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Today in Africa — April 27, 2026: Mali Rocked by Deadly Attacks as Defense Minister Killed, Kenya’s Sawe Breaks Marathon’s Elusive Two-Hour Barrier
OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On April 27, coverage includes: Mali’s defense minister killed in coordinated insurgent attacks as security concerns deepen; Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe making history with a sub-two-hour marathon while shutting down “super shoe” claims; and more.
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.
Mali Defense Minister Killed as Coordinated Attacks Shake Country
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Mali’s defense minister, Sadio Camara, has died after a suicide bombing targeted his residence in Kati during a wave of coordinated attacks by jihadist fighters and Tuareg rebels. The weekend assaults, described as some of the largest in recent years, hit multiple locations across the country and exposed ongoing security gaps as the government struggles to contain insurgent violence. Mali’s junta leader, General Assimi Goïta, has not been seen or heard from since being evacuated from Kati during the attacks, with sources saying he is in a secure location, but his whereabouts remain undisclosed.
Sawe Breaks Two-Hour Barrier With Historic London Marathon Win, Defends “Super Shoes”
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe made history in London yesterday, Sunday, April 26, becoming the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon in an official race, finishing in 1:59:30 and setting a new world record. His win capped years of attempts to break the barrier, doing it in open competition and surpassing the previous record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum. The race also saw Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defend her title while breaking her own women’s-only world record. Today, Monday, April 27, Sawe dismissed claims that his Adidas “super shoes” gave him an unfair advantage, saying the model he wore, Adidas's 97 gram Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, was approved and within the rules. The Kenyan star described the shoes as light, comfortable, and supportive, but rejected the idea that they amounted to “mechanical doping.”
Rabiu’s Wealth Surges, Reclaims Spot Among Africa’s Richest
Nigeria’s Abdulsamad Rabiu is climbing fast up the global rich list, with his net worth hitting $15.9 billion after a $5.78 billion gain this year, making him Africa’s best-performing billionaire so far. The surge puts him back as the continent’s third richest person, closing the gap with second-place South African Johann Rupert, while Nigerian Aliko Dangote remains firmly in the lead.