Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.
Rwanda and DRC Will Sign a Peace Deal Next Week to End M23-Fueled Conflict in the East
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement aimed at halting the deadly conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels — backed by thousands of Rwandan troops, according to UN experts — have seized key cities this year. The agreement, brokered in Washington after previous failed attempts, covers territorial respect, an end to hostilities, and the disarmament and conditional integration of non-state armed groups. It also proposes a joint security mechanism discussed last year under Angolan mediation. The peace agreement will be signed on June 27.
While Rwanda denies supporting M23, it claims to be protecting its interests against hostile militias and the DRC’s military. Critics, however, argue that Rwanda is using the rebel group to exert economic and political control over the mineral-rich eastern DRC. With Angola stepping down as mediator in March and past peace efforts crumbling, the durability of this deal may depend on the DRC’s commitment to long-term security reform and international backing.
Nigerian Company to Manufacture HIV and Malaria Test Kits as U.S. Aid Cuts Loom
As U.S. funding cuts hit foreign health programs, Nigerian company Codix Bio is stepping up with plans to produce millions of HIV and malaria test kits locally. Backed by the World Health Organization and partnered with South Korea’s SD Biosensor, the new facility near Lagos will initially produce 147 million kits annually, with the potential to scale beyond 160 million. Codix says the plant has enough capacity to meet Nigeria’s needs and could expand distribution across West and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The U.S., mainly through USAID, was a key funder of Nigeria’s malaria and HIV programs, supporting efforts that reached $740 million in 2024 alone. It’s still unclear how the latest cuts will impact Nigeria, but Codix Bio’s move signals a shift toward local solutions. Nigeria carries the world’s highest malaria burden and ranks fourth in HIV prevalence, according to the WHO and UNAIDS. Codix expects to supply kits to both the Nigerian government and global donors like the Global Fund.
Kenyan Officers Remanded After Vendor Shot During Protests Over Death in Custody
Two Kenyan police officers accused of shooting a vendor during Tuesday’s protest in Nairobi have been remanded for 15 days as detectives continue investigations. The victim, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, remains in the ICU in critical condition. The shooting, captured on video, sparked renewed outrage over police brutality during demonstrations that erupted after the death of teacher and activist Albert Ojwang, who died in custody under suspicious circumstances earlier this month.
Ojwang had been arrested for allegedly spreading “false information” online about deputy police chief Eliud Lagat, who has stepped aside from his position as investigations continue. Authorities at first claimed he died from self-inflicted injuries in his cell, but days later, the autopsy revealed that he died from injuries sustained during an assault. The two officers involved in the shooting of Kariuki — Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono — appeared in court today with their faces covered, prompting criticism from protesters calling for transparency. They will remain in custody until July 3.
West Africa Eyes U.S. Energy and Mineral Deals, But Trump’s Travel Bans May Get in the Way
West African nations are eager to strike trade deals with the U.S. over critical minerals and energy, but Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar says U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed expansion of travel bans could derail those plans. Speaking in his role as chair of the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) council of foreign ministers, Tuggar said the bans — already in place for a dozen countries and potentially widening to 36 more — act as non-tariff barriers that block investment and cooperation. He highlighted Nigeria’s samarium reserves and the region’s energy potential, stressing that West Africa is ready for business but may look elsewhere if the U.S. shuts its doors.
U.S. Resumes International Student Visas but Demands Full Access to Social Media Accounts
The U.S. has restarted student visa processing after a temporary freeze, but new rules now require all applicants to make their social media accounts public for consular review. According to the State Department, refusal to comply could result in rejection, as officials will screen for any posts deemed hostile to U.S. values. The Trump administration says the policy ensures better security, but critics warn it could chill free speech and unfairly target international students. Visa interview slots are filling fast, with many students anxious as fall semester deadlines loom. Thousands of African students were potentially affected by the temporary freeze on visa processing.
South Africa Declares National Disaster as Eastern Cape Flood Death Toll Hits 92
South Africa has declared a national state of disaster after devastating floods in the Eastern Cape left at least 92 people dead and many still missing. The June 9 storm brought torrential rain, wind, and snow, wrecking roads, schools, and homes, especially in poor communities built near rivers. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the hardest-hit town of Mthatha, where a memorial was held on Thursday. The disaster declaration allows emergency funds to be released for relief and rebuilding, with authorities facing criticism over infrastructure failures and slow rescue efforts.
Kabund Launches New Opposition Bloc in DRC, Calls for Break from “Predatory System”
In the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, former presidential ally Jean-Marc Kabund launched the Coalition of the Congolese Left yesterday, vowing to dismantle what he called DR Congo’s corrupt and “predatory” political system. The ex-UDPS leader, recently freed by presidential pardon after a 2022 seven-year prison sentence for insulting the head of state, condemned the entire political class and called for a radical shift toward social justice, democracy, and transparency. The new opposition platform also urged two dialogues to address the eastern conflict: one between Rwanda and the DRC, and another among Congolese to rebuild national unity.
President Tinubu Orders Crackdown After 150 Killed in Benue, Slams Police for Inaction
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered a security crackdown following the massacre of at least 150 people in Benue state, where armed attackers stormed the Yelewata community, setting homes on fire and killing villagers, many of whom had already fled earlier violence. Visiting the state five days later, Tinubu expressed frustration at the police for failing to make arrests, while critics slammed his delayed response. The killings, blamed on herdsmen, mark another deadly chapter in Nigeria’s long-running pastoral conflict and deepen concerns over a national security system many say is plagued by impunity and a lack of political will.
DRC’s Justice Minister Quits Amid $19 Million Embezzlement Probe
Democratic Republic of Congo’s Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has resigned following allegations that he embezzled $19 million earmarked for building a prison in Kisangani. The 37-year-old, who once campaigned as an anti-corruption crusader and called for the death penalty for journalists reporting on M23 rebels, claimed in his resignation statement that the charges are a smear campaign orchestrated by Rwandan-linked “mafia networks.” Mutamba had only held the justice portfolio since 2024 and was a presidential candidate in 2023.
South Africa’s Proteas Return Home to Celebrations After Historic Cricket Championship Win
The South African men’s cricket team landed in Johannesburg to a raucous welcome yesterday after clinching their first-ever World Test Championship title, defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s. The win ended a 27-year title drought for the Proteas, with captain Themba Bavuma calling it a uniquely South African triumph that made the nation proud. Crowds flooded the airport with vuvuzelas and song, celebrating the team’s landmark victory and the standout 147-run partnership between Bavuma and Aiden Markram that sealed the final.