Today in Africa — September 30, 2025: DRC Court Sentences Ex-President Joseph Kabila to Death, South Africa’s Envoy Found Dead in Paris, Trump Administration Backs Short-Term AGOA Renewal

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.

DR Congo Court Sentences Ex-President Kabila to Death in Rebel Case

A military court in Kinshasa has sentenced former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia, convicting him of war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity. Judges accused him of backing the Rwanda-supported M23 rebellion in the country’s east, which has displaced hundreds of thousands and left thousands dead this year. Kabila, who was president from 2001 to 2019, was also ordered to pay $50 billion in damages to the state and victims. He did not attend the trial, was not represented by lawyers, and his current whereabouts are unclear.

The verdict comes amid heightened tensions, with President Félix Tshisekedi’s government moving to suspend Kabila’s party and seize its assets. Tshisekedi has openly accused his predecessor of sponsoring the insurgency, while Rwanda continues to deny arming M23 despite mounting evidence cited by the UN and Western governments. Kabila, who stepped down after mass protests, has lived mostly in South Africa since 2023 but resurfaced in rebel-held Goma earlier this year, pledging to seek solutions to the conflict. The ruling threatens to deepen political rifts in the mineral-rich country as fragile ceasefires remain shaky.

South Africa’s Ambassador to France Found Dead in Paris 

South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead today, Tuesday, September 30, at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris, a day after his wife reported him missing. French prosecutors said early findings suggest suicide, noting a forced window lock and a final message he sent to his wife apologizing and signaling his intention to end his life. The 58-year-old diplomat, who had reserved the hotel room on the 22nd floor days earlier, left no signs of struggle or drug and alcohol use, according to investigators. South Africa’s foreign ministry confirmed his death, saying French authorities are investigating the circumstances.

Mthethwa, a veteran ANC politician and former cabinet minister, was deployed to Paris in February 2024 and also served as South Africa’s representative to UNESCO. His political career stretched back to the anti-apartheid movement, later including posts as Police Minister and Minister of Arts and Culture under Presidents Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa.  He faced controversy over allegations of corruption and political interference, including testimony in the Zondo Commission, a 2018 public enquiry established to look into allegations of state capture and corruption, and claims last week at the Madlanga commission, where KwaZulu-Natal province police boss, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accused Mthethwa of political interference in high-profile criminal cases.

Trump Backs Short-Term Renewal of Africa Trade Deal

The Trump administration has said it supports a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the U.S. trade initiative that gives sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to American markets. The law, first passed in 2000, expired today, Tuesday, September 30, and its fate now hinges on whether it can be attached to a stopgap funding bill aimed at avoiding a U.S. government shutdown.

AGOA has long enjoyed bipartisan backing and is credited with supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across more than 30 African nations. But its benefits have been weakened under President Donald Trump, who imposed new tariffs in August that slapped duties of 10% to 30% on products that previously entered the U.S. duty-free. African governments and investors have pushed for at least a short-term extension after a longer renewal failed to reach a congressional vote.

Egypt Arrests Activists Linked to Gaza Solidarity Flotilla

Egyptian authorities detained at least three members of the Egyptian Sumud Flotilla, a volunteer-led initiative preparing to join a global fleet of boats challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza, according to the group’s spokesperson. The arrests happened last night, Monday, September 29, near the flotilla’s headquarters in Dokki, where activists were sorting donations, amid a heavy security presence. Organizers say members of the preparatory committee went missing after they were seen being taken by security forces, while another volunteer also disappeared later that night. The flotilla, made up of young activists, political party representatives, and civil society figures, has faced mounting restrictions and earlier canceled a press conference over fears of arrests. Human rights groups say Egyptian authorities have detained more than 150 people since last year for actions linked to supporting Palestinians.

Madagascar Protests Persist Despite Rajoelina Dissolving Government

Hundreds of young protesters returned to the streets of Madagascar today, Tuesday, September 30, demanding water, electricity, and President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation, even after he dissolved the government in a bid to calm unrest. Security forces fired teargas in Antananarivo as demonstrations spread to Fenoarivo, Mahajanga, and Diego Suarez, with protesters rejecting Rajoelina’s call for dialogue and insisting on further concessions. The UN says at least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured since the youth-led rallies began last week, inspired by recent movements in Kenya and Nepal. The government disputes the casualty figures, calling them misinformation.

US Puts South Africa and Brazil on Human Trafficking Watch List

The U.S. State Department has downgraded South Africa and Brazil to its “Tier 2 Watch List” in the annual Trafficking in Persons report, saying both countries failed to show enough progress in tackling forced labor and sex trafficking. While acknowledging efforts such as new task teams and convictions in South Africa, and investigations in Brazil, the report noted declines in victim identification, prosecutions, and convictions compared to previous years. The move comes amid already strained relations, with President Donald Trump imposing tariffs and other measures against both nations, and critics questioning the credibility of a report released months late after major staffing cuts at the State Department.

Gabon’s Ruling Party Secures Lead in Post-Coup Elections

Provisional results show Gabon’s Democratic Union of Builders (UDB), the party launched in July by President Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, has won 55 of 145 seats in the National Assembly after the first round of voting. The Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), linked to ousted leader Ali Bongo Ondimba, managed only three seats, with four more won on a joint ticket with the UDB. A runoff set for October 11 will decide 77 constituencies where no candidate secured a majority, mostly contests between the UDB and PDG. These are Gabon’s first legislative elections since the 2023 coup that ended the Bongo family’s decades-long rule.