Current Events Roundup: Africa in Focus

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.

ICC Probes El Fasher Atrocities as Famine and Mass Killings Grip Sudan’s Darfur

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated an investigation into the alarming reports of mass killings and sexual violence in El Fasher, the last military stronghold in Sudan’s Darfur region. Following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) capture of the city, the ICC is taking immediate steps to preserve evidence amid claims of summary executions and ethnic targeting. Over 70,000 people have fled El Fasher, while nearly 200,000 remain trapped, facing dire shortages of food and water.

Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross and various UN agencies, have warned that famine has already taken hold in El Fasher and Kadugli. Approximately 375,000 people are on the brink of starvation, with millions more experiencing extreme hunger across Sudan. Reports indicate catastrophic levels of malnutrition among displaced families, with the RSF accused of obstructing access to essential aid. The UN estimates that more than 40,000 people have died since the conflict erupted in April 2023, labeling the crisis as “entirely man-made.” Humanitarian groups are urgently calling for a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of food and medical assistance to the besieged regions.

Kenya Dominates NYC Marathon as Obiri Breaks Record and Kipruto Wins by a Split-Second

In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri shattered the women’s course record at the New York City Marathon, clocking in at 2:19:51 to defend her title. This impressive time surpassed the previous record set in 2003 by nearly three minutes. Fellow Kenyans Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui secured second and third places, respectively, marking a clean sweep for Kenya for the second consecutive year.

The men’s race was equally thrilling, with Kenyan Benson Kipruto edging out countryman Alexander Mutiso by a mere three-hundredths of a second, making it the closest finish in the marathon’s history. Kipruto’s winning time was 2:08:40, while Albert Korir rounded out the top three, ensuring Kenya’s dominance in both categories. In the wheelchair divisions, Swiss athlete Marcel Hug and American Susannah Scaroni continued their winning streaks, further showcasing the competitive spirit of the event.

Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow Leads British Independent Film Award Nominations

Akinola Davies Jr.’s film My Father’s Shadow has emerged as a frontrunner at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs), garnering 12 nominations, including Best British Independent Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay for both Davies and his brother, Wale Davies. Set in Nigeria, the drama follows two brothers as they uncover painful truths about their father.

The film premiered to critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival and has also received nominations in several craft categories, such as Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. Although My Father’s Shadow was released earlier this year in Nigeria, it has yet to debut in the UK. In an Op-Ed for OkayAfrica, Davies Jr. expressed the emotional impact of reading the script, noting it was the first he had ever read by someone he knew. The BIFA winners will be announced in London on November 30.

Tanzania’s Incumbent President Returns to Office in Tightly-Guarded Swearing-In Ceremony

Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially taken the oath of office, commencing her second term as Tanzania’s President after winning the election with over 98% of the votes. The swearing-in ceremony took place at a military parade ground in Dodoma, under tight security measures. Unlike previous ceremonies held in stadiums with public attendance, this event was closed to the public but broadcast on national television, attended by regional leaders and dignitaries, including the presidents of Somalia, Zambia, Mozambique, and Burundi.

In her address, Hassan expressed gratitude to the electoral commission for its efficient organization of the elections. However, she also lamented the loss of lives and property during post-election protests, attributing blame to foreign individuals for inciting unrest. Opposition groups claim that over 700 people were killed during the crackdown on protesters, a figure the government has dismissed as “hugely exaggerated.” The elections have faced criticism for alleged fraud, with international observers largely barred and internet service disrupted in the country.

Kenya Rebuffs UN Inquiries on Human Rights Violations

In response to inquiries from United Nations (UN) rapporteurs regarding its human rights record, the Kenyan government has asserted that it acted within legal boundaries. The inquiries focus on the violent police response to demonstrations triggered by the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, as well as protests marking the anniversary of last year’s anti-finance bill demonstrations.

The Kenyan government stated that investigations into any human rights violations are ongoing, citing laws that mandate a non-violent approach and proportionality from police during public unrest. However, allegations have surfaced regarding collusion between hired thugs and police to violently disperse protesters, raising questions about the legitimacy of the government’s response.

Kenya Landslide Death Toll Rises to 26 as Floods Halt Rescue Efforts

A devastating landslide in Kenya’s Rift Valley has resulted in at least 26 fatalities, with 25 individuals still missing. Rescue operations were suspended due to flash floods, prompting Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen to deploy military aircraft to airlift supplies and reach isolated areas, including 15 schools and displaced families. Heavy rains continue to affect several counties, causing floods and mudslides that have displaced thousands. Authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas to seek safer ground as recovery teams warn of ongoing instability in the region.

Netherlands to Return 3,500-Year-Old Stolen Sculpture to Egypt

In a significant move, the Netherlands has announced its intention to return a 3,500-year-old stone sculpture to Egypt, confirming that it was likely looted during the Arab Spring. The artifact, a carved head from the era of Pharaoh Thutmose III, resurfaced at an antiques fair in Maastricht in 2022 before being voluntarily surrendered by the dealer. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof made the announcement during the opening of Egypt’s new $1.2 billion Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which houses over 100,000 artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun. The sculpture is expected to be formally handed over to Egypt by the end of the year.

Talks Advance on Possible Release of Gaddafi’s Son After 10 Years in Lebanese Jail

A Libyan delegation has met with Lebanese judicial officials to discuss the potential release of Hannibal Gaddafi, the son of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who has been detained in Lebanon without trial since 2015. The discussions reportedly led to an agreement to reduce his $11 million bail and lift a travel ban that has prevented his departure. Gaddafi has been accused of withholding information about missing cleric Moussa al-Sadr, a case dating back to 1978 when he was just a toddler. He has protested his prolonged detention through hunger strikes and is expected to be allowed to leave Lebanon for Qatar once the conditions are finalized.