🔌 Governance & Civil Unrest
🇲🇬 Madagascar Enforces Curfew Amid Power Outage Protests
Authorities in Madagascar have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, following days of anti-government protests over persistent power and water shortages. Demonstrators clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Many residents report up to 12-hour daily blackouts, triggering frustration in one of the world’s poorest yet resource-rich nations.
🇦🇴 Angola: Civil Society Calls for UN Probe into Deadly Crackdown
Civil groups in Angola are urging the United Nations to launch an independent inquiry into a July security crackdown that killed at least 30 people during protests linked to fuel price hikes. In a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General, the organizations cited “systematic violations” and widespread impunity, calling for an international fact-finding mission.
🗳️ Politics & Power
🇨🇲 Cameroon: Biya Missing as Election Campaign Begins
At 92, President Paul Biya is again seeking re-election—but he’s absent as campaigning begins for the October 12 vote. Officially on a “private visit” to Europe, Biya has not directly addressed voters since July. Opposition groups are still in talks to field a consensus candidate against the world’s oldest head of state, who has ruled since 1982.
⚖️ Human Rights & Legal Affairs
🇿🇲 Zambia: Farmers File New Lawsuit Over Mining Spill
Over 50 Zambian farmers have filed a $220 million lawsuit against Sino-Metals Leach, a Chinese mining firm, over a toxic waste spill earlier this year. The February incident released tens of millions of litres of acidic residue into farmland, with plaintiffs alleging health impacts and coerced legal waivers. A separate $80 billion suit is already underway involving 200 other claimants.
🇰🇪 Kenya: Human Trafficking Ring Linked to Russia War Exposed
Kenyan police have arrested Edward Kamau Gituku, accused of masterminding a syndicate that trafficked young Kenyans into Russia’s military under the guise of job placements. At least 21 victims were intercepted en route to Russia, with some returnees reporting injuries, psychological trauma, and forced combat deployment in Ukraine.
🔬 Tech, Energy & Innovation
🇬🇭 Ghana Issues Digital Lending Regulations
The Bank of Ghana has released final regulations for digital lenders, which will take effect from November 1, 2025. The move aims to increase consumer protection, standardize operations, and improve transparency in a fast-growing financial sector.
🇬🇧 UK Commits $20 Million to Clean Energy in Africa
British International Investment has pledged $20 million to a clean energy initiative led by Acumen, targeting affordable and reliable energy access across Africa. The investment will support solar, mini-grid, and off-grid energy providers serving under-electrified communities.
🇳🇪 Niger Proposes Nuclear Partnership with Russia
Niger plans to build two 2,000-MW nuclear reactors in partnership with Russia’s Rosatom, according to Mining Minister Ousmane Abarchi. Speaking at a forum in Moscow, he also invited Russian cooperation in developing Niger’s uranium reserves. The project would operate under IAEA supervision. Niger is currently the eighth-largest uranium producer globally, and seeks to join a growing list of African countries exploring nuclear energy.
