Today in Africa - October 7, 2025: Nigeria Has World’s Lowest Life Expectancy, Madagascar President Calls for National Dialogue Tomorrow, South Sudan Faces Renewed Fighting

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.

Nigeria Records World’s Lowest Life Expectancy at 54.9 Years

Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest life expectancy in the world, according to new 2025 data from the United Nations. The report shows Nigerians live an average of 54.9 years — well below the global average of 73.7 — with men reaching 54.3 years and women just slightly higher at 54.9. Chad and the Central African Republic follow closely behind.

Experts blame the country’s poor ranking on chronic health system failures, insecurity, poverty, and pollution. Frequent strikes, poor access to quality care, and high rates of infectious disease have further eroded progress. Public health advocates are calling for urgent investment and reform, warning that Nigeria’s short lifespan reflects a much deeper national crisis affecting millions.

Madagascar’s Rajoelina Calls for National Dialogue as Protests Persist

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has announced a national dialogue set for tomorrow, Wednesday, October 8, following a 48-hour ultimatum from youth protesters demanding his resignation or a nationwide strike. The move comes after Rajoelina fired his cabinet last week and appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister — an effort protesters dismissed as a “cosmetic maneuver.”

The demonstrations, which began over water and electricity shortages, have grown into the country’s largest anti-government movement in years, fueled by frustration over poverty and corruption. At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, according to UN figures disputed by the government. Rajoelina says the dialogue will include youth, students, and spiritual leaders to “find lasting solutions” to the crisis.

South Sudan Ceasefire Monitor Warns of Child Abductions and Renewed Fighting

South Sudan’s fragile peace deal is at risk of collapse, with a ceasefire monitoring body warning that both government and opposition forces have recruited new fighters and abducted children for combat. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) said the army launched a new recruitment drive in June and opened a training center in August, while reports of sexual violence and child recruitment were shared with the UN Security Council.

The warning comes amid escalating clashes between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing his suspended deputy, Riek Machar, whose trial on terrorism and war crimes charges has deepened tensions. UN officials say civilian deaths have surged by nearly 60% this year, displacing over 320,000 people. Observers fear the violence could undo the 2018 peace agreement, which has already seen repeated delays and incomplete reforms.

Ayo Edebiri Named Chanel’s New Ambassador Ahead of Paris Fashion Week

Chanel has announced Nigerian Barbadian American award-winning actress and writer Ayo Edebiri as its newest brand ambassador ahead of Matthieu Blazy’s debut show at Paris Fashion Week. The luxury house praised The Bear star for her “boldness, beauty, and intellect,” calling her a perfect fit for its evolving vision. Edebiri, who recently wore Chanel at the Venice and New York Film Festivals, said she felt an instant connection with Blazy’s “sensitive and joyful” approach to design. She attended his first runway show at the Grand Palais last night, Monday, October 6.

Tunisia Frees Man Sentenced to Death for Criticizing President

A Tunisian court has released Saber Chouchane, a 56-year-old laborer who was sentenced to death last week for Facebook posts criticizing President Kais Saied. The rare ruling sparked outrage among Tunisians and human rights groups, who called it an assault on free speech. Chouchane’s lawyer confirmed his release today, Tuesday, October 7, days after the verdict drew widespread ridicule online and renewed scrutiny of Tunisia’s shrinking civic freedoms. Since President Saied dissolved parliament and began ruling by decree in 2021, rights groups have accused his government of undermining judicial independence and silencing dissent.

Tanzania Probes Alleged Kidnapping of Ex-Ambassador and Government Critic

Tanzanian police say they are investigating reports that former ambassador and outspoken government critic Humphrey Polepole was abducted from his home in Dar es Salaam early yesterday, Monday, October 6. His family reported finding broken doors and bloodstains throughout the house, fueling fears of foul play. Polepole, who resigned as ambassador to Cuba in July, has since accused the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party of corruption and political repression. His disappearance comes weeks before the October 29 election, as President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces mounting criticism over the detention of opposition figures and alleged abductions of government critics.

DRC Military Court Jails 23 for Aiding ADF Rebels in Landmark Terrorism Trial

A military court in Beni, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has sentenced 23 people to prison terms of five to 20 years for collaborating with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group linked to the Islamic State. The convictions, which include charges of terrorism, insurrection, and financing rebel activities, were hailed by civil society as a major step in the fight against terrorism in the violence-plagued region. The verdict follows years of deadly ADF attacks in North Kivu and Ituri, where communities hope the ruling will strengthen justice and deter further violence. Defense lawyers say they plan to appeal.

Meta to Pay $32.8 Million Fine to Nigeria in Landmark Data Privacy Settlement

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to settle a $32.8 million fine with Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission over alleged violations of the country’s Data Protection Act. The commission accused Meta of processing user data without consent, transferring information abroad unlawfully, and failing to meet compliance requirements. The settlement, expected to conclude by the end of October, marks a major win for Nigeria’s regulators and could set a precedent for how African countries enforce digital privacy laws against global tech giants.