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.
Low Turnout Marks Togo’s Local Elections Amid Anger Over Gnassingbé’s Extended Rule
Togo’s municipal elections yesterday, Thursday, July 17, drew sparse crowds, with polling stations across Lomé nearly empty as voters stayed away amid growing political unrest. The vote, seen as a test of President Faure Gnassingbé’s legitimacy, followed a constitutional overhaul that handed him sweeping powers through a new role as President of the Council of Ministers, a position with no term limits. Recent deadly protests and calls for an election boycott from civil society and diaspora activists deepened public disillusionment and fear.
Security forces patrolled major intersections in the capital, heightening tensions and contributing to voter hesitation. Many residents said the climate of intimidation and lack of faith in the electoral process kept them home. “[People] feel it’s pointless to vote because the results are always the same — predetermined,” said a voter, Edem Adjaklo, citing fears of violence from both protesters and authorities. With Gnassingbé now poised to rule indefinitely, the low turnout underscores a population growing weary of political stagnation and state repression.
Nigeria’s Juliet Ukah Set to Make MMA History at PFL Africa Debut in Cape Town
Juliet Ukah, a 26-year-old Nigerian police corporal and undefeated MMA fighter, will become the first African female fighter signed by the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as the promotion hosts its inaugural event on the continent on Saturday, July 19, in Cape Town, South Africa. Ukah, who entered MMA by chance just last year, has quickly made a name for herself with six straight wins and now faces South Africa’s Ceileigh Niedermayr in a strawweight clash. She joins a star-studded card that includes international champions and 24 fighters from 14 African countries, under the leadership of Cameroonian MMA icon Francis Ngannou.
Ukah’s rise reflects both her drive and the growing footprint of MMA in Africa. Balancing life as a police officer and a fighter, she views her platform as a means to uplift women through self-defense and discipline. Her PFL debut marks a turning point not only for her career but for African women in combat sports, as she pushes for visibility, respect, and opportunity in a male-dominated field. With dreams of opening a gym and mentoring others, Ukah is proving that Africa’s next generation of fighters can thrive at home and lead the way.
Burkina Faso’s Junta Abolishes Electoral Commission, Tightens Grip on Power
Burkina Faso’s military-led government has dissolved the country’s independent electoral commission, shifting control of future elections to the interior ministry. Officials claim the move will reduce costs and limit foreign influence, but critics see it as another step in consolidating the junta’s power. The decision follows a series of delays to elections initially promised for July 2024, with the ruling transitional charter now allowing Captain Ibrahim Traoré to stay in office until 2029.
The junta, which seized power in 2022 after back-to-back coups, has justified its actions by citing national sovereignty and ongoing security concerns. The dissolution of the electoral body raises new doubts about the prospects of a return to democratic rule. The country now joins a growing list of West African states where military rulers have sidelined democratic institutions while pledging reform.
Kenya’s Marathon Star Ruth Chepngetich Suspended for Doping
Ruth Chepngetich, Kenya’s women’s marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic often used to mask other substances. The Athletics Integrity Unit found 3,800 ng/mL of the drug in a March 14 sample, far above the allowed limit. Chepngetich had shattered the marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024 with a time of 2:09:56. She initially accepted a voluntary suspension in April but now faces formal charges as the investigation continues.
South Sudan Opposition Rejects Kiir’s Dialogue Call, Citing Arrests and Attacks
South Sudan’s main opposition party, SPLM-IO, has rejected President Salva Kiir’s appeal for dialogue to prevent renewed civil war, calling it insincere while key leaders remain detained. Tensions have risen since Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest following clashes in March, prompting some opposition members to flee the country. SPLM-IO insists peace talks can’t move forward until political prisoners are released and military campaigns against their forces end. Civil society and the UN warn that the 2018 peace deal is nearing collapse amid rising violence and repression.
Germany Arrests Libyan War Crimes Suspect Wanted by ICC
German authorities have arrested Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, also known as “Al-Buti,” under an International Criminal Court warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed at Mitiga Prison in Tripoli between 2015 and 2020. El Hishri, a senior official at the notorious detention center, is accused of murder, torture, and rape. He will remain in custody in Germany until his transfer to The Hague. The arrest is part of the ICC’s broader investigation into atrocities committed in Libya since the 2011 uprising, though several suspects remain at large.
“Enough Is Enough:” Liberians March for Jobs, Justice, and War Crimes Court
Hundreds of Liberians took to the streets of the capital city, Monrovia, on Thursday, July 17, demanding jobs, accountability, and justice for victims of the country’s civil wars. Led by opposition figure Mulbah Morlu, the protest marked the biggest public challenge to President Joseph Boakai since he took office last year. Demonstrators slammed unfulfilled campaign promises, rising job losses, and delays in setting up a war crimes court. Chants of “enough is enough” echoed through the capital as protesters called for the prosecution of wartime figures still active in politics. The protest remained peaceful, but tensions are rising, and Boakai’s silence hasn’t helped.
Suspended South African Police Minister Submits to Probe
South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has indicated his willingness to cooperate with the commission of inquiry set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations that there’s criminal and political intervention in police affairs. Mchunu was recently placed on a special leave of absence by Ramaphosa, as the commission, chaired by acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, starts its proceedings.
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Police Commissioner for the KwaZulu-Natal province, made explosive allegations that Mchunu has interfered with sensitive police investigations, colluding with underworld figures and prominent business people accused of grave crimes, including murder. Mkhwanazi also alleged that Mchunu disbanded the political killings task team in his province. “Those [allegations] were made in a particular day, and I will talk about that, but all I can say is that foremost, I welcome with both hands the decision of the President on how best this matter or these allegations can be processed,” Mchunu said earlier today, Friday, July 18.
Trump’s Aid Cuts Leave Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp Facing Hunger Crisis
Refugees at Kenya’s Kakuma camp are struggling to survive after U.S. funding cuts halted food shipments from the World Food Program. Since U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration shut down USAID and pulled support in February, food warehouses have nearly emptied, with supplies now down to just 25%. Kakuma, home to over 300,000 refugees from countries like South Sudan, Somalia, and the DRC, is facing its worst food shortage yet — more than a third of residents are expected to receive no rations in August. With malnutrition rising and no clear solution in sight, families are left to survive on whatever they can forage.
Global Climate Fund Plans Wildlife Bonds Across All 54 African Countries
The Global Environment Facility (GEF), the world’s oldest multilateral climate fund, is rolling out wildlife conservation bonds across all 54 African nations to help protect endangered species and ecosystems. Building on past projects in Rwanda and Madagascar, the bonds offer low-cost funding tied to conservation results, like reduced poaching, without burdening national debt. The GEF aims to invest $150 million to unlock $1.5 billion in total financing, targeting species like chimpanzees and lemurs and eventually expanding to entire ecosystems. The move comes as global aid cuts threaten climate efforts, pushing the GEF to find creative ways to do more with less.