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.
Mamelodi Sundowns Secure First African Win at Club World Cup
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off their Club World Cup run with a 1–0 win over South Korea’s Ulsan HD yesterday, becoming the first African team to score a victory at this year’s expanded tournament in the U.S. Iqraam Rayners netted the lone goal in the 36th minute after two earlier efforts were ruled out by VAR. The match in Orlando, Florida, was delayed by lightning and drew the lowest crowd of the competition so far, but Sundowns dominated with over 70% possession and now top Group F, ahead of Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense.
Other African clubs have had a slower start: Egypt’s Al Ahly held Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to a 0–0 draw, Tunisia’s Espérance fell 2–0 to Flamengo, and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca lost 2-0 to Manchester City today. Sundowns next take on Dortmund on Saturday, June 21, as they look to extend their strong showing on the global stage.
Belgium Moves Toward Trial Over Patrice Lumumba’s 1961 Killing
Belgian prosecutors have announced they want to try 92-year-old former diplomat Etienne Davignon for his alleged role in the assassination of Congolese independence leader and former Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. Davignon, the last surviving suspect in the case, is accused of involvement in Lumumba’s illegal transfer and mistreatment before his execution in 1961. A Belgian magistrate will decide whether the case proceeds to trial, with a hearing set for January 2026.
The case follows a decades-long legal push by Lumumba’s family for justice, and renewed calls for accountability over Belgium’s colonial-era crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lumumba, the country’s first post-independence prime minister, was executed by firing squad, and his body destroyed, with only a gold-crowned tooth recovered and returned in 2022. His killing has long been linked to Belgian and U.S. interests in the region.
Stilfontein Miner Says He Watched Colleagues Eat Human Flesh to Survive
Patrick Ntsokolo, an illegal miner, or zama zama, who survived 18 days underground in South Africa’s Stilfontein mines, has told of witnessing fellow miners eat cockroaches—and even human flesh — after police blocked food and water deliveries during Operation Vala Umgodi, which means “Close the Hole” in isiZulu. At least 93 people died during the crackdown on illegal mining. Ntsokolo said the group drank salty brack water and ate expired scraps to stay alive. He now hopes to testify before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), which is investigating claims of police misconduct and human rights abuses linked to the operation.
While the police maintain they acted within legal bounds, some officers have begun to speak out, blaming top brass for removing ropes used by community members to send food underground. Civil society group MACUA has accused the state of carrying out “extrajudicial killings” and says the government was too slow to intervene. In the meantime, mass burials of unclaimed bodies have begun, and the families of those who died — and those who survived — are still waiting for justice.
Rwanda’s Victoire Ingabire Summoned to Court in Escalating Treason Case
Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire has been summoned to appear in court on June 19, raising fears that she could soon face treason charges. Her name has repeatedly come up in an ongoing trial against nine activists accused of plotting to overthrow the government, allegedly with support from her unregistered party, DALFA-Umurinzi. Ingabire, who spent eight years in prison before a presidential pardon in 2018, says the charges mirror the same accusations used to silence critics in Rwanda.
The summons follows a judge’s order during yesterday’s hearing, after questioning why Ingabire hadn’t already been indicted. The prosecution claimed discretion in deciding who to charge, but the judge insisted on her appearance. Ingabire, who has been barred from running for president or leaving the country, says she remains committed to peaceful activism. Her legal team believes she was the target of veiled threats by President Paul Kagame last year. Whether she’ll be arrested tomorrow remains to be seen.
Dangote Refinery Sends First Gasoline Cargo to Asia, Signaling Global Expansion
Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is exporting a gasoline shipment to Asia for the first time. The refinery is owned by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man. It is operated by the Dangote Group, a Nigerian multinational conglomerate he founded. The 90,000-metric-ton cargo, due to load on June 22 and handled by energy trader Mercuria, marks the refinery’s first gasoline export outside West Africa since it began production last year. A spokesperson for Dangote’s refinery said the refinery will sell to the highest bidder, regardless of destination. Located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone near Lagos, the $20 billion, 650,000-barrel-per-day facility is the largest of its kind in Africa.
Funeral Standoff: Lungu’s Family Blocks Return of Former Zambian President’s Body Again
The return of Zambia’s late ex-president Edgar Lungu’s body from South Africa has been halted by his family, who accuse the government of violating funeral agreements and sidelining them in key decisions. Lungu’s remains were expected in Lusaka today ahead of a planned state funeral, but the family pulled out, citing a lack of consultation and trust in the President Hakainde Hichilema administration. The standoff has deepened tensions between Lungu’s relatives, the governing party, and his former Patriotic Front allies, who say the mourning process is being politicised. Lungu, who died earlier this month in South Africa, had reportedly requested that Hichilema stay away from his funeral. A 16-day national mourning period is currently underway, but the delay means plans for his return and burial remain uncertain.
Kenya’s ‘Miracle Babies’ Pastor Gilbert Deya Dies in Crash
Controversial Kenyan televangelist Gilbert Deya, known for claiming to produce “miracle babies” through prayer, died in a road accident near Kisumu on Tuesday evening. Police say his vehicle collided with a university bus and another car, killing him on the spot and injuring at least 30 others, including his wife and several students. Deya rose to infamy in the early 2000s and was extradited from the UK to face child trafficking charges linked to stolen babies presented as miraculous births — allegations he denied and was acquitted of in 2023. He continued preaching until his death at age 72.
Mali Junta Seizes Barrick Mine, Launches Russian-Backed Gold Refinery
Mali’s military rulers have taken control of the country’s largest gold mine from Canadian firm Barrick Gold amid a tax dispute, placing the Loulo-Gounkoto complex under six months of provisional administration and appointing a former minister to run it. At the same time, the junta broke ground on a massive Russian-backed refinery in Bamako, part of its push to process all domestically mined gold within Mali and cut reliance on foreign partners. The moves mark a broader pivot toward resource nationalism and deeper ties with Russia, as Mali repositions itself in the regional gold economy.
Ramaphosa Wraps G7 Visit in Canada, No Trump Meeting After All
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa ended his G7 Outreach visit in Canada without the expected one-on-one with U.S. President Donald Trump, who left early, citing Middle East tensions. The trip focused on energy security and strengthening ties with G7 members, particularly Canada, amid global crises including the Ukraine war and the Israel-Iran conflict. The missed Trump meeting follows strained U.S.–South Africa relations after Trump’s controversial genocide claim during Ramaphosa’s May White House visit.