Standing intro blurb: 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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72 Hours at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival
Every year, the Moroccan coastal town of Essaouira hosts one of the world’s most spiritual and profound music festivals. Here’s a recap of the best I saw while there
Africa CDC Seeks Emergency Funding as Ebola Spreads in DR Congo
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seeking $18 million to launch clinical trials of experimental Ebola treatments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that delays could undermine efforts to contain the rapidly growing outbreak. The Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment, has now spread to a fourth province, with more than 1,300 infections reported in DR Congo and additional cases in Uganda
Outbreak Response
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Africa CDC says $16 million is needed immediately to continue trials of Gilead’s preventive drug obeldesivir, with another $2 million to $3 million required for contact tracing
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Trials beginning in Bunia will also test remdesivir and an antibody treatment from Mapp Biopharmaceuticals to reduce deaths among infected patients
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Haut-Uele has become the fourth affected province after an infected traveler arrived from Ituri, prompting efforts to trace contacts and contain further spread
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The United Nations warns the outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion and 328,000 jobs if it spreads to more countries, including Rwanda and Angola
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Health workers say unsafe funeral practices and community mistrust continue to complicate efforts to stop transmission in affected areas
South Africa Sees Peaceful but Tense Protests Over Illegal Immigration
Thousands of people marched across South Africa today, Tuesday, June 30, calling for stronger action against illegal immigration, while police maintained a heavy presence as the country braced for possible unrest. Most demonstrations remained peaceful, though authorities reported isolated incidents of violence and looting, as neighboring countries continued repatriating citizens who left out of fear ahead of the marches
What Happened
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Police said about 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated so far, while Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe continue evacuation efforts
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Authorities arrested five people for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop in Soweto, along with several others for looting, assaulting a police officer, and intimidation in KwaZulu-Natal
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Protest organizers submitted memorandums to government officials and said they plan to hold weekly demonstrations for the next six months
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President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated that concerns over illegal immigration are legitimate but stressed that only law enforcement has the authority to enforce immigration laws and warned against vigilantism
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Police said about 50,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January, while 103 criminal cases have been opened against vigilantes since March
Flooding Kills at Least 12 as Heavy Rains Batter Ghana
At least 12 people have died after torrential rains triggered severe flooding across Ghana, including the capital, Accra, where rescue teams continue searching affected areas. President John Mahama said about 140 millimeters of rain fell over the city, the heaviest single-day rainfall recorded in years, as authorities launched a major emergency response
Relief Efforts
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The Ghana National Fire Service said more than 470 people have been rescued, with operations continuing as officials assess the full impact
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The government has allocated 300 million cedis (about $27 million) for flood relief and recovery efforts
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Mahama ordered the deployment of the armed forces and police to support disaster response teams across Accra
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Officials said poor drainage, building on waterways, and inadequate urban planning continue to worsen seasonal flooding in the capital
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Heavy rains have also affected neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, where a
In Brief: More Stories Today
Uganda Media Group Negotiates Reopening After Military Shutdown
Uganda’s Nation Media Group says it is in talks with the military to reopen six newspapers, television, and radio outlets after military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugabaordered them shut over the weekend. The closures have drawn condemnation from Amnesty International, while U.S. Senator Jim Risch has called for Washington to review its security relationship with Uganda over concerns about media freedom and free speech
One Killed as Kenyan Police Open Fire at Protest
At least one person was killed after Kenyan police opened fire on protesters in Nairobi’s Mathare neighborhood during a demonstration over reported abductions. The protest followed the reported disappearance of a businessman and came amid growing concern over kidnappings and security force crackdowns on government critics
Cabo Verde Earns Recognition for LGBTQ Rights, Activists Call for More Progress
Cabo Verde is now recognized as one of Africa’s most LGBTQ-friendly countries, with same-sex relationships legal since 2004 and workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation prohibited. Activists say legal protections have improved lives, but education and greater social acceptance are still needed as discrimination and violence persist
Deportees Challenge U.S.-Ghana Agreement at ECOWAS Court
Advocacy groups have filed a case against Ghana before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice on behalf of 27 people deported from the U.S., seeking to block future third-country deportation agreements and to demand compensation. The complaint says many deportees were quickly removed from Ghana to countries they had fled despite previously receiving protections in the U.S
UN Human Rights Council to Hold Urgent Sudan Debate
The UN Human Rights Council is expected to hold an urgent debate on Friday over the situation in Sudan’s Al Obeid after reports that the Rapid Support Forces and allied fighters are massing around the city. The request was submitted by several countries, including Britain and Germany, amid fears of a major escalation in the conflict
Senegal Approves Constitutional Reforms Amid Political Rift
Senegal’s parliament has approved constitutional reforms that expand lawmakers’ powers and limit some of the president’s authority, despite protests and opposition criticism. The government says the proposals will go to a national referendum, as tensions continue between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and parliamentary speaker Ousmane Sonko
Cameroonian Billionaire Bets $900 Million on New Airline
Cameroonian billionaire Baba Ahmadou Danpulloplans to invest about $900 million to launch Danpullo Air Line and build two private airports in Yaoundé and Douala. The project aims to improve connectivity across Cameroon and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) region as the country’s struggling national airline continues to face operational challenges
Guinea Awaits Verdict in Second Stadium Massacre Trial
A court in Guinea has concluded the second trial linked to the 2009 Conakry stadium massacre, with prosecutors seeking crimes against humanity convictions against former military commander Colonel Bienvenu Lamah. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on July 27, after Lamah denied responsibility and requested acquittal
