Africa News Live Updates: The Netherlands returns 119 stolen sculptures to Nigeria

The Netherlands has returned 119 sculptures to Nigeria as part of a growing movement to repatriate cultural artifacts, Al Jazeera said in a report. These items are part of the 'Benin Bronzes,' a vast collection of sculptures and plaques made of bronze, brass, and ivory. The artifacts were looted from the Kingdom of Benin, located in modern-day southern Nigeria, during a British punitive expedition in 1897.

A cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe has expanded to affect eight districts, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. At the epicentre of the public health crisis, burst pipes have reportedly been left unrepaired for months, resulting in human waste contaminating public areas. This situation highlights recurring challenges with the nation's water and sanitation infrastructure, as Zimbabwe has faced similar severe cholera outbreaks in the past.

A whistleblower in Kenya is facing a lawsuit and death threats after exposing alleged corruption in a $2 billion airport infrastructure deal, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The individual reportedly revealed information about the major project, leading to the subsequent legal action and threats.

A new report from the African Development Bank (AfDB) details economic growth, reforms, and investment booms across Africa, with a significant refinery boom in West Africa reshaping the region's energy sector, as per a report in the Mail & Guardian. This development is increasing local production capacity for refined petroleum products, a trend aimed at reducing the continent's reliance on imports, enhancing energy security, and supporting industrialization.

A highly successful snakebite treatment program in eSwatini, which had reduced related deaths to zero, is now at risk of closure following a funding freeze from the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The funding cut threatens the continued operation of a key treatment center that has been critical in eliminating fatalities from snakebites in the country. The program's previous success had been lauded as a major public health achievement, and its potential closure raises concerns about a resurgence of snakebite-related deaths, particularly in vulnerable rural areas.

Southern and East African leaders have given military commanders a five-day deadline to provide technical direction for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The directive emerged from a summit focused on resolving the ongoing conflict in the region. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his approval of the summit's outcome, which aims to establish a plan for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The new children's series 'Iyanu' has launched on the streaming platform Showmax for audiences across Africa, as per a report in Premium Times. Based on a Nigerian comic book series that draws from Yoruba mythology, the show features an all-Nigerian voice cast including actors Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stella Damasus, and Shaffy Bello.

Nigeria and Benin have signed an integration agreement, according to a report in Premium Times. The signing ceremony for the pact between the two neighboring West African nations was witnessed by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and his counterpart from the Benin Republic, President Patrice Talon.

The Lagos State government has announced that 95% of fevers in the state are not caused by malaria, a finding that is prompting a new public health strategy, according to a report in Premium Times. The state's health commissioner stated that this discovery is central to a new, multi-pronged approach for managing fevers. The new policy aims to reduce the misdiagnosis of malaria and address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is often exacerbated by the incorrect prescription of medications for fevers.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu warned that the promise of democracy in West Africa could become a liability if its benefits, such as good governance and security, are not delivered to the populace, according to a report in Premium Times. Speaking as the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Tinubu highlighted the fragility of democratic institutions in the region, which have been undermined by a series of recent military coups. He stressed that collective action and regional cooperation are essential to counter instability and ensure democracy remains a viable and beneficial system for citizens.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Olufemi Soneye, has resigned from his role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer, according to a report in Premium Times. Soneye was appointed to the position in October 2023, at which time he replaced GarbaDeen Muhammad, who had been appointed during a management reshuffle in August 2021.

The Troost-Ekong Foundation held its second charity football match in Nigeria, attracting a host of Nigerian celebrities from sports and entertainment, according to a report in Premium Times. Notable figures who participated in the event included athletes Anthony Joshua, Obafemi Martins, Victor Osimen, Odion Ighalo, and Vincent Enyeama. They were joined by musicians such as ODUMODUBLVCK, Falz, and Flavour.

South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns lost to Germany's Borussia Dortmund 4-3 in a Club World Cup group stage match held in Cincinnati on Saturday, as per a report in AP. The game was played in intense heat, with temperatures nearing 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius), which prompted the referee to call for cooling breaks. Dortmund held off a response from the Sundowns to secure the victory at TQL Stadium.

Amid worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, online football betting is experiencing a significant boom, driven largely by social media influencers, the Financial Times says in a report. Widespread youth unemployment and soaring inflation, exacerbated by recent government policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, have pushed many Nigerians toward gambling as a potential source of income. The trend is facilitated by increased internet and smartphone penetration, which has made online betting platforms more accessible than ever, transforming a once-stigmatized activity into a popular, if risky, financial outlet.

There are growing calls within South Africa to address the increasing marginalization of boys within the education system, the Mail & Guardian says in a report. While past policies have successfully focused on improving girls' access to and performance in education, new concerns are emerging about boys' higher dropout rates and lower academic achievement in certain areas. Advocates are urging for a re-evaluation of gender-responsive policies to ensure they address the distinct challenges boys face, framing it as a necessary evolution of the gender equality discourse to support all students.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President Floyd Shivambu stated he was previously fired from his position as secretary-general of the historical Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) over what he described as a false plot against former President Jacob Zuma, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. Shivambu's claim refers to his role in the former armed wing of the ANC, which is a distinct entity from the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party currently led by Zuma. The statement resurfaces past internal political conflicts from the period before Shivambu co-founded the EFF.

The South African advocacy organization Equal Education has challenged a government official's assertion that 90% of schools in the country have seen their conditions improve, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The group, known for its work on educational rights and school infrastructure, is contesting the figure put forward by an official identified as Gwarube. This public refutation highlights the ongoing debate over the actual state of school facilities and service delivery in South Africa, contrasting official government narratives with the assessments of civil society watchdogs.

Educators in Rwanda have a duty to break the cycle of genocide ideology, which is sometimes transmitted from parents to children, according to a report in The New Times. Thierry Murangira, the current spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), made the statement, emphasizing the role of the education system in combating ideologies linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This directive positions teachers as key figures in the country's ongoing efforts to prevent the resurgence of hate and division by intervening at the school level.

Gulf states are investing billions of dollars in Africa, creating a new financial landscape as China simultaneously revamps its investment strategy on the continent, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The development comes as China alters its Belt and Road Initiative, reportedly in response to international concerns over debt sustainability. Concurrently, Gulf nations are increasing their investments as part of broader strategies to diversify their economies, targeting sectors such as energy, logistics, and agriculture in various African countries.

Universities in South Africa are publicly defending their practice of hiring foreign staff, citing the need to maintain academic excellence and fill critical skills gaps in specialized fields, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. This defense comes in response to growing political and public pressure driven by the country's high youth unemployment rate and nationalist sentiments. University leadership argues that attracting top global talent is essential for research, international competitiveness, and collaboration, asserting that these hires are often made in niche areas where local expertise is not sufficiently available.

South Africa's financial sector watchdog has sounded the alarm over a surge in deep-fake scams targeting the public, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. These fraudulent schemes utilize advanced artificial intelligence to create highly convincing fake audio and video to impersonate individuals, tricking victims into transferring funds or revealing sensitive information. The warning comes amid a general increase in cybercrime within the country and highlights the growing challenge for regulators and financial institutions to combat technologically advanced fraud.

Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has stated that the draft document for a proposed government Transformation Fund is deficient because it lacks clear and outcome-driven goals, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The business association's critique focuses on the design of the potential fund, arguing that without specific, measurable objectives, the initiative's effectiveness and impact cannot be properly assessed. This criticism highlights concerns from the private sector about the need for accountability and tangible results in government-led economic transformation efforts in South Africa.

Khido Ramadie of North-West University is collaborating with the North West Provincial Department of Education to provide mental health and wellness support to education assistants in the province, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The initiative targets assistants employed under the national Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), who are placed in schools to help address systemic challenges within the education sector. This partnership between the university and the provincial government aims to support the well-being of these young employees.

The South African government is outlining its strategy to protect the nation's coastline from the escalating impacts of climate change, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The plan addresses significant vulnerabilities, as more than 12.9 million people live within 20 kilometers of the coast, and an estimated 60% of the country's economy depends on coastal infrastructure like ports and natural resources such as fisheries and tourism. These measures are a response to increasing threats, including sea-level rise, severe storm surges, and coastal erosion, which have been highlighted by recent extreme weather events. The government's approach is expected to involve a combination of engineering solutions, nature-based protections, and updated policy frameworks.

A researcher at South Africa's North-West University is examining how self-emulsifying drug delivery systems could improve treatments for tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/Aids, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. Joe Viljoen, from the university's Faculty of Health Sciences, is investigating the use of this specific pharmaceutical formulation technology. The research aims to enhance the absorption and overall effectiveness of drugs used to combat these three major infectious diseases, which continue to pose a significant public health challenge across the African continent.

A lawsuit has been filed in Malawi targeting major international conservation organizations over an elephant translocation operation that reportedly had deadly consequences for local communities, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The legal action challenges the negative impacts on local populations resulting from the large-scale wildlife management project, which involved moving elephants. The case centers on the alleged harm and human rights implications for people affected by the conservation initiative.

A community-led conservation walk has commenced, traveling from Mamelodi to Rustenburg Kloof in South Africa to address ecological threats within the Magaliesberg, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The initiative aims to document the area's 'sacred ecology,' framing the conservation effort as a matter of cultural and spiritual significance for local communities. This grassroots movement was spurred by ongoing environmental dangers in the internationally recognized region, highlighting the community's role in protecting their local environment.

South Africa's government has banned the importation and use of the highly toxic pesticide Terbufos, an organophosphate insecticide used on crops such as maize and potatoes, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The ban is the result of sustained lobbying by environmental organizations and farm worker unions, which highlighted the severe health risks the chemical posed to agricultural laborers and rural communities. The move will require farmers who relied on Terbufos to transition to alternative pest control methods.

A mother and child died in a fire in Johannesburg this week, an incident linked to the city's ongoing water shortages that are fueling widespread public frustration. The fatal fire has intensified public anger over the inability of municipal authorities to provide basic services. The persistent lack of water is part of a broader service delivery failure across the South African city, severely impacting the daily life and safety of residents who feel the living conditions have become unbearable.

A surge in gold smuggling from Sudan, fueled by record-high global prices, is financing the country's warring factions, according to a report in the Financial Times. The illicit trade provides a critical revenue stream for both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), allowing them to sustain their military operations amid the ongoing conflict. A significant portion of this conflict gold is reportedly transported through the United Arab Emirates, which serves as a major transit and refining hub. This flow of illicit funds complicates international peace efforts and undermines sanctions designed to pressure the warring parties into negotiations.

The political parties of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and opposition figure Tidjane Thiam have formed an alliance to create a united opposition front, Africanews says in a report. This strategic move brings together Gbagbo's African People's Party – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI) and Thiam's Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI-RDA) ahead of the country's 2025 presidential elections. The alliance aims to present a consolidated challenge to the ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party of incumbent President Alassane Ouattara.

Commissioners from Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) are being investigated after an Officer Commanding Station (OCS) named Talaam filed a complaint, according to a report in Standard Media. The probe began after OCS Talaam claimed his mobile phone was being used without authorization to send fraudulent messages requesting money from individuals. The investigation centers on the alleged misuse of the police officer's phone by the IPOA officials.

The leader of South Africa's Business 20 (B20) has stated that the African continent is key to solving global crises such as climate change and economic instability, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum that provides policy recommendations from the global business community to the G20 leaders. This statement carries weight as South Africa is scheduled to host the G20 summit in 2025, highlighting the continent's growing strategic importance, vast resources, and ongoing economic integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the busiest on the continent, is a significant hub for international drug trafficking, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The airport is reportedly a key transit point for illicit substances, including cocaine from South America destined for Europe, as well as methamphetamine and heroin. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs are the primary agencies responsible for drug interdiction at the country's ports of entry.

Morocco's meteorological agency announced that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in the country, a finding that reflects record temperatures observed globally, according to a report in Africanews. In its annual report issued Friday, the agency detailed an average temperature anomaly of +1.49 degrees Celsius for 2024 compared to the 1991-2020 baseline period, with the year's highest recorded temperature reaching 47.7 degrees Celsius.

An al-Qaeda-aligned group, primarily identified as Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), is significantly expanding its operations and territorial control across the Sahel region of West Africa, according to a report in the Washington Post. The group's activities are most intense in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where it is exploiting governance and security vacuums created by recent military coups and the withdrawal of French and UN peacekeeping forces. This expansion has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, causing mass internal displacement and regional instability. The affiliate not only engages in violence but also establishes forms of local governance in areas with limited state presence, while also competing with a rival Islamic State-affiliated group for influence.

The Trump administration is set to admit a group of about 60 white South African refugees, identified as Afrikaners, who are scheduled to arrive in the U.S. next week, according to a report in The Washington Post. This action represents a significant exception to President Donald Trump's broader policy, which has largely suspended refugee admissions into the country. Documents reportedly show the group will be processed through Virginia, highlighting a specific allowance being made amid the administration's restrictive immigration and refugee policies.

An investigation has revealed that the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPT) in Nigeria is operating an illegal Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) program, as per a report in Premium Times. The report alleges that Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), a federal university, has been colluding with the college to certify the unaccredited program. This arrangement circumvents the standard regulatory process, where such postgraduate qualifications must be approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

A court in Lagos, Nigeria, has sentenced seven Chinese nationals to jail for cyberterrorism and internet fraud, according to a report in Premium Times. The convicts were part of a group of 792 suspects, including 158 foreign nationals, who were arrested during a raid on a building in Lagos in December 2024.

One person has died and 352 new dengue fever infections have been reported in South Africa over a 24-hour period, according to a report in the Daily Sun. The number of new cases represents the highest single-day increase for the country this year.

Delegations led by the senate presidents of Rwanda and Burundi met on June 20 to explore how parliamentary diplomacy can help normalize and improve relations between the two East African nations, as per a report in The New Times. The meeting is a significant step in ongoing efforts to mend ties that have been strained for years, particularly following Burundi's 2015 political crisis. The discussions focused on the role legislative bodies can play in fostering cooperation and rebuilding trust between the two countries.

The Cabinet of Kenyan President William Ruto has officially blamed a combination of factors for slowing down government service delivery, Standard Media says in a report. The administration cited violent agitations, referring to recent widespread protests, alongside budget shortfalls, bureaucratic hurdles, and the spread of misinformation as the primary reasons for the delays. This statement serves as the government's official explanation for the perceived lack of progress on its commitments to the public.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the new Chinese-built Magufuli Bridge over Lake Victoria on Thursday, as per a report in The New Times. The structure, named in honor of the late President John Magufuli, is described as the longest extra-dosed cable-stayed bridge in the region. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Tanzania's ongoing infrastructure development drive, aimed at enhancing national and regional connectivity.

Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, has called on Rubavu District leaders to prioritize the proper management of the new Gisenyi market once it becomes operational, The New Times says in a report. With the market's construction nearing completion, the minister's directive emphasizes local accountability for the new facility. The market is located in a strategic border town next to Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, making its successful operation important for regional cross-border trade.

A €1.2 billion investment package for Africa, announced by Italy and the European Union, has been met with skepticism from African civil society organizations, according to a report in France 24. The package, which includes Italy's "Mattei Plan" promoted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is being criticized for prioritizing European interests, such as curbing migration and securing energy supplies, over the continent's own development needs.

South Africa's Chief Electoral Officer (CEC) has asserted that fair elections cannot be held without adequate government support, the Daily Sun said in a report. The head of the electoral body confirmed they are currently in contact with the government through both "formal and informal channels" to secure the necessary cooperation and resources for upcoming polls.

To address the long-term absence of cinema halls in Cameroon, the Cinémathèque Afrique has deployed a mobile caravan to make African films accessible to the public, according to a report in France 24. The initiative utilizes a mobile digital cinema to showcase a selection of iconic works from its catalog of approximately 1,500 films. The project specifically targets communities in villages and disadvantaged neighborhoods where access to movie theaters is non-existent, aiming to bridge this cultural gap.

A bomb explosion killed 11 people in the town of Konduga in Nigeria's Borno state on Friday night, Premium Times says in a report. The blast occurred in front of a local cinema situated next to the Konduga fish market. Borno state, located in northeastern Nigeria, has been the epicenter of a long-running insurgency by Boko Haram and its affiliate, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Health workers in rural Uganda are using specially designed bicycles to navigate rugged terrain and deliver healthcare services to local communities, according to a report in Africanews. Both the health workers and residents of the rural areas they serve report benefits from the initiative, which improves access to care in remote regions. The use of these durable bikes helps overcome logistical challenges posed by the difficult terrain, enhancing the ability of medical staff to reach patients.

A Tunisian court has sentenced former President Moncef Marzouki in absentia to 22 years in prison with immediate effect, Africanews said in a report. The verdict was delivered by the criminal chamber at the Tunis Court of First Instance, which specializes in terrorism cases. Marzouki, who served as Tunisia's interim president from 2011 to 2014, was not present for the trial or sentencing.

A robotic prostatectomy surgery has been performed remotely on a patient in Angola by a surgeon located in Florida, as per a report in Africanews. The cross-continental procedure was conducted as part of a clinical trial that has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

At a recent Employability Summit in Nigeria, an expert encouraged the nation's youth to seek opportunities for wealth creation within the country's agricultural sector, according to a report in Premium Times. The expert, identified as Odusanya, emphasized that the agricultural value chain encompasses far more than just primary activities like fishing or warehousing. He urged young Nigerians to identify and capitalize on these underexplored areas, such as processing, logistics, and marketing, suggesting that these gaps represent significant opportunities for fortune.

Students in South Africa are protesting the expulsion of 26 of their peers from a university, identified as 'UIU', by blocking a major road, which has suspended all vehicular movement in the affected area, according to a report in Daily Sun. The demonstration is a direct response to the disciplinary action taken by the institution against the students.

Conservationists in South Africa are implementing a widespread dehorning strategy to protect rhinos from poachers, which has led to a 78% reduction in rhino deaths, the Washington Post says in a report. The measure involves preemptively and safely removing the horn—the primary target for illegal wildlife traffickers—to make the animals less valuable to poachers. This anti-poaching tactic is being applied in both state-run and private reserves as a direct response to the high demand for rhino horn, which is composed of keratin and sought for its perceived medicinal properties and as a status symbol in some international markets.

In the low-income Zimbabwean town of Chitungwiza, a local tavern is being used as an unconventional venue for yoga classes aimed at providing mental health support, as per a report in AP. A small group gathers on Saturday mornings at the Socialite Bar, located 30 kilometers outside the capital, Harare, to practice meditative poses. The practice, which is rare in Zimbabwe and typically confined to affluent suburbs, is now quietly taking root in this unlikely setting as a form of grassroots mental health outreach in what the report describes as a struggling country.

Controversial Kenyan preacher Gilbert Deya has been killed in a car crash in Siaya County, according to a report in Africa News. The governor of Kenya’s Siaya County, James Orengo, confirmed Deya died in a multi-vehicle accident. Deya had previously faced long-standing legal proceedings for child trafficking charges related to a 'miracle babies' scandal, for which he was extradited from the United Kingdom to Kenya in 2017.

The AfricaNenda Foundation, in partnership with Nigeria's Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), hosted a stakeholders forum aimed at promoting scalable and inclusive payment systems throughout the continent, according to a report in Premium Times. The initiative focuses on supporting the design of interoperable digital payment infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of regulatory bodies, and facilitating peer-to-peer learning among African nations. This effort is intended to improve financial inclusion and support broader economic goals, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by enabling more efficient cross-border transactions.

A homecoming celebration for Miss Botswana 2025, Ruth Thomas, was held in her home town of Masunga on Friday, June 20, as per a report in the Botswana Gazette. The event took place at the Masunga main kgotla, which is the traditional public meeting place for the principal town of the North East District. The community organized the official welcome to honor Thomas following her recent victory in the national pageant.

A freeze on funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has caused a severe hunger crisis at the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, as per a report in Africanews. The US, once a primary donor for many UN and international agencies, has halted aid, resulting in food rations being cut to less than half of the amount required for basic sustenance for the camp's residents.