Lagos Building Collapse Kills Nine, Dozens Rescued
At least nine people were killed, and 27 others were rescued after a multi-story building collapsed in Lagos on Thursday. Authorities have launched rescue operations and ordered structural inspections of nearby buildings as renewed concerns over construction safety in Nigeria’s commercial capital grow.
Kenyan Runner Kibiwott Kandie Banned Seven Years for Doping
Former half-marathon world record holder Kibiwott Kandie has been banned from athletics until 2032 after admitting to refusing a doping test and tampering with the anti-doping process. The Kenyan runner received a reduced seven-year ban after accepting the sanctions early, with investigators also finding false explanations and fake documents linked to his case.
Somali Woman Jailed for Criticizing Government Online
A Somali court has sentenced 27-year-old nursing graduate Sadia Moalim Ali to three years in prison after convicting her of insulting government institutions over social media posts criticizing unemployment, corruption, and rising living costs. Former senior officials, rights groups, and her lawyers have condemned the ruling and say they will appeal, calling it an attack on freedom of expression.
Kenya Emerges as Leading Option for EU Asylum Return Hubs
Several European governments are considering East African countries as destinations for rejected asylum seekers, with Kenya now viewed as the leading option by the Netherlands. Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, and Benin are also under consideration, though officials say discussions remain at an early diplomatic stage.
U.S. Sanctions Rwandan Gold Refinery Over DR Congo Smuggling Claims
The U.S. has sanctioned Rwanda’s Gasabo Gold Refinery, two of its executives, and three mining companies over allegations they smuggled minerals from M23-controlled areas in eastern DR Congo. The measures freeze any U.S.-based assets and bar American businesses from dealing with the sanctioned entities as Washington pushes for a more transparent regional minerals trade.
Nearly 300 Ebola Patients Missing in DR Congo, Africa CDC Warns
Africa CDC says the whereabouts of 297 people who tested positive for Ebola in DR Congo are unknown, raising fears of widespread community transmission as the outbreak continues to grow. Health officials say conflict has cut off access to displacement camps, while treatment centers are nearly full, and only a small share of pledged international funding has been released. Confirmed cases stand at 1, 155 as of yesterday, Thursday, June 25.
Kenya Deports Somali Deputy Prime Minister Over Passport Allegations
Kenya deported Somalia’s Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji after immigration officials accused him of fraudulently obtaining a Kenyan passport. Authorities said Haji, who arrived in Nairobi on a valid Somali diplomatic passport and visa, admitted having a Kenyan passport but refused to surrender it, and was sent back to Mogadishu the following day.
Moroccan Court Jails Politicians in Major Drug Trafficking Case
A Moroccan court sentenced 29 people, including politicians, business leaders, and sports figures, in a corruption and international drug trafficking case that has shaken the country’s political establishment. Former lawmakers Abdennebi Bioui and Said Naciri received 12- and 10-year prison terms, while the court also ordered the seizure of assets and hundreds of millions of dollars in financial penalties.
ECOWAS Court Says Togo’s Constitutional Reform Was Unconstitutional
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice ruled that Togo’s 2024 constitutional reforms violated democratic principles, saying they were passed by a parliament whose mandate had expired. The reforms replaced direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote, a move critics say is designed to keep President Faure Gnassingbé in power, though the court’s decision is not legally binding.
Morocco to Return to GMT After Years on Permanent GMT+1
Morocco will permanently return to Greenwich Mean Time at the end of September, reversing its 2018 decision to remain on GMT+1 year-round except during Ramadan. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said the change responds to public demand after years of criticism over its impact on school schedules and work-life balance.
