WHO: DR Congo's Ebola Outbreak Started in February, Months Before It Was Declared
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak — the fastest-growing on record — actually began in February, months before it was officially declared in mid-May, the World Health Organization said today, Monday, August 10, citing genetic sequencing. Confirmed cases have now reached 4,200, including more than 1,900 deaths, and health officials say some early cases were mistakenly attributed to malaria and typhoid. Separately, all passengers on a river boat quarantined near Kinshasa tested negative for Ebola, easing fears the virus had reached the capital.
Total Solar Eclipse to Cross Northern Hemisphere, Partial View for North Africa
A total solar eclipse sweeps across the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, August 12, though the path of totality only crosses Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Western Sahara, and parts of Libya will catch a partial eclipse near sunset, with Algiers seeing up to 98% coverage. A far more dramatic eclipse is coming to the region on August 2, 2027, with over six minutes of totality passing through Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab nations.
Senegal Charges 71 Men in Expanding Crackdown on Same-Sex Relations
Senegal's public prosecutor's office says 71 men have been charged with "unnatural acts" as the country intensifies its crackdown on same-sex relations, months after passing a law doubling prison sentences for homosexuality. More than 100 people have been charged since the law passed, though charges of willfully transmitting HIV have since been dropped. Activists say the LGBT+ community is being scapegoated by politicians.
Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu's Treason Trial Resumes After 5-Month Pause
The treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu resumed today, Monday, August 10, after a five-month suspension tied to a prosecution appeal that was ultimately dismissed. Lissu, who's been jailed since April 2025 on charges that carry the death penalty, accused prosecutors of deliberately dragging out the case to keep him in custody. His Chadema party calls the trial a test of Tanzania's commitment to democracy and political freedom.
Mali's Army Says It Repelled Militant Attack on Military Base, Killing Dozens
Mali's military says it killed around 40 jihadist fighters after repelling a two-hour attack on an army base in the town of San on Sunday, though at least 10 soldiers also died. JNIM, an al-Qaeda-linked group, claimed it had seized control of the base, which the army disputes, saying its troops only "retreated temporarily." The attack adds to signs of a deteriorating security situation in Mali, more than a decade into the country's jihadist insurgency.
South Sudanese Whistleblower Released After Nearly Two Months in Detention
Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, a South Sudanese whistleblower abducted in Kenya in June, has been released and returned to Nairobi, where he's now getting medical treatment after his health declined in detention in Juba. He'd reportedly shared information about alleged high-level corruption in South Sudan before armed men seized him outside a casino near Nairobi. South Sudan's government hasn't commented on his release.
Nigeria's Flag Football Teams Miss World Championships Over Visa Delays
Nigeria's men's and women's flag football teams will skip this week's world championships in Germany after failing to secure visas in time, organizers said today, Monday, August 10. The tournament is the first Olympic qualifying event for the sport ahead of its 2028 Los Angeles debut, and Nigeria — last year's African champion in both divisions — still has a shot at qualifying through next year's continental championship.
Nairobi Bids to Become First African City to Host World Athletics Championships
Nairobi has officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, aiming to be the first African city to land the sport's top event. Kenya's government is backing the bid with full infrastructure, security, and organizational support, and the Kenyan capital will compete against London, Rome, and Munich, with a host city decision expected in September.
Libya's Central Bank Governor Resigns Amid Political Divide
Libya's Central Bank Governor Naji Issa has submitted his resignation to the country's two rival legislative chambers, citing reasons he called too sensitive to disclose. The High Council of State has asked him to remain in office to preserve financial and political stability while his resignation is reviewed, but the House of Representatives hasn't yet responded. Issa took the post in 2024 after a standoff between Libya's rival factions over control of the bank.
