Today in Africa: South Africa faces ICC petition over migrant attacks, Sahel states advance AFCON 2032 bid

On Jul 23, 2026

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don’t have to. On July 23, coverage includes: SA’s latest immigration and labor policy changes amid scrutiny over anti-illegal migrant violence; CAF’s approval of the first step in a joint hosting bid by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger for the continent’s biggest football tournament; and more.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have expressed their interest in co-hosting AFCON 2032, with CAF approving the first step in that bid.

by Oluwatobi Afolabi for OkayAfrica.

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.

ICC Petition Challenges South Africa as Government Tightens Hiring Rules

Two Ghanaian nationals have asked the International Criminal Court to open a preliminary investigation into attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, arguing that recurring violence against migrants could amount to crimes against humanity. The petition comes as South Africa expands its Trusted Employer Scheme, which speeds up visas for accredited businesses while requiring participating employers to prioritize hiring South African citizens and permanent residents, reflecting the government’s effort to balance attracting skilled workers with growing public pressure over foreign labor.

Key Developments

The petition accuses President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of failing to prevent or prosecute attacks on migrants, while South Africa has dismissed it as “opportunistic” and defended its legal framework.
Ramaphosa has previously condemned attacks on foreign nationals and warned against blaming immigrants for the country’s economic and social challenges.
Companies joining the Trusted Employer Scheme must ensure at least 60% of their workforce consists of South African citizens or permanent residents.
The expanded program offers faster visa processing for executives, technical specialists, professionals, and investors at approved companies in strategic sectors.
The International Criminal Court has not yet responded to the request for a preliminary investigation.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Advance in Bid to Host AFCON 2032

CAF has accepted a joint declaration of interest from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations, allowing the three Alliance of Sahel States (AES) members to move to the next stage of the bidding process. While the decision does not guarantee hosting rights, it marks the first official step in the trio’s bid to jointly stage Africa’s biggest football tournament.

What’s Next?

CAF recently invited its 54 member associations to bid for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 AFCON tournaments.
The governing body says the selection process will follow a transparent framework developed with support from PwC and other technical, financial, and legal advisers.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe met with the three countries’ football federation presidents in New York on July 18 and encouraged them to continue preparing their bid.
The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, continuing the trend toward multi-country tournaments.
If selected, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger would become the first three neighboring Sahel countries to jointly host the competition.

DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Passes 1,000 Deaths as Response Struggles

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,000 deaths, with 2,536 confirmed cases and 1,033 fatalities since it began in May, making it the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. Health officials say the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, while conflict, community resistance, and gaps in contact tracing continue to hamper efforts to contain the virus.

What Health Officials Are Watching

Nearly 90% of cases are concentrated in Ituri province, though infections have also been confirmed in five provinces, including Kisangani, and in neighboring Uganda.
Only about 77% of known contacts are being monitored, well below the 95% target needed to interrupt transmission.
The World Health Organization says the risk remains “very high” in DR Congo and “high” in neighboring countries, but assesses the global risk as low.
Researchers have launched the first clinical trial of two experimental treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, though results could take months.
Fighting involving armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces, continues to disrupt surveillance, testing, and access to affected communities.

In Brief: More Stories Today

ICC Drops War Crimes Case Against Former Darfur Rebel Leader

The International Criminal Court has ended proceedings against former Darfur rebel leader Abdallah Banda after prosecutors withdrew war crimes charges tied to a 2007 attack on African Union peacekeepers, saying the evidence had deteriorated over time. Judges said the case could still be reopened if new evidence emerges.

Macky Sall Seeks to Return Africa to the UN’s Top Job

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall is Africa’s only declared candidate to succeed António Guterres as United Nations secretary-general, becoming the continent’s first contender for the role since Kofi Annan left office in 2006. Sall faces five candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean ahead of Security Council straw polls beginning July 30.

UK Cancels Military Exercise in Kenya Amid Defense Deal Dispute

The UK has canceled a planned military training exercise in Kenya after Nairobi declined to ratify a new defense agreement over disagreements on criminal jurisdiction and funding. Kenyan lawmakers have pushed for greater authority to prosecute British soldiers, while both governments say negotiations are continuing.

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