NEWS

Today in Africa — Mar 31, 2026: Black Stars Sack Coach Weeks Before World Cup, Kenyan Marathoner Albert Korir Banned for Five Years

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On Mar 31, coverage includes: Ghana firing coach Otto Addo 72 days before the FIFA World Cup after a five-match losing streak; Kenya’s Albert Korir, winner of the New York City Marathon, being handed a five-year doping ban after admitting to doping; and more.

Lihle Z. Mtshali Lihle Z. Mtshali Lihle Z. Mtshali Digital Producer

March 31, 2026 - 2:58 p.m.

Antoine Semenyo of Ghana shoots during the international friendly match between Ghana and Germany yesterday, Monday, March 30.

by Sona Maleterova/Getty Images

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.

Op-Ed: Afrobeats Is Global. So, Why Is There No African Film Scoring System?

OkayAfrica investigates the infrastructural gaps, funding shortfalls, and rising music licensing costs that prevent an authentic African film scoring ecosystem from taking hold.

Ghana Sacks Coach Otto Addo Weeks Before World Cup After Poor Run

Why Addo was sacked:

Lost the last 5 matches
5–1 defeat to Austria
2–1 loss to Germany
Failed to qualify for 2025 AFCON

Ghana has sacked coach Otto Addo just 72 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a string of poor results. His departure is effective immediately, following his second stint, which began in March 2024, with the Ghana Football Association set to announce a new coach soon as the team prepares for a group featuring Panama, England, and Croatia at the June 11–July 19 tournament. Despite a squad that includes Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, results have continued to slide.

From NYC Marathon Winner to 5-Year Ban: Korir Admits Doping

Why Korir was banned:

He tested positive in October in Kenya during an out-of-competition test
Substance: synthetic EPO — increases red blood cell production, boosting oxygen delivery to muscles and improving endurance

Albert Korir, Kenya’s 2021 New York City Marathon champion, has been banned for five years after admitting to using a banned performance-enhancing drug. The suspension runs until January 7, 2031. The initial ban was for six years, but it was reduced to 5 years due to his early admission.

More than 140 Kenyan runners have been sanctioned since 2016, when a crackdown occurred following the Rio Olympics scandal. Women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich was banned for 3 years after admitting she used hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned diuretic.

Nigerian Volunteers Step In to Keep HIV Patients on Treatment After Aid Cuts

What changed on the ground:

The U.S. funded about 90% of Nigeria’s HIV treatment before the aid pause
Drug access collapsed, with some patients receiving only 1–2 week supplies
10 treatment centers in Makurdi shut for a month
Volunteers brought 1,000+ people back into care, including 95 children
HIV prevention was hit harder, with fewer tests and a sharp drop in preventive drug access

When U.S. aid cuts disrupted HIV treatment in Nigeria, volunteer “HIV champions” went door-to-door in Benue State to find patients who had stopped taking life-saving medication. Without antiretroviral drugs, the virus can rebound within months, raising the risk of illness and transmission. Volunteers helped reconnect patients to care as clinics closed, supplies ran short, and misinformation spread. Their efforts helped stabilize access to treatment even as gaps in prevention services deepened.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Senegal doubles prison terms for same-sex relations

Senegal has passed a new law increasing penalties for same-sex relations to up to 10 years in prison and introducing charges for promoting or financing them. The move has drawn criticism from the United Nations, which called it a violation of fundamental rights. Arrests have already increased in recent months, with rights groups warning of a broader crackdown.

South Africa cuts fuel levy to ease Iran war impact

South Africa will temporarily reduce its fuel levy by 3 rand ($0.18) per liter for one month to cushion the impact of rising prices linked to the war in Iran. The government says the relief will be fiscally neutral, with lost revenue recovered through other measures. Officials are also working on a broader support package for households and key sectors.

Somali army takes control of Baidoa as regional leader resigns

Federal forces have taken over Baidoa, a key city in the South West state, prompting the regional president to step down just weeks after re-election. Residents fled, and aid agencies paused operations amid fears of clashes. The standoff highlights growing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and regional administrations.

Caster Semenya vows to fight Olympic gender testing policy

South African Olympian Caster Semenya says she will challenge a new Olympic policy introducing gender testing in women’s sports, calling it a violation of women’s rights and dignity. The International Olympic Committee plans to implement the rule globally after years of controversy around eligibility. Semenya, long at the center of the debate, says there is no scientific basis for claims that athletes with Differences of Sex Development (DSD), where individuals have XY chromosomes and naturally higher testosterone levels, have an unfair advantage.

Kenya targets youth in voter registration drive ahead of 2027 election

Kenya has launched a nationwide push to register up to 6.3 million new voters, with a strong focus on young people. Youth-led campaigns are using TikTok, music, and incentives to combat political apathy following the low turnout in 2022. Activists say the goal is to shift power in a system many young Kenyans feel excluded from.

Mali denies releasing jihadists in deal to ease fuel crisis

Mali’s army has denied reports that around 200 suspected jihadists were released to stop attacks on fuel convoys. Officials called the claims “manipulation,” despite earlier reports suggesting a truce linked to the releases. The attacks had disrupted fuel supplies and brought the capital to a standstill at the height of the crisis.