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.
Netherlands Returns 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria After More Than a Century
The Netherlands has returned 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, more than 120 years after they were looted during the British invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897. The artefacts — metal and ivory sculptures dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries — were handed over at a ceremony in Lagos, where Nigeria’s museum chief, Olugbile Holloway, called them “embodiments of the spirit and identity” of the people.
Four of the pieces will stay on display at the National Museum, while the rest will go to the Oba of Benin. In 2022, Nigeria formally requested the return of hundreds of items from museums around the world. That same year, 72 artefacts were returned from a London museum and 31 from Rhode Island in the U.S. Germany has also pledged to return over 1,000 items, as Western institutions face mounting calls to repatriate African artefacts taken during colonial rule.
Sahel Accounts for Over Half of Global Terror Deaths in 2024, Says New Report
More than half of all terrorism-related deaths in 2024 happened in Africa’s Sahel region, according to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index. The report shows the Sahel accounted for 51 percent of global deaths and 19 percent of attacks, with Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Nigeria among the worst-hit. Burkina Faso alone saw over 700 deaths, many linked to Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen. Niger recorded 400 deaths, while in Nigeria’s Yobe state, a single village attack claimed up to 150 lives.
The violence is also spreading to southern areas that were once thought to be safer. In Mali, 60 soldiers were killed in a deadly raid on a gendarmerie school in Bamako. The report highlights the growing complexity of conflict in the region, with terror groups also fighting among themselves, like the deadly 2024 clash in Borno state between ISWAP and Boko Haram. UN sources say attacks have continued into 2025, with no signs of slowing.
UN Turns 80 as Aid Cuts Deepen Crisis for African Refugees
As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, African refugees are among the hardest hit by sharp funding cuts that threaten the future of global humanitarian aid. In Kenya’s Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps, over a million displaced people from countries like Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia are losing access to food, medicine, and education. Cash transfers from the World Food Program (WFP) have already stopped. With the U.S. slashing its foreign aid and contributing less to agencies like the WFP and UNHCR, millions across Africa face worsening hunger and uncertainty.
Global aid leaders say the cuts are forcing job losses, narrowing reach, and straining relationships between UN agencies. Critics say many programs are bloated or outdated, while supporters argue these services are a lifeline. Despite the rising needs — especially in hunger and displacement — no major donor has stepped in to replace the funding shortfall. With conflict escalating and refugee numbers growing, African lives are hanging in the balance as the UN struggles to remain a relevant and reliable aid provider.
Ivory Coast’s Ouattara Teases Fourth Term Amid Rising Political Tensions
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara says he’ll announce “in the coming days” whether he’ll seek a fourth term in the October election, after his party officially nominated him on Saturday. His speech comes as opposition parties demand the reinstatement of barred candidates, including ex-president Laurent Gbagbo and PDCI leader Tidjane Thiam, who were both excluded by the courts. With memories of deadly post-election violence in 2010 still fresh, tensions are high as critics accuse Ouattara of clinging to power while supporters credit him with stability.
Mob Kills Wedding Bus Passengers in Nigeria; 22 Arrested
Nigerian police have arrested 22 people after a mob attacked a bus in Plateau state’s Mangu area, killing at least 12 passengers who were headed to a wedding on Friday night, June 20. The victims, traveling from Kaduna state, reportedly lost their way before being surrounded by an angry crowd. Amnesty International confirmed the death toll and called for justice. The attack highlights the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s north-central region, where tensions between communities and armed groups continue to escalate.
Three Dead, Dozens Injured in Algeria Stadium Tragedy After League Final
Celebrations turned tragic in Algiers after three fans died and more than 70 were injured when a security barrier collapsed at the 5 July Stadium following MC Alger’s league-winning match yesterday, Sunday, June 22. Fans fell from the upper stand while surging forward after the final whistle. The trophy ceremony was postponed, and players visited hospitals to donate blood. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent condolences as questions rise over stadium safety.
South Africa Secures $1.5B World Bank Loan to Tackle Energy and Transport Woes
South Africa has signed a $1.5 billion loan deal with the World Bank to address its deepening energy and transport challenges, the country’s Treasury announced. The 16-year loan, which includes a three-year grace period, comes with better terms than commercial debt and is meant to help ease infrastructure bottlenecks that have long stalled growth. Eskom and Transnet, the state-run power and rail companies, have been major weak points, as persistent blackouts and port delays frustrate key industries. South Africa’s economy barely grew in the first quarter of 2025, at just 0.1 percent.
Sierra Leone’s President Bio Tapped to Lead ECOWAS Amid Regional Crisis
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has been named the new chairman of ECOWAS, taking the helm at a time when West Africa faces rising insecurity, military coups, and economic strain. Bio, now in his second term, pledged to prioritize democracy and regional stability as the bloc deals with the fallout from the exits of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso — all led by juntas and battling jihadist violence. His appointment comes as ECOWAS tries to restore credibility and unity in a region marked by political upheaval and shifting alliances.