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’s Bookworms Chase World Record With 18-Day Reading Marathon
Five Nigerians have spent more than 18 straight days reading aloud in Lagos, clocking 431 hours in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous reading marathon. The group — Precious Ukachi, John Obot, Stephen Oyelami, Temitope Ogunremi, and Ketura Heman — read 79 books by Nigerian authors, including literary works and self-help titles, while live-streaming to viewers who cheered them on. The current record stands at 365 hours, set by a Dominican Republic team in 2011, but Guinness is still reviewing evidence from the Nigerian attempt before confirming the new record.
Organizers say the marathon, led by the Naija ReadFest nonprofit, was designed to highlight Nigerian literature and promote literacy in a country where more than 10 million children are out of school and the literacy rate remains stuck at around 63%. Participants described the challenge as grueling, especially during sleepless nights, but said their goal was to inspire inclusive education and greater investment in reading culture. Advocates have noted that poor funding, unfinished public projects such as Abuja’s long-delayed National Library, and limited access to books continue to stifle literacy and opportunities for writers across Nigeria.
Uganda’s Besigye Boycotts Treason Trial, Citing Judicial Bias
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye refused to attend the opening of his treason trial today, Monday, September 1, accusing presiding Judge Emmanuel Baguma of bias after the judge declined to recuse himself. Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale, were arrested in Kenya last November, returned to Uganda, and charged with treason in a case that has already faced months of delays. His lawyers argue that Baguma’s earlier denial of bail shows partiality, while the judiciary has dismissed the claims as baseless.
Besigye, once a close ally of President Yoweri Museveni, has challenged him in four elections without success and remains one of his most vocal critics. His detention has amplified scrutiny of Museveni’s human rights record as the 80-year-old leader prepares to seek another term in next year’s election. While Besigye has not said if he will run again, his boycott highlights growing tensions in Uganda’s political landscape, where opposition figures continue to face legal and political hurdles.
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Mob Burns Nigerian Woman to Death Over Alleged Blasphemy
A woman identified by local media only as food vendor Amaye was burned to death by a mob in Niger state, northern Nigeria, after being accused of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad. Police condemned the killing as “jungle justice,” saying she was attacked in Kasuwan-Garba town after a dispute in which her response to a joking marriage proposal was deemed offensive. Officers said security reinforcements arrived too late to save her and promised an investigation to arrest those responsible.
Blasphemy-related mob killings are not uncommon in Nigeria’s 12 Sharia law states, where rights groups say accusations are often used to settle personal disputes. Amnesty International warned that minor disagreements are sometimes escalated into blasphemy claims that spark instant mob violence. Similar killings in Sokoto state saw student Deborah Samuel lynched in 2022 and butcher Usman Buda stoned to death last year. Critics argue that not enough has been done to prevent such violence, despite Nigeria’s constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech and its Supreme Court affirming that blasphemy cases must be tried in court.
Congo Rebels Accuse Kinshasa of Violating Peace Deal
The Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23 rebels, has accused the Congolese government of breaking ceasefire commitments agreed under Qatari mediation. At a press conference today, Monday, September 1, alliance leader Corneille Nangaa said government forces and allied militias had carried out fresh attacks in South Kivu, undermining a July 19 declaration that set an August deadline for negotiations. Talks aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DRC have stalled as fighting intensifies, with M23 capturing major cities in recent months. Nangaa urged Qatar, the African Union, and the UN to press Kinshasa to honor its commitments, warning of retaliation if attacks continue. President Félix Tshisekedi, meanwhile, told supporters his government would only negotiate with Congolese “who want to rebuild their country and emerge from the crisis.”
Benin’s Governing Parties Back Finance Minister Wadagni for 2026 Presidency
Benin’s governing coalition has endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate for the 2026 presidential election, with both the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union for Renewal citing his role in driving reforms since 2016 and his alignment with President Patrice Talon’s development agenda. Talon, who has confirmed he will step down after two terms, leaves Wadagni positioned as his political heir, backed by a strong internal consensus and praised for stabilizing public finances and funding infrastructure. While the coalition highlights progress in economic growth and stability, it also acknowledges challenges such as youth unemployment and rising living costs. Wadagni’s nomination contrasts with leaders in Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic, who are seeking extended terms through constitutional changes, raising concerns about democracy across the region.
South Africa Post Office Halts Parcel Deliveries to U.S. Over Tariffs
South Africa’s post office has stopped sending parcels to the United States after Washington revoked duty-free access for international packages. The suspension covers all goods shipments but excludes letters, documents, and certain exempted mail. The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s order scrapping the de minimis exemption to curb illegal drug inflows, a move that has also led Japan, Britain, and Australia to pause similar services. The halt adds to the woes of South Africa’s struggling postal service, which has been under business rescue since 2023 amid mounting debt and declining mail volumes.
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Sudan Shuts Down Heglig Oil Facility After Drone Strikes
Sudan has shut down operations at the Heglig oil facility after drone attacks it blamed on the Rapid Support Forces, warning that continued assaults risk making the site permanently inoperable. Heglig is the main processing hub for South Sudan’s oil exports, which provide most of Juba’s government revenue, and the closure follows strikes on August 26 and 30 that prompted Sudan’s energy ministry to order operators 2B OPCO and PETCO to evacuate. Before the war between Sudan’s army and the RSF erupted in 2023, the country processed up to 150,000 barrels of South Sudanese oil daily, but the conflict has since severely disrupted flows.
Nigerian Secessionist Leader Jailed in Finland for Terrorism
A Finnish court has sentenced Nigerian-born activist Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences tied to his role in promoting the secession of Biafra in southeastern Nigeria. Judges ruled that Ekpa supplied weapons to armed groups, incited violence on social media, and engaged in illegal activities between 2021 and 2024. A former councillor in Finland, Ekpa has long claimed to lead a faction of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that wants the southeast to break away and form an independent state. Ekpa, who also faced conviction for aggravated tax fraud, denies wrongdoing and may appeal. Nigeria had demanded his extradition, accusing him of fueling violence linked to IPOB’s armed wing.
Conflict in Goma Puts Schooling Out of Reach for Families
In Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, parents are struggling to send their children back to school as war and economic collapse drive up the cost of essentials like notebooks, uniforms, and backpacks. Under M23 rebel control, the city’s economy has nearly ground to a halt, leaving shopkeepers with little business and families unable to afford supplies. Many children are reusing old uniforms or going without, while parents say education has become an impossible expense. With more than two million residents already facing violence, inflation, and shortages, the future of schooling in Goma is slipping away, leaving thousands of children’s hopes for a better future at risk.
Ghana’s President Removes Chief Justice Over Misconduct Allegations
Ghana’s President John Mahama has dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo after a committee investigation found grounds of “misbehavior” and recommended her removal. Torkornoo, the country’s third female chief justice, was suspended earlier this year when the inquiry began. She has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations politically motivated.
UN Climate Week Opens in Addis Ababa Ahead of Africa Summit
UN Climate Week 2025 kicked off in Addis Ababa today, Monday, September 1, bringing together African leaders, policymakers, and civil society to push forward climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Running until September 6, the event — themed “Dialogues for Ambition and Implementation” — is hosted by Ethiopia in collaboration with the UNFCCC and serves as a lead-up to next week’s Africa Climate Summit, which will center on financing for green and resilient development. Participants are holding high-level consultations, exhibitions, and side events to spotlight locally led solutions and build momentum for stronger climate action across the continent.
