DR Congo's Ebola Death Toll Passes 2,500 as Outbreak Spreads Across Area Bigger Than France
More than 2,500 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak, which is now spreading exponentially across an area larger than France, UN Ebola coordinator Julien Harneis said today, Friday, August 21. He warned that existing funding will run out within weeks, and that 160 health care workers have contracted Ebola, with 43 dying, while others face attacks from frightened, angry residents.
Nearly 1.9 Million Children in Somalia Projected to Face Malnutrition This Year
UNICEF says nearly 1.9 million children in Somalia are expected to be malnourished this year, with severe acute malnutrition admissions up 32%, as 205 health and nutrition facilities have already closed due to aid cuts. Spokesperson James Elder warned that up to 618 facilities nationwide could shut down, forcing mothers seeking treatment to make longer, riskier journeys.
Djibouti's Football Federation Accused of Misusing FIFA Funds
Djibouti's Football Federation, which receives more than $1 million a year from FIFA and CAF, is facing corruption allegations after a government audit accused it of favoritism and inadequate bidding on a new headquarters project. A federation committee member resigned this month citing concerns over how resources are managed, though federation head Souleiman Hassan Waberi says FIFA has cleared the organization of wrongdoing.
Cameroon's Paul Biya Returns Home After Record 10-Week Absence
Cameroon's 93-year-old President Paul Biya returned to Yaoundé yesterday, Thursday, August 20, after more than 10 weeks abroad in Europe, his longest recorded absence since taking power over four decades ago. His extended absence had fueled speculation about his health, especially since Biya hasn't appointed a vice president despite the role's reintroduction last April, leaving succession plans unclear.
Zambian Police Summon Opposition Leader Mundubile for Questioning
Zambian police have summoned opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who has gone into hiding, for questioning over alleged threats to national security following the country's disputed August 13 election. President Hakainde Hichilema won with 60% of the vote, but independent observers found signs his count may have been inflated, though they said he still would have won.
South Africa Drops Fraud Charges Against Crime Intelligence Chief
South African prosecutors have withdrawn fraud and corruption charges against crime intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Dumisani Khumalo and six other officers, tied to the 2025 appointment of a civilian to a senior intelligence post. The case collapsed after testimony at the Madlanga Commission, a judicial inquiry into police corruption, showed the appointee was highly qualified.
Nigerian Parents Demand Government Rescue Children Abducted Nearly 100 Days Ago
Parents of children kidnapped from a Borno state classroom on May 15 protested yesterday, Thursday, August 20, in Uba town, demanding the federal government secure their release nearly 100 days later. Around 45 children remain missing from the abduction near Sambisa Forest, a longtime militant stronghold, while a separate attack in June left 36 more students and a teacher still captive.
Johannesburg Pays Off $328 Million Debt to Power Utility Eskom
South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, has fully settled its overdue 5.25 billion rand ($328 million) debt to state utility Eskom, resolving a billing dispute that threatened to throttle the city's electricity supply. The settlement comes ahead of November 4 municipal elections, where the city is expected to be a fiercely contested battleground.
Child Stunting Persists in Benin Despite Efforts to Curb It
More than 30% of children under five in Benin suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition, according to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, with the problem worse in the country's drier north. Aid workers say misconceptions about foods like eggs and milk, along with poverty and busy farming schedules, keep many families from improving children's diets despite government and nonprofit efforts.
Ethiopia Cancels Ashenda Festival in Tigray Over Fears of Drone Attacks
Organizers canceled the main stadium gathering for Ethiopia's Ashenda festival in Mekelle, Tigray, after a series of drone strikes raised fears the event could be targeted. A strike yesterday, Thursday, August 20, injured 13 civilians in Mekelle, part of a string of recent attacks that have fueled concern the region's 2022 peace deal could collapse.
Morocco's King Grants Pardons to 667 People on Youth Day
Morocco's King Mohammed VI pardoned 667 people to mark Youth Day, including 526 currently in prison who received sentence reductions or full pardons, and 141 others who benefited from fine waivers or reduced sentences. Youth Day, observed on the king's birthday, has a history tied to major youth-led movements in Morocco, from the 2011 pro-democracy protests to last year's "Jil Zid" digital activism.
