B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
Cédric Kouamé Leads Revival of Classic African Vinyl Records in Ivory Coast
Cédric Kouamé, an Ivorian music lover, is on a mission to restore 20th-century African vinyl records and reintroduce classic sounds to contemporary audiences, highlighting a cultural heritage revival in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria isolates first Ebola patient, intensifies health measures at airports
Nigeria confirmed its first case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in October 2026, prompting the country to enhance health screening protocols at Lagos airport. The patient, returning from Uganda via Addis Ababa, is isolated and stable. Authorities have identified 44 contacts and are intensifying efforts to prevent spread. Experts remain optimistic about Nigeria's capacity to contain the virus, recalling its successful 2014 Ebola response.
Hundreds flee Ethiopia amid border gunfire, crossing into Kenya at Moyale
Gunfire and unrest at the Ethiopia-Kenya border town of Moyale on October 22-23 led to hundreds of Ethiopians, mainly women, children, and youth, crossing into Kenya. The violence stems from tensions between Ethiopia's Oromia and Somali regional states. Kenyan authorities and the Red Cross are responding to the influx with security measures and humanitarian aid.
Study reveals land tenure security shapes agricultural credit impact on Senegalese rice farmers
Research in Senegal shows that the impact of agricultural credit on adopting improved rice varieties depends on farmers' land tenure security. Secure land rights encourage investment and credit use, while insecure tenure limits benefits. The study uses 2021/2022 data from 644 rice-producing households and a double-hurdle model to analyze adoption decisions and intensity.
Strongest El Niño on record prompts UN appeal to shield at-risk countries
United Nations agencies have issued an urgent appeal for coordinated action to protect the world's most vulnerable communities from the strongest El Niño on record, expected to peak in December 2026. The extreme weather pattern threatens severe impacts including floods, droughts, and food insecurity, particularly in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific. The UN warns that tens of millions could face increased hunger and humanitarian needs lasting into 2027 and beyond.
Egypt calls for political solution to Saudi-Houthi conflict amid escalating attacks
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on October 22 called for exploring all avenues to reach a political solution between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis. This comes amid intensified Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, including a deadly strike on Riyadh's airport, and their recent territorial gains in Yemen following the collapse of a truce.
Swiss and Austrian Women Freed from Niger Kidnapping Arrive in Libya
Swiss national Claudia Abbt and Austrian Eva Gretzmacher, kidnapped in Niger over a year ago, have been freed and arrived in Libya following intervention by Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar. Both women are receiving medical treatment in Benghazi and are being assisted by their countries' teams.
University of the Witwatersrand study finds loadshedding worsened student sleep and grades
A 2023 study by sleep scientists and the South African Society for Sleep and Health surveyed over 1,100 students at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, revealing that nearly 75% felt their sleep was affected by loadshedding. The majority reported worse sleep quality, especially fragmented sleep, due to anxiety over power-dependent appliances and internet connectivity. This disruption impacted their academic performance, highlighting broader implications for education in regions with unreliable electricity.
Health progress in Africa leads to more disabilities, calling for stronger rehab care
While Africa has made significant health progress with longer life expectancy and reduced mortality, the number of people living with disabilities is rising. This trend, driven by chronic diseases and injuries, highlights the urgent need for African health systems to integrate and expand rehabilitation services to improve quality of life.
Nvidia showcases humanoid robots and AI supercomputers at Berlin GTC conference
Nvidia's GTC conference in Berlin features live demos of humanoid robots, AI-powered sorting arms, and the Vera Rubin NVL72 supercomputer. CEO Jensen Huang emphasized AI's growing impact across European industries, highlighting new modular AI data centers that speed deployment. The event underscores AI's expansion beyond software into robotics and industrial automation, while stressing safety and reliability.
Mohamed Lamine Bangoura sentenced to seven years for corruption in Guinea
Mohamed Lamine Bangoura, former head of Guinea's Constitutional Court, was sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption, embezzlement of over $20 million, illicit enrichment, and money laundering. The anti-graft court also imposed a heavy fine, asset confiscation, and a five-year ban from public office. This ruling is part of a broader crackdown on officials from the administration of former president Alpha Conde.
Risk of broader war rises as Ethiopia seizes border town Zalambessa
Ethiopia's recent capture of the border town Zalambessa has heightened concerns of a potential wider war with Eritrea. Analysts warn Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed might escalate military actions into Eritrean territory, increasing regional instability in the Horn of Africa.
Madagascar suspends corruption cases involving ex-president Rajoelina and officials
Madagascar's Anti-Corruption Unit has temporarily suspended judicial proceedings related to corruption complaints against former president Andry Rajoelina and other officials. The cases include alleged misappropriation of gold, financial misconduct in school contract awards, and sovereign wealth fund management. The suspension awaits a High Constitutional Court decision on the court's jurisdiction.
Uganda’s August export revenue rises 36% driven by gold earnings
Uganda's Finance Ministry announced on October 22, 2026, that export revenues surged 36% year-on-year in August, reaching $1.5 billion. This growth was largely due to a 68.9% increase in gold exports, valued at $889 million. The ministry also highlighted upcoming commercial oil production as a future boost to foreign exchange earnings.
Spanish right-wing parties make Ceuta migrant crisis central to election campaign
The migrant crisis in Ceuta, where over 70,000 migrants arrived in July, is a major campaign focus for Spain's right-wing parties ahead of the November 29 general election. Locals express frustration with the government's handling, accusing it of weakness towards Morocco and abandonment of the territory. Right-wing leaders have visited Ceuta pledging to restore order, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faces criticism for his response.
Chad’s ex-PM Succès Masra leaves for medical treatment abroad after prison release
Two months after his release from prison by presidential pardon, Chad's former Prime Minister Succès Masra has left the country for medical treatment. He traveled first to Cameroon, then Ivory Coast, and finally France. Masra's health reportedly worsened during his year-long detention. He was arrested in May 2025 on charges he denies and pardoned by President Mahamat Idriss Déby to promote national unity.
Maradona Doctor’s Defense Argues Death Was Unforeseeable Cardiac Event
In the ongoing trial in Argentina over Diego Maradona's 2020 death, defense lawyers for neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque argue that the football legend's death was unforeseeable and that Luque should be acquitted of malpractice charges. The defense rejects claims of negligence, stating Maradona died from an acute cardiac event, not dilated cardiomyopathy, and that care arrangements were agreed upon by Maradona's family.
Belgium condemns ex-DRC president Kabila’s launch of armed political group FRN
Belgium has condemned the launch of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a political-military group led by former DRC president Joseph Kabila that includes M23 rebel figures and opposes the Kinshasa government. The Belgian Foreign Minister called the move deplorable and urged dialogue to resolve the DRC's crises.
Egypt pledges to defend Saudi Arabia but denies plans to attack Yemen, says President Sisi
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced that Egypt's proposed military support to Saudi Arabia is strictly to defend Saudi territory and does not involve attacking Yemen. This declaration comes amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, which have disrupted key infrastructure and oil exports. Egypt's parliament is considering authorization for this support, while some voices call for clarity on objectives and risks. Egypt's support reflects its strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia, a major backer of Cairo's government.
Fighting intensifies on Taiz outskirts as Yemeni government repels Houthi attack
On 21 October, Yemeni government forces and allied Popular Resistance fighters clashed with Houthi fighters near Taiz's old airport and Jabal Han mountain. The government reported repelling the attack and conducting air strikes on Houthi positions. Taiz remains under siege by Houthi forces, disrupting supply routes and essential services, worsening humanitarian conditions.