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.
European Court Rules Olympian Caster Semenya Was Denied a Fair Hearing Over Testosterone Ban
South African two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya has won a partial legal victory in her long fight against sex eligibility rules that barred her from competing. Semenya dominated women’s middle-distance running and was born with differences of sexual development (DSD), a condition where a person’s sex characteristics don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. The 34-year-old was sidelined from her signature 800m event in 2019 after refusing to lower her natural testosterone levels to meet controversial World Athletics rules targeting athletes with intersex traits.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled today, Thursday, July 10, that Switzerland violated Semenya’s right to a fair hearing when its federal supreme court rejected her appeal in 2020. The case wasn’t against World Athletics or its controversial testosterone limits for DSD athletes, but against the Swiss legal system. While the ruling won’t overturn the current restrictions, it keeps Semenya’s legal challenge alive and could send her case back to Swiss courts. Semenya said the ruling is a win not just for her but for all athletes fighting to protect their dignity. Her lawyers say the case underscores the urgent need for sports governance to respect human rights. Meanwhile, World Athletics is planning DNA testing to determine eligibility — a move that critics say deepens discrimination against athletes with natural biological differences.
Trump Tries to Offload Deported Migrants Onto West African Leaders
U.S. President Donald Trump met with five African leaders at the White House yesterday, Wednesday, July 9. Besides praising Liberia’s president for speaking “good English” — a display of ignorance of Liberia’s history, given English is Liberia’s official language — Reuters reports that sources say he pressed the presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon to accept migrants deported by the U.S. while their immigration cases are being processed, similar to the eight who were sent to South Sudan last week. The request was part of discussions labeled “dignified, safe and timely” transfers, though no country immediately confirmed agreement.
Trump framed the meeting as a shift from “aid to trade,” and boasted of U.S.-backed resource deals like Gabon’s Banio Potash Mine. But many noted the transactional tone — with U.S. aid cuts, rising tariffs, and new travel bans looming, the pressure to cooperate was clear. Trump also claimed credit for a Rwanda–DRC peace deal, though analysts say it won’t stop the violence.
Sudanese Author Leila Aboulela Wins PEN Pinter Prize
Sudanese novelist Leila Aboulela has been awarded this year’s prestigious PEN Pinter Prize for her powerful body of work exploring migration, faith, and Muslim women’s lives. Judges praised her for writing that is “a balm, a shelter, and an inspiration,” with a deep commitment to stories often left at the margins. Aboulela, who moved from Khartoum to Aberdeen in 1990, has published six novels and two short story collections, including The Translator and River Spirit.
The prize, given to writers who confront truth with “unflinching” honesty, marks a major recognition for Aboulela’s nuanced storytelling. In her response, she highlighted the importance of freedom of expression that includes religious perspectives, calling the award a “complete and utter surprise.” She will receive the honor in October at the British Library, where she’ll also name the 2025 PEN Pinter Writer of Courage — an award for a writer defending free speech at personal risk.
U.S. Aid Cuts Threaten HIV Treatment in Africa and Could Lead to over 4 Million Deaths
The sudden suspension of U.S. HIV funding has triggered a global health crisis, with the UN warning it could lead to over 4 million AIDS-related deaths and 6 million new HIV infections by 2029. A new UNAIDS report says PEPFAR — the U.S. program that funded HIV care across the Global South — previously covered 80% of care at eSwatini’s Luyengo Clinic and nearly the entire drug budget in Nigeria. Now, mobile outreach is shut down, testing is stalled, and critical data systems are collapsing. Eswatini, one of the world’s most HIV-affected countries, had cut new infections by over 70% since 2010. That progress is now in jeopardy.
Nigeria Secures $747M Loan for First Phase of Coastal Highway
Nigeria has locked in a $747 million syndicated loan, its largest ever for road infrastructure, to fund the first stretch of its ambitious 700km (435 miles) coastal highway linking Lagos to Calabar. The 47.47km (30 miles) section is backed by a global syndicate led by Deutsche Bank, with partners including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Afreximbank, the Abu Dhabi Exports Office, ECOWAS Bank, and Zenith Bank. The full project is expected to cost around $11 billion and take eight years to complete.
UN Urges Calm as Military Tensions Rise Again in Tripoli
The UN Mission in Libya has called for the immediate withdrawal of recently deployed forces in Tripoli and warned all parties to avoid actions or rhetoric that could spark renewed violence. Tensions have been building since Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah ordered the dismantling of irregular armed groups in May, leading to the city’s deadliest clashes in years and at least eight civilian deaths. Libya remains divided between rival factions in the east and west, with Tripoli still controlled by the UN-backed Government of National Unity.
Embezzlement Trial of DRC’s Former Presidential Candidate Delayed for Two Weeks
The trial of former Congolese Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has been delayed for two weeks after an initial court session in Kinshasa. Mutamba is accused of embezzling $19 million meant for building a prison in Kisangani, a charge he denies, blaming the case on an alleged plot by the Rwandan government. The former presidential candidate, who once branded himself anti-corruption, stepped down last month and has claimed there were attempts to poison him. His controversial record includes calling for the death penalty for journalists reporting on Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Nigerian Forces Kill 30 Bandits in Katsina Counter-Offensive
At least 30 bandits were killed in coordinated air and ground operations by Nigerian security forces in Katsina state’s Faskari district, after simultaneous attacks on three villages late Tuesday. The joint effort by police, military, and the air force repelled hundreds of armed attackers in Kadisau, Raudama, and Sabon Layi, according to the state’s internal security commissioner. Five security personnel and one civilian died in the clashes, while another civilian is being treated for injuries. Bandit violence continues to destabilize the country’s northwest.