Cameroon awaits a government reshuffle and vice president appointment after Paul Biya’s return, raising questions about succession and stability

DR Congo bans activities of 13 political parties, including Joseph Kabila’s PPRD, as opposition figures raise concerns over political freedoms

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI appoints the country’s first woman-led government under Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri after September’s elections

Hundreds of former Tigray fighters register for civilian reintegration in Ethiopia as a new administration seeks to restore stability

Kenya confirms its third Ebola case as health officials trace 130 contacts. Authorities report no evidence of community transmission

Gaza’s starvation crisis deepens as health officials report 466 deaths and warn that 1.4 million Palestinians face severe food insecurity

TASIS tax reforms in Sudan aim to introduce electronic payments, improve financial oversight and share public revenue with local authorities

Ethiopian forces advance in Tigray as Eritrea denies reports of military losses. The US urges both countries to avoid further conflict

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo reaches North Ubangi near the CAR border, with two cases reported as authorities work to contain the virus

DR Congo criticises Formula 1 plans for a Rwanda Grand Prix, raising concerns over the M23 conflict and funding linked to Congolese resources

South Africa reinstates police chief Fannie Masemola after prosecutors drop charges linked to a controversial $14 million contract

An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has killed 10 students in Ituri province, with 25 cases reported among pupils as the virus spreads

Zambia has won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term. The country received 177 votes during an election at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. Zambia secured 177 votes out of 181 valid ballots. It received more votes than any other candidate in the election. According to Africanews, Zambia will begin its three-year term on January 1, 2027. Zambia receives strong support at UN President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed the election result and thanked UN member states for their support. He described the outcome as a sign of confidence in Zambia’s commitment to human rights. However, Hichilema said the country’s success would depend on the lives of its citizens. He also stressed the importance of representing Africa in global human rights discussions. As a result, Zambia will have a greater role in international debates about human rights protection. Four African countries win council seats Zambia was not the only African country to secure a seat. Burundi, Ghana and Nigeria also won places on the UN Human Rights Council. Meanwhile, 12 other countries secured seats in the same election. They include Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Jordan. Kuwait, Moldova, Nepal, Ukraine and Uruguay also won seats. All 16 new members will begin their terms in January 2027. What does the UN Human Rights Council do? The UN established the Human Rights Council in 2006. Today, the council has 47 members. Its main role is to promote and protect human rights around the world. For example, the council examines reports of human rights violations. It also reviews the human rights records of UN member states. In addition, the council holds discussions on major human rights concerns. The UN General Assembly elects members through secret ballots. Each member serves a three-year term. Zambia prepares for new UN role Zambia will officially join the council on January 1, 2027. During its term, the country will take part in discussions and decisions on global human rights issues. Moreover, Zambia will have an opportunity to raise concerns affecting African countries. Hichilema has already stressed that the country’s performance should also benefit people at home. Therefore, Zambia’s upcoming membership will bring both international responsibilities and expectations for progress on human rights.

Africa CDC questions more than $700 million in Ebola funding in DR Congo after a review failed to trace much of the reported assistance

FIFA funding for African football could reach $1.35 billion under a proposed development package offering $25 million per national association

Explore the Congo Basin rainforest, the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, home to forest elephants, okapis and towering trees

Guinea-Bissau’s military leadership dismisses a senior officer linked to former President Embaló as uncertainty grows over planned December elections

Khartoum transport fares reportedly more than double as fuel shortages disrupt minibus services and increase commuting costs across Sudan’s capital

France expels two Nigerien intelligence officials, prompting criticism from Niger as diplomatic tensions between Paris and Niamey continue

UN warns of food security risks in Africa as Strait of Hormuz disruptions threaten fertiliser shipments, agricultural production and food prices

UK threatens a visa ban on Eritreans as London pressures Asmara over migrant returns, introducing new restrictions on Eritrean diplomats

Kenya confirms a second Ebola case linked to the DR Congo outbreak. The patient was already in quarantine after a family member became infected

Sudan’s TASIS administration seeks a UN investigation into alleged Egyptian airstrikes on gold miners, as casualty reports differ

Rwanda has secured a 10-year agreement to host Formula One races, bringing the championship back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades. The Rwanda Formula One Grand Prix is expected to begin in the early 2030s. Organisers plan to build a new racing circuit near Kigali, the country’s capital. President Paul Kagame announced the agreement on Tuesday, October 13, during a ceremony attended by Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. According to Al Jazeera, the agreement marks a major step towards returning Formula One to Africa, which last hosted a championship race in 1993. Rwanda Formula One Grand Prix planned near Kigali Rwanda plans to build a purpose-designed Formula One circuit near Bugesera International Airport. The site is approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali. The circuit will stretch more than six kilometres and feature 17 corners. Drivers will race in an anti-clockwise direction. In addition, the track will follow the area’s natural landscape, with an elevation change of 197 metres per lap. Former Austrian racing driver Alex Wurz’s circuit design company will oversee the track’s design. The project aims to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, which are required for Formula One racing. Organisers also expect the venue to host other motorsport competitions and major events. However, construction and preparations must progress before Rwanda can hold its first Grand Prix. Rwanda signs 10-year Formula One agreement The agreement gives Rwanda the opportunity to host Formula One races over a 10-year period. During the announcement, Kagame described the development as an important milestone for African sport. He said Rwanda had worked for years to bring Formula One to the continent. The president also expressed hope that the event would change how international audiences view Africa’s sporting potential. Meanwhile, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the announcement. He described Formula One’s planned return to Africa as an important moment for international motorsport. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali also highlighted the continent’s importance to the championship’s global expansion. The announcement follows Rwanda’s earlier efforts to secure hosting rights. In December 2024, Kagame publicly announced the country’s ambition to host a Grand Prix during an FIA gathering in Kigali. Formula One returns to Africa after decades Africa last hosted a Formula One World Championship race in 1993. That event took place at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa. Since then, the championship has expanded into several international markets without returning to the African continent. Rwanda’s agreement could end that absence. The planned race would also make Rwanda an important destination on the international motorsport calendar. Furthermore, hosting Formula One could create opportunities for tourism, hospitality and related businesses. However, the full economic impact will depend on construction costs, visitor numbers and long-term event planning. Lewis Hamilton supports African Grand Prix Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for the championship to return to Africa. The British driver has argued that the continent deserves a place on the racing calendar. Speaking ahead of the announcement, Hamilton said he had encouraged Formula One officials to explore opportunities across Africa. He also praised Domenicali’s efforts to discuss potential hosting arrangements with African partners. Hamilton has previously described Africa as an important missing destination for Formula One. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen also welcomed the possibility of racing in Rwanda. Verstappen said he hoped the project would move forward successfully. Both drivers have expressed support for expanding Formula One’s presence on the continent. Could Rwanda benefit from hosting Formula One? The Rwanda Formula One Grand Prix could bring international attention to Kigali and surrounding areas. Major sporting events often attract visitors, broadcasters, sponsors and businesses. As a result, the race could create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport companies and tourism operators. The planned circuit could also support motorsport development in East Africa. In addition, hosting other competitions could help the venue remain active outside Formula One weekends. Nevertheless, the project’s economic benefits are not guaranteed. They will depend on infrastructure investment, operating costs and the country’s ability to attract visitors over time. When will Rwanda host its first F1 race? Rwanda’s first Formula One Grand Prix is projected for the early 2030s. However, organisers have not announced an exact race date. The new circuit must also be completed and meet the necessary international racing standards. For now, the 10-year hosting agreement represents a significant step towards Formula One’s return to Africa. If preparations proceed as planned, Rwanda could become the first African country to host a Formula One World Championship race since South Africa in 1993. The development would mark a new chapter for motorsport on the continent.