, accusing it of operating unlicensed and having ties to the banned Muslim Brotherhood. The platform denies these claims and highlights its commitment to factual reporting. Rights groups warn this marks a dangerous escalation in press freedom violations in Egypt, where 26 journalists are currently detained.
Omar al Bashir Treated for Health Complications in Sudanese Army Hospital
Former Sudanese president Omar al Bashir has been hospitalized in an army hospital in Khartoum due to health complications. His family has appealed for his release and evacuation abroad for medical treatment, urging Sudan's ruling Sovereign Council head to approve the request. Bashir, 82, has been in prison and hospital since his ouster in 2019 and was serving time for corruption charges at the outbreak of Sudan's 2023 war.
Amnesty International accuses Morocco of spying on activists and journalists with spyware
Amnesty International published a report accusing Morocco of operating a surveillance system using spyware and other tools to monitor and silence activists, journalists, and foreign politicians. The report details phone interception, hidden recordings, and tracking, alleging involvement of Morocco's DGST intelligence service using technology from Israeli, American, and European firms.
Algeria enacts death penalty for forest arson amid deadly wildfires
Algerian lawmakers have adopted a new law imposing the death penalty on those convicted of deliberately setting fires in forests and fields, as well as on child kidnappers who torture or sexually assault their victims. This follows deadly wildfires in the northeast that killed at least 12 people. The law reflects the government's stance that arson is now an organised crime, possibly involving foreign actors. Amnesty International has criticized the move, urging focus on prevention and emergency response instead.
Study reveals Kenya’s class sizes challenge effective competency-based teaching
Kenya's 2017 shift to competency-based education aims to develop broad skills in learners but faces challenges in practice. A study by the African Population and Health Research Centre found that large class sizes and lack of diverse teaching materials prevent teachers from applying learner-centred methods effectively. As a result, many grade 3 students struggle with basic literacy and numeracy. The research highlights the gap between policy and classroom realities, emphasizing the need to address class size and resource shortages to improve foundational learning.