B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
British King Charles faces rising calls for slavery reparations in Caribbean
King Charles' nine-day visit to the Caribbean is marked by growing demands for reparations from Britain for its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. While the King acknowledged the injustices of slavery, he stopped short of offering an apology. Activists and demonstrators in the Bahamas and across the region demand full compensation and reparatory justice, reflecting increasing momentum on this issue within the Caribbean community and CARICOM.
Récréâtrales festival animates Ouagadougou’s Bougsemtenga neighbourhood
The 14th edition of the Récréâtrales theatre festival, running from October 24 to 31, animates Ouagadougou's Bougsemtenga neighbourhood where residents host performances in their courtyards. Choreographer Djibril Ouattara collaborated with local women and youth on the opening piece, emphasizing community creativity and accessibility to art.
Ebola outbreak in Africa surpasses 10,000 cases, mainly in DR Congo
Africa's latest Ebola outbreak has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases, predominantly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with nearly 5,000 deaths since May, according to Congolese health authorities. The epidemic has also affected Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, complicating efforts to contain the virus across the continent. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain, with no approved vaccines or treatments available, and has spread across multiple provinces in the DRC amid regional insecurity.
Call for WHO to recognize climate change as a public health emergency
Researchers and public health professionals emphasize the immediate health threats posed by climate change, especially in Africa, and call on the WHO to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) to mobilize global action and resources.
African economies face rising risks amid global uncertainty, IMF and World Bank warn
The IMF and World Bank forecast African economic growth of around 4.5% in 2026 and 2027, higher than global averages. However, they warn of rising poverty levels, increasing public debt, and food insecurity risks due to global inflation, supply shortages, and climate factors. Declining official development assistance and high debt servicing costs threaten Africa's capacity to meet development goals.
Senegal’s finance committee to review revised budget crucial for IMF deal
Senegal's National Assembly finance committee is set to review a revised budget crucial for securing a new $2.2 billion IMF programme. Finance Minister Cheikh Diba requested the review to avoid political deadlock and economic harm. The budget was initially rejected by the majority Pastef party. The IMF highlights Senegal's debt at 132% of GDP due to misreported borrowing. The review is key to stabilizing public finances amid social tensions and a recent general strike.
Algeria Sends Troops to Niger to Secure Sahel Interests
On October 25, 2026, Algeria's parliament authorized the deployment of its army units to Niger, signaling a strategic shift to protect its energy interests and exert greater influence over Sahel security dynamics. This move follows a confidential military cooperation agreement between Algeria and Niger and reflects Algeria's intent to actively shape regional security rather than remain a passive actor.
Myanmar celebrates Thadingyut with historic Sky Lantern Festival in Bagan
Myanmar's ancient city of Bagan hosted its first official Sky Lantern Festival from October 25 to 27, organized by the military tourism department. Around 1,000 paper lanterns were released each evening over the UNESCO World Heritage site, marking the Thadingyut Festival that ends Buddhist Lent and celebrates the Buddha's return from the celestial realm. The event attracted devotees nationwide for prayers, offerings, and family reunions.
South African researchers move closer to biological control of invasive brambles
Invasive brambles from North America and Europe have spread widely across South Africa, damaging ecosystems and agriculture. Traditional control methods have failed due to scale and plant resilience. Researchers now find biological control using natural enemies from the brambles' native range feasible and promising for managing these invasive weeds.
Global sexual health must embrace African and Indigenous perspectives, say experts
Global sexual health efforts have traditionally flowed from the global north to the south, often overlooking local knowledge about pleasure and wellbeing. Researchers from Columbia University argue that African and Indigenous perspectives offer valuable insights that can improve sexual health outcomes. They recommend co-creating approaches with communities to better address sexual health challenges.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch wins Princess of Asturias Award, highlights African ties and space cooperation
NASA astronaut Christina Koch has been awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Concord in Spain, recognizing her achievements in space exploration and commitment to international cooperation. In an interview with Africanews, she reflected on viewing Earth from space, the importance of diversity, and her life-changing study-abroad experience in Ghana, which reshaped her views on happiness and cultural understanding.
South Africa halts asylum process following anti-migrant protests
South Africa has suspended its asylum application process after recent anti-migrant protests turned violent, causing uncertainty for migrants seeking legal status.
University of The Gambia students demand better facilities and services in protests
Hundreds of students at the University of The Gambia in Banjul protested on Monday against deteriorating campus conditions such as inadequate food, water, internet access, and transport. The protests follow weeks of nationwide power cuts and come ahead of the December 5 election. The government has announced measures to address some demands, but students continue to mobilize peacefully.
No-refrigeration vaccines tested by Stablepharma to improve African vaccine access
Stablepharma launched in April 2025 the first human trial of a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine stable without refrigeration. This innovation could address cold chain challenges in Africa, where unreliable electricity and transport limit vaccine coverage, especially in isolated or conflict-affected areas.
Ebola outbreak in DR Congo faces resistance amid misinformation and fear
The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is severely hampered by misinformation and community distrust. Traditional beliefs and fear lead to resistance against health authorities, resulting in attacks on treatment centers and delayed care. The outbreak, ongoing since May, has recorded over 9,800 cases and 4,700 deaths, marking it the deadliest in Congo's history.
Putin and African Union Chair to Co-Chair Russia-Africa Summit
The Russia-Africa Summit is set for October 28-29 in Moscow, with 48 African countries confirmed to attend. Russian President Vladimir Putin and African Union chair Évariste Ndayishimiye will co-chair the event, focusing on deepening political and economic ties and global energy cooperation.
England’s Harry Kane takes Ballon d’Or, ending 25-year wait for English winner
Harry Kane has won the men's Ballon d'Or, becoming the first English footballer in 25 years to claim the award. The Bayern Munich striker scored 73 goals in 65 games last season, helping his club to a league and cup double and scoring 12 goals for England, including six at the World Cup.
UK sanctions 15 Sudanese military officials over El-Fasher abuses
The UK has sanctioned 15 Sudanese military officials for their roles in brutality and abuse against civilians during the fall of El-Fasher, Sudan, marking a significant step in international accountability efforts.
Chris Brown avoids jail for 2023 London nightclub bottle attack
Chris Brown was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for one year, for attacking music producer Abraham Diaw with a tequila bottle at a London nightclub in February 2023. The Grammy-winning singer pleaded guilty to affray and avoided jail due to mitigating factors including his guilty plea and charity work.
Trabzonspor Gains Popularity After Signing Egyptian Star Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah's transfer from Liverpool to Trabzonspor has sparked enthusiasm among Turkish football fans, elevating the club's profile and attracting tourism to the city. The Egyptian star's presence has led to a surge in merchandise sales, social media followers, and new direct flights between Cairo and Trabzon.