Ebola Reaches New Congo Province After Motorcycle Driver's Death
A motorcycle taxi driver who traveled from Haut-Uele to Bas-Uele province died of Ebola and tested positive posthumously, raising alarm since Bas-Uele had no prior cases. Health officials worry about exposure risk after the man visited several clinics before dying and other drivers tried to retrieve his body. Congo's outbreak has now infected 4,566 people and killed 2,128, making it the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record.
Zambians Head to the Polls as Hichilema Seeks Second Term
Zambia held presidential, parliamentary, and local elections today, Thursday, August 13, with incumbent Hakainde Hichilema favored over first-time challenger Brian Mundubile despite widespread frustration over the cost of living. Hichilema has overseen debt restructuring and economic recovery since taking office in 2021, but 60% of Zambians were living in poverty as of the last survey. Results are expected on Monday, with a runoff required if no candidate clears 50%.
Nigerian Faith Leaders Sign Interfaith Accord to Ease Religious Tensions
More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders signed a peace accord in Abuja on Wednesday, launching a new body to promote religious harmony in Nigeria. The pact, organized by the Saudi-based Muslim World League, comes months after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians, and ahead of the January 2027 election where religion is expected to be a factor again.
Mali's Army Frees 82 Soldiers Held Since April Attacks
Mali's army said 82 soldiers taken captive during April 25 attacks on the country's main airport were freed today, Thursday, August 13. The attacks, which also killed the defense minister, were claimed by al Qaeda-linked JNIM and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front, groups that have grown stronger since French and United Nations forces left the country.
Maghreb Families Are Shrinking as Costs Rise
Fertility rates in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia have dropped by more than half since the 1970s, with young couples citing the high cost of raising children. Demographers point to later marriages, delayed childbearing, and more women pursuing education and work as additional drivers, warning the shift could shrink Tunisia's workforce and increase reliance on migrant labor.
Ghana's Cocoa Farmers Push Back on New Land-Use Law
Ghana’s cocoa farmers are asking President John Dramani Mahama to hold off signing a new bill that would bar them from converting cocoa farms without regulator approval, with violators facing up to 20 years in prison. Farmer groups support protecting cocoa land from mining and rubber encroachment but want more consultation, especially for diseased or unproductive farms. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has dismissed the pushback as political.
South Africa Rolls Out Digital Visa System for Four Countries
South Africa launched its Electronic Travel Authorization system yesterday, Wednesday, August 12, allowing travelers from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico to apply for visas online using biometric and facial recognition technology. President Cyril Ramaphosa called it a step toward faster, more secure travel, with plans to expand the system to more countries and visa categories.
