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Today in Africa — April 16, 2026: South African Opposition Leader Sentenced to Five Years in Prison, Ghana Busts Major Trafficking-Linked Begging Ring

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On April 16, coverage includes: Julius Malema’s sentencing over a firearm conviction that could cost him his parliamentary seat; Ghana’s rescue of more than 300 people, including children, in a crackdown on trafficking-linked begging networks in Accra; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Julius Malema stands at a red podium, speaking into a mic, with people behind him.
Firebrand South African opposition leader, Julius Malema, was handed down a five-year sentence today for firing a gun at a political rally in 2018.

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.

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Julius Malema Sentenced to Five Years for Firing Rifle at Rally

An infographic about Julius Malema
Get to know Julius Malema.

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of illegally firing a rifle at a 2018 political rally, though he has been released pending appeal. The Economic Freedom Fighters leader was found guilty on multiple firearm-related charges, and if the sentence is upheld, he could lose his seat in Parliament under laws barring lawmakers with serious criminal convictions.

Inside the case:

  • Malema was convicted in October on five counts, including unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment

  • The incident, captured on video, showed him firing a rifle at a rally, and it later went viral

  • His bodyguard, Anton Snyman, who was charged alongside him, was found not guilty

  • Malema claims the case was politically motivated and brought by Afriforum, an organization that focuses on the interests of Afrikaners, which has long opposed him

  • Magistrate Twanet Olivier said the sentence reflected the risks of gun violence in public spaces

Ghana Rescues Over 300 in Crackdown on Street Begging Networks

Ghana’s Immigration Service has rescued more than 300 West African nationals, including 113 children, in an operation targeting suspected street begging rings in Accra linked to human trafficking. Authorities say the early morning raid disrupted networks exploiting foreign nationals, especially women and children, often under coercive conditions.

What the crackdown revealed:

  • The group included 36 boys, 77 girls, 66 women, and 126 men

  • The operation was intelligence-led and carried out across parts of the Greater Accra Region

  • Officials say the high number of minors points to the growing use of children in organized begging schemes

  • Ghana is considered a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking in West Africa

  • A 2024 U.S. report says the country does not yet meet minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking

In Brief: More Stories Today

Nigeria Warns of Widespread Flood Risk Across 33 States

Nigeria is facing a high risk of widespread flooding in 2026, with more than 14,000 communities exposed across most of the country, according to its hydrological agency. Flooding is expected to peak between July and September, threatening cities, farmland, and infrastructure during the rainy season.

South Africa Arrests Activist Kemi Seba Over Alleged Coup Links

South African police have arrested pan-African activist Kemi Seba, who is wanted in Benin for allegedly backing a failed coup, and have begun extradition proceedings. Authorities say he was detained in Pretoria while attempting to leave the country, alongside his son and a local accomplice.

Gabon Opposition Leader Arrested Over Old Debt Case

Gabon’s former prime minister, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, has been arrested by security forces over a disputed debt dating back to 2008. His party has condemned the move as arbitrary, raising concerns about political pressure on opposition figures following the 2023 coup.

Nigerian Airlines Threaten Shutdown Over Soaring Fuel Costs

Nigerian airlines say they will suspend flights from April 20 unless jet fuel prices — up about 270% since late February — are reduced. Operators warn that current revenues cannot cover fuel costs, deepening pressure on an already strained aviation sector.

Pope Leo XIV Calls Out Corruption and War During Cameroon Visit

Pope Leo XIV has urged Cameroon’s government to tackle corruption and criticized global leaders for fueling conflict during a visit to the country. Speaking in both Yaoundé and conflict-hit Bamenda, he linked resource exploitation and war to ongoing instability and suffering.

Nigeria Drops Terror Financing Charges Against Ex-Minister

Nigerian authorities have dropped terrorism financing charges against former justice minister Abubakar Malami and his son, revising the case to focus on alleged illegal firearm possession. Both have pleaded not guilty and remain on bail as the case heads to trial.

Chinese National Jailed in Kenya for Illegal Ant Trafficking

A Kenyan court has sentenced a Chinese national to one year in jail and fined him for illegally possessing nearly 2,000 live ants without a permit. Prosecutors say the insects were part of a growing trend of trafficking lesser-known species for international markets.

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