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.
Kabila Treason Trial Begins in DRC as Accusations of Rebel Ties Mount
Former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila is on trial for treason and other serious charges, including murder and supporting the M23 rebel group. The military court proceedings began today, Friday, July 25, in Kinshasa without Kabila present. He has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and accused the government of using the courts to silence opposition. The trial follows the lifting of his senatorial immunity in May and his return from self-imposed exile to Goma, a city now under rebel control.
President Félix Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of backing M23 rebels who control large parts of eastern DRC. While a ceasefire was signed last week, fighting continues. The government’s critics say the peace deal is too lenient, while Kabila’s prosecution is too aggressive. His allies argue the case is a ploy to push him out of national politics. Kabila led the country for 18 years before handing over to Tshisekedi in 2019 following a disputed election.
WFP Warns of Massive Hunger Crisis in Nigeria as Aid Cuts Loom
The UN World Food Programme says Nigeria is grappling with an “unprecedented hunger crisis,” with nearly 31 million people facing acute food insecurity. Starting in August, aid cuts could force the WFP to halt food assistance in conflict-hit areas, leaving over 1.3 million people without support. Clinics in Borno state may close, putting 300,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition and cutting off survival aid for 700,000 displaced people.
The crisis comes as funding shrinks across West and Central Africa, while the need for food keeps growing. For years, USAID has been a major donor for humanitarian efforts in northeast Nigeria, supporting millions with food, shelter, and healthcare. Without urgent funding, WFP says it will have to make impossible choices that put lives on the line.
Sudan’s Crisis Deepens: Cholera Surge, Mass Displacement, and Aid Shortfalls Grip the Nation
Sudan is facing one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world, with over two million people displaced since April 2023 and more than 91,000 cholera infections reported across 17 states. In June alone, 500,000 people were newly displaced, while ongoing fighting, floods, and the collapse of governance have left regions like Kadugli and El Fasher cut off from aid. In North Kordofan, attacks blamed on the RSF killed over 300 civilians, and in West Darfur, flooding has blocked roads to towns housing thousands of displaced people.
The UN and aid groups warn of a looming catastrophe as funding gaps widen. Only 23% of Sudan’s 2025 humanitarian needs are covered, leaving a $3 billion shortfall. Childhood vaccination rates have dropped to a 40-year low, putting nearly 900,000 infants at risk of preventable disease. With health systems breaking down and aid access blocked, the UN is calling for immediate ceasefires, safe corridors, and more funding to prevent further loss of life.
Zimbabwe’s “Free Blood” Promise Fails Patients Facing Life-or-Death Emergencies
In Zimbabwe, the government says blood is free in public hospitals, but shortages mean patients often have to buy it from private clinics at unaffordable prices. A pint can cost up to $500, forcing families to sell livestock or borrow at high interest to save loved ones. Despite a policy in place since 2018, public hospitals frequently run out of supplies, especially during crises like childbirth or car accidents.
The National Blood Service Zimbabwe blames recent shortages on funding gaps, fuel costs, and a drop in youth donors. Meanwhile, patients and advocates say the government must make the system work, not just announce it. With maternal deaths still high and thousands at risk from emergency delays, Zimbabwe’s promise of free blood remains out of reach for many.
Morocco Puts $4.2 Billion into Airports Ahead of 2030 World Cup
Morocco has announced a 38 billion dirham ($4.2 billion) plan to expand and upgrade its main airports over the next five years, aiming to boost capacity to 80 million passengers by 2030. The move comes as the country prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain in 2030. The deal, signed between the government and airport authority ONDA, will fund expansions, maintenance, and land acquisition, marking a major push to support Morocco’s growing tourism sector, which hit a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024.
Pan-African Parliament Demands Reparations from Former Colonial Powers
At the Pan-African Parliament’s ongoing session in South Africa, running from July 21-31, African lawmakers have united in a historic call for reparations, demanding former colonial powers return stolen resources and compensate for centuries of exploitation. Legislators cited legal precedents and called for trials and a formal reparations framework. While Gambian MP Sulayman Saho compared slavery to a holocaust, others like Ugandan MP Nsamba Patrick urged African leaders to also address internal corruption and exploitation. The session aligns with the African Union’s 2025 theme focused on justice and reparations.
Canal+ Acquires MultiChoice in $3 Billion Deal
Canal+ has sealed a $3 billion takeover of MultiChoice, giving the French broadcaster full ownership of DStv, GOtv, and other major African media brands. The deal, approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, expands Canal+’s reach to over 14.5 million subscribers in 50 African countries. The company has committed $1.4 billion over the next three years to support local content, jobs, and transformation efforts. With the MultiChoice acquisition, Canal+ strengthens its position against global streaming giants while promising more investment in African storytelling.
Ugandan Civil Society Slams President Museveni Over Bail Remarks
Lawyers and civil society leaders in Uganda have condemned President Yoweri Museveni’s recent attack on judges who grant bail, calling it a threat to judicial independence and the rule of law. In a joint statement, the group warned that undermining bail rights endangers public trust in the courts and recalled past incidents of executive overreach, including the 2005 Black Mamba raid. They urged the judiciary to resist political pressure, speed up bail rulings, and uphold the Constitution without fear or interference.
Mnangagwa Touts Mining Reform Bill as Key to Fairer Economy
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Finance Minister David Mnangagwa, the son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, says the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill will modernise the country’s mining sector and ensure all citizens, not just the elite, benefit from its vast mineral wealth. Speaking to Zanu PF youth and party leaders, Mnangagwa praised the bill’s push for transparency, local value addition, and fiscal accountability. The bill includes incentives like royalty rebates for minerals processed locally and requires the public disclosure of mining contracts and revenues. Youth participants raised concerns over limited access to markets and support, which Mnangagwa said would be addressed through reforms and digital tracking systems.
Sudan’s Islamists Eye Political Comeback as War Bolsters Army Ties
Islamist networks tied to Sudan’s former governing party, the National Congress Party (NCP), are stepping up their role in the country’s war and preparing for a return to politics. Ahmed Haroun, the party’s leader and an International Criminal Court fugitive, says the army should stay in power until the country stabilizes, with elections eventually bringing the Islamists back to government. Though the army denies any formal alliance, insiders say Islamist operatives have contributed thousands of fighters and provided key support for recent military gains. The growing influence of Sudan’s Islamist factions threatens to reverse the pro-democracy gains made since the 2019 uprising that ousted President Omar al-Bashir. Several Islamists have been appointed to high-level cabinet roles, and groups like the al-Baraa Ibn Malik brigade have taken part in frontline fighting. As the war drags on, the blurred lines between the army and former regime loyalists are reshaping Sudan’s political future.