B-Empire Live
Continuous news feed — flashes, briefs and explainers, with cited sources. Times shown in Africa/Lagos, UTC+1.
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.
UN warns of rising risks for pregnant women amid Yemen conflict
The United Nations has highlighted the growing dangers faced by pregnant women in Yemen due to ongoing conflict between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces. Fighting has disrupted reproductive healthcare, with many facilities destroyed or repurposed to treat war casualties. Over 3,100 pregnant women have been displaced since early September, worsening access to emergency obstetric care and increasing maternal mortality risks.
Mexico City Hosts 19th Annual Festive Zombie Walk
The 19th annual Zombie Walk in Mexico City saw thousands of participants dressed as zombies, celebrating death in a festive atmosphere that embraces cultural traditions and self-expression.
Kenya’s Shakahola cult leader faces verdict for mass starvation deaths
A Kenyan court is expected to deliver its verdict on Monday in the trial of Paul Mackenzie and associates, accused of causing the deaths of 191 people, mostly children, through starvation in the Shakahola cult massacre. The case arose after the 2023 discovery of hundreds of bodies in shallow graves near Malindi. Mackenzie denies the charges, and the trial has included testimony from over 120 witnesses. The verdict is highly anticipated by victims' families and has reignited calls for stricter regulation of religious groups in Kenya.
Violent protests in France leave Paris, Lyon and Marseille with extensive damage
Violent protests against the rising cost of living in France on Saturday caused significant damage in Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Buildings were vandalised, shops looted, and fires set, prompting cleanup and repair efforts by municipal workers and volunteers.
Pope Leo XIV thanks faithful after lung cancer surgery, plans gradual return
Pope Leo XIV appeared at St. Peter's Square to thank faithful for their prayers following surgery to remove a malignant lung tumor. He plans to gradually return to his duties, expressing gratitude to medical staff and feeling close to those facing illness.
Cameroon’s MRC elects Tiriane Balbine Noah as first female party president
Cameroon's main opposition party, the MRC, elected Tiriane Balbine Noah as its first female president on October 17, 2026. She replaces Maurice Kamto, who led the party for 14 years before resigning. Noah won with over 96% of the vote and aims to lead the party into the 2027 local elections amid ongoing political challenges.
Lagos study reveals 52.5% hypertension prevalence with low awareness
A 2023 study in Lagos tested 1,500 adults and found that 52.5% had hypertension, with 65.3% unaware of their condition. Only 13.8% were on medication and 8.3% had controlled blood pressure. The findings underscore the need for mass screening, affordable treatment, and improved health systems in Nigeria to address this growing health crisis.
Nigerian Army Chief visits Borno troops after deadly ISWAP attack
The Nigerian Army Chief of Staff visited troops in Borno state following an attack by Islamic State-aligned militants who killed 15 soldiers and burnt a military base. The insurgency in northeast Nigeria has intensified, with ISWAP overrunning a base in Mairari village, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
Senegal’s Macky Sall Withdraws from UN Secretary-General Race
Senegal's former president Macky Sall has withdrawn from the race to become the next UN Secretary-General. The announcement follows an informal Security Council straw poll in which all seven candidates received at least one veto. Sall's withdrawal leaves Uganda's Olara Otunnu as the only African contender for the role.
Iran denies involvement in recent Houthi missile attacks on Aden airport
Iran has denied any involvement in the recent missile attacks by Houthi rebels on Yemen's Aden airport, despite Saudi accusations linking Tehran to the escalation. The Houthis have intensified strikes on Saudi targets since October, including over 20 attacks on airports and energy sites. Iran offered to mediate to end hostilities.
Vatican shares first images of Pope Leo XIV after lung cancer surgery
The Vatican released the first images of Pope Leo XIV since his lung surgery and cancer diagnosis, showing him celebrating Mass and reporting steady recovery. The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed due to adenocarcinoma. Despite concerns, the Vatican states he will continue his duties and upcoming travel plans.
Wild Cape honeybees relocated from urban Cape Town to rural farms to protect bees and people
The Cape Honeybee Conservancy, founded in 2018 by Lourens and Dylan Kruger, has rescued and relocated over 250 wild Cape honeybee colonies from urban Cape Town to safe rural farms. This initiative addresses residents' safety concerns while preserving native pollinators vital for the region's biodiversity and agriculture.
Thousands flock to Belgium’s Pumpkimania festival featuring giant pumpkin sculptures
The annual Pumpkimania festival at Belgium's Groot-Bijgaarden Castle features thousands of pumpkins, giant sculptures, a 772-kg pumpkin weigh-off, and family activities, attracting around 50,000 visitors until November 1.
4,700-year-old shipwreck discovered by divers in Turkey
Turkish divers have excavated a 4,700-year-old shipwreck containing amphorae, which may reveal new details about Early Bronze Age maritime trade connecting Anatolia with neighboring regions. The discovery is being documented to understand its historical significance.
Ukraine deploys StarGate drone prototype to cut casualty evacuation times
Ukraine has introduced the StarGate flying ambulance drone prototype to a combat brigade for frontline testing. The drone can carry up to 150 kg, fly at 105 km/h, and navigate difficult terrain like minefields and damaged roads, potentially reducing evacuation times from hours or days to minutes. It uses advanced AI and satellite communication systems to operate despite interference and can also intercept hostile drones. Its real combat effectiveness is yet to be confirmed.
DR Congo calls Formula One’s Rwanda Grand Prix plan ‘morally indefensible’
The Democratic Republic of Congo has strongly criticized Formula One's announcement to hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda in the early 2030s. Congo's foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, called the decision 'morally indefensible' due to Rwanda's alleged support for M23 rebels in eastern DRC. Congo supports South Africa's bid to host the race instead and urges F1 to ensure no conflict-linked resources fund the event.
Congo leaders choose sides as Kabila partners with M23 rebels
Joseph Kabila's return to the political forefront through an alliance with the M23 rebel group is causing significant political divisions in Congo. This development is forcing political leaders to choose sides amid concerns of escalating conflict.
Saudi coalition details deadly Houthi strikes on Riyadh airport in October
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi rebels reported that the Houthis launched 20 attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport between October 1 and 11, 2026. The assaults, involving drones and missiles, killed 17 people and wounded 333. The coalition highlighted the Houthis' acquisition of advanced weaponry with regional support and efforts to target multiple Saudi airports and facilities.
Phase I Ebola vaccine trial begins in Uganda amid DRC outbreak
In response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, Ugandan researchers have started a phase I clinical trial of a candidate vaccine against the Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain, for which no licensed vaccine currently exists. The trial aims to assess the vaccine's safety and immune response in 110 volunteers in Masaka, Uganda.