Today in Africa: 11 children killed in Algeria orphanage fire, 100,000 Zimbabweans leave South Africa

Uganda Begins Ebola-Free Countdown as DR Congo Battles Growing Outbreak

Uganda has discharged its last Ebola patient, starting the 42-day countdown required to be declared Ebola-free after containing an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain. Across the border, the outbreak continues to worsen in DR Congo, where attacks on health facilities, insecurity, and community mistrust are disrupting treatment and containment efforts. Uganda has recorded 20 Ebola cases since mid-May, including 15 linked to travelers from DR Congo, and has reported no new infections since June 22. DR Congo has confirmed 2,073 cases and 796 deaths, while the World Health Organization says the true number of infections could be at least twice as high.

Uganda Added to U.S. ‘Do Not Travel’ List

Uganda has been added to the U.S. government’s highest Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, bringing the number of African countries on the list to 10 — Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda. The State Department cited the Ebola outbreak, along with concerns about crime, terrorism, and civil unrest, in its updated guidance.

Morocco Detains Rapper and Government Critic

Moroccan authorities have placed rapper and documentary filmmaker El Mahdi Lyoubi, known as Mehdi Black Wind, in pre-trial detention after stopping him from boarding a flight to France. Prosecutors have not disclosed the charges, while rights groups and hundreds of artists have called for his release, saying the case raises concerns about freedom of expression.

ICC Clears Path for First Libya War Crimes Trial

The International Criminal Court has ruled that Khaled Mohamed Ali Al Hishri can stand trial on charges including murder, torture, rape, enslavement, and persecution linked to Libya’s Mitiga detention center. Judges rejected a defense challenge to the court’s jurisdiction, clearing the way for what would be the ICC’s first trial focused on war crimes and crimes against humanity in Libya.

UK Sanctions Gold Networks Linked to Sudan’s War

Britain has imposed sanctions on 11 individuals and entities it says are helping finance Sudan’s war through illicit gold and financial networks. The measures target people and companies linked to both the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese state-owned mining firms, while Britain also warned that the city of El Obeid faces the risk of mass atrocities.

Ebola Outbreak Delays U.S.-Backed Minerals Plans in DR Congo

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is delaying negotiations tied to a U.S.-backed minerals partnership, according to people familiar with the discussions. Travel restrictions and quarantine requirements have disrupted investor visits and postponed meetings, even as mining operations already underway continue.

UK Aid Cuts Slash Support to Several African Countries

Britain’s latest foreign aid plans will reduce bilateral assistance to several African countries by as much as 90% by 2029, according to Foreign Office figures. Aid groups warn the cuts could undermine projects in countries facing conflict, poverty, and climate-related crises, while the government says it is shifting more funding through multilateral institutions.

Nigeria Plans Poverty Scorecard to Measure Reform Impact

Nigeria’s finance ministry plans to publish new indicators tracking poverty, incomes, and inequality as the government seeks to show that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are improving living standards. Officials say the scorecard will measure reductions in multidimensional poverty, growth in real income per person, and changes in inequality, though no publication timeline has been announced.

Amazon to Launch Satellite Internet in South Africa in 2027

Amazon says it will launch its low-Earth orbit satellite internet service in South Africa in 2027 through a partnership with internet provider Herotel. The deal marks Amazon’s first satellite internet agreement in Africa and comes as rival Starlink remains absent from South Africa due to disagreements over the country’s licensing requirements.