Today in Africa — October 13, 2025: Madagascar’s President Flees Country, Seychelles Elects New President After Run-Off Election, Cameroon Awaits Election Results

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.

Madagascar’s President Flees as Military Takes Control Amid Youth-Led Uprising

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country after parts of the army defected to join nationwide protests calling for his resignation, opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko told Reuters. Military sources say Rajoelina left yesterday, Sunday, October 12, aboard a French military plane after striking a deal with President Emmanuel Macron. The protests, led largely by young people frustrated with corruption, poverty, and water and power shortages, have claimed at least 22 lives since September 25.

With Rajoelina gone and his government dissolved, the powerful military unit CAPSAT has taken control, appointing new army and gendarmerie chiefs and sidelining civilian leaders. Defense Minister Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo now appears to be the key power broker as security forces and political figures hold closed-door talks on the country’s future. Madagascar’s Senate president has been removed, and under the constitution, a new interim leader is expected to be appointed before fresh elections. Rajoelina was expected to address the nation at 7:00 p.m. local time today, Monday, October 13, but it was postponed to 8:30 p.m. and delayed again to 9:30 p.m. local time. It, however, failed to happen, amid reports of tense negotiations and threats by soldiers to seize the state TV headquarters.

Patrick Herminie Wins Seychelles Presidency, Ending Ramkalawan’s Term

Former parliament speaker Patrick Herminie has defeated incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan in a run-off election, securing 52.7% of the vote and returning Seychelles’ presidency to the longtime ruling United Seychelles party. The victory comes weeks after the party also reclaimed its parliamentary majority, restoring full control of the government for the first time since 2015.

Herminie, who previously served as speaker from 2007 to 2016, ran on a platform of tackling corruption, lowering the retirement age, and implementing truth commission reforms tied to the country’s post-coup era. He also pledged to cancel a controversial hotel project that environmentalists say threatens a UNESCO-listed coral atoll. Ramkalawan, who made history in 2020 as the first leader outside United Seychelles since independence, had campaigned on economic recovery and social programs but failed to win over voters amid growing public frustration.

Vote Counting Begins in Cameroon’s Election as Biya Seeks Eighth Term

Ballot counting is underway in Cameroon after yesterday’s, Sunday, October 12, presidential election, where 92-year-old Paul Biya, the oldest sitting president in the world, is bidding to extend his 43-year rule and secure an eighth consecutive term. The government said voting was “hitch-free” across all 10 regions, though reports of clashes in the north and boycotts in the English-speaking west cast a shadow over the polls. Final results are expected within 15 days.

Tensions ran high ahead of the vote, with opposition parties accusing authorities of suppressing dissent after the main challenger, Maurice Kamto, was barred from running in August. Security forces clashed with supporters of former Biya ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary in Garoua on election day, firing tear gas after his home was surrounded. In the Anglophone regions, separatist threats kept many voters away despite some polling stations remaining open.

At Least 42 Killed in Bus Crash on South Africa’s N1 Highway

At least 42 people, including seven children, were killed when a bus carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian passengers veered off the N1 highway near Louis Trichardt in northern South Africa, plunging down a steep embankment on yesterday evening, Sunday, October 12. Another 49 passengers were injured, with six in critical condition, according to the Transport Ministry. The bus was traveling toward Zimbabwe when it crashed, though the cause has not yet been determined. President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to Zimbabwe and Malawi, calling the tragedy especially painful during South Africa’s Transport Month, which focuses on road safety.

Mali Imposes $10,000 Visa Bond on U.S. Travelers in a Reciprocal Move

Mali will now require U.S. nationals to post bonds of up to $10,000 for business and tourist visas, mirroring new U.S. visa rules set to take effect on October 23. The Malian government said the decision follows Washington’s “unilateral” move to include Mali in its visa bond program, calling it a violation of previous bilateral agreements. The bond, which will be refunded if travelers leave before their visa expires, has drawn criticism from Mali as unfair and burdensome. The U.S. embassy said the measure is part of a pilot program aimed at improving visa compliance.

Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding in Morocco’s Nador Province

Torrential rain battered Morocco’s northeastern Nador province over the weekend, flooding streets, homes, and vehicles after 66 millimeters of rain fell in just 24 hours. Overflowing wadis — seasonal rivers that filled rapidly — caused widespread damage, forcing schools to close and disrupting transport, though no deaths were reported. Residents say repeated flooding in the area poses growing risks to homes and infrastructure. Morocco’s water minister recently warned that flood management is now a national priority as climate change intensifies extreme weather across the country.

Nigerian University Lecturers Begin Two-Week Strike Over Pay and Funding

Lecturers at Nigeria’s public universities have launched a two-week strike, accusing the government of failing to meet long-standing agreements on salaries, welfare, and institutional funding. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said the action was “inevitable” after repeated unmet promises, while the government urged dialogue and warned lecturers they would not be paid under the “No Work, No Pay” policy. The walkout comes just weeks into the new academic year, reigniting concerns over the instability of Nigeria’s higher education system, which has been disrupted by repeated strikes since the 1980s.