Today in Africa — Mar 27, 2026: Senegal to Parade AFCON Trophy in Paris Tomorrow, Namibia to Cut Fuel Levies By 50%

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.

Senegal to Parade AFCON Trophy Despite Title Being Stripped

Senegal plans to parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Paris tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, ahead of a friendly against Peru, despite CAF overturning their victory and awarding Morocco a 3-0 win. The Lions of Teranga had originally beaten hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the January 18 final, but were later ruled to have forfeited the match after briefly walking off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision. Morocco’s federation appealed the outcome, and CAF’s appeals board sided with them, citing competition rules on teams leaving the field.

Senegal has since taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which says it will rule as quickly as possible, though no timeline has been set. Football federation president Abdoulaye Fall has vowed a “crusade” against what he called an “administrative robbery,” while the government has also called for an investigation into possible corruption at CAF. With Senegal refusing to relinquish the trophy and proceeding with the planned parade, the dispute over who is the rightful champion remains unresolved.

Namibia Cuts Fuel Levies to Cushion Price Surge Amid Global Oil Disruptions

Namibia will temporarily cut fuel levies by 50% for at least three months, through the end of June, to shield consumers from rising pump prices driven by global oil disruptions linked to the conflict in Iran, the country’s energy minister said. The move comes as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for about 20% of the world’s oil and gas — remain strained, pushing up costs across import-dependent countries like Namibia. The government will use its National Energy Fund to absorb price volatility, even as April fuel prices rise by N$2.50 ($0.15) per liter for petrol and by N$4.00 ($0.23) per liter for diesel.

Officials say the measure aims to stabilize domestic prices and ease pressure on households, with the government covering an estimated N$500 million (about $30 million) in under-recoveries for April alone. Namibia, which relies entirely on imported refined fuel, consumes about 100 million liters of petrol and diesel monthly. Authorities say current fuel stocks can meet demand for one to two months and urge the public to avoid panic buying or hoarding.

WAFCON Delay Raises Questions as Morocco Says It’s Ready to Host “Any Time”

Three weeks after CAF postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from March to July 25–August 16, officials have yet to explain the reason for the delay, with Morocco insisting it was fully prepared to host the tournament as scheduled. Moroccan trade minister Ryad Mezzour says the country remains ready to host “any time,” even as CAF cited “unforeseen circumstances” and pointed to consultations with partners, FIFA, and other related parties. The lack of clarity has fueled speculation, including suggestions that Morocco’s packed football calendar may have played a role, but CAF has not provided further details despite questions, leaving uncertainty around the decision.

Somali Children ‘On the Edge’ as Hunger Deepens Amid Supply Disruptions

In a displacement camp in southern Somalia, aid workers say the weakest children are now too malnourished to cry, as hunger worsens after years of drought and shrinking aid. Families in Dollow’s Ladan camp, home to about 4,500 households, have fled failed rains that wiped out crops and livestock, arriving with little more than their children. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that nearly 6.5 million people in Somalia face severe hunger, while an estimated 1.84 million children under five are expected to suffer acute malnutrition in 2026. Health workers say they are now seeing more children in critical condition, some severely weakened and close to death.

The crisis is being compounded by global factors, including the conflict in Iran, which UNICEF says is disrupting supply routes and driving up fuel costs, making it harder to deliver lifesaving aid. Transport costs could rise by up to 60%, while delays are increasing, putting $15.7 million in supplies at risk. At the same time, more than 400 health and nutrition centers have shut down over the past year, largely due to funding cuts, leaving many communities without support as aid agencies warn that the situation is pushing children “to the edge.”

Landslides Kill 20 in Tanzania as Heavy Rains Batter East Africa

At least 20 people have died in landslides triggered by heavy rains in southern Tanzania’s Mbeya region, where homes were destroyed after rainfall and strong winds hit early Wednesday, authorities say. Officials warn the toll could rise as more rain is forecast, urging residents in high-risk areas to evacuate. The disaster is part of a wider regional crisis, with extreme weather hitting East Africa and exposing vulnerable communities living in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Across the region, the impact has been severe, with at least 88 people killed in Kenya as flooding affects 21 counties and rivers burst their banks, while landslides in southern Ethiopia earlier this month left at least 80 dead. Forecasters say there is a high chance of above-average rainfall across much of East Africa this season, raising concerns that conditions could worsen in the coming weeks.

France Denies U.S. Pressure in G7 Invite Shift as Kenya Named Instead of South Africa

France says it did not exclude South Africa from the upcoming G7 summit under pressure from Washington, after reports claimed the U.S. had threatened to boycott if President Cyril Ramaphosa attended. French officials say the decision to invite Kenya instead was made collectively by G7 members and tied to President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to Nairobi, while the White House backed that account. South Africa says it had been informed of the change about two weeks earlier, with a spokesperson acknowledging external pressure, but Ramaphosa later downplayed the issue, saying non-invitation to a summit South Africa is not a member of should not be seen as a snub, as tensions between Washington and Pretoria continue to strain relations.

Cholera Supplies for Africa Delayed by Iran War Logistics Crunch

Emergency cholera supplies meant for African countries, including Chad, Sudan, and South Sudan, are stuck in Dubai due to shipping disruptions linked to the Iran war, raising concerns ahead of the rainy season when outbreaks typically surge. Aid groups, including the World Health Organization and the Red Cross, say the backlog is forcing them to consider costly air transport, with prices up by about 70%, or sourcing replacements. The delayed kits are critical for setting up field treatment centers and preventing the spread of the fast-moving disease, which can escalate quickly without a rapid response. Health officials warn the disruption could have serious consequences, especially in countries that rely entirely on imported medical supplies. Last year saw more than 600,000 cholera cases globally, and while numbers are down so far in 2026, experts say delays of even days could allow outbreaks to spread rapidly. In eastern Chad, where refugee camps are already under strain, officials say current medicine stocks could treat only about 100 people if cases emerge.

Kenya Mass Grave Bodies Traced to Hospital Morgue as Probe Deepens

Authorities in Kenya say at least 33 bodies exhumed from a mass grave in Kericho were transferred from Nyamira District Hospital, raising questions about whether they were disposed of legally. Investigators recovered eight adults and 25 children, including fetuses, along with dismembered body parts packed in gunny bags, and are now examining whether proper court authorization was obtained, as required for unclaimed bodies after 14 days. Autopsies are underway to determine the causes of death, while at least two suspects have been arrested, and witnesses say the bodies were brought in and buried hurriedly. The discovery marks Kenya’s third major mass-grave case in three years, following the 2023 Kilifi cult deaths and another site in Nairobi in 2024, and comes amid rising concern over alleged extrajudicial killings. Human rights group Missing Voices says it recorded 125 such killings and six enforced disappearances in the past year, as residents call for a full investigation into whether the state or other actors were involved.

UN Warns Eastern Congo Conflict Is Expanding as Heavy Weapons and Drones Raise Civilian Risk

The United Nations has warned that fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is escalating and spreading, with increased use of heavy weapons and offensive drones putting civilians at greater risk. UN envoy Vivian van de Perre told the Security Council that clashes between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces are intensifying in North and South Kivu, with front lines shifting toward Burundi’s border and raising fears of a wider regional conflict, while violence is also expanding into Ituri and Tshopo provinces. She says M23 is consolidating control in areas including Goma by setting up parallel administrations that undermine state authority and complicate humanitarian access, even as attacks have hit civilian-linked sites such as Bangoka Airport in Kisangani. Despite recent talks among Congo, Rwanda, and the United States on de-escalation, van de Perre described the situation as “extremely volatile,” calling for a ceasefire, the reopening of airports, and the restoration of movement for peacekeepers.

DRC Deepens Mining Ties With China as Global Powers Compete for Critical Minerals

The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a deal with China to expand cooperation in its mining sector, as global powers compete for access to key minerals used in electric vehicles and the energy transition. Congo, the world’s top cobalt producer with large reserves of copper, lithium, and coltan, already hosts major Chinese firms and counts Beijing as its biggest bilateral creditor. The agreement includes sharing geological data, protecting investments, promoting local processing of raw materials, and ensuring projects comply with Congolese law, with a major iron ore project set to receive priority support. The move comes as the United States also pushes for access to Congo’s mineral wealth through a separate strategic partnership signed in December, with Kinshasa signaling it will work with multiple partners rather than choose sides as competition over critical minerals intensifies.