News

Mauritius has imposed an overnight curfew after protests over water shortages and the cost of living turned violent. A woman was shot and wounded by police at a roadblock on Friday, and the officer has been arrested. At least 94 people have been detained, and schools have been closed. Source: BBC News, 15 October 2026.

Kenya's health ministry has confirmed a second case of Ebola, a 39-year-old close relative of a businessman who died on 5 October after travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The man was already in quarantine, and the ministry says there is no evidence of spread in the wider community. Officials are still tracing 15 of the 128 people the first patient had contact with, and are urging the public to stay calm but vigilant. Source: BBC News, 14 October 2026.

Zimbabwean writer Simbarashe Kundizeza has said he wrote his short story The Blue Fighter himself, after an article claimed AI-detection software had flagged it. He won this year's £10,000 Caine Prize for African Writing a week ago. The prize chair says she was shocked the claim was published before a full investigation. Source: BBC News, 14 October 2026.

A new law in Ghana means preachers on public transport can now face up to eight months in prison, a fine of up to $52 (£39), or both. Passed by parliament in May and enforced in recent weeks, it targets preaching and hawking on moving vehicles on safety and comfort grounds. Source: BBC News, 3 October 2026.

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has been awarded the prestigious AMI Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his remarkable contributions to applied microbiology and global public health.

During a recent Devex event held alongside the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Chikwe Ihekweazu and his wife Vivianne, co-authors of An Imperfect Storm: A Pandemic and the Coming of Age of a Nigerian Institution, were commended as "global health’s power couple” by Devex Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar.

Chikwe Ihekweazu has played a significant role in global public health, particularly in the management of infectious diseases. Amid the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, Ihekweazu, together with his wife Vivianne, recognized the importance of documenting their experiences in a book.

Paul Onwuanibe, CEO of Landmark Africa Group, has expressed optimism that ongoing talks with the government will ensure the preservation of Landmark Beach Resort, a major tourism hub, despite concerns about the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

As part of his broader strategy, Mkparu is in the process of launching what will be the largest entertainment center in Nigeria's South East, located in Nnewi. This ambitious project will feature the biggest cinema house in Africa, comprising 22 screens, as well as multi-leisure facilities and dining areas.

Kene Mkparu, a prominent figure in the African cinema landscape, is poised to make history with the construction of the largest cinema complex in Africa, located in Nnewi, Anambra State. Over the past three years, Mkparu has devoted his expertise and resources to erect a state-of-the-art facility that will feature the continent's biggest cinema screen and an impressive 22 screens overall. This ambitious project not only aims to elevate the cinema experience in Nigeria but also positions Mkparu as a pioneer in the African film industry.

Chikwe Ihekweazu has assumed a crucial role in the field of global health by leading the recently established World Health Organization (WHO) Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence.

Dr. Chidi Agbakwuru, a senior resident in Radiation Oncology at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Center, has made significant contributions to the ongoing conversation about cancer management in Nigeria, particularly concerning the alarming number of cancer-related deaths in the country. With an estimated 72,000 cancer deaths occurring annually, Agbakwuru emphasizes the need for early medical intervention and the importance of education regarding the disease