The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor announced on Monday the renewal of an investigation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on allegations of crimes committed in the conflict-ridden North Kivu province since early 2022. Eastern Congo has long been plagued by over 120 armed groups competing for control of the region’s gold and other resources, leading to mass killings and one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced and many lacking access to aid. The most prominent rebel group, M23, gained attention over a decade ago when it seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, near the Rwandan border. The group is named after a March 23, 2009, peace deal that it claims the Congolese government has failed to honor. In August, clashes between M23 and pro-government militias resulted in the deaths of 16 villagers, violating a cease-fire intended to aid the displaced population. The ICC initially opened its investigation in Congo 20 years ago amid ongoing armed conflict. Last year, the Congolese government requested an investigation into alleged crimes by armed groups in North Kivu since January 1, 2022. Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that the recent violence in North Kivu is linked to a long history of hostilities in the region since mid-2002, and therefore, these new allegations will be included in the ongoing investigation. Khan emphasized that the investigation will not focus on specific parties or groups, but will aim to independently and impartially assess the responsibility of all actors involved in crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction. The ICC has previously convicted three rebels for crimes in the eastern Ituri region, including notorious warlord Bosco Ntaganda, known as “The Terminator,” who was found guilty of murder, rape, and sexual slavery. His 30-year sentence was upheld by appeals judges in 2021.

In Nigeria’s Kogi State, it has been reported that more than 2 million people have been displaced due to flooding. Umar Y. Mahmud, the Disaster Management Officer for the Red Cross in Kogi State, stated that the floods occurred in nine areas of the state as a result of the Niger and Benue rivers overflowing. Mahmud noted that the flooding has displaced over 2 million people and explained that rescue teams are assisting residents in evacuating to camps and villages. “The situation is currently very dire due to the rising Niger River,” he said. He also mentioned that approximately 150,000 hectares of land have been submerged due to the flooding. This year, about 300 people have lost their lives in Nigeria as a result of floods caused by heavy rainfall.

A generous donation of 21,000 tons of rice from South Korea to the WFP in Kenya will provide vital support to thousands of vulnerable individuals affected by the refugee crisis.

The Felebration in Lagos honors the Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, known for his groundbreaking music and political activism.

Kemi Seba, a French-born activist known for his radical anti-Western views and controversial statements, has been arrested in Paris.

The UN’s World Food Program has warned of a potential “full-scale human catastrophe” as millions face starvation.

Major crackdown on Ivory Coast student federation following allegations of murder and violent campus behavior.

On Monday, October 14, Senegal’s government, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, unveiled its 25-year development plan, “Senegal 2050.” The initiative aims to reduce foreign dependency and debt by focusing on local resources and human capital. Sonko criticized past development models as failures and cited Japan’s success as a potential model for African nations. The program intends to alleviate poverty, triple per capita income by 2050, and achieve annual economic growth of 6-7%. It will be organized around eight development hubs throughout the country. Sonko also addressed the concerning state of public finances, revealing a larger budget deficit and public debt than previously disclosed. He accused the prior government of manipulating financial data, a claim they denied. Meanwhile, credit rating agency Moody’s has downgraded Senegal’s rating.

More than 14,000 people have been vaccinated against mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of a campaign launched in early October, according to the country’s health ministry. Since the campaign began, approximately 14,180 individuals have received the vaccine across three provinces, the ministry announced on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. The campaign started on October 5 in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. The DRC aims to vaccinate a total of 2.5 million people using 3.5 million doses, with Health Minister Roger Kamba noting that about 265,000 doses are currently available. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 16 countries in the African region have been affected by mpox, labeling the DRC as the epicenter of the epidemic. Since the start of the year, the DRC has recorded 31,350 suspected cases, including 992 deaths, and 6,169 confirmed cases, with 25 fatalities. The country is facing a high mortality rate due to late diagnoses and limited access to treatment, with only 41 percent of suspected cases tested in 2024. As of October 6, Africa has reported a total of 36,787 suspected cases, including 998 deaths, complicated by several clades of the virus. In mid-August, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared the ongoing mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. Shortly after, the WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest alert level for the second time in two years. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which spreads through close contact. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain.

The targeting of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly the Nuba Christians, persists despite the conflict not being framed as a religious war

Health authorities confirm mpox cases rise to 13 across 10 areas, including capital Nairobi

The launch is part of a broader movement in Africa, with 17 nations now having sent more than 60 satellites into orbit

Founded in 859 CE by the visionary Fatima al-Fihri, the University stands as a sign of Morocco’s rich history

The national electricity grid collapsed on Monday, resulting in a nationwide blackout. In a statement on X, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) reported that the grid failure occurred at 6:58 PM, impacting power supply in their service areas. “The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) wishes to inform its valued customers of a general system collapse that occurred at 6:48 PM today, October 14, 2024,” said Ezeh. “This has led to the loss of power currently being experienced across the EEDC network. As a result, all our interface TCN stations are offline, preventing us from providing services to customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. “We are on standby, awaiting detailed information about the collapse and restoration efforts from the National Control Centre (NCC) in Osogbo.” The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) also stated that they are collaborating with stakeholders to restore power. “Please be informed that a system collapse at 6:48 PM has led to a loss of power supply across our network,” EKEDC announced. “The power outage is due to a failure in the national grid at 6:58 PM today, affecting our franchise areas. Rest assured, we are working with relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon as the grid stabilizes. Thank you for your understanding.” Emeka Ezeh, head of corporate communications at EEDC, confirmed that they are unable to supply power to customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the Bavarian Nordic mpox vaccine for use in adolescents aged 12 to 17, a group considered particularly vulnerable to the disease. This decision follows the WHO’s endorsement of the vaccine for adults in September, which facilitated access for African countries heavily impacted by mpox. Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic is also preparing to conduct a clinical trial to assess the vaccine’s safety for children aged 2 to 12. As parts of Africa face a rise in mpox cases, which present flu-like symptoms and skin lesions, the urgency for vaccination has increased. In August, the WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency after a new strain of the virus spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries, including Burundi and Rwanda. Scientists have identified this new strain, known as clade 1b, as a more dangerous variant. Nearly 30,000 suspected cases of mpox have been reported across Africa this year, with a few cases also recorded in Europe and Asia.

After Rwanda declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease on September 27, the country’s Minister of Health reassured attendees at a briefing that the situation is under control. During a meeting with diplomats and development partners, Minister Nsanzimana discussed the vaccination strategies being implemented to combat the disease. Last week, Rwanda received 700 doses of an experimental vaccine, which has been administered to healthcare professionals and those who have been in contact with confirmed cases. “We were informed that the vaccines were available. We viewed it as a great opportunity to enhance our immune systems,” said Augustin Sendegeya, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital. Despite the vaccine being in trial stages, Sendegeya expressed confidence in its safety and potential value for those at risk of infection. Some doctors have reported no significant side effects from the vaccine. “I didn’t observe any major reactions; those who were vaccinated yesterday experienced few symptoms,” noted Blaise Dushimiyimana, a gynecologist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali. So far, more than 200 people in the country have received the vaccine. Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness in humans, and Rwanda has reported 13 deaths related to the outbreak since it was announced.

Flash floods have wreaked havoc in Jonglei State, South Sudan, leaving hundreds of families without shelter and access to clean water, according to a United Nations report on Monday. Intense rainfall in Bor town has displaced around 375 households across four areas of the state capital. Residents are enduring severe conditions, lacking basic necessities and medical care. Maper Kuot Akuei, a community leader in Bor, voiced his concerns about contaminated floodwater, which has contributed to the spread of diseases such as malaria and pneumonia. “The water is contaminated, bringing malaria, pneumonia, and other hidden diseases,” Akuei said. “There’s no medicine in the hospital; only the clinic can help us, but if you don’t have money, you can’t get treated.” Akuei highlighted the tragic toll on the community, reporting that children have died, women have miscarried, and the elderly have succumbed, largely due to the government’s inaction. As conditions deteriorate, frustration is mounting among flood victims, who are urgently calling for government and international assistance to meet their pressing health and humanitarian needs. Without prompt intervention, the crisis in Jonglei State is poised to worsen further.

Shocking reports reveal horrific conditions faced by migrants in Tunisia, including human rights violations during rescue operations and forced transfers to dangerous border areas.

Chad’s online media association has expressed concerns over new government restrictions on media operations just two months before the upcoming elections.

Kenya is relocating 100 elephants from Mwea National Reserve to Aberdare National Park due to overpopulation.

President Ramaphosa demands a global response to stop Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, stressing the need for a cease-fire, humanitarian aid, and justice for Palestinian casualties.

Deadly protests erupted in eastern Guinea against a Chinese mining company, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to four others.

The plan aims to increase energy independence, reduce the budget deficit, and improve governance.

The investigation will focus on the responsibility of all parties involved, including the Rwanda Defence Forces and the M23 rebel group.