NEWS

Today in Africa — June 23, 2026: Africa’s Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries Revealed, Edgar Lungu May Finally Be Laid to Rest

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On June 23, coverage includes: new rankings highlighting the continent’s most stable countries amid growing insecurity in parts of the Sahel and Sudan; a South African court ruling that gives the former Zambian President’s family the final say on funeral arrangements after a year-long legal and political dispute; and more.

Aerial view of a tropical island lagoon near Mauritius with coastline and homes below.
Mauritius remains Africa’s most peaceful nation, according to the 2026 Global Peace Index.

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.

Mauritius Retains Top Spot as Africa’s Most Peaceful Country

Mauritius remains Africa’s most peaceful country in the 2026 Global Peace Index, while Equatorial Guinea and Botswana round out the continent’s top three. The report found that global peacefulness declined for the 15th time in 18 years, with Sub-Saharan Africa recording a slight deterioration as conflicts in Sudan, the Sahel, and elsewhere continue to drive instability across the region.

Table ranking African countries by the Global Peace Index GPI score.
Africa’s top 10 most peaceful nations, according to the 2026 Global Peace Index.

Peace Rankings at a Glance:

  • Mauritius ranked 18th globally and retained its position as Africa’s most peaceful country.

  • Equatorial Guinea placed second in Africa and 38th worldwide, ahead of Botswana in third place.

  • The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Ghana all made Africa’s top 10 despite broader security challenges in West Africa.

  • Sub-Saharan Africa is now home to eight of the world’s 20 least peaceful countries, up from five in 2008.

  • Researchers said terrorism-related deaths in the Sahel declined in 2025, but the region still accounts for more than half of all terrorism deaths globally.

South African Court Backs Family in Edgar Lungu Burial Dispute

A South African appeals court has ruled that former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s family has the final say over where he is buried, overturning an earlier decision that would have allowed Zambia’s government to repatriate his body for a state funeral. Lungu, who died in South Africa while receiving medical treatment on June 5, 2025, has been at the center of a year-long dispute between his family and the Zambian government over whether he should be buried in Lusaka or privately in South Africa.

Key Details:

  • The court found that Zambia’s government failed to prove it had a legal right under South African law to override the family’s wishes.

  • Judges also rejected claims that a binding agreement on funeral arrangements had been reached, saying negotiations were still ongoing.

  • Lungu’s family has said he would not have wanted President Hakainde Hichilema, his longtime political rival, to attend his funeral.

  • Zambia’s attorney general said the government would respect the ruling and would not pursue a further appeal.

  • South Africa’s government said it respected the family’s wishes, while maintaining that a state burial in Zambia would be the most appropriate outcome for the former president.

Kenya Halts Construction of U.S.-Backed Ebola Quarantine Facility After Court Ruling

Kenya’s health minister has ordered an immediate stop to construction of a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility at an air base near Nanyuki after a court found him in contempt for failing to comply with earlier suspension orders. The facility, intended to host Americans exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has sparked deadly protests and legal challenges, even as President William Ruto continues to defend the project as part of Kenya’s preparedness efforts.

Further Developments:

  • A judge found Health Minister Aden Duale guilty of contempt for commissioning construction despite court orders issued in late May and early June.

  • Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande discharged Duale without punishment but warned against any further disobedience of court orders.

  • Satellite images reviewed by Reuters showed construction progress, including additional tents, paved areas, and container-like structures.

  • Flight-tracking data and diplomatic sources indicated that aircraft carrying medical equipment and specialist staff continued arriving at the base after the court orders were issued.

  • A U.S. official said personnel training and the delivery of supplies for the facility were still ongoing on-site.

In Brief: More Stories Today

DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Sets Record Pace

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the largest recorded on the continent during the first month of an outbreak, according to the World Health Organization. Confirmed cases have reached 1,048, including 267 deaths, just weeks after the outbreak was officially declared.

Amnesty Accuses Libya of Intensifying Migrant Crackdown

Amnesty International says authorities in eastern and western Libya have escalated arrests, detentions, evictions, and expulsions of migrants and refugees over the past month. The rights group also accused the European Union of enabling abuses through its long-running support for Libyan migration control efforts.

Attack in Nigeria’s Plateau State Kills 20

At least 20 people were killed in an attack on a community in Nigeria’s Bokkos district, police said, despite repeated security deployments in the region. Authorities say officers exchanged fire with the attackers before they fled, and additional police units have been sent to the area.

UNAIDS Urges U.S. to Reconsider South Africa HIV Funding Drawdown

UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima has urged the U.S. to rethink plans to phase out PEPFAR funding in South Africa, warning that lives could be at risk. South Africa has the world’s largest HIV-positive population, and the U.S. program has been providing about 17% of the country’s HIV funding.

Egypt Detains Hundreds in Gold Mining Crackdown Near Sudan Border

Egyptian security forces have detained hundreds of people, including foreign nationals, in a crackdown on illegal gold mining and smuggling near the Sudan border. The operation comes as gold remains a key source of revenue and conflict financing in neighboring Sudan.

South Sudan Sets December Date for First Election Since Independence

South Sudan has scheduled its first general election since independence for December 22, despite ongoing conflict and political tensions. Opposition figures have warned that unresolved disputes and security concerns could undermine the vote, while former vice president Riek Machar remains under house arrest.

Niger Begins Process to Leave International Criminal Court

Niger has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to leave the International Criminal Court, accusing the tribunal of selective justice. The withdrawal will take effect in 12 months and follows similar moves announced by Mali and Burkina Faso.

Air Peace CEO Calls for Boycott of South African Businesses

The founder and CEO of Nigerian private airline, Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has urged Nigerians to boycott South African businesses and investments in response to recent anti-migrant actions in South Africa. While condemning xenophobic violence, he said any response should remain non-violent and focused on economic pressure rather than retaliation.

RSF Says Missing Burkina Faso Journalist Is Being Held in Secret Detention

Reporters Without Borders says investigative journalist Serge Oulon, missing for two years after being taken from his home in Ouagadougou, is being held at a private detention site and has been subjected to torture. Rights groups have accused Burkina Faso’s military-led government of using unofficial detention centers to hold critics and perceived opponents.