Africa

Kenya Police Block Nairobi Protests

Kenyan authorities imposed heavy security measures across Nairobi on Thursday, blocking key routes to prevent protests marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z uprising. Police deployed tear gas and fired shots as demonstrators attempted to gather despite the lockdown.

Capital FM Kenya · NYT World · RFI · +1 more

Nigeria Detains Opposition Political Leaders

Nigerian opposition condemns prolonged detention of two prominent figures: activist Omoyele Sowore and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai. Both remain held without resolution.

Premium Times · RFI · Punch Nigeria · +1 more

Nigeria Addresses Out-Of-School Children Crisis

Stakeholders in Nigeria call for coordinated action to combat the nation's out-of-school children crisis, warning of threats to development. School abductions by armed groups continue to impede education access across the country.

Kenya Finance Act 2026 Receives Presidential Assent

President Ruto signed the Finance Act 2026 into law, operationalizing tax fairness measures within a 4.8 trillion shilling budget. The legislation includes revised excise duties on electric vehicles, airline tax exemptions, and reforms supporting small business traders amid national fiscal planning.

Kenya Cabinet Secretary Condemns Police Brutality

Cabinet Secretary Murkomen publicly condemned law enforcement's use of excessive force against residents in Angata Barrikoi, Narok County, apologizing for beatings and property losses inflicted by police officers.

Over 300 Arrested During Gen Z Anniversary Protests in Nairobi

Police arrested more than 300 demonstrators in Nairobi during anniversary protests marking two years since the 2024 Gen Z uprising. Most arrests occurred in the capital, with additional detentions reported in surrounding counties.

Nigeria Transfers Enugu Airport To Private Operator

The Federal Government handed over Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited under a public-private partnership agreement. The concession, approved after twenty years of planning, tasked the operator with financing, rehabilitation, and managing the facility.

African journalists detained on censorship charges

Journalists in Mali, Nigeria and Burkina Faso face detention and legal threats for reporting on governance failures and press freedom violations. International rights groups urge immediate release of detained reporters.

Senegal prepares crucial Iraq battle at World Cup

Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy suffered a knee injury ahead of the decisive group-stage match against Iraq. Winger Ismaila Sarr expressed determination to bounce back after consecutive losses.

UN Warns of Cascading Crises Threatening Developing Nations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of multifaceted threats including Middle East conflict spillovers, intensifying Ebola outbreak, and El Niño-driven food insecurity for sub-Saharan Africa.

Spence Refuses Handshake With Partey Before Match

England defender Djed Spence appeared to deliberately avoid shaking hands with Ghana's Thomas Partey during pre-match ceremonies, an unusual breach of customary sporting protocol. Partey currently faces criminal charges unrelated to the World Cup.

Halifax Mayor Under RCMP Investigation

The Halifax mayor's office faces Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigation following audit findings of non-compliant transactions totaling $111,000 that violated municipal policies. Broader municipal governance concerns emerged across Canada and South Africa, with auditors identifying systemic ethical and conflict-of-interest violations among officials.

International News Developments Reported

Nigerian army raises alarm over fraudsters using its name to solicit funds Nigeria: le Sénat adopte une réforme sur la création d’une police dans chacun des 36 États

Thomas Partey Returns for Ghana World Cup England Match

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad for the crucial World Cup group match against England. The former Arsenal star's availability transforms Ghana's campaign from a defensive position into a competitive encounter with realistic chances of progression.

Oba of Benin Orders Spiritual Warfare Against Banditry

The Oba of Benin declared spiritual intervention against rising banditry in Edo State, claiming divine instruction from God and royal ancestors. The traditional ruler's statement reflects escalating insecurity concerns across Nigeria amid ongoing criminal activities.

Nigeria Banks Struggle With Cashless Transition

Despite Nigeria's central bank push toward cashless banking, N5.2 trillion in currency remains outside the formal banking system as of May 2026. The data reveals significant challenges in the cashless policy implementation and unequal lending distribution, with corporate borrowers receiving substantially more than retail consumers.

Oyo Governor Imposes Curfew in Ten Local Areas

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde declared a 16-hour daily curfew from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. across ten local government areas following security concerns and kidnappings. The emergency measure aims to stabilize the region while intensive searches continue for abducted pupils and teachers.

Africa Hydropower Grows While Nigeria Faces Shortages

While African countries expand hydroelectric capacity, Nigeria continues struggling with chronic power shortages, frequent grid collapses, and significant electricity access deficits despite substantial hydropower resources. The disparity highlights Nigeria's infrastructure and management challenges.

Ijaw Leader Praises Federal Intervention in Warri Crisis

An Ijaw community leader commended President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori's intervention in resolving the Warri constituency ward delineation crisis affecting three ethnic groups. President Tinubu hosted a June 1 stakeholder meeting in Abuja addressing lingering territorial disputes.

Lagos Market Closure Follows Trader Sanitation Officer Attack

Lagos authorities closed Oshodi Resettlement Market after traders allegedly attacked environmental sanitation officials during enforcement operations. The market, a major commercial center, remains shuttered pending resolution of the security and compliance issues.

Agüero Advises Atletico to Sell Unhappy Alvarez

Former Argentina striker Sergio Agüero recommends that Atletico Madrid sell Julián Álvarez, arguing that retaining an unhappy player damages team morale and performance. Álvarez has publicly stated his desire to leave the Spanish club.

Nigeria Political Party Deregistration Creates Crisis

The deregistration of five opposition parties in Nigeria despite pending court stay-of-execution orders has sparked serious political and constitutional concerns. The action raises questions about adherence to legal processes and democratic governance principles.

US sanctions ISIS financier network in West Africa

The United States designated a Lagos-based individual and three Nigerian companies for allegedly facilitating financial activities linked to ISIS. The action targets financial networks across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa.

Kenyan Purple Tea Enters French Market

Murang'a purple tea from Kenya debuts at a premium Paris market event, marking an effort to establish Kenyan tea as a recognized branded product globally. Local farmers expect higher returns as the product gains international recognition.

Kenya Police Warn Protesters About Infiltrators

Kenya's Interior Secretary warns protesters planning June 25 demonstrations to avoid association with criminals and violent individuals. Officials characterize the event as a notification for lawful demonstration activities.

Africa Trade Hampered by Logistics Challenges

Regional shipping bottlenecks significantly slow intra-African trade, with cargo traveling 45-60 days from Kenya to Ghana versus five to six days to the Middle East. Nigeria's expanded petrol exports to Togo highlight growing regional trade patterns.

Kenya's First Lady Leads Forest Restoration Initiative

Rachel Ruto launched a conservation campaign adopting 33 hectares in the Mau Forest to combat deforestation. The community-led restoration program has recovered 1,500 hectares and supported over 10,000 farming families.

Nigeria Energy Sector Needs Infrastructure Reform

Nigeria's energy sector receives backing for power reforms while infrastructure gaps remain a concern. Sports leadership also emphasizes the need for sustained improvements despite increased funding.

Nigeria's Abia Launches Digital Governance Center

Abia State unveils a citizens' engagement center to modernize government services through a digital platform. The initiative processes inquiries and complaints from residents and directs them to relevant government departments for timely action.

Nigeria Strengthens Security Against Banditry

Nigerian states mobilize multiple strategies to combat banditry and organized crime. Ogun State deepens police collaboration on border security while traditional leaders in Edo employ spiritual and conventional approaches to address the crisis.

Women's Football Finals Approach in Nigeria

Nigerian women's football teams compete in the semi-final round of the President Federation Cup championship. Nasarawa Amazons and FC Robo Queens battle for spots in the finals of the country's premier domestic women's competition.

Nigeria Launches DNA Forensics Center

Enugu State inaugurates a DNA forensics center to enhance criminal investigations and support law enforcement. Governor Mbah praises national security reforms and the expansion of state police capabilities to improve public safety.

Ebola case confirmed in France from DRC outbreak

France confirmed its first ever Ebola case in a returning doctor, as the Democratic Republic of Congo battles an outbreak that has surpassed 1,000 cases and 277 deaths. The WHO reports that despite improved testing and treatment capacity, the outbreak continues to outpace response efforts.

Nigerian cyclists shine at African cycling tour

Team Nigeria demonstrated strong performance at the Tour D'Afrique cycling competition.

African Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama's Legacy

Vincent Enyeama's World Cup record stands as Africa's best among goalkeepers. The Enyimba striker Chidera Michael reflects on his breakthrough season in Nigeria's premier football league, becoming the team's top scorer.

Nigerian Agencies Combat Youth Drug Abuse Crisis

The Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Navy, and local organizations conducted awareness campaigns in Imo State schools addressing substance abuse dangers. The initiative targeted youth education and prevention.

Nigeria Senate Passes Historic State Police Bill Amendment

The Nigerian Senate approved a landmark constitutional amendment establishing state police forces, addressing persistent security concerns. The legislation raises questions about funding mechanisms and federal-state oversight structures.

Lagos Police Rule Out Terrorism in Mushin Explosion

Nigerian police determined that a June explosion in Lagos's Mushin neighborhood resulted from mechanical failure rather than terrorism or bombs. Investigators found no trace of explosives or detonators at the site.

Nigerian Medical Association Dismisses Genital Theft Claims

The Nigerian Medical Association issued a statement rejecting viral claims of magical genital theft in Rivers State. Medical professionals emphasized the scientific impossibility of such supernatural phenomena.

Education Ministry Overturns University Administrator Appointments

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education directed the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri to reverse 24 aide appointments. The directive raised questions about administrative governance and hiring procedures.

Nigerian Leaders Emphasize Unity and Social Cohesion

The Emir of Kano and other leaders called for religious and traditional institutions to champion national unity and justice. The dialogue addressed social cohesion, gender equity, and community-based dispute resolution mechanisms.

Nigeria Urged to Strengthen School Counseling Services

Education stakeholders called on the Nigerian Federal Government to boost guidance and counseling services in schools through expanded funding and professional staffing. The initiative aims to support student mental health and development.

Kenyan Labour Minister Implicated in Russian Recruitment

Kenya's Labour Minister Alfred Mutua is facing accusations of facilitating civilian recruitment to fight for Russia in Ukraine. A Kenyan worker died on the battlefield during a government-arranged work program.