Today in Africa — November 20, 2025: Nigeria Convicts Separatist Leader of Terrorism, Morocco Sweeps CAF Awards, US Maintains G20 Boycott

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.

Nigerian Court Finds Separatist Leader Guilty of Terrorism and Treason

Separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of terrorism by a Nigerian court. It follows a decade of drama and controversy in the legal case. Kanu was found guilty on all seven charges he faced, including treason, for pushing for an independent state in south-east Nigeria. Kanu started broadcasting on Radio Biafra from London in 2009, resurrecting calls for the formation of Biafra, which caused a brutal civil war where Nigerian forces killed over a million people in the region through violent means, including starvation and aid-blocking tactics.

Kanu founded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2014 and was first arrested in 2015. He flouted his bail terms and left Nigeria in 2017, the same year IPOB was designated a terrorist organization. Authorities said Kanu had been rearrested two years later, allegedly with the help of the Kenyan government. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that the charges against him be dropped because he had been illegally arrested. Kanu was found guilty in absentia after he was removed from the court for unruly behavior.

“The defendant had an evil intention to wreak havoc on the people and government of Nigeria,” Judge James Omotosho said in the court’s ruling, calling Kanu an “international terrorist” and reading quoted excerpts from the defendant’s broadcasts where he called for armed action. “He turned himself into a tyrant who can kill at will. The defendant cannot be allowed to remain in a sane human society.” Kanu is expected to be sentenced later today, with the Nigerian government demanding the death sentence.

Morocco Dominates at Confederation of African Football Awards 2025

Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak emerged as the Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year, respectively, at the 2025 CAF Awards, leading the way on a night filled with Moroccan winners. Hakimi became the first defender in over five decades to win the award, after a triumphant year that saw him win the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, French Ligue 1, and Coupe de France. Chebbak made history as the first Moroccan to win her award, after scoring the most goals at this year’s Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Morocco emerged as runners-up.

Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou won Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Nigerian shotstopper Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third straight year, while Pedro Leitão “Bubista” Brito won Men’s Coach of the Year for leading Cape Verde to its first World Cup qualification. Morocco’s Under-20 team won the Men’s Team of the Year for winning the Under-20 World Cup earlier this year, while Moroccan players Doha El Madani and Othmane Maamma won the Women’s and Men’s Young Player of the Year.

U.S. Sticks to G20 Boycott but Will Send Embassy Representative for Handover

The White House says the United States is still boycotting this weekend’s G20 summit in Johannesburg, despite President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly suggesting Washington had a late change of heart. A U.S. Embassy representative will attend only the formal handover ceremony — a traditional transfer of the rotating G20 presidency — but will not take part in talks or negotiations, a senior official told reporters. President Donald Trump announced earlier this month that no U.S. official would attend, accusing South Africa’s government of “anti-white persecution,” claims widely dismissed as baseless.

Ramaphosa, who has criticized the boycott, said today, Thursday, November 20, that the U.S. remains welcome as an original G20 member and insisted the summit will still issue a joint declaration, despite U.S. pressure to avoid one. The meeting comes as South Africa deploys thousands of additional police and prepares for protests across Johannesburg, ranging from climate activists to anti-migrant groups. The two-day summit begins Saturday with more than 40 countries and global institutions expected, even as several world leaders — including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin — have sent delegations instead of attending in person.

Bolu Babalola’s Hit Romance Novel to be Adapted for the Big Screen

British Nigerian author Bolu Babalola is set to adapt the screenplay for her best-selling romance novel Honey & Spice. Production company Working Title optioned film rights to the novel, which won the inaugural TikTok Book of the Year award after its summer 2022 release. The novel centers on Kiki Banjo, a British lady of Nigerian descent who finds real emotions within the throes of a fake relationship. “As my debut novel, Kiki and Malakai’s story is so close to my heart, and I can’t wait to adapt their trials and tribulations in love for cinema audiences with the master of romantic films: Working Title,” Babalola shared. Sweet Heat, the sequel to Honey & Spice, was released earlier this year.

Kwara Shuts Schools After Deadly Church Attack Amid Rising Insecurity

Authorities in Nigeria’s Kwara state have closed schools in five districts after gunmen killed two people and kidnapped several worshippers during a church attack earlier this week, heightening fears that armed gangs could target students next. The state’s education commissioner said the closures will stay in place until security agencies approve a safe return, as President Bola Tinubu faces growing pressure over nationwide violence, including the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi on Monday, November 17. The wave of attacks has drawn scrutiny from U.S. President Donald Trump, whose recent threats of military action over alleged persecution of Christians, Nigeria rejects as misleading. Tinubu has sent a delegation led by his national security advisor to Washington to brief U.S. officials.

Tunisian Journalists Protest Escalating Crackdown on Press Freedom

Hundreds of Tunisian journalists rallied near government offices today, Thursday, November 20, demanding the release of jailed colleagues and an end to mounting restrictions they say have intensified since President Kais Saied seized power in 2021. Reporters chanted “Journalism is not a crime” as the journalists’ syndicate warned of a “systematic killing of journalism,” citing suspended press cards, blocked filming permits, prosecutions over social media posts, and at least five reporters currently in prison. While Saied denies targeting the press, critics argue that his decrees have eroded democratic safeguards, transforming state media into a government mouthpiece and making it more difficult to cover parliament, protests, and other public events without obstruction or detention.

At Least 10 Nigerien Soldiers Killed in JNIM Attack Near the Mali and Burkina Faso Borders

Militants from the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM killed at least 10 Nigerien soldiers in an ambush near Garbougna in the Tillaberi region, security sources said today, Thursday, November 20, though some put the toll as high as 20. The attack struck the volatile tri-border zone shared with Mali and Burkina Faso, an epicenter of jihadist violence linked to both al-Qaeda and Islamic State. JNIM claimed responsibility in statements posted by its Al-Zallaqa media wing, which also highlighted other assaults in Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger — already battling a 12-year insurgency that has displaced millions across the region — has not yet commented on the latest attack.

China Pledges $3.49 Million to Boost South Africa’s HIV Prevention Efforts

China has committed $3.49 million to support HIV prevention in South Africa over the next two years, Beijing’s ambassador announced today, Thursday, November 20, ahead of the G20 summit. The grant — arranged with UNAIDS — will fund services for young people and people who inject drugs, two groups at high risk of infection. South Africa, home to the world’s largest HIV-positive population, is working to replace major U.S. funding after Washington cut foreign aid earlier this year. South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the support, while Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng said China also stands ready to help build a more sustainable HIV response through policy dialogue, technology transfer, and drug supply cooperation.

Madagascar Leader Unveils 300kg Emerald Stone Found Inside Presidential Palace

Madagascar’s interim president, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has revealed a 300kg gemstone discovered inside the presidential palace in Antananarivo, calling it a “national asset” that could be sold to boost state revenue. The massive boulder, described as an “emerald in matrix,” was displayed publicly on Tuesday, though officials say experts still need to assess the size and quality of the emerald embedded within. Randrianirina offered no clear explanation of how the stone ended up in the palace, while Mines Minister Carl Andriamparany said such a find is extremely rare and that no similar specimen has ever been documented in the country. Proceeds from any future sale, the government said, would go directly to the state treasury.

Africa CDC Warns of Worst Cholera Outbreak in 25 Years as Cases Triple Across the Continent

Africa is battling its most severe cholera outbreak in decades, with the Africa Center for Disease Control reporting more than 300,000 cases so far this year — three times higher than in 2022 — and over 7,000 deaths. Five countries account for nearly 90% of infections, led by Congo, where transmission remains highest, and Angola, where nearly half the population lacks access to safe drinking water. Sudan, South Sudan, and Nigeria are also heavily affected as the rainy season fuels further spread. Twenty-four countries have now recorded cases, including Cameroon, which confirmed two infections near the Nigerian border. Africa CDC officials are urging governments to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene systems to curb the disease, calling cholera a “major battle” for the continent.

Germany Returns 12th-Century-Old Ethiopian Artefacts to Addis Ababa University

Ethiopia has received 12 historical artefacts that had been kept by a German family for more than a century, including crowns, shields, and paintings collected in the 1920s by Germany’s then-envoy Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig. The items were formally handed over to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University, with Germany’s envoy calling them symbols of the long relationship between the two countries. Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa praised the family for preserving and returning the pieces, which will soon be available for public research, and said Ethiopia will continue efforts to recover heritage items held abroad.

Senegal’s President and Prime Minister Move to Calm Rift Rumors After Coalition Dispute

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met with leaders of his Pastef party this week to ease tensions amid rumors of a rift with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko over recent changes to the presidential coalition. The two, who campaigned on a shared reform agenda, reportedly disagreed on the pace and scope of the government’s promised overhauls, unsettling investors watching Senegal’s negotiations with international partners. Sonko returned to work yesterday, Wednesday, November 19, after a brief absence and joined the Council of Ministers as both leaders signaled a push for unity while advancing key priorities like anti-corruption efforts, governance reforms, and restructuring state institutions.

Kenya’s Ruto Faces Parliament as Debt Strains and Slowing Growth Test His Economic Agenda

Kenyan President William Ruto delivers his State of the Nation Address today, Thursday, November 20, under intense pressure to defend his economic record, with soaring debt costs, persistent revenue shortfalls, and sluggish growth clouding his bottom-up agenda. Nearly a third of Kenya’s tax revenue now goes to interest payments. The World Bank warns the country remains at high risk of debt distress, and rating agency Moody’s has flagged rising borrowing pressures driven by heavy domestic debt. Private-sector credit has contracted, growth forecasts have been cut, and analysts say revenue targets for the coming year are likely unrealistic, raising concerns that debt servicing could overwhelm public spending. While inflation has eased and the shilling has steadied, experts caution that Kenya’s fiscal path remains fragile without deeper reforms to expand the tax base, curb waste, and rebuild investor confidence.