Today in Africa — October 3, 2025: Tunisian Man Faces Death Sentence Over Posts Criticizing President, UN Slashes Food Aid for 750,000 People in Somalia, Paul Biya’s Daughter Urges Cameroonians Not to Vote for Her Father

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.

Tunisian Man Sentenced to Death for Facebook Posts Criticizing President

A Tunisian court has sentenced 56-year-old day laborer Saber Chouchane to death for social media posts critical of President Kais Saied, as well as charges of insulting the president and assaulting state security. His lawyer called the ruling “shocking and unprecedented,” noting that Chouchane, who was arrested last year, had only a limited education and was voicing personal criticism online. An appeal has been filed, while Tunisia’s justice ministry has yet to comment.

The verdict has sparked outrage from rights groups and ordinary Tunisians, who see it as part of a wider crackdown on dissent since Saied dissolved parliament and began ruling by decree in 2021. Critics warn the case could deepen political tensions and further erode free expression in a country where death sentences have not been carried out for over 30 years. Opposition leaders remain imprisoned on various charges, as human rights defenders accuse Saied of using the courts to silence his critics.

UN to Cut Food Aid for 750,000 in Somalia Amid Funding Shortfall

The World Food Program (WFP) says it will slash emergency food assistance in Somalia next month, leaving three-quarters of a million people without aid as hunger reaches alarming levels. The number of beneficiaries will drop from 1.1 million in August to just 350,000 in November, with the agency citing today, Friday, October 3, “critical funding shortfalls” as the cause. WFP says it needs $98 million to keep minimal life-saving operations running for 800,000 people through March 2026.

The cuts come as Somalia faces overlapping crises of climate change, conflict, and insecurity, with al-Shabab still controlling parts of the country. According to the UN, 4.6 million Somalis are experiencing crisis levels of hunger, and 1.8 million children are projected to suffer acute malnutrition this year, including 421,000 at risk of severe malnutrition. Humanitarian efforts have also been weakened by U.S. aid cuts, worsening the situation for families already on the edge.

Brenda Biya Turns on Father Paul Biya Ahead of Cameroon Election

Cameroon’s longtime president, Paul Biya, faces an unusual blow from within his own family as his daughter Brenda Biya, who reportedly lives in the lap of luxury funded by her family, urges citizens not to re-elect him in a viral TikTok video. In the clip, which has been replayed across West Africa, the 27-year-old denounced her father’s 42-year rule, saying he had caused “too many people to suffer,” before renouncing her family’s financial support. She later posted an apology, calling him a “great man,” though many viewers speculated she was under pressure.

Biya, 92, is seeking an eighth term in the October 12 election despite accusations of corruption, repression, and economic decline. While Brenda’s defiance has energized youth online and echoes her previous act of rebellion when she came out as a lesbian last year, analysts say it is unlikely to alter the outcome given Biya’s firm grip on power. His main rival, Maurice Kamto, has already been barred from running, and critics warn the vote will not be free or fair. If reelected, Biya could remain in office until he’s nearly 100 years old.

Nigeria Grieves Arise TV Anchor Killed in Robbery

Nigerians are mourning the death of 29-year-old Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, who died after an armed robbery at her Abuja residence earlier this week. Former President Goodluck Jonathan called her passing “heartbreaking” and urged police to bring the perpetrators to justice. Police say Maduagwu, in fear during the attack, jumped from the top floor of her building and was later found unconscious before being rushed to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors could not revive her.

Her death has sparked public outrage, with allegations of hospital negligence and police mishandling, though health officials insist she had no vital signs upon arrival. The Federal Capital Territory police commissioner said a special investigation team is pursuing leads, while pledging justice for Maduagwu’s family, colleagues, and the general public who knew her as a rising voice in Nigerian journalism.

Caster Semenya Ends Legal Battle Over Sex Eligibility Rules

South African Olympic champion Caster Semenya has ended her seven-year legal fight against sex eligibility rules in athletics. Her lawyers confirmed this yesterday, Thursday, October 2. Despite a victory at the European Court of Human Rights in July, which found she hadn’t received a fair hearing in Switzerland, Semenya will not pursue another appeal to the Swiss supreme court.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 800 meters has been barred from competing in her signature event since 2019 after refusing to take medication to lower her natural testosterone levels. Now 34 and working as a coach, Semenya’s case made her the central figure in the global debate over sex eligibility in women’s sports, while World Athletics and other federations have since introduced even stricter rules, including mandatory genetic sex tests.

Zinédine Zidane’s Son Joins Algeria Squad for 2026 World Cup Push

Luca Zidane, son of French football icon Zinédine Zidane, has earned his first call-up to Algeria’s national team ahead of decisive World Cup qualifiers. The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who recently switched his eligibility from France, joins a squad that needs just one win against Somalia or Uganda to secure a spot at the 2026 tournament. Zidane, currently playing for Granada, follows his father’s Kabylie roots as Algeria looks to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

DRC Refuses to Sign Economic Deal With Rwanda Until Troop Withdrawal

Plans for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to sign a U.S.-backed economic framework collapsed this week after Kinshasa refused to move forward, while thousands of Rwandan troops remain in eastern DRC. The agreement, part of a broader Washington-mediated peace deal aimed at stabilizing the region and unlocking Western investment in its vast mineral wealth, had been finalized but stalled at the last minute, sources told Reuters. 

The DRC insists that at least 90% of Rwandan forces must withdraw before signing, while Rwanda, accused of backing M23 rebels despite repeated denials, says it still supports the deal. The delay marks another setback for U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace, as both sides continue reinforcing positions despite pledging to de-escalate.

Madagascar’s Rajoelina Says He’ll Listen, Protesters Demand He Step Down

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina said today, Friday, October 3, he is “ready to listen” to grievances but dismissed calls to resign as youth-led protests over poverty, corruption, water shortages, and power cuts entered their second week. The unrest, inspired by movements in Kenya and Nepal, has become the country’s largest in years, with the UN reporting at least 22 dead and over 100 injured — figures the government disputes. Rajoelina, who first rose to power in a 2009 coup, disbanded his government on Monday, September 29, but unrest continues, with police firing tear gas at marchers in Antananarivo as calls grow for deeper political change.

Morocco’s PM Calls for Dialogue as Protests Turn Deadly

Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch urged dialogue yesterday, Thursday, October 2, after six nights of youth-led protests spiraled into the country’s worst unrest in years, leaving three people dead and hundreds injured. The GenZ 212 movement, which began with demands for better healthcare and education, has grown rapidly online but is now marred by riots, looting, and clashes that authorities say involve mostly minors. Security forces report 640 injuries, hundreds of vehicles damaged, and more than 400 arrests, while organizers continue to call for peaceful demonstrations.

Boko Haram Seizes Nigerian Border Town, Thousands Flee to Cameroon

More than 5,000 people have fled into Cameroon after Boko Haram fighters overran the Nigerian border town of Kirawa in Borno state, torching a military barracks, the district head’s palace, and dozens of homes. Residents say the town is now deserted and under militant control, marking the latest escalation in a 16-year conflict that has intensified this year. The attack comes just weeks after Boko Haram struck another border town, Banki, as local leaders urge urgent reinforcements, with only vigilantes left to defend communities.

South Africa’s Top Court Grants Equal Parental Leave to All Parents

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ruled that all parents of newborns are entitled to equal parental leave, striking down laws that gave mothers four months and fathers just 10 days. The landmark judgment allows parents, including adoptive and surrogate parents, to share the leave as they choose, with the court calling the old rules discriminatory and outdated. While parliament has three years to amend the law, the ruling takes immediate effect, forcing employers to adjust policies and marking what activists call a major step for gender equality, family dignity, and children’s wellbeing.

Kenyans Win Landmark Paternity Case Against UK Soldiers

A UK court has ruled in favor of seven Kenyans who proved through DNA databases that they were fathered by British soldiers and a contractor stationed at the British Army Training Unit in Kenya. The landmark case, the first of its kind in Britain, opens the way for the claimants to seek British citizenship and could set a precedent for many others in Nanyuki who believe their fathers served at the base. Lawyer James Netto, who represented the group, called it the end of a painful journey for families long left without answers.

Côte d’Ivoire Bans Protests After Opposition Leaders Barred From Election

Côte d’Ivoire has banned rallies challenging the exclusion of several top opposition figures from the October 25 presidential race, including former President Laurent Gbagbo, ex–Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, Charles Blé Goudé, and Guillaume Soro. The Constitutional Council cited nationality and legal grounds for disqualifying candidates, sparking protests in Abidjan and other cities, with demonstrators demanding fair elections. While the government says the ban is to preserve order, critics warn it undermines democracy in a country still scarred by past post-election violence.

Central African Republic President Touadéra Seeks Third Term in December Election

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra officially launched his bid for a third term yesterday, Thursday, October 3, becoming the first candidate to file papers for the Central African Republic’s December 28 elections. Thousands of supporters of his MCU party turned out in Bangui to back him, while opposition groups, united in a popular bloc, continue to demand dialogue to guarantee a fair vote.