Africa news roundup for Monday, 2 November 2026

From the ruins of El Fasher to the red carpets of Johannesburg, Monday’s headlines from across the continent span grief, politics, money, and a whole lot of culture. Here is what is making news today.

Conflict and Human Rights

Sudan: El Fasher, one year on. A year after the Rapid Support Forces captured El Fasher in North Darfur, the city remains largely deserted. According to allAfrica, survivors and aid workers describe widespread destruction, fear and continuing abuses. Thousands of residents are still missing, and some are believed to be held in overcrowded prisons where torture and disease have been reported.

Zambia: Rights groups sound the alarm. Human Rights Watch has accused Zambian security forces of forcibly disappearing and arbitrarily detaining opposition members, journalists, lawyers and critics since the August 2026 general elections. Detainees have reportedly faced beatings, torture and restricted access to lawyers and medical care. Opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been charged with treason, and HRW is calling on President Hakainde Hichilema’s government to end the crackdown, release those arbitrarily held and investigate alleged abuses, including the killing of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid.

Politics and Governance

Malawi: Mutharika says he never lost the reins. President Peter Mutharika has told citizens he remained in full control of government during a three-week private stay in South Africa, staying in regular contact with ministers, officials and his party. His absence had fuelled social media speculation about his health, which he did not directly address. He called instead for national unity.

Ethiopia: Ministers go to boot camp. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has put cabinet ministers and senior officials through military training, according to allAfrica’s digest.

Nigeria: 2027 jockeying heats up. Works Minister David Umahi dismissed Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions, calling him a “nobody” and claiming Obi does not represent the South East. Meanwhile, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda hosted an ECOWAS pre-election fact-finding mission in Abuja. On the security front, troops of Operation Hadin Kai say they dealt a significant blow to the leadership and operational capability of ISWAP.

Uganda: Talks involving Besigye. The Daily Monitor’s front page leads with what it calls two tales on talks involving opposition figure Kizza Besigye.

Health: Ebola Outbreak Deepens

The death toll in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has passed 5,000, Africanews and Al Jazeera report. Authorities are struggling to contain the spread, with no approved treatments or vaccines available. Al Jazeera also reports that health authorities in northeast Nigeria are investigating two suspected Ebola cases, a reminder of the fear of wider regional spread.

There was one piece of encouraging health news from Senegal, where a company has produced the first Africa-made treatment for sickle cell disease, according to Africanews.

Business and Economy

Kenya. Business Daily reports that fake alcohol has cut Sh7.6bn from the Kenya Revenue Authority’s sin tax revenue, and that Treasury chief Mbadi is eyeing the first 2026/27 mini budget in November amid spending pressures. Separately, a petitions committee dismissed a consumer group’s challenge to the $16 billion Lamu refinery after the Treasury described it as a private commercial investment. Two other cases return to court on 12 and 24 November.

Tanzania. The Guardian reports that the banking sector earned nearly 2 trillion shillings in the first nine months of 2026, while China’s zero-tariff policy is drawing agro-processing investment and the energy sector is attracting more financing.

The rich list. Africa’s ten richest people are now worth a combined $142.5 billion, with Aliko Dangote accounting for close to 39% of that, according to Billionaires.Africa. In South Africa, the Rupert, Oppenheimer and le Roux families are reportedly lining up heirs to about $30 billion in wealth.

Telecoms and tech. Ethio telecom and Ericsson marked 132 years of partnership, dating back to the first telephone apparatus introduced in 1894. In Rwanda, technology company Irembo has completed a leadership transition, with Noëlla Dushime named CEO.

Debt and climate. ActionAid warns that Africa’s debt crisis is undermining the continent’s climate action.

Sport

In cricket, South Africa beat Australia in the third Test, with spinner Simon Harmer taking career-best figures of 6-16, Al Jazeera reports. Off the field, the Dakar Rally, likely scheduled for 9 to 23 January, is moving out of Saudi Arabia, with Portugal and Morocco stepping in as hosts for what organisers call an exceptional, one-off arrangement. Kenya, meanwhile, is pursuing a bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, while Senegal is preparing for the historic Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics. In Ghana, the death of Fabulous Ladies footballer Agartha Takyiwaa has led to two arrests, according to GhanaWeb.

Entertainment and Celebrity

Television. Veteran presenter Somizi launches his new talk show Life Lessons today on S3 and SABC Plus, airing Mondays at 18:00. He says he has always wanted to do a show with heart. Later this month, BBC Lifestyle will premiere Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa on 18 November, pitting 24 famous South Africans against each other over six weeks, including Carol Tshabalala, Moonchild Sanelly, Lasizwe, Karabo Poppy and Linda Mtoba.

Awards season. Mpilo Mbatha is celebrating his first Best Actor nomination, while Pamela Mtanga has landed a Best TV Presenter nomination for her return to television with two shows.

Music. TikTok is celebrating the release of South African star Tyla’s anticipated new album A*POP with an exclusive in-app experience, and Tyla has also launched the That Girl Music Scholarship for female students. The Ndlovu Choir, from a Limpopo village, is under Grammy consideration. In Malawi, star Gwamba is set to headline a concert at Bingu National Stadium this Saturday with Nigerian artist Ruger, powered by solar energy.

Pageants and fashion. Miss South Africa has named its 12 finalists for the 2026 crown, and GLAMOUR’s Kuhle Adams will host the red carpet.

Celebrity life. Gospel star Dumi Mkokstad and his wife, Dr Zipho, are expecting their fourth child. Rugby great Siya Kolisi has taken on a new role in South Africa’s hospitality scene. In Nigeria, Abia State Governor Otti has provided medical support to ailing actress Ngozi Nwosu after she appealed publicly for funds for surgery. Tributes also continue to pour in for veteran South African actor Seputla Sebogodi.

The Bottom Line

Today’s picture is a familiar African mix: serious human rights and public health challenges sitting alongside booming business activity and a thriving creative scene. The Ebola outbreak and the Zambia crackdown are the stories most likely to dominate the week, while Kenya’s budget and Nigeria’s pre-election politics are worth watching closely.

Sources include allAfrica, Al Jazeera, Africanews, Naija News, GhanaWeb, News24, Business Daily and Billionaires.Africa.