Kenya’s Madina Okot Makes History in WNBA Draft
Professional basketball player Madina Okot was selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream last night, Monday, April 13, becoming the highest-drafted Kenyan player in WNBA or NBA history. She is the first Kenyan woman picked in the first round and only the second Kenyan woman ever drafted, following Josephine Owino in 2009.
Zambia Faces $100M Revenue Hit as Fuel Crisis Deepens
Zambia expects to lose about $100 million after suspending fuel levies for three months to ease the impact of rising oil prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The move aims to protect consumers but risks widening the budget deficit as the country navigates debt restructuring and fuel supply concerns.
Nigeria Arrests 33 Over Church Kidnapping as Crackdown Expands
Nigerian police have arrested 33 suspects linked to the abduction of 38 people from a church in Kwara state, part of a wider operation targeting kidnappers and armed groups. Authorities say the gang was also involved in robbery and cattle rustling, with more arrests and prosecutions expected.
Somalia Says 27 al Shabaab Fighters Killed in Military Operation
Somalia’s defense ministry says its forces killed 27 al Shabaab militants in a joint operation backed by airstrikes in Jubbaland. The offensive also seized weapons and landmines, targeting key members of the group that continues to control rural areas and carry out attacks.
Sudan Drone Strikes Kill Civilians as War Intensifies
Doctors Without Borders says Sudanese army drone strikes in Darfur killed two civilians and wounded 56, highlighting the rising use of drones in the conflict. United Nations data shows more than 500 civilians have been killed in drone attacks this year, with children making up a large share of casualties.
Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations in UK Court
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two additional rape charges in a London court, bringing the total allegations against him to seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault. All charges will be tried together, with proceedings likely delayed until 2027.
Burundi Journalist Freed After Partial Acquittal Raises Press Freedom Concerns
A Burundian appeals court has partially acquitted journalist Sandra Muhoza after nearly two years in detention, dropping the most serious charge but upholding a lesser conviction. Her release has renewed concerns about press freedom and the fairness of prolonged detentions.
South Africa Moves to Appoint New U.S. Ambassador After Year-Long Gap
South Africa says it has selected a new ambassador to the U.S., though the name remains undisclosed as formalities continue. The post has been vacant since Washington expelled the previous envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, in March 2025, with officials stressing the need to manage tensions across domestic, trade, and foreign policy issues.
Tunisia Detains Former Anti-Corruption Chief Amid Crackdown Claims
A Tunisian judge has ordered the detention of former anti-corruption head Chawki Tabib over alleged financial misconduct, in a move critics say reflects a broader crackdown on dissent. The case follows a series of arrests and convictions targeting politicians, journalists, and media figures under President Kais Saied.
