Every day,OkayAfricashares 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 ourNews page, with stories from across the regions
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At the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, Musical Encounters Create Unprecedented Fusions
At this year’s 27th edition, African, Brazilian, and Indian traditions merged and complemented each other. Musicians from Morocco, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Brazil share their experiences with the musical encounters
South Africa, Ghana Clash Over Protest-Linked Death Claim
A diplomatic dispute has erupted between South Africa and Ghana after Ghana said one of its citizens was killed during protests over illegal immigration, a claim South African authorities say is false. Ghana has demanded a full investigation into the reported killing of Bashiru Isak in Cape Town, while South African police say they have no record of the incident and instead are investigating the separate fatal shooting of another Ghanaian in an alleged extortion-related attack
Key Developments
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South Africa says about 25,000 foreign nationals have left the country amid recent protests, while roughly 900 people were arrested during Tuesday’s demonstrations
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Nigeria says it will seek compensation for citizens who fled South Africa, with officials documenting businesses and property left behind by returnees
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South Africa has made online traveler declarations mandatory for everyone entering or leaving the country from July 1 through the South African Traveller Management System
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The new digital customs system replaces paper declarations and applies to citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals, except transit passengers who remain in designated transit areas
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Authorities say travelers who fail to submit declarations or provide false information could face delays, fines, or the seizure of goods under customs laws
Northern Nigeria Hunger Crisis Reaches Worst Level in Nearly a Decade
More than 17 million people across nine conflict-affected states in northern Nigeria are facing severe hunger as violence, displacement, and funding cuts push food insecurity to its highest level in almost a decade, according to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The agency says nearly 2 million more people than previously projected are now experiencing crisis, emergency, or catastrophic hunger, with the situation worsening during the annual lean season as families run out of food before the next harvest.
What else to know
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Borno state has more than 3 million people facing acute food insecurity, including over 750,000 in severe hunger conditions
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Ongoing attacks by Islamist insurgents and armed gangs have forced people from their homes, kept farmers off their land, and limited humanitarian access
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The WFP can now reach fewer than half of the 1.3 million people it assisted last year across three northeastern states, where 6.2 million people are food insecure
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The agency warned that growing hunger increases the risk of displacement, exploitation, and instability
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The WFP says it needs $89 million over the next six months to sustain food, nutrition, and logistics support across northern Nigeria
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Begin ICC Withdrawal Process, ICC Confirms
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have formally begun the year-long process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, after their military-led governments accused the court of being a tool of “neocolonial repression.” The ICC says the move could weaken efforts to fight impunity, while stressing that the three countries remain bound by obligations dating back to when they were still parties to the court’s founding treaty
What It Means
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The three countries submitted withdrawal letters under the Rome Statute, which created the ICC
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The withdrawal process takes one year to complete
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All three countries are battling Islamist insurgencies that have expanded attacks on military targets
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Rights groups have accused both militants and some state forces in Burkina Faso and Mali of possible atrocities
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The ICC prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression when national courts cannot or will not act
In Brief: More Stories Today
Côte d’Ivoire Flood Death Toll Rises as Heavy Rains Batter West Africa
Flooding in Côte d’Ivoire has killed at least 59 people since May, as torrential rains continue to batter parts of West Africa. Authorities say the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching for victims, while neighboring Ghana has reported 13 deaths after severe flooding that also affected Benin, Togo, and Nigeria. Officials say climate change, poor drainage, rapid urban growth, and illegal dumping have made flooding more destructive across the region. In Nigeria, flooding disrupted electricity in parts of Lagos, and forecasters are warning of above-normal rainfall in Abuja and nine states this year.
Sudan Cholera Outbreak Kills 120 as WHO Warns Cases Are Spreading
The World Health Organization says at least 120 people have died and more than 1,100 suspected cholera cases have been reported since May in Sudan’s West Kordofan state. The agency warns the outbreak is spreading as conflict, displacement, limited healthcare, and funding shortages hamper efforts to contain the disease
Niger Arrests at Least 16 Under New Anti-LGBTQ Law
Nigerien authorities have arrested at least 16 people under a new law criminalizing same-sex sexual relations, marking the first reported enforcement of the legislation. Those arrested include senior customs and police officials as well as civilians, with authorities expected to continue operations in military barracks, universities, and other locations
Tanzania Deploys Security Forces Ahead of Planned July 7 Protests
Tanzania has deployed soldiers and police to Dar es Salaam and other major cities ahead of planned youth-led protests calling for democratic reforms and justice for victims of last year’s election violence. The demonstrations come after the government banned political rallies and are set to coincide with the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair
Kenyan Activists Seek Halt to New Maasai Mara Lodges
Kenyan activists have gone to court to stop new tourism accommodation in the Maasai Mara National Reserve until 2032, arguing that expanding development threatens wildlife and Maasai communities. The petition also seeks declarations that several existing lodges, including the Ritz-Carlton safari lodge, operate illegally, with an initial hearing set for July 20
UN to Close Burkina Faso Human Rights Office
The UN Human Rights Office will close its Burkina Faso office by November 30 after authorities indefinitely suspended its operations over a press release urging the government to protect civic space. UN human rights chief Volker Türk says efforts to resolve the dispute with authorities had failed
Low Turnout Fears Shadow Algeria’s Parliamentary Vote
Algerians voted in parliamentary elections today, Thursday, July 2, amid widespread voter apathy, cost-of-living concerns, and controversy over the exclusion of hundreds of candidates. Turnout was just 3% two hours after polls opened, while critics say shrinking political freedoms have deepened public distrust in the electoral process
UN Says AFC/M23 Expands Military and Political Ambitions in DR Congo
A new UN Group of Experts report says the AFC/M23 rebel alliance has grown to about 30,000 fighters and is strengthening ties with former President Joseph Kabila. The report says the group is pursuing plans for a federal political system or an autonomous eastern region, while accusing both the AFC/M23 and government forces of serious human rights violations
U.S., Tanzania Sign $1.3 Billion Health Investment Deal
The U.S has signed a memorandum of understanding to invest more than $1.3 billion in Tanzania’s health sector over the next five years, with Tanzania committing $1.8 billion of its own funding. Tanzanian officials say the agreement does not require sharing laboratory samples with the U.S., responding to concerns raised over similar deals elsewhere in Africa
