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Today in Africa — July 6, 2026: Over 300 Children Among Latest Victims of Sudan War, DR Congo Ebola Health Workers Threaten Strike

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On July 6, coverage includes: warnings over escalating attacks and displacement in Sudan; concerns that unpaid health workers could disrupt efforts to contain the growing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak as death toll passes 500; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
People walk and carry belongings along a dusty, debris-strewn street in Khartoum as they flee fighting.
More than 300 children have been killed or injured in the Sudan war in the last six months, according to UNICEF.

Standing intro blurb: 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.

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More Than 300 Children Killed or Injured in Sudan War Over Six Months

More than 300 children have been killed or injured in Sudan over the past six months, with drone strikes responsible for most casualties, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The warning comes as fighting between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensifies around Al Obeid, where the UN Human Rights Council has condemned escalating violence by the RSF and ordered an urgent investigation into abuses.

Humanitarian Crisis

  • UNICEF says drone strikes and shelling have hit civilian infrastructure, including schools, markets, fuel stations, and water facilities.

  • More than 500,000 people are at risk as civilians in some areas face siege-like conditions.

  • Sudan’s war has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced about 13 million, and pushed parts of the country into famine.

  • More than 30 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.

  • The UN has called for the protection of civilians and for safe, rapid humanitarian access.

DR Congo Ebola Death Toll Passes 500 as Health Workers Threaten Strike

DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed at least 506 people out of 1,561 confirmed cases since it was declared on May 15, according to the country’s health ministry. Frontline workers in Ituri province, the center of the outbreak, have threatened to strike over unpaid benefits, poor working conditions, and a lack of supplies, raising concerns that response efforts could be disrupted as the virus continues to spread.

Outbreak Challenges

  • Clinical trials for experimental treatments began last week, but there are still no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain behind the outbreak.

  • Health workers say they have faced attacks from some residents and widespread skepticism about the virus.

  • Cases have been confirmed in three eastern provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.

  • Officials have not identified the outbreak’s first patient and are still working to trace people who may have been exposed.

  • The World Health Organization has said the first month of this Ebola outbreak was the worst on record.

Dangote Refinery Becomes Europe’s Largest External Supplier of Jet Fuel

Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery became Europe’s largest external supplier of jet fuel in June, overtaking the United States after exporting an estimated 466,000 metric tonnes of aviation fuel to the continent, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. The milestone marks a major shift for Nigeria, which became a net exporter of jet fuel in 2024 after the refinery began production and expanded shipments of refined petroleum products to global markets.

Fuel Market Shift

  • Nigerian jet fuel exports to Europe nearly doubled from 232,000 metric tonnes in May to 466,000 metric tonnes in June.

  • US shipments to Europe dropped from 560,000 metric tonnes to 399,000 metric tonnes during the same period.

  • Dangote Industries plans to invest an additional $46 billion between 2026 and 2028 across its refining, cement, and fertilizer businesses.

  • The company plans to build a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Kenya to expand its refining network across Africa.

  • Saudi Arabia and India also increased jet fuel exports to Europe in June as competition in the market grows.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Nigeria Raises Concern After Two Citizens Killed in South Africa

Nigeria says two of its citizens were killed in South Africa amid rising tensions over immigration, with the foreign ministry saying foreigners are being unfairly targeted. South African authorities say one death is under investigation by the police watchdog, while rejecting attempts to link it to protests over illegal immigration, and say they are separately investigating the killing of a Nigerian shop owner in eMalahleni.

Morocco Says It Foiled ISIS-Linked Attack Plots

Morocco’s counterterrorism agency says it arrested 10 people accused of planning attacks on sensitive sites after receiving instructions from an Islamic State affiliate in the Sahel. Authorities said they recovered weapons, materials linked to making explosives, and a modified vehicle suspected of being prepared for a possible suicide bombing or vehicle attack.

Tanzania Arrests Dozens Ahead of Planned Anti-Government Protests

Tanzanian authorities have arrested dozens of people ahead of planned youth-led protests calling for democratic reforms and the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The arrests come after the government banned political rallies and increased security in Dar es Salaam, where soldiers and police have been deployed ahead of the demonstrations.

Sierra Leone Fishermen Say Illegal Fishing Is Threatening Livelihoods

Fishermen in Sierra Leone say illegal fishing by foreign trawlers is reducing their catches and damaging their equipment, despite a coastal exclusion zone meant to protect local communities. The Sierra Leone Fishermen’s Union says average catches have fallen by about 40% in recent years, while government officials say measures are in place to reduce illegal fishing.

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