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.
UN Report Says Rwanda Directed M23 Rebel Advances in Eastern Congo
A confidential UN report seen by Reuters says Rwanda exercised command and control over the M23 rebel group during its major offensive in eastern Congo this year. The experts found evidence that Rwanda trained M23 fighters, supplied advanced military equipment, including anti-aircraft systems, and deployed at least 6,000 troops into Congo’s North and South Kivu provinces. The report alleges Kigali aimed to secure strategic territory and mineral resources, not just address threats from FDLR rebels. Rwanda denies the claims, calling the findings a misrepresentation of its national security.
M23 captured major cities like Goma and Bukavu and advanced deep into mineral-rich areas before retreating under what the UN says were Rwandan orders, pointing to direct operational control. The experts also accuse Rwanda of violating the arms embargo and possibly launching a deadly missile attack on UN peacekeepers in January. Meanwhile, both Rwanda and Congo signed a peace deal in Washington on Friday, backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of harsh consequences if broken. Qatar is hosting parallel talks, as international pressure grows to end the conflict and stabilize the region, which is rich in gold, cobalt, and lithium.
After 63 Years, USAID Is Shut Down — African Programs Face Deep Uncertainty
The Trump administration has officially closed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), ending more than six decades of global aid work. As of yesterday, Monday, July 1, what remains of the agency will be absorbed into the State Department. The shutdown, which was pushed through under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, marks the collapse of an agency that helped lift millions out of poverty, supported food security, and strengthened health systems in developing countries. USAID played a key role in Africa’s agricultural growth and maternal and child health, contributing to a 69 percent drop in child mortality since 1990.
The closure is expected to have devastating ripple effects across Africa. As previously reported, a study found that ending U.S. foreign aid could lead to over 14 million deaths globally by 2030, many in Africa. USAID supported HIV/AIDS programs, maternal care, malaria treatment, and emergency food aid for conflict-affected regions like Sudan and the Sahel. With no replacement structure announced, experts fear that millions of lives and years of development gains are now at risk.
Zimbabwe Court Rejects Bid to Halt Gukurahundi Massacre Hearings
A Zimbabwean court has dismissed a bid by the Zimbabwe Africa People’s Union (ZAPU) to halt public hearings into the Gukurahundi massacres in the 1980s, the deadly result of a fallout between the country’s liberation leaders, Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo. The high court ruled that ZAPU’s challenge came in too late and wasn’t urgent, clearing the way for long overdue hearings to take place.The hearings, backed by President Emerson Mnagagwa, have faced a lot of cynicism from those aggrieved, as Mnagagwa himself was the state security minister when the massacres happened.
The rift between Mugabe and Nkomo dates back to before Zimbabwe’s independence; however, it escalated after Mugabe fired Nkomo from their coalition government, claiming Nkomo’s party was plotting a coup. The ensuing Operation Gukurahundi was launched to nominally root out dissidents, but many survivors say it was a cover to carry out a genocide against the Ndebele minority ethnic group. It’s estimated that about 20,000 people were killed.
Soaring Gold Prices Fuel Conflict and Military Control in the Sahel
As global gold prices hit record highs in 2025, military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are cashing in. Together, the three Sahel states produce over $15 billion worth of gold annually — more than any other region in Africa. Their juntas claim the revenues boost national sovereignty, but much of the wealth is flowing to Russian-linked firms and mercenaries like Africa Corps, successors to Wagner, who are paid in mining concessions or gold. New refineries backed by Russian conglomerates are under construction, while state-owned mining firms push out Western players. Public transparency is limited, and most gold from informal mining reportedly ends up in the UAE.
Control over artisanal mining sites, many unregulated and outside government reach, has become a flashpoint between military forces and jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Armed insurgents are profiting from gold just as much as the governments, using revenues to expand operations. Rights groups have accused the Sahel militaries and their allies of civilian abuses, including torture and killings. Despite the gold boom, miners on the ground see no benefit — wages haven’t risen, and conditions remain dangerous. Experts warn that gold is quickly becoming the region’s new conflict resource, much like diamonds were in the 1990s, with little international oversight or accountability.
UNICEF: One Child Displaced Every Five Seconds in MENA Conflicts
Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa has upended the lives of at least 12.2 million children in under two years, according to UNICEF. That’s one child displaced every five seconds, and one killed or maimed every fifteen minutes. Homes, schools, and hospitals are being destroyed, leaving nearly 110 million children in the region living in war-affected areas. The violence has stripped many of their safety, stability, and mental well-being, exposing them to trauma that could last a lifetime.
UN Security Council Keeps Sanctions Regime on DR Congo
A unanimous resolution by the 15-member UN Security Council has extended the sanctions regime on the Democratic Republic of Congo, which imposes an arms embargo on armed groups in the Congo. The sanctions also include travel bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities designated by the DRC Sanctions Committee. The sanctions regime will be reviewed in a year. Last month, the DRC, alongside Liberia, were elected to non-permanent seats in the UN Security Council, and will be representing African interests for two years, starting from next year.
Jihadist Fighters Attack Multiple Military Posts in Mali
For the third time in a month, armed fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) have carried out multiple attacks on Malian military posts. The group, which carried out offensive operations across seven towns and cities, said it had taken control of three army barracks. Meanwhile, army spokesperson Souleymane Dembele stated on national TV that the army caused “significant losses in every location where they engaged with the security and defence forces,” and also recovered weapons and vehicles. This latest attack follows an armed assault on an army camp and the airport in Timbuktu, and a raid that killed 30 soldiers, both in early June.
Ugandan Military Helicopter Crashes in Somalia, Five Still Missing
A Ugandan military helicopter crashed and burst into flames today at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, leaving five of the eight crew members unaccounted for. Three people survived with burns and are receiving treatment, according to Uganda’s army. The helicopter had flown in from Balidogle airbase, the largest military airbase in Somalia, and went down in the airport’s military section. Uganda is part of the AU force supporting Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab militants. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and investigations by both AU and Somali authorities are underway.
Ugandan MP Abducted and Tortured Amid Pre-Election Crackdown
Ugandan lawmaker Barnabas Tinkasiimire, a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni, was abducted and allegedly tortured before being dumped in a Kampala suburb over the weekend. His family and the Uganda Law Society say he was taken by armed security forces and found with visible torture marks. Tinkasiimire, though part of the ruling party, has openly opposed Museveni’s efforts to install his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as successor. The incident adds to rising concerns over repression and enforced disappearances as Museveni, in power since 1986, prepares to seek another term in next year’s election.
Harare Residents Asked to Pay for Water They Haven’t Received
Residents in Harare, Zimbabwe’s Capital City, are being hit with a new monthly water levy to repay a Chinese loan for infrastructure upgrades they say never happened. The $144 million loan, secured after Zimbabwe’s deadly 2008 cholera outbreak, was meant to overhaul the capital’s water system — but nearly two decades later, taps in areas like Mabvuku remain dry. Critics say the funds were misused, pointing to stalled projects, luxury vehicle purchases, and a lack of transparency. With daily water production far below demand and no clear improvements, residents already struggling with poverty in the southern African country now have to pay extra fees for services they’ve gone without for years.