Today in Africa — October 21, 2025: M23 Rebels Loot $70M in Gold, Cameroon Tense Ahead of Election Results, Madagascar’s Gen Z Reject New PM

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.

M23 Rebels Loot $70 Million in Gold from Congo Mine, Company Alleges Inside Help

Rebels from the M23 group have allegedly stolen at least 500 kilograms of gold — worth roughly $70 million — from the Twangiza Mining concession in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo since seizing the site in May, the company said yesterday, Monday, October 20. The firm accused some employees of collaborating with the rebels, who reportedly used underground channels to smuggle out the gold and destroyed power infrastructure in a recent drone strike. Twangiza Mining, which is headquartered in the DRC but is Chinese-owned, said it plans to file complaints with Congolese authorities and international arbitrators and has declared force majeure.

Located in South Kivu province, the mine was overtaken amid M23’s latest offensive, which has displaced hundreds of thousands and deepened instability in mineral-rich eastern Congo. The company said it has lost contact with 150 workers still at the site, and accused the rebels of demolishing churches, expelling residents, and bringing in Rwandan technicians to expand extraction. Rwanda has denied backing M23, despite repeated UN findings linking it to the group.

Tensions Rise in Cameroon as Opposition Claims Victory Ahead of Election Results

Tensions are escalating in Cameroon as protests and arrests follow opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s claim of victory in the October 12 presidential election, days before official results are due. Authorities confirmed that at least 30 protesters were detained in the northern city of Garoua, with 20 facing military court charges for “insurrection and incitement to rebellion.” The government accused the demonstrators of being manipulated by political actors, while Bakary urged President Paul Biya — in power since 1982 and now 92 years old — to concede defeat.

Biya’s ruling party has dismissed Bakary’s claims and accused him of trying to disrupt the electoral process. Election monitors, including the National Episcopal Conference, reported irregularities such as missing ballots, outdated voter rolls, and polling station relocations. Despite widespread frustration over corruption and decades of stagnation, analysts expect Biya to secure another term after key opposition rivals were barred from running. The constitutional council is expected to announce official results by October 26.

Madagascar’s Gen Z Protesters Reject New Prime Minister, Warn Against “Hijacking” Their Revolution

Madagascar’s Gen Z movement, whose protests sparked last week’s coup, has rejected the appointment of businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister, calling the move “non-transparent” and a betrayal of their call for change. The group said on Facebook that the decision by new ruler Colonel Michael Randrianirina was made “without consultation” and accused Rajaonarivelo of ties to the ousted government of Andry Rajoelina. “Our revolution will not be hijacked. The Malagasy youth are watching and mobilizing,” Gen Z Mada said.

The protests, which began over constant power and water shortages, grew into nationwide demonstrations demanding political reform and forced Rajoelina into hiding. Randrianirina, who led the elite Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services (CAPSAT) unit, seized power on October 17 and pledged to “open a new chapter” for the nation. But Gen Z activists say the new administration risks repeating the old regime’s mistakes and vowed to keep pressure on the military-led government to deliver the systemic change they fought for.

Uganda Sets January Election Date as Museveni Seeks Nearly 50 Years in Power

Uganda’s electoral commission has announced January 15 as the date for the country’s next general election, where 80-year-old President Yoweri Museveni will run for a seventh term after nearly four decades in power. The longtime leader, who scrapped age and term limits to extend his rule, is expected to face his main rival, 43-year-old opposition figure and pop star Bobi Wine, once again. Wine accuses Museveni of widespread electoral fraud in previous polls, claims the ruling party denies. Critics say Museveni’s rule has been marked by repression and corruption, while supporters credit him with maintaining stability and economic growth.

Drone Strike Hits Khartoum Ahead of Airport Reopening

A drone attack struck near Khartoum’s international airport early today, Tuesday, October 21, just a day before domestic flights were due to resume for the first time since Sudan’s war began in 2023. Residents reported multiple explosions across the capital, though casualties and damage remain unclear. The strike — the third in a week — comes after the army recaptured Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and began rebuilding the heavily damaged airport. The RSF has been accused of targeting military and civilian sites from afar since losing control of the city, as Sudan’s war continues to devastate the country and deepen what the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Fifteen Killed in Train Crash in Eastern Ethiopia

At least 15 people were killed and nearly 30 were injured after a train derailed and collided with a stationary one last night, Monday, October 20, in Shinile, eastern Ethiopia. Local officials said the train, which was carrying both passengers and cargo, including rice and cooking oil, was in poor condition and likely overloaded. Many passengers, mostly young people, survived by jumping from the moving carriages as they derailed. Photos from the scene showed several carriages overturned and crushed. Authorities have recovered all victims and launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred on the route between Dewele and Dire Dawa.