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Today in Africa — June 24, 2026: Khaby Lame’s Global Rise Highlights Africa’s Creator Power, Kenyan Students Face Charges in Deadly School Fire

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On June 24, coverage includes: the Senegal-born creator placing 15th on Forbes’ 2026 list of the world’s top creators; the latest developments in the investigation into a dormitory blaze that killed 16 girls at a Kenyan boarding school; and more.

Khaby Lame stands in a black tuxedo at the Academy Awards red carpet backdrop.
Senegalese TikTok star, Khabe Lame, has been ranked 15th on Forbes’ 2026 list of the world’s top creators.

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.

Khaby Lame’s Forbes Ranking Highlights Africa’s Growing Creator Economy

Senegal-born content creator Khaby Lame has ranked 15th on Forbes’ 2026 list of the world’s top creators, earning an estimated $9.9 million over the past year and reinforcing Africa’s presence in the global creator economy. The TikTok star, who built a massive following through his wordless comedy videos, remains the platform’s most-followed creator and continues to show how African-born talent can achieve global commercial success.

The Business of Influencing:

  • Forbes estimates Lame has 252.1 million followers across platforms and an average engagement rate of 4.72%.

  • He has partnerships with major brands and companies, including Hugo Boss, Binance, and Hollywood studios.

  • In January, Hong Kong-based Rich Sparkle Holdings agreed to acquire the company linked to Lame’s brand and commercial rights in a deal valued at $975 million.

  • The agreement gives Rich Sparkle rights to his image, voice, and signature gestures, which it plans to use to develop an AI-powered digital twin and e-commerce products.

  • The deal reflects a broader trend of creators being valued as intellectual property and business assets, rather than relying solely on advertising revenue.

Kenyan Students to Face Murder Charges Over Deadly School Dormitory Fire

Kenyan prosecutors have approved murder charges against students accused of involvement in a dormitory fire that killed 16 girls at Utumishi Girls’ School last month. Investigators say eight students were identified as persons of interest after reviewing witness statements, staff interviews, and CCTV footage related to the blaze, which tore through a crowded dormitory housing more than 200 students.

Investigation Findings:

  • Police allege the fire was started by setting mattresses alight near an exit.

  • The victims were between 15 and 18 years old, while the suspects are also students aged 15 to 18.

  • Authorities said the dormitory’s emergency exit failed to open, forcing students to escape through a single doorway.

  • Education officials cited overcrowding and a locked exit door among the safety failures uncovered during preliminary investigations.

  • Prosecutors said the suspects are expected to appear in court in Naivasha and could face 16 counts of murder.

Fears Grow of New Sudan Atrocities as RSF Masses Around El Obeid

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are building up forces around the strategic Sudanese city of El Obeid, raising fears of another major assault on civilians as the country’s war enters its fourth year. The United Nations, the U.S., and other international partners have warned of escalating atrocity risks, while residents face ongoing drone attacks and worsening shortages. The growing threat comes as Sudanese refugees in neighboring Egypt report increased arrests, detentions, and deportations amid a widening crackdown.

Regional Fallout:

  • The UN warned that the horrors seen in El Fasher, where more than 6,000 people were killed during an RSF offensive last year, must not be repeated in El Obeid.

  • Analysts say the RSF may be seeking to retake the city to regain access to key routes linking western Sudan to Khartoum and Omdurman.

  • Drone attacks in the Kordofan region have surged, with conflict monitors reporting a 600% increase in drone-related deaths in 2025 compared to last year.

  • Reuters reported that Egypt has deported more than 5,500 people since November as authorities intensify enforcement against refugees and migrants, many of them Sudanese.

  • The UN High Commission for Refugees says returns to Sudan should not take place under current conditions, citing ongoing conflict, displacement, and humanitarian needs across the country.

In Brief: More Stories Today

U.S. Expands Ebola Treatment Support for DR Congo Outbreak

The U.S. is providing doses of the experimental antibody treatment MBP134 for clinical trials in DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak, marking a shift from its previous policy of reserving the drug for Americans. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases and 250 deaths, and health officials hope upcoming treatment and vaccine trials will help identify effective tools against a virus for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.

Eastern Libya Bars Entry for Citizens of Four African Countries

Libya’s eastern-based government has banned citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia from entering through its land, sea, and air ports, saying the move is part of a reorganization of foreign entry procedures. The ban includes exemptions for diplomats and some skilled workers and comes as Libya remains a key transit route for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Nigeria Regulator Shuts Down Unauthorized Dangote Refinery IPO Promotions

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission has ordered an immediate halt to advertisements and investment solicitations promoting a supposed Dangote Refinery IPO, saying no application has been filed or approved. The regulator warned investors against pre-funding accounts or paying for allocations and directed operators to refund any money already collected.

Malawian Man Killed During South Africa Anti-Immigrant March

Police in South Africa are investigating the killing of a 29-year-old Malawian national during an anti-immigration march in Pietermaritzburg in the KwaZulu-Natal province that left two other people injured. The attack comes amid rising tensions over migration, with thousands of foreign nationals fleeing affected communities ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations on June 30.

Cameroon Failing Women and Girls, Rights Group Says

Human Rights Watch says Cameroon has failed to meet a decade-old commitment to reduce violence against women and girls, leaving many survivors without protection or access to justice. The group cited discriminatory laws, corruption, weak institutions, and a lack of support services, while noting that partner killings and domestic abuse remain widespread and underreported.

Tunisian Court Upholds Sentence Against Anti-Racism Activist

A Tunisian appeals court has upheld an eight-year prison sentence against anti-racism activist Saadia Mosbah, who has been a leading advocate for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Her lawyers and Amnesty International say the case is politically motivated and linked to a broader crackdown on groups supporting undocumented migrants.

Burkina Faso Rejects EU Criticism Over Civic Freedoms

Burkina Faso’s military government has dismissed a European Parliament resolution criticizing restrictions on civil liberties, media freedom, and human rights in the country. Authorities called the vote neo-colonial interference and argued that lawmakers ignored the country’s security challenges and efforts to combat insurgent violence.