Côte d’Ivoire Flood Death Toll Rises as Heavy Rains Batter West Africa
Flooding in Côte d’Ivoire has killed at least 59 people since May, as torrential rains continue to batter parts of West Africa. Authorities say the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching for victims, while neighboring Ghana has reported 13 deaths after severe flooding that also affected Benin, Togo, and Nigeria. Officials say climate change, poor drainage, rapid urban growth, and illegal dumping have made flooding more destructive across the region. In Nigeria, flooding disrupted electricity in parts of Lagos, and forecasters are warning of above-normal rainfall in Abuja and nine states this year.
Sudan Cholera Outbreak Kills 120 as WHO Warns Cases Are Spreading
The World Health Organization says at least 120 people have died and more than 1,100 suspected cholera cases have been reported since May in Sudan’s West Kordofan state. The agency warns the outbreak is spreading as conflict, displacement, limited healthcare, and funding shortages hamper efforts to contain the disease.
Niger Arrests at Least 16 Under New Anti-LGBTQ Law
Nigerien authorities have arrested at least 16 people under a new law criminalizing same-sex sexual relations, marking the first reported enforcement of the legislation. Those arrested include senior customs and police officials as well as civilians, with authorities expected to continue operations in military barracks, universities, and other locations.
Tanzania Deploys Security Forces Ahead of Planned July 7 Protests
Tanzania has deployed soldiers and police to Dar es Salaam and other major cities ahead of planned youth-led protests calling for democratic reforms and justice for victims of last year’s election violence. The demonstrations come after the government banned political rallies and are set to coincide with the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair.
Kenyan Activists Seek Halt to New Maasai Mara Lodges
Kenyan activists have gone to court to stop new tourism accommodation in the Maasai Mara National Reserve until 2032, arguing that expanding development threatens wildlife and Maasai communities. The petition also seeks declarations that several existing lodges, including the Ritz-Carlton safari lodge, operate illegally, with an initial hearing set for July 20.
UN to Close Burkina Faso Human Rights Office
The UN Human Rights Office will close its Burkina Faso office by November 30 after authorities indefinitely suspended its operations over a press release urging the government to protect civic space. UN human rights chief Volker Türk says efforts to resolve the dispute with authorities had failed.
Low Turnout Fears Shadow Algeria’s Parliamentary Vote
Algerians voted in parliamentary elections today, Thursday, July 2, amid widespread voter apathy, cost-of-living concerns, and controversy over the exclusion of hundreds of candidates. Turnout was just 3% two hours after polls opened, while critics say shrinking political freedoms have deepened public distrust in the electoral process.
UN Says AFC/M23 Expands Military and Political Ambitions in DR Congo
A new UN Group of Experts report says the AFC/M23 rebel alliance has grown to about 30,000 fighters and is strengthening ties with former President Joseph Kabila. The report says the group is pursuing plans for a federal political system or an autonomous eastern region, while accusing both the AFC/M23 and government forces of serious human rights violations.
U.S., Tanzania Sign $1.3 Billion Health Investment Deal
The U.S has signed a memorandum of understanding to invest more than $1.3 billion in Tanzania’s health sector over the next five years, with Tanzania committing $1.8 billion of its own funding. Tanzanian officials say the agreement does not require sharing laboratory samples with the U.S., responding to concerns raised over similar deals elsewhere in Africa.
