Today in Africa - October 6, 2025: South African Global Sumud Flotilla Activists to Be Freed From Israeli Detention Tomorrow, ICC Convicts Darfur Militia, Tundu Lissu Treason Trial Begins in Tanzania

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.

Mandla Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, and Fellow South African Activists to Be Released by Israel

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has confirmed that the South Africans detained by Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission will be released tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7. The group, which included doctors and activists like Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile "Mandla" Mandela, writers such as Zukiswa Wanner and Dr. Fatima Hendricks, was taken into custody last week when Israel intercepted the flotilla delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Wanner shared her experience gearing up for the flotilla's exit from a port in Tunisia with OkayAfrica.

Dirco thanked international partners for assisting in their release and said the detainees will be repatriated via Jordan. President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla in international waters, calling it illegal and a violation of international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, praised the operation as a necessary defense action, though the flotilla organizers said 30 vessels managed to reach Gaza with aid.

ICC Convicts Darfur Militia Leader of War Crimes in Landmark Ruling

Today, Monday, October 6, the International Criminal Court found former Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman guilty of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, marking the court’s first conviction tied to Sudan’s Darfur conflict. Abd-Al-Rahman was found responsible for murder, rape, and persecution during the early 2000s campaign to crush a rebel uprising in western Sudan, where he ordered fighters to “wipe out” non-Arab tribes. His sentence will be decided after a new round of hearings.

The verdict, nearly two decades after the UN referred the case to the ICC, was hailed by victims as long-delayed justice for atrocities that left thousands displaced. While Abd-Al-Rahman is the first to be convicted, several Sudanese officials — including former President Omar al-Bashir, who faces genocide charges — remain wanted by the court. The ruling comes as Sudan faces renewed violence between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, the successor to the Janjaweed, in what the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Tanzania Opposition Leader Faces Treason Trial as Ex-Ambassador Reported Abducted

Tanzania’s main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, went on trial for treason in Dar es Salaam today, Monday, October 6, just weeks before a national election his party has been banned from contesting. Prosecutors accuse Lissu of inciting rebellion in a speech earlier this year, while his lawyers say the charges are politically motivated. The court has barred live coverage of the proceedings, which began amid reports that some of his supporters were assaulted outside. Lissu, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt, has vowed to boycott the October 29 election, calling it rigged in favor of the ruling CCM party.

Meanwhile, the family of former Tanzanian ambassador and outspoken government critic Humphrey Polepole says he was abducted from his home in Dar es Salaam early today, reporting signs of a violent struggle. Police say they are investigating but have not confirmed the alleged attack. Polepole resigned earlier this year after denouncing what he called government abuses of power and has since accused officials of harassment. The incidents come amid growing concerns about political repression and human rights abuses under President Samia Suluhu Hassan ahead of the election.

Congo to Enforce Lifetime Bans on Cobalt Exporters Who Breach Quotas

The Democratic Republic of Congo will permanently ban cobalt exporters who violate its new quota system, President Felix Tshisekedi has announced, as the country tightens control over the world’s largest cobalt supply. The new system, set to begin on October 16, replaces a months-long export ban and allows shipments of up to 18,125 metric tons through 2025. Annual caps of 96,600 tons will follow in 2026 and 2027, managed exclusively by the state regulator, ARECOMS. Cobalt, a metal essential for making rechargeable batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric cars, is one of the DRC’s most valuable exports.

Tshisekedi said the policy had already helped cobalt prices rebound by 92% since March, calling the quotas a key tool to curb fraud and counter “predatory strategies.” The export freeze earlier this year forced major producers, such as Glencore and China’s CMOC Group, to suspend operations, although they remain divided on the new rules. The announcement comes amid renewed fighting in eastern DRC and a stalled U.S.-backed economic deal with Rwanda, both threatening stability in one of the world’s most critical mineral hubs.

Youth Protests Expose Morocco’s Inequality Amid World Cup Ambitions

A week of youth-led unrest across Morocco has laid bare deep frustration over poverty, unemployment, and crumbling public services, despite the government’s showcase of infrastructure projects ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The protests — some of the largest since the Arab Spring — spread from major cities to rural towns, leaving three people dead, hundreds arrested, and dozens of buildings torched. Rallying under the banner “GenZ 212,” demonstrators demanded better healthcare and education, with slogans like “Health first, not the World Cup.” Officials have since promised dialogue, but critics say the unrest reflects years of inequality and neglect in rural areas, where joblessness and poor infrastructure remain rife even as Morocco’s economy grows and its global image improves.

Protests Intensify in Madagascar as Calls Grow for President Rajoelina to Step Down

Anti-government protests flared again across Madagascar today, Monday, October 6, with demonstrators demanding President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation despite his pledge to “listen” to their grievances. Police fired tear gas in Antananarivo to disperse mostly student-led crowds, as marches also spread to Toliara and Diego Suarez. The unrest, inspired by youth movements in Kenya and Nepal, began last month over power and water shortages but has grown into a broader revolt against poverty and corruption. At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the protests began, according to the UN, though the government disputes those figures.

Ten More U.S. Deportees Sent to Eswatini Under Secretive Deal

Ten migrants deported from the U.S. arrived in Eswatini today, Monday, October 6, bringing the total number of deportees sent to Africa under Washington’s new third-country deportation program to more than 40 since July. The group, whose nationalities were not disclosed, is being held at a correctional facility in the Southern African kingdom, authorities said. Rights groups have condemned the U.S. agreements with Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda, and South Sudan, saying they violate due process and expose migrants to detention without charge. Four men deported to Eswatini in July remain imprisoned in a maximum-security facility as lawyers fight for access to them.

As Print Fades, South Africa’s The Friday Paper Bets on Reinvention

The team behind The Continent, an African newspaper based in South Africa and designed to be read on WhatsApp, has launched The Friday Paper, a new South African publication also built for WhatsApp, offering a rare boost for journalism as the country’s print industry contracts. A Novus Group report shows steep declines and closures across major outlets like Beeld, Rapport, City Press, and Daily Sun between March 2024 and March 2025. While community and custom titles such as Zululand Observer and TFG magazines are thriving, most readers have shifted to digital platforms. The Friday Paper’s mobile-first model reflects a broader move toward hybrid storytelling and targeted digital delivery as South Africa’s media adapts to survive.

CAR Opposition Leader Arrested After Returning From Exile

Central African Republic opposition figure Dominique Désiré Erenon was arrested at Bangui airport last week shortly after returning from exile in France, where he had lived for three years. Erenon, who leads the March for Democracy and the People’s Salvation party, came back after President Faustin-Archange Touadéra urged exiled citizens to return home. Authorities have not explained the arrest, prompting criticism and claims of political intimidation ahead of December’s elections. Erenon, a former African Union constitutional expert, is reportedly being questioned by security officials and will be referred to the public prosecutor.

Egypt Hosts Israeli and Hamas Delegations for Indirect Peace Talks

Israeli and Hamas officials began indirect talks in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh today, Monday, October 6, over a U.S.-drafted plan aimed at ending the Gaza war as it nears its second anniversary. The negotiations, led by Israeli envoy Ron Dermer and Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, will focus on a ceasefire, a partial Israeli troop withdrawal, and a prisoner-hostage exchange. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for Israel to halt airstrikes, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 19 deaths in the past 24 hours. Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi praised the peace push, calling it a step toward stability and the eventual creation of a Palestinian state.

Malawi’s Mutharika Forms Partial Cabinet, Faces Economic Storm

Newly inaugurated Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika has quickly appointed a partial cabinet, reinstating key allies and veteran officials to confront the country’s worsening economic crisis. Former Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha returns to the post, George Chaponda takes charge of foreign affairs, and Enock Chihana of the Alliance for Democracy has been named Second Vice President. Mutharika also appointed Lt. Gen. George Jafu as head of the Defense Force and Richard Luhanga as police chief. The 85-year-old leader, making a political comeback after losing power in 2020, now faces mounting pressure to stabilize a struggling economy hit by fuel shortages, a plunging currency, and high living costs. Malawi held its presidential election on September 16, where Mutharika defeated incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, who was seeking a second term.

Kwa Mai Mai Blocks Ngizwe Mchunu Over Anti-LGBTQ Remarks

A South African former radio personality, Ngizwe Mchunu, faces complaints at the South African Human Rights Commission and Equality Court over homophobic videos targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. He has doubled down online, calling gay people “dogs” and urging the Zulu Royal House to intervene and stop queer people from wearing traditional Zulu attire or calling themselves Zulus. Yesterday, Sunday, October 5, Mchunu was denied entry to Johannesburg’s Kwa Mai Mai, a popular traditional market, after he attempted to lead a group to eject queer patrons from the space, prompting management to cite safety concerns and constitutional rights to dignity. Induna Siphiwe Mhlongo said Mchunu’s visit was rejected due to fears he might incite violence, referencing his role in unrest during former president Jacob Zuma’s 2021 arrest. Mhlongo reaffirmed that all patrons — including LGBTQ+ visitors — are welcome and must be treated with respect, saying Kwa Mai Mai “will not tolerate abuse based on sexuality or choice.”