Today in Africa — January 23, 2026: South Africa Mourns Bravo Le Roux, Uganda Presidential Succession Talks

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.

South African Rapper Bravo Le Roux Dies at 29

South Africa’s music industry is mourning the death of acclaimed rapper and cultural ambassador Bravo Le Roux, born Sinesipho Peter, which his family confirmed yesterday, Thursday, January 22. In a statement, they described him as a gifted creator and proud community voice whose impact reached beyond the country’s borders. His manager, Yonwabisa Mbete, says the artist died in Switzerland, adding that the family has not yet shared the cause of death and has asked for privacy.

Hailing from Khayelitsha in Cape Town, Bravo Le Roux was known for blending Xhosa lyricism with contemporary hip-hop, using his music to reflect his culture and upbringing. Born in 1995, he released his final album, Igazi, iinyembezi nombilo, in 2023. Beyond his music, he was widely respected for mentoring young artists and uplifting his community, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow musicians as details of memorial services are expected in due course.

Museveni’s Son Tightens Grip as Succession Talk Grows After Uganda Election Crackdown

As Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni begins a seventh term, attention is turning to his son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has emerged as the strongest contender to succeed him. Sources say Kainerugaba played a central role in securing Museveni’s latest election win, including mobilizing security forces against the opposition and backing a four-day internet shutdown. Known for incendiary social media posts, he has publicly threatened opposition figures and claimed security forces killed and detained supporters of the National Unity Platform during post-election unrest. Government and military spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment.

The disputed January 15 vote was held amid an internet blackout and a heavy security presence, with opposition leader Bobi Wine rejecting the results as fraudulent and going into hiding. Kainerugaba later said 30 opposition supporters had been killed and about 2,000 arrested, allegations Reuters could not independently verify. The crackdown has drawn concern from the United Nations and rights groups, especially after the arrest of senior opposition lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi on terrorism charges. While Museveni has not named a successor, analysts say Kainerugaba’s control over the security apparatus, sidelining of rivals, and growing influence within the ruling party have strengthened his position, even as fears of a dynastic handover spark unease among parts of the public and political elite.

South African Court Clears Path for Sale of Nelson Mandela Memorabilia

A South African appeals court has dismissed a bid by the country’s heritage authority to block the sale and export of 70 personal items linked to former president Nelson Mandela, including a Robben Island cell key, sunglasses, and one of his floral shirts. The artifacts, owned by Mandela’s eldest daughter Makaziwe Mandela and former prison warden Christo Brand, were set to be exported to the U.S. for auction. Authorities argued the items were protected national heritage, but the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that the heritage agency had interpreted the law too broadly and failed to justify why the objects qualified as protected assets.

Mandela’s family said the proceeds were intended to fund a memorial garden at his grave in Qunu, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Makaziwe Mandela welcomed the ruling, saying the agency had no basis to claim it understood her father’s wishes better than his family, adding that no final decision has been made on whether the items will still be sold. The judgment has reopened debate over who should control Mandela-linked objects, with some arguing they belong in South Africa’s public institutions, while others say the family should decide their fate.

Floods in Mozambique Push Crocodiles Into Towns, Killing at Least Three

As floods continue to batter southern Mozambique, crocodiles have been swept into submerged towns and are responsible for at least three deaths, authorities said. The risk is highest in Xai-Xai, where rising waters from the Limpopo River have reached densely populated areas, forcing evacuations and triggering warnings to avoid still water. Officials say three of the 13 flood-related deaths reported in Mozambique were caused by crocodile attacks, with more incidents reported in Gaza and Maputo provinces. The floods, driven by weeks of heavy rain and dam releases, have affected more than 700,000 people, damaged dozens of health facilities, and deepened a humanitarian crisis marked by displacement, disrupted care, and rising risks of hunger and water-borne disease.

Malawi Starts Cholera Vaccination Drive as Floods Raise Outbreak Risk

Malawi has begun a cholera vaccination rollout to curb rising infections linked to heavy rains and flooding across the region. Health officials targeted high-risk areas, including Chilomoni township in Blantyre, where at least 17 cases and one death have been reported in recent weeks. Authorities say unsafe water sources are driving infections, especially in low-income communities where residents sometimes rely on contaminated streams when they cannot afford clean water. Malawi plans to distribute 24,000 oral vaccines as a first step, focusing on the most vulnerable, as officials warn cases are steadily rising nationwide. The move comes as Africa faces its worst cholera surge in 25 years, with more than 300,000 cases last year, and as flood conditions heighten outbreak risks across southern Africa.

Somaliland Leader Courts Israel and Global Investors at Davos

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi held separate talks with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and businessman Eric Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, as the region steps up its push for recognition and foreign investment. Abdullahi says discussions with Israel focused on building bilateral ties, weeks after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. An adviser says talks with Eric Trump centered on attracting global investors to Somaliland’s livestock and agriculture sectors, as well as promoting the Berbera deep-water port as a logistics and energy hub along key Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes. Somaliland officials say the strategy marks a shift from seeking aid to pitching investment opportunities, though Israel’s recognition has drawn criticism from Somalia, the African Union, and several countries that say it undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity.

South Sudan Army Orders Seven-Day Offensive as Fighting Nears Juba

South Sudan’s army chief has given troops seven days to “crush the rebellion” in Jonglei state after opposition forces seized territory and threatened the state capital, Bor, just two hours from Juba. The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition, led by suspended Vice President Riek Machar, has stepped up attacks as Machar faces trial on charges he denies, raising fears of a wider conflict. Reinforcements have been deployed to Bor, a strategic route to the capital, with support from Ugandan troops, as President Salva Kiir’s government accuses the group of threatening national security. The unrest has strained the fragile 2018 peace deal, prompting the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, to call for an immediate halt to hostilities amid reports of airstrikes, civilian deaths, and growing displacement.

Mali Moves to Ration Fuel as Militant Attacks Deepen Shortages

Mali’s government has announced plans to ration fuel as attacks by al-Qaida-linked groups disrupt supplies to the landlocked country, leaving long lines at gas stations ahead of Ramadan. Officials say militants have burned more than 100 fuel trucks since September, slashing imports and forcing authorities to register vehicle plates and limit refueling to every 72 hours for cars and 48 hours for motorcycles. Russian troops from Moscow’s Africa Corps are now escorting tanker convoys, reflecting the junta’s growing security ties with Russia since seizing power in 2021. Importers say deliveries remain far below normal levels, while residents — especially taxi drivers — warn the limits could hurt daily livelihoods as insecurity on supply routes continues.

Tunisia Jails Two Journalists in Case Critics Call Retaliation

A Tunisian court has sentenced journalists Bohran Bssaies and Mourad Zghidi to three and a half years in prison on tax evasion charges, a ruling their families say is retaliation for their reporting. The two IFM radio journalists have been detained since 2024, first serving an eight-month sentence for spreading false news and insulting the president, then held in pre-trial detention over the tax case. Zghidi’s sister called the charges baseless and said the verdict was meant to silence independent journalism, while their families plan to appeal. President Kais Saied denies restricting press freedom, but critics say authorities have intensified a crackdown on journalists, opposition figures, and civil society since he began ruling by decree in 2021.

Malema Defiant as Court Delays Sentencing in Firearm Case

South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema says he will not be intimidated by the courts after an East London Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape province postponed his sentencing from today, Friday, January 23, to April 15 following his conviction on firearm-related charges. Malema was found guilty last year of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, firing a weapon in public, and reckless endangerment linked to a 2018 rally in Mdantsane, where he was filmed shooting a rifle into the air. The magistrate said she needed more time to consider the evidence after the defense submitted a pre-sentencing report arguing against direct imprisonment and recommending a suspended fine, limits on future firearm licensing, and a donation to Gun Free South Africa. Malema’s lawyers plan to appeal both the conviction and any jail term, a high-stakes move since a sentence of more than 12 months without a fine would bar him from Parliament for five years.

African Union Lifts Guinea Sanctions After Contested Election

The African Union has lifted sanctions on Guinea imposed after the 2021 coup, citing what it called the successful organization of a presidential election held on December 28, 2025. The AU praised progress on Guinea’s political transition roadmap and congratulated former junta leader Mamady Doumbouya, who was sworn in over the weekend before large crowds. Civil society groups and opposition candidates rejected the vote as deeply flawed, describing it as a “charade” marked by irregularities. Doumbouya first took power after overthrowing President Alpha Condé and has since banned protests, restricted civil liberties, and seen rivals arrested, tried, or pushed into exile.

NBA’s Desmond Bane Signals Interest in Playing for Nigeria

Desmond Bane says he’s open to representing D’Tigers and wants to help recruit other NBA players to boost Nigeria’s Olympic push. The Orlando Magic guard, who has Nigerian heritage and has not played international basketball, told the BBC he would answer the call and has already spoken to players like Aaron Nesmith and Gabe Vincent about joining. Nigeria, which played at the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympics but missed Paris 2024, is currently ranked 50th in the world by Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) and seventh in Africa. Their clearest path to the 2028 Los Angeles Games could come through qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar or a separate African Olympic qualifier, with competition expected to be tough.