Today in Africa — October 17, 2025: Deadly Stampede at Raila Odinga’s Funeral, Madagascar’s Coup Leader Sworn In, and Nigeria Pushes Back on U.S. ‘Genocide’ Claims

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.

Two Dead, 160 Injured in Stampede at Raila Odinga’s State Funeral in Nairobi

Two people were killed and more than 160 others were injured during a stampede at the state funeral of Kenya’s longtime opposition leader, Raila Odinga, at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium today, Friday, October 17. Aid groups said the crush happened when mourners surged forward to view Odinga’s body, prompting chaos that left several with fractures and blunt injuries. The incident followed earlier violence yesterday, Thursday, October 16, when police fired shots at crowds during public viewings of the late leader’s body, leaving four dead. 

Tens of thousands gathered to honor Odinga, 80, a former prime minister and democracy icon who died on Wednesday, October 15, in India while receiving medical treatment. President William Ruto and other regional leaders attended the service, which featured military honors and emotional tributes. Odinga’s daughter, Winnie, praised his lifelong fight for justice and democracy, while mourners waved white handkerchiefs and chanted, “Raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over.” His burial is set for Sunday, October 19, at his home in western Kenya.

Madagascar’s Coup Leader Sworn In as President Amid AU, UN Condemnation

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s president today, Friday, October 17, days after leading a military takeover that ousted Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests over chronic power and water shortages. At a ceremony in the capital, the former commander of the Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services (CAPSAT) vowed to defend national unity and human rights as trumpets blared and officers raised swords in celebration. The African Union and UN Secretary-General António Guterres have condemned the coup, while Rajoelina, currently in exile, has refused to step down.

Randrianirina announced that a military-led committee will govern alongside a transitional government for up to two years before new elections are held, though critics remain skeptical. Many of the Gen Z protesters who helped spark the uprising welcomed his inauguration but warned that their demands for a people-centered government remain unmet. Madagascar’s political instability comes amid deep poverty — three-quarters of its 30 million citizens live below the poverty line despite the country’s rich natural resources.

Nigeria Rejects U.S. Senator’s Claims of ‘Christian Genocide’ as Analysts Cite Complex Violence

Nigeria’s government has dismissed U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s push to label the country a violator of religious freedom, calling his claims of “Christian mass murder” false and politically motivated. Cruz, a Republican lawmaker, introduced a bill urging the U.S. to designate Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” a move that could trigger sanctions. Nigerian officials and analysts say his allegations ignore the reality that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of widespread violence driven by terrorism, ethnic clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts rather than religious persecution.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project shows that of more than 20,000 civilian deaths since 2020, attacks targeted both Christian and Muslim communities in nearly equal measure. Experts, including scholars and human rights advocates, reject claims of genocide, saying the killings stem from multiple crises — not an orchestrated campaign against one faith. The Christian Association of Nigeria acknowledged continued attacks on Christians but also warned against exaggerations that could inflame tensions.

Nigeria to Face Gabon as Cameroon Meets DR Congo in World Cup Playoffs

Nigeria will play Gabon, and Cameroon will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in next month’s African playoff semi-finals for the 2026 World Cup, according to the latest FIFA rankings released today, Friday, October 17. The four teams advanced as the best runners-up from the nine qualifying groups, with Nigeria ranked highest at 41st, followed by Cameroon at 54th, DR Congo at 60th, and Gabon at 77th. The semi-finals will be held on November 13 in Morocco, with the winners meeting three days later for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs that will decide the final two World Cup berths.

Chad Restores Partnership With African Parks After Sudden Fallout

Chad has reinstated its agreements with African Parks, the conservation group backed by Britain’s Prince Harry, just a week after cutting ties over alleged contract breaches and poor park management. Both sides said today, Friday, October 17, that they had resolved differences “in a spirit of dialogue” and would continue joint management of Zakouma National Park, the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, and the planned Aouk project while new agreements are negotiated. The reversal follows a temporary suspension of EU funding linked to the dispute, which had raised concerns about the future of Chad’s flagship conservation areas.