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.
WFP Halts Food Aid in West and Central Africa as U.S. Cuts Bite
The World Food Program is suspending emergency food and nutrition aid across seven West and Central African countries after U.S. President Donald Trump cut funding to USAID and the United Nations, drying up critical support. Operations have already been paused in Mauritania, Mali, and the Central African Republic, while stocks in places like Niger and Chad are projected to run out in the coming months. The crisis hits hardest in Nigeria, where 300,000 children face severe malnutrition, and WFP-supported refugee camps in Cameroon have already scaled back food distribution.
The cuts come as militant violence, climate shocks, and displacement strain already fragile states. In Mali, displaced people haven’t received food aid since June, right as the hunger season began. The WFP says it needs $494 million to keep aid flowing through the rest of 2025, warning that the suspension could fuel more instability by pushing vulnerable people toward extremist groups. Humanitarian experts say this isn’t just a food crisis, it’s a security threat.
ICC Says War Crimes Likely in Darfur as Violence, Famine Worsen
The International Criminal Court says there are “reasonable grounds” to believe war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in Sudan’s Darfur region. ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan told the UN Security Council yesterday, Thursday, July 10, that sexual violence, abductions, and attacks on civilians form a clear pattern of abuse, based on evidence gathered from over 7,000 items and survivor testimony. The court’s fresh investigation began after war broke out in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), forcing many Darfur residents to flee to Chad.
The situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, with children facing starvation, hospitals under attack, and civilians trapped without access to food or water. UNICEF says over 40,000 children have been treated for severe malnutrition in just the first five months of 2025, which is double last year’s figure. The ICC has warned that those responsible will face justice, despite the RSF denying its role in what it calls a “tribal conflict.” More than 150,000 people have died and 12 million have been displaced so far.
Nigerian Government Says No to Taking in Deportees from the U.S.
The Nigerian government has stated its resolve not to cave to pressures from the U.S. government about accepting deportees. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar made the pointed statement yesterday, Thursday, July 10, during an appearance on Channels TV, even quoting an iconic rap line from hip-hop group Public Enemy. “You’ll remember a line from Flava Flav, a member of the group, who said, ‘Flava Flav has problems of his own. I can’t do nothin’ for you, man,” he said.
“You have to also bear in mind that the US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prisons. It would be difficult for countries like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own; we cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria. We already have 230 million people.” Tuggar’s comments follow the U.S. rolling out visa adjustments for Nigeria and three other African countries, which impose a 3-month, single-entry validity on nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of the four countries. Nigeria is also one of over two dozen African countries that could be affected by travel bans and restrictions from the U.S. government.
Central African Republic Rebel Leaders Sign Deal to Disband Armed Groups
In a rare moment of peace, Central African Republic rebel chiefs Ali Darassa of the UPC and leaders of the 3R group signed a formal agreement in Bangui to dissolve their movements and lay down arms. The pact, guaranteed by Chad, marks an official end to a decade-long rebellion that targeted President Faustin Archange Touadera’s government. The deal commits fighters to disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. Though small armed factions remain active, the move signals hope for a country shattered by years of religious and political violence.
Peace Talks Between DRC and M23 Rebels are Reportedly Advancing Positively
Talks between mediators representing the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group are ongoing in Qatar, with a diplomatic source stating that negotiations are “moving in the right direction.” M23, reportedly backed by Rwanda, called for the resumption of previously stalled peace talks following the signing of a U.S.-arranged agreement between DR Congo and Rwanda. The rebel group has said the DRC-Rwanda agreement isn’t binding to them, adding further uncertainty to a deal signed on shaky diplomatic grounds. However, a peace deal between the Congolese government and the rebels could go a long way toward ending the insurgency in eastern Congo.
Kenya Opposition Calls for President’s Resignation Over Police Violence
Kenya’s opposition leaders are demanding that President William Ruto step down after he told police to shoot or break the legs of protesters accused of looting or property damage. The call came as mourners gathered for the burial of Boniface Kariuki, a vendor shot in the head by a police officer during an anti-police brutality protest. Human rights groups have condemned the president’s remarks and police actions during weeks of unrest, which have left over 50 people dead. Four officers are in custody facing murder charges linked to recent protester deaths, including the killing of teacher and activist Albert Ojwang in custody.
Greece Suspends Asylum for North African Migrants
Greece has voted to temporarily halt asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, citing a spike in landings on Crete, particularly from Libya. The new law allows for swift deportations without identification and will stay in place for at least three months. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the move is aimed at protecting national borders, but rights groups and opposition parties have condemned it as illegal and inhumane. Thousands of migrants, including children, are currently being housed in makeshift shelters on Crete, which lacks a formal reception center.