DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Still Expanding
The World Health Organization says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has not yet stabilized, with 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths from the Bundibugyo strain. Officials say population movement, crowded treatment centers, limited protective gear, and recent health worker strikes are still slowing the response.
Heavy Security Suppresses Kenya and Tanzania Protests
Heavy police and military deployments suppressed today’s planned protests in Kenya and Tanzania, where the date carries political meaning in both countries. In Tanzania, protesters had planned to demand reforms and the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, while in Kenya, police blocked roads and cordoned off parliament.
The Gambia Awaits Supreme Court Ruling on FGM Ban
The Gambia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a challenge to the country’s ban on female genital mutilation tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8, raising fears among survivors that legal protections for girls could be weakened. The case follows parliament’s 2024 rejection of an attempt to repeal the 2015 ban, which campaigners say has reduced the practice but not ended it.
Pakistan Mediates Between Libya’s Rival Governments
Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya’s rival eastern and western authorities as part of efforts to reunify the country under a proposed 36-month transition plan. The proposal would bring key figures from both sides into a power-sharing arrangement, though analysts warn that past deals in Libya have struggled to hold.
Dangote Plans Kenya Refinery Funding Mix
Dangote Group plans to finance its proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Kenya through internal cash flow, bonds, and a planned IPO. The refinery, planned for Lamu, would be Dangote’s biggest refining investment outside Nigeria and could help reduce East Africa’s dependence on imported fuel.
Egypt Weighs Expanded Powers for Economic Agency
Egyptian lawmakers are set to review a draft law that would greatly expand the powers of the Future of Egypt Authority and place it under presidential oversight. The bill would give the agency control over state assets, new development zones, and sovereign funds as Egypt works to overhaul its management of public assets.
Nigeria Orders Probe Into Big Tech and News Content
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s competition regulator to investigate major tech companies, including Meta, Alphabet, X, and AI platforms, over alleged anti-competitive practices and unauthorized use of news content. The inquiry follows complaints from Nigerian media groups and will examine whether journalistic material has been used for commercial purposes or to train AI models.
Ugandan Farmers Sue Over East African Crude Oil Pipeline
Ugandan farmers have filed a case in the UK High Court against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline before the project begins operations. They argue the pipeline would affect more than 100,000 people, cross sensitive water systems and protected habitats, and should be subject to Ugandan constitutional, environmental, and climate law.
South Sudan Official Killed in Renewed Jonglei Violence
A government-appointed county commissioner has been killed in renewed fighting in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, where rival government and opposition appointments have deepened tensions. Monitors warn the violence threatens civilians and undermines the 2018 peace deal ahead of elections planned for December.
Morocco Says It Foiled ISIS-Linked Attack Plots
Morocco’s counterterrorism agency says it arrested 10 people accused of preparing advanced attack plots under instructions from an Islamic State affiliate in the Sahel. Authorities said searches uncovered weapons, military-style clothing, bomb-making instructions, and a modified vehicle allegedly intended for a suicide or car-ramming attack.
