Africa Update

As the world marks Nelson Mandela Day, CIVICUS is calling on people everywhere to dedicate 67 minutes to solidarity and action for imprisoned human rights defenders through the #StandAsMyWitness campaign. The number honours the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to the struggle for freedom, equality and human rights.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to the Campaign's Coordinator, Asma Darwish.

South Africa (SA) and Namibia are seeking to deepen economic ties as government and business leaders meet in Johannesburg for the SA-Namibia Business Forum. The Forum forms part of the programme of the Bi-National Commission between SA and Namibia. It will bring together government and business representatives from both countries, to engage and collaborate on efforts that will strengthen trade and investment. Lulu Gaboo spoke to  Channel Africa's economics reporter Innocent Semosa.

A group condemning the repression under former Senegalese President Macky Sall's rule in the west African nation has spoken out against his arrival in Dakar *today to meet his sucessor Diomaye Faye, as part of his campaign to lead the United Nations. Burundi has nominated the former leader as a candidate to be the next UN Secretary general. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Senegalese political analyst, Amadou Camara Gueye.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Yusuf Cassim, addressed the media in Pretoria on administrative issues at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), as well as what he described as xenophobic sentiments directed at him. Cassim, who was appointed earlier this month by President Cyril Ramaphosa, outlined the department’s position on challenges facing NSFAS and responded to concerns regarding his appointment and public reactions to it. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Deputy Minister Cassim.

The fourth session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission Council of Ministers Meeting is underway in Pretoria, South Africa. The session is being co-chaired by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, and South Africa’s Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga. The meeting brings together officials from both countries to review bilateral cooperation, assess progress on existing agreements, and identify new areas for collaboration aimed at strengthening relations between South Africa and Namibia. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Nhlanhla Mahlangu.

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has reportedly refused to accept a legal representative appointed for his treason trial, arguing that the lawyer is being imposed on him against his wishes. The development comes amid claims that some of Besigye’s chosen legal representatives have either been arrested or barred from entering the country. The 70-year-old Besigye, a long-time political rival of President Yoweri Museveni, has been in detention since late 2024 after he was allegedly abducted in Kenya and taken back to Uganda. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Mike Arereng, Channel Africa’s correspondent in Uganda.

The European Union (EU) has banned the purchase, import and transfer of gold from Sudan, saying the trade has become a major source of funding for the country's civil war, which erupted in April 2023. In a statement, the EU says the measures aim to cut off financial support for the conflict and increase pressure on those fuelling the war. The move comes amid growing international calls for external backers of the conflict to withdraw, as humanitarian agencies estimate that more than 28 million people across Sudan are facing acute hunger as a result of the conflict.  Unathi Batyashe on Kenneth Kgwadi, a political scientist research fellow at the Middle East Africa Research Institute.

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, is on a four-day tour of the Confederation of Sahel States to strengthen ties between the African Union and the alliance's member states. The visit began in Mali, where he met Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Minister Abdoulaye Diop and Minister for Malians Living Abroad and African Integration Mossa Ag Attaher. Mali's Foreign Ministry says the visit marks a new phase in relations between Bamako and the AU.  Youssouf is in Burkina Faso today for talks focused on deepening co-operation between the AU and Burkina Faso. Unathi Batyashe spoke to Austin Aigbe, Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network.

China says its decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties is a voluntary initiative aimed at promoting shared development and deepening China-Africa cooperation. The remarks were made in Beijing by the Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Sun Xueqing, during a meeting with a delegation of African mainstream media representatives visiting China to study the country's achievements in poverty alleviation and its modernisation model on Monday. Sun said China's approach is founded on the principle that nations achieve sustainable development by helping one another grow, leading to mutual prosperity.  Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

The Western Cape High Court in South Africa (SA) is set to hear President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent application seeking to stop Parliament's Section 89 impeachment process from proceeding. Ramaphosa is asking the court to suspend the proceedings pending the outcome of his legal challenge to the report by the Section 89 Independent Panel, which found that he had a prima facie case to answer in connection with the Phala Phala farm matter.  The panel was established after the Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament's previous rules for initiating impeachment proceedings were unconstitutional and that a process under Section 89 of the Constitution should be followed.  Unathi Batyashe SABC News reporter, Zalene Merrington.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a campaign to dismantle what he describes as the International Criminal Court (ICC )'s threat to U.S. sovereignty. The initiative will involve a whole-of-government approach to systematically limit the court's ability to conduct investigations or to operate or prosecute American service members and government officials. In a statement, the State Department said no diplomatic measure would be ruled out. Proposed actions include revoking visas and imposing travel bans on ICC personnel, expanding sanctions against the court and affiliated organisations, and implementing a range of additional measures intended to curb the International Criminal Court's activities. Lulu Gaboo spoke  Dr Christopher Isike, a Professor of African Politics and International Relations in the Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says it is concerned about the continuity of care for thousands of migrants in South Africa (SA) who are living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and mental health disorders after fleeing their homes due to fears for their safety and threats to their livelihoods.  The humanitarian organisation says the priority is to ensure that those most at risk continue to access essential healthcare services, regardless of who they are or where they come from.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Claire Waterhouse, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Emergency Coordinator.

 It is being reported that the AFC/M23 rebels have managed to contain the Ebola outbreak in areas under their control in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to data from the Congolese Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation, only four Ebola cases have been recorded in rebel-held territories since the outbreak was declared on 15 May. This contrasts with other parts of the country, where the virus continues to spread. Overall, the outbreak has infected 1,873 people and claimed 672 lives.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's Correspondent in the DRC, Jimmy Shukrani Bakomera.

China’s success in eliminating absolute poverty could provide a roadmap for developing countries across the Global South. This is according to the President of the African Policy Institute and former Kenyan government adviser, Peter Kagwanja. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the recently concluded International Seminar on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in China’s Ningxia Autonomous Region, Kagwanja said the forum had created an important platform for sharing China’s poverty alleviation experience with developing nations. He argued that lessons from China’s development journey could help countries across Africa and the wider Global South address poverty, promote inclusive growth and accelerate socio-economic development. Channel Africa’s Reporter Michael Mbewe filed this report.

The arrest in South Africa of Ndodana Tshuma, a 45-year-old Zimbabwean man accused of murdering his wife and two children in England, has sparked concerns among crime and security activists that porous borders are turning the country into a destination for international fugitives and criminals. Tshuma allegedly fled the United Kingdom after the incident, which occurred more than a week ago. He was subsequently arrested in South Africa and is expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today. The case has renewed debate about border security, cross-border crime and law enforcement cooperation, with some experts arguing that weaknesses in border management create opportunities for wanted suspects to evade authorities. Unathi Batyashe spoke to security strategist Andy Mashaile.

African Anti-Corruption Day was commemorated over the weekend, marking the adoption of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. Since its establishment, the day has served as a platform for reflection, advocacy and renewed action against corruption across the continent. This year’s theme, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa”, underscores the need to strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf says the fight against corruption is fundamental to advancing Africa’s development, peace, security and social justice. Unathi Batyashe spoke to William Oloo Janak, Director of Programmes at the Kenya Correspondents Association and a member of the Steering Committee of the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF), an organ of Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

About 40 witnesses have testified before the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating the military aircraft crash that claimed the lives of Malawi's Vice President, Saulos Chilima, and eight others. The inquiry has revealed that the military Dornier aircraft was not equipped with either a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder, meaning the "black box" data that underpinned the official 2024 findings never existed. Committee Chairperson Walter Nyamilandu says the inquiry is receiving substantial testimony that is helping to strengthen the investigation and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's Correspondent in Malawi, George Mhango.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is on a three-day official visit to France aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in education, diplomacy and trade. The visit includes high-level engagements with UNESCO, French President Emmanuel Macron and senior French government officials. Pretoria says South Africa and France enjoy a comprehensive and productive relationship, underpinned by strong cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels across a wide range of sectors. The visit comes despite recent reports that South Africa was excluded from the G7 Summit in France following alleged pressure from the United States on the French government. Lulu Gaboo spoke to International relations analyst, Dr Oscar van Heerden.

Today marks the final day of the Future of Journalism Festival, being held in Nairobi, Kenya. The two-day gathering has brought together journalists, media executives, students, and digital creators to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the journalism industry. The festival takes place amid rapid changes in the media landscape, with artificial intelligence, social media platforms, and the growing spread of misinformation reshaping the way news is produced, distributed, and consumed. Channel Africa's Mabu Boloka spoke to Jon Bithrey, the Editor of the People Fixing the World podcast, about the two-day Future of Journalism Festival.

Entries for the 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards will officially close on 10 July 2026. This year's edition introduces expanded categories, recognising excellence across both the film and television industries. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Ayanda Halimana, Award-winning filmmaker and multiple Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award recipient

The Paraguayan Senate passed a motion this week against Senator Celeste Amarilla after her racist remarks against France star Kylian Mbappé, while the Senator insulted the player again during the Senate session. Amarilla had posted a series of racist comments on X after Mbappé converted the winning penalty in France's victory over Paraguay on Saturday, mocking the French captain's origins, upbringing, education and appearance. France advanced to the quarterfinals, where it will face Morocco on Thursday. Thuto Ngobeni has more on the story

A report by the World Health Organisation says millions of people are facing the physical, emotional and financial toll of cancer, a disease that claims more than 26 - thousand lives every day. The WHO says with an estimated 20- point - 6 million new cases and close to ten million deaths annually, cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally, after cardiovascular disease. Thuto Ngobeni has the report.

Eleven more migrants deported by the Trump administration under a policy of sending individuals to third countries have arrived in Eswatini from the United States. Their arrival brings the total number of deportees sent to the southern African country to 29 under a $5.1-million agreement. The deal has been challenged by lawyers, who argue that the migrants are being detained despite having already completed sentences for offences committed in the US. The Trump administration has also sent deportees to other countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas as part of the policy. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Zweli Martin Dlamini, an editor at Swaziland News.

Healthcare workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have embarked on strike action over delayed salary payments, raising concerns that the protest could undermine efforts to contain the country's Ebola outbreak, which health officials say continues to spread faster than response measures. The strike coincides with the start of enrolment for clinical trials evaluating treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which is responsible for the current outbreak. Meanwhile, neighbouring Rwanda has reopened its main border crossings after several weeks of restrictions introduced to curb the cross-border spread of the virus. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's Correspondent in the DRC, Jimmy Shukrani Bakomera.

More than 100 Malawian nationals stranded outside the Malawian Embassy in South Africa's capital, Pretoria, are appealing to both the South African and Malawian governments for urgent assistance to return home. The group has reportedly been sleeping outside the Malawian High Commission since the beginning of the week while awaiting buses that are expected to transport them back to Malawi. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Phaskani Msiska, from the Migration & Labour Centre.

Entries for the 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards will officially close on 10 July 2026. This year's edition introduces expanded categories, recognising excellence across both the film and television industries. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Nombulelo Mhlongo, Actress and 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards Nominee - Best Actress (TV)..

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is in Ethiopia as part of a four-country African tour, where he has held talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and officials from the African Union. The visit highlights Moscow's continued efforts to expand its diplomatic, political and economic engagement across Africa, while reinforcing its long-standing strategic partnership with Ethiopia. Lavrov's Africa tour is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing Russia's broader interests on the continent. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Political Analyst, Dr Shingai Mangiza Mutiza.

The United Nations has launched the first-ever Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together governments, technology companies, academics and civil society to shape a common approach to artificial intelligence. The two-day meeting in Geneva comes as AI continues to transform industries and societies, with growing calls for stronger oversight, safety standards and international cooperation. The dialogue aims to ensure that all countries-not only those leading AI development-have a voice in determining how the technology is governed. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports

Senegal's president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has announced the formation of his own political party, marking a significant milestone in his political career. The announcement was reportedly made during a meeting at the Presidential Palace attended by more than 100 mayors. The move brings months of speculation over Faye's political future to an end and signals his intention to lead a political movement under his own leadership. Political analysts say the decision is set to reshape Senegal's political landscape by establishing Faye as the leader of a distinct political force, separate from the influence of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Senegal-based journalist and geopolitical Analyst, Amadou Camara Gueye.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) says at least 330 children were killed or injured in Sudan during the first six months of 2026. The agency says the highest number of child casualties was recorded in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. Since May, drone strikes and other attacks have reportedly caused more than 35 child casualties in Kordofan alone, with at least 18 children killed and over 17 injured. The victims ranged in age from just two months to 17 years. UNICEF Representative for Sudan, Sheldon Yett, says children are trapped in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation, stressing that they must never be targeted. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan...

Entries for the 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards will officially close on 10 July 2026. This year's edition introduces expanded categories, recognising excellence across both the film and television industries. The main awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 10 October 2026. Lulu  Gaboo spoke to Thabisile Mthethwa, Acting Head of PR & Communications for KZN Tourism & Film Authority and the Project Manager of the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film & Television Awards..

Ghana's nationwide death toll from the severe flooding earlier this week has climbed to 34, with officials warning that the figure may still rise as recovery efforts continue. Accra has recorded the highest number of displaced people, with 54,712 residents affected, followed by the Central Region with 21,882. Significant displacement has also been reported in the Volta, Western, Ashanti, and Western North regions, while the Eastern Region has recorded the lowest numbers of displaced residents. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Correspondent in Ghana, Eric Mawuena Egbeta

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is on a seven-day state visit to China, marking her first official trip to the country since taking office. During the visit, she is expected to hold bilateral talks with Xi Jinping, with discussions set to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and other areas of mutual interest. China remains one of Namibia's largest trading partners, and the visit is expected to further deepen the longstanding economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Nishi Felton, a journalist at the Namibian

The state funeral for Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is currently underway and will continue until 9 July 2026. Khamenei died at the age of 86 alongside several family members following joint United States-Israeli airstrikes on 28 February 2026. The funeral proceedings were delayed for several months due to the subsequent war and significant security and logistical challenges, and are now taking place during the Islamic holy month of Muharram under a fragile ceasefire. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Hamidreza Oraee, the deputy ambassador of Iran to South Africa.

The Gauteng Agro-processing Convention & Expo, taking place between the 02nd to the 3rd of July, brings together key stakeholders to re-imagine the future of the sector and unlock new growth opportunities. The Convention and Expo will focus on increasing investment, strengthening compliance through standards and certifications, improving market access through inclusive value chains, and measuring impact for long-term change.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Dr Gerhard Neethling, general manager of the Red Meat Abattoir  Association.

The Gauteng Agro-processing Convention & Expo, taking place between the 02nd to the 3rd of July, brings together key stakeholders to re-imagine the future of the sector and unlock new growth opportunities. The Convention and Expo will focus on increasing investment, strengthening compliance through standards and certifications, improving market access through inclusive value chains, and measuring impact for long-term change. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Saajeda Seedat, Financial Manager at Golden Fry.

The Gauteng Agro-processing Convention & Expo, taking place between the 02nd to the 3rd of July, brings together key stakeholders to re-imagine the future of the sector and unlock new growth opportunities. The Convention and Expo will focus on increasing investment, strengthening compliance through standards and certifications, improving market access through inclusive value chains, and measuring impact for long-term change.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to PojuPoju, Fruit and Vegetable Puree's Brand Ambassador, Neo Mofomme.

The Gauteng Agro-processing Convention & Expo, taking place between the 02nd to the 3rd of July, brings together key stakeholders to re-imagine the future of the sector and unlock new growth opportunities. The Convention and Expo will focus on increasing investment, strengthening compliance through standards and certifications, improving market access through inclusive value chains, and measuring impact for long-term change. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Dr Nthabiseng Moleko, Development Economist and Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch Business School and the National Empowerment Fund  (NEF) Board Chairperson.

The Gauteng Agro-processing Convention & Expo, taking place between the 02nd to the 3rd of July, brings together key stakeholders to re-imagine the future of the sector and unlock new growth opportunities. The Convention and Expo will focus on increasing investment, strengthening compliance through standards and certifications, improving market access through inclusive value chains, and measuring impact for long-term change. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa.

The 7th Radio Broadcasting Convention Africa has brought together broadcasters, content creators, technology innovators and media leaders from across the continent to discuss the future of radio and digital audio. Hosted by Broadcast Media Africa, the two-day continental event brought together broadcasters, regulators, and media leaders under the theme "Unlocking the Podcasting Economy: Strategies for Production, Distribution, and Monetisation.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Thulani Mdletshe, Regional Content Director for Africa at Trans World Radio (TWR Africa).

The 7th Radio Broadcasting Convention Africa has brought together broadcasters, content creators, technology innovators and media leaders from across the continent to discuss the future of radio and digital audio. Hosted by Broadcast Media Africa, the two-day continental event brought together broadcasters, regulators, and media leaders under the theme "Unlocking the Podcasting Economy: Strategies for Production, Distribution, and Monetisation.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Thato Seheri, Broadcasting Officer at the Lesotho Communications Authority.

The 7th Radio Broadcasting Convention Africa has brought together broadcasters, content creators, technology innovators and media leaders from across the continent to discuss the future of radio and digital audio. Hosted by Broadcast Media Africa, the two-day continental event brought together broadcasters, regulators, and media leaders under the theme "Unlocking the Podcasting Economy: Strategies for Production, Distribution, and Monetisation. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Jacqueline Lawrence Mwakyambiki, CEO of HFM Tanzania.

The Southern African Development Community, or SADC, has approved new measures to support Madagascar's political reform process, including expanding the mandate of its Panel of Elders and opening a liaison office in the capital, Antananarivo. At an Extraordinary Virtual Summit, regional leaders agreed the reforms should pave the way for the restoration of constitutional order and democratic elections within a defined timeframe.  Channel Africa's Mabu Boloka spoke to Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs at the SADC Secretariat.

Today marks two years since South Africa's (SA) Government of National Unity (GNU) Executive was sworn into office, following the 2024 general elections in which no political party secured an outright majority. The historic multi-party Cabinet was inaugurated on 3 July at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Since then, the coalition has navigated political disagreements, policy tensions, and a budget impasse, while also pointing to progress in several key governance areas. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Political Analyst, Sandile Swana.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it betrays victims of atrocities and weakens accountability across the Sahel. The organisation argues that the withdrawals deprive civilians of a vital layer of international legal protection at a time when domestic justice systems are failing to address widespread abuses. The three Sahel states have formally notified the United Nations Secretary-General of their intention to withdraw from the Rome Statute, with the withdrawals set to take effect in one year. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Tamara Aburamadan, the international justice counsel at HRW.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on an African Union (AU) solidarity mission to coordinate regional responses to a severe Ebola outbreak. In his capacity as AU Champion for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), Ramaphosa met with President Félix Tshisekedi for high-level discussions focused on strengthening medical, humanitarian, and diplomatic coordination as the DRC confronts the outbreak. The working visit is also expected to reinforce bilateral defence cooperation, as South Africa remains a key security partner in the region through the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), where South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops are deployed to support stabilisation efforts in eastern DRC amid ongoing rebel activity.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Congolese anti-corruption activist and Commentator, Jean-Jacques Lumumba.

The nationwide protest action against undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa (SA) is underway. Protesters have pledged to ensure that their demonstrations remain peaceful and within the law. Meanwhile, the African National Congress has called on South Africans who are participating in the protests to exercise calm and restraint.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's reporter, Michael Mbewe.

The nationwide protest action against undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa (SA) is underway. Protesters have pledged to ensure that their demonstrations remain peaceful and within the law. Meanwhile, the African National Congress has called on South Africans who are participating in the protests to exercise calm and restraint.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Channel Africa's Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa.

As South Africans take to the streets to protest against undocumented foreign nationals, Roxanna Naidoo, Director of Global Strategy at Latita Africa Tax Advisory, says foreign nationals who are lawfully in the country should not panic but must ensure they have a complete and defensible paper trail, particularly if their visa, waiver or appeal applications are still pending. She also warns employers to view the current climate as a compliance wake-up call. With the Department of Home Affairs having published the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, Naidoo says the direction is clear: tighter regulation, greater scrutiny and less tolerance for non-compliance, making professional guidance increasingly essential. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Roxanna Naidoo, Director of Global Strategy at Latita Africa Tax Advisory.

KwaZulu-Natal's winter season is not only about beaches, wildlife and major events. July has increasingly become Film Month in the province with the return of the Durban International Film Festival, Africa's longest-running film festival.  Lulu Gaboo spoke to Durban International Film Festival Manager, Sakhile Gumede.