B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
African savanna grasses grow 28% more with increased CO₂, research shows
A recent study reveals that rising atmospheric CO₂ levels have increased grass growth in African savannas by 28% over three decades, based on data from South Africa's Kruger National Park. This growth boost, driven by improved water retention under drier conditions, has significant implications for grazing, fire dynamics, and carbon storage in savanna ecosystems that cover half of Africa.
Brent crude surpasses $100 as US-Iran negotiations stall and US fuel inventories drop
International oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel amid stalled US-Iran peace talks and tightening fuel markets in the US. Brent crude closed at $103.53, marking a 14% monthly gain, driven by geopolitical supply disruptions, strong export demand, and strategic reserve releases. Despite recovering Gulf crude shipments, global inventories remain depleted, keeping energy prices elevated.
Ethiopian federal forces advance in Tigray amid reports of 52 civilian deaths
Ethiopian federal forces have advanced in the Tigray region, retaking the strategic town of Alamata. Reports indicate at least 52 civilians were killed during three days of fighting, with heavy artillery striking residential areas and a market. Over 700 wounded have been treated in hospitals supported by Médecins Sans Frontières. Clashes continue around Korem, signaling escalating conflict beyond Tigray into neighboring regions, raising fears of wider war in Ethiopia.
Israeli PM Netanyahu honors passengers who thwarted disaster on Flydubai flight
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised an Israeli passenger and an Indian pilot for their heroic actions that helped prevent disaster on a Flydubai flight to Israel. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an attack in the cockpit left a pilot seriously wounded and the plane in a steep descent. Passengers and crew intervened to regain control. All 174 passengers, including about 30 children, survived. The motive behind the cockpit attack remains under investigation.
Ethiopian Airlines to acquire 10 new Boeing cargo aircraft
Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement to buy 10 Boeing cargo planes, comprising eight 777-8Fs and two 777Fs, to enhance its cargo capabilities and reinforce Ethiopia's role as a key cargo gateway between Africa and international markets. The deal, valued at $5 billion catalogue price, also includes an option for eight additional aircraft.
Mali’s education disrupted as 2,400+ schools remain shut amid rising violence
Mali's 2026-2027 academic year, declared the 'Year of Education and Culture,' began with more than 2,400 schools closed due to escalating violence and jihadist presence. The closures affect communities already disrupted by conflict, limiting children's access to education despite government efforts.
Timnit Gebru Honored with ‘Alternative Nobel’ for AI Bias Research
Ethiopian-born computer scientist and AI ethicist Timnit Gebru has been awarded the Swedish Right Livelihood Award, often called the 'alternative Nobel,' for her influential research on biases in artificial intelligence. This recognition underscores the important role of African experts in shaping global AI ethics discourse.
Burkina Faso inaugurates first gold refinery to boost economic sovereignty
Burkina Faso's military-led government inaugurated its first gold refinery, Raffinor-BF, to process and certify gold domestically. President Ibrahim Traoré emphasized the move as a step toward economic sovereignty following the country's break from traditional Western partners.
MEPs report inhumane treatment of migrants in Ceuta after mass influx
Three European Parliament members have described the humanitarian situation in Spain's Ceuta as grim two months after a mass influx of migrants. They report ongoing inhumane treatment including torture by military forces and warn against turning Ceuta into an open-air refugee camp. The Spanish government has launched an internal probe into alleged abuses.
Durban sees mass protests targeting undocumented immigrants and femicide
On September 30, hundreds of people protested in Durban, South Africa, demanding undocumented immigrants leave the country and denouncing gender-based violence. The anti-migrant group March and March set the date as an unofficial deadline for undocumented immigrants. The protests come amid rising anti-immigrant violence and a surge in femicides in South Africa, prompting government measures.
Monetary sovereignty debate: Senegal’s Kopar currency proposed by Dr Ba
In his recent book, Dr Babo Amadou Ba advocates for Senegal to adopt a sovereign national currency called the Kopar. This proposal aims to grant Senegal monetary sovereignty, allowing it to control interest rates, exchange rates, and credit orientation to better finance its economy. The Kopar would enable Senegal to maintain regional cooperation while exercising independent monetary decisions, challenging the current CFA franc system tied to the BCEAO and the euro.
Biokineticists in South Africa Identify Referral Gaps Hindering Rural Health Care
Biokineticists in South Africa, professionals who use exercise science to prevent and manage chronic diseases, report significant challenges in rural healthcare. Their recent interviews reveal a 'referral vacuum' where disease risks are identified but patients lack reliable access to further assessment and treatment. This gap hinders early detection and management of noncommunicable diseases in rural areas, where healthcare resources are scarce.
Nigeria’s Oyo school kidnapping signals terrorist threat spreading south
The 2026 mass kidnapping of 46 pupils and teachers in Oyo State, south-west Nigeria, by the Ansaru terrorist group marks a significant shift in Nigeria's security landscape. Unlike previous incidents concentrated in northern Nigeria, this attack targeted young children across multiple schools, revealing the expanding reach and evolving tactics of terrorist groups. The incident underscores vulnerabilities in regions previously considered less exposed to such threats and calls for broader security strategies beyond traditional hotspots.
New South African public service laws aim to end impunity and boost governance
South Africa has passed new legislation including the Public Service Commission Act to address longstanding governance and accountability issues in its public service. These laws seek to ensure competent leadership, uphold constitutional values, and close gaps in accountability, following concerns highlighted during the Madlanga Commission inquiry.
Aliko Dangote breaks ground on Kenya’s $16bn mega-refinery amid legal and environmental challenges
Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, has begun construction of a $16 billion mega-refinery in Lamu, Kenya, with a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day. The project, supported by Kenyan President William Ruto, aims to reduce Africa's dependence on imported refined fuels, despite ongoing legal disputes and environmental concerns. The refinery is expected to be completed within 30 to 40 months and includes a 1,000-megawatt power plant.
Last Ethiopian Jews Hope for Israeli Visa Access
Ethiopia's ancient Jewish community, Beta Israel, known for historic ties to biblical figures, continues to seek visas to Israel after mass evacuations in the late 20th century left thousands behind.
Strike by Libyan teachers extends as demands for pay reform grow
Libyan public school teachers are striking for a third consecutive week, disrupting classes and demanding a review of the unified pay scale to ensure social justice and decent living conditions amid rising inflation. They also seek outstanding payments, health insurance, and better conditions for contract workers. The government monitors the situation while the General Teachers’ Union calls for concrete action beyond promises.
UDPS Politician Beaten to Death Over Ebola Awareness in DR Congo
Marie-Celestin Karondwa, a member of DR Congo's ruling UDPS party, was beaten to death by residents in Butembo for advocating Ebola awareness during a radio interview. This attack reflects growing mistrust and violence linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in North Kivu province, where over 8,000 cases have been confirmed since May.
Pope Leo XIV highlights EU unity and peace during final day in France’s Metz
On the final day of his four-day visit to France, Pope Leo XIV condemned using God’s name to justify violence and called for religious leaders to foster peace and brotherhood. Speaking in Metz, a city linked to EU founding father Robert Schuman, he emphasized dialogue and unity amid Europe’s challenges.
Tangier mayor arrested amid investigation into electoral fraud in Morocco
Moroccan authorities have detained Tangier's mayor, Mounir Limouri, and five others on suspicion of electoral fraud during the recent parliamentary elections, which saw Morocco's ruling coalition win amid the lowest voter turnout in two decades. The investigation is ongoing as authorities address reports of ballot tampering in Tangier.