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CAR artisanal gold mine collapse claims over 100 lives
6 days ago•Source: The Guardian
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Kariba ferry tragedy hits 93 dead, as rescue effort continues
A ferry capsized on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba after being overloaded, with the death toll rising to 93—making it the country’s deadliest transport disaster. About 168 people were aboard the vessel, far more than its 90-passenger capacity, and divers are continuing searches as authorities identify victims (83 identified, including 39 children). A state of disaster has been declared by President Mnangagwa, and DNA may be needed to help identify bodies drifting toward Zambia while the rescue operation persists; the ferry was a vital, cheap transport link for rural communities.
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Hillside collapse at Amhara monastery leaves 14 dead during overnight prayer
A hillside above the Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq St Mary Monastery in Ethiopia's Amhara region collapsed during an overnight Orthodox prayer service, killing 14 worshippers, injuring several others and halting rescue efforts as authorities and church leaders mourned; eleven bodies were buried on site and others returned to their homes for burial. Landslides are a recurring risk during the rainy season, with scientists linking extreme weather to climate change.
Sudan border Exodus as renewed Tigray fighting sparks fears of civil war
Hundreds of people from Ethiopia's Tigray region fled into Sudan after weekend clashes between regional forces and the Ethiopian army in Shererina near the border, reviving fears of a return to civil war in northern Ethiopia as the 2022 peace deal remains only partially implemented and both sides blame each other amid reports of explosions, gunfire and drone activity.
Uganda honors Entebbe raid hero Yonatan Netanyahu with new statue
Uganda unveiled a statue of Yonatan Netanyahu, the late brother of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to honor his courage during the 1976 Entebbe hostage-rescue operation. Army chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba praised the mission and noted the strengthening of Uganda–Israel ties, saying the raid saved more than 100 hostages; several people died, including three hostages and Dora Bloch, along with many Ugandan soldiers and hijackers.
Ramaphosa secures stay on Farmgate impeachment probe
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has secured a court-ordered pause on Parliament’s impeachment inquiry into the Farmgate cash scandal, halting proceedings while he challenges the panel’s findings in a separate review. The ruling, following a Constitutional Court decision that Parliament erred in shelving the report, buys Ramaphosa time ahead of a September hearing as coalition politics shape the probe.
Africa's camels tested by record heat and drought
Extreme heat—often above 50C—and prolonged drought across the Horn of Africa and North Africa are driving camel stress, disease, and rising deaths, while reducing milk yields and pushing herders to move their herds in search of water and shade; scientists warn climate change is intensifying heat stress and underscore the need for better veterinary care, water provisioning, and shade to protect these desert-adapted animals.
Uganda launches 42-day countdown to declare Ebola-free after last patient discharge
Uganda has discharged the last Ebola patient, beginning a 42-day countdown to an official Ebola-free status, after recording 20 confirmed cases and two deaths in a Bundibugyo outbreak linked to the DR Congo. Authorities credit early detection and a strong health system, while urging vigilance, continued screening and contact tracing; US travel rules for DR Congo travellers reflect ongoing concerns.
Ghana delays Ramaphosa visit as xenophobia tensions flare
Ghana postponed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s planned August state visit due to the xenophobic anti-foreigner climate in South Africa, with Accra citing the current tensions. Ghana has repatriated over 900 of its citizens, and other African nations are likewise evacuating nationals. South Africa says it remains committed to cooperation and will work through diplomatic channels to agree a mutually convenient date for a future visit, amid ongoing disputes over deaths and residency documentation in the xenophobia row.
Two Nigerians Killed in South Africa as Migrant Attacks Surge
Nigeria says two of its nationals were killed in South Africa amid a rise in anti-migrant attacks: Emeka Charles Iroegbu was reportedly killed in Pretoria by police officers using gruesome interrogation techniques, and Musa Yunana Joe was killed in eMalahleni on 28 June. Abuja says the incidents come as foreigners face increasing hostility, with about 25,000 Africans repatriated (including around 700 Nigerians). Nigeria plans to seek compensation and is documenting businesses left behind, while South Africa has signaled it will not pay compensation. Anti-migrant protests and a 30 June deadline for foreigners to leave have heightened tension in a country with high unemployment.
Mali hit by multi-front rebel assault as army reports five town attacks
Mali's army says rebels launched coordinated attacks in five towns across the north, central, and south: Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare and Kenieroba. The military reports casualties on both sides, including 20 attackers killed in Sevare and six in Gao, with one pro-government fighter killed in Gao; a prison in Kenieroba was attacked as security forces repelled the assailants. The Azawad Liberation Front claimed an attack on Anefis, where government and Russian troops are deployed. The strikes follow ongoing violence after April assaults that included the Bamako airport attack and broader rebel activity across the country.
Ethiopia's Hossana: mass dog killings amid rabies deaths
In Hossana, central Ethiopia, community groups linked to local authorities ordered residents to kill hundreds of dogs after three children died of rabies and dozens were hospitalized. Authorities say about 400–450 dogs were killed in a few days, despite roughly 70% of the town’s 10,000 dogs being vaccinated; police halted the killings within a day, but reports of pressure to dispose of unvaccinated dogs persisted. Animal-rights groups condemned the actions as illegal and inhumane, calling for accountability.