B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
Tshuma’s court proceedings postponed in South Africa as mental health assessment is ordered
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, wanted by British police for killing his wife and two daughters, had his South African court hearings delayed for a mental health evaluation after denying memory of pleading guilty. The Johannesburg magistrate court adjourned the case to October 29, 2026, as his defense seeks assessment of his mental capacity.
Market drone strike in Abyei by Sudanese forces causes 153 deaths
A drone strike by the Sudanese army on Amiet market in Abyei, a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan, killed at least 153 people, with the death toll expected to rise. The attack involved multiple munitions and highlights the brutal nature of the ongoing conflict, with analysts noting little difference in conduct between Sudanese army and RSF forces.
Tunisia jails 10 activists over 2020 anti-pollution protests in Gabes
A Tunisian court sentenced ten environmental activists for protests in 2020 against pollution from a phosphate-processing plant in Gabes. The case highlights ongoing environmental and health concerns linked to the plant, which Tunisia plans to expand despite opposition.
Protests in France raise concerns over tourism impact
France is experiencing widespread protests that began with student demonstrations and escalated into violent riots, causing concern in the tourism sector. Despite some tourists remaining undeterred, hotel bookings in major cities have weakened. The unrest coincides with France's economic challenges, including high public debt and government spending pressures.
Mass funeral held for 75 Yemeni recruits killed in Houthi attack
Yemen's military conducted a mass funeral for 75 new recruits aged 18 to 20 killed in a Houthi missile strike during training in Shabwa province. The attack also wounded 200 others. Officials vowed to strengthen defense and hold perpetrators accountable.
Ivory Coast charges 12 over gendarme’s killing amid election unrest
One year after Ivory Coast's deadly election unrest, authorities have charged twelve individuals with serious crimes including murder and terrorism for the killing of a gendarme. The case highlights ongoing political tensions following President Ouattara's disputed fourth term.
Dangote Group Expands into Kenya’s Oil Pipeline Sector with New Stake
Nigeria’s Dangote Group has acquired a stake in Kenya’s oil pipeline network, signaling increased Nigerian investment in East Africa’s energy sector. This move highlights growing regional integration and cooperation in Africa’s oil infrastructure development.
Study finds structured programmes improve mental health in African schools
A recent study by the Education and Youth Empowerment research team highlights that African schools, especially in countries like Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, and Kenya, can effectively support children's mental health through brief, structured programmes teaching coping and emotional skills. The research emphasizes that counselling alone is insufficient and that support must extend beyond schools to families and communities. Evidence from francophone, lusophone, and conflict-affected regions remains limited, indicating a need for broader research.
Repair, reuse, and recycling form the backbone of Africa’s circular economy
Many African cities demonstrate circular economy principles by repairing, reusing, and recycling waste products like fridges, clothes, and crop residues. These practices are driven by economic necessity and unreliable waste collection. Countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Kenya have implemented policies and facilities to support recycling and waste-to-energy projects, while others still rely on linear waste systems.
Gambia to use $2.5 million from Jammeh’s US mansion sale for victim reparations
The Gambia has received $2.5 million from the sale of former President Yahya Jammeh's mansion in the United States. The funds will be used exclusively to compensate victims of Jammeh's 22-year rule, which involved serious human rights abuses including killings, disappearances, and torture. The Reparations Commission affirmed its commitment to transparent and responsible management of the funds.
Reducing air pollution in Africa offers huge economic and health benefits, study finds
A recent study by environmental scientists Chris Malley, Kevin Hicks, and Caroline Sawe highlights that African countries could save billions of dollars by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The study draws on data showing nearly one million premature deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 due to air pollution, which is the continent's second leading health risk after malnutrition. The main pollution sources include household cooking fuels, industry, transport, agriculture, and waste management. Implementing 25 proven solutions across key sectors could lower pollution and emissions, reduce health costs, and boost productivity.
Mentor teachers in South Africa focus on skills, not inequality issues
A study of 24 final-year student teachers in South Africa reveals that while they reflect on teaching skills during their practicum, they rarely consider the impact of social inequality on learners. Mentor teachers tend to emphasize compliance and technical skills over critical reflection on poverty, language policy, and infrastructure challenges. This raises concerns that new teachers may be trained to accept rather than challenge educational inequalities rooted in South Africa's apartheid history.
New satellite tracking targets illegal fishing off Africa’s coast
Illegal fishing in African waters costs the continent billions annually. A satellite tracking system tailored for the Equator, developed by researchers at the University of Florida, offers near-constant monitoring of vessels, improving detection. However, enforcement depends on political will and regional cooperation among African states.
Presence of tax officials in Tanzania has opposite effects on trust and compliance by region
A recent Tanzania study by the International Centre for Taxation and Development reveals that increased visibility of tax officials improves trust and tax compliance in wealthier, economically integrated regions but decreases trust and payments in poorer, marginalized areas. The findings suggest that tax outreach strategies must be context-specific to be effective across sub-Saharan Africa.
Egyptian parliament delays decision on backing Saudi Arabia militarily
Egypt's parliament has delayed its debate on President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's request to authorize military support for Saudi Arabia, following near-daily attacks by Yemen's Houthis on the kingdom. The decision was postponed to October 26 after an emergency session ended without a conclusion.
Bus-truck collision west of Cairo kills 13 and injures 34
A deadly collision between a tour bus and a large truck on the Cairo-Asyut Western Desert Road resulted in 13 deaths and 34 injuries. The crash underscores persistent road safety issues in Egypt, where accidents are frequent due to reckless driving and poor road conditions.
Former South African deputy police chief Shadrack Sibiya refused bail in sexual crimes case
South Africa's former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was denied bail by Randburg Magistrates Court amid charges including rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the decision, emphasizing risks to witnesses and potential flight. Sibiya denies the charges, claiming consensual relations.
Ghana Hosts Diaspora Pilgrimage to Honor Ancestors Lost to Slavery
At the Nkyinkyim Museum near Ada, Ghana, African Americans and diaspora members participate in a three-day ancestral veneration ceremony honoring those lost to slavery and colonialism. The event, led by Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, fosters remembrance, healing, and a reconnection with African traditions amid Ghana's ongoing push for reparatory justice.
DR Congo faces $700 million Ebola aid gap amid outbreak spread
DR Congo's ongoing Ebola outbreak, the fastest growing on record, has spread to eight provinces and neighboring countries. Africa CDC and Congolese officials highlight that out of $962 million disbursed for Ebola response, $700 million remains unaccounted for, raising concerns over fund transparency and management. Healthcare workers report unpaid salaries and poor conditions, complicating response efforts.
Fridge-free tetanus-diphtheria vaccine trial aims to improve African vaccine access
Stablepharma, a UK biotechnology company, started human trials in April 2025 of a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine that remains stable without refrigeration. This innovation targets the difficulties of maintaining cold chains in Africa, where unreliable electricity and infrastructure hinder vaccine delivery, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas.