AFR

The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission and the African Union Peace and Security Council held their Ninth Annual Consultative Meeting in New York on 21 October 2026, issuing a joint communiqué. The annual gathering is the standing forum where the two bodies coordinate approaches to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and sustaining peace across Africa, and the communiqué sets out their agreed positions from this year's session.

Nigeria has reported a case of Ebola, marking the first time the current outbreak has reached West Africa. Health authorities are working to trace contacts and contain the spread, and international health organisations are monitoring the situation closely. The confirmation has raised concern about the outbreak expanding beyond its previously affected areas.

Economist Tyler Cowen has published an essay in The Free Press arguing that the United States needs more African immigrants. He contends African migration would benefit the American economy and help address demographic and labor challenges. The argument lands amid an ongoing and heated US debate over immigration policy, where the case for expanding—rather than restricting—immigration remains contested.

South African social media is buzzing over a roundup of celebrity and political stories, headlined by claims that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula fainted. Other items include reports that Sean 'Diddy' Combs was hospitalised, influencer Cyan Boujee, DJ Shimza, content figure Cruz Afrika, and Rwanda's push to host a Formula 1 race. The mix of politics, celebrity drama and motorsport ambition is driving wide engagement.

DW News examines how the current El Niño weather pattern could affect Africa, looking at shifts in rainfall and temperature that may bring drought to some regions and flooding to others. The report highlights concerns for agriculture, food security and millions of people whose livelihoods depend on seasonal weather, as forecasters warn this El Niño could be significant.

The Pakistani drama serial Hurmat has aired its fifth episode on HUM TV, released with English subtitles. The series stars Dananeer Mobeen and Shahveer Jafry, two of Pakistan's popular young actors, and new episodes are being released weekly. The episode is drawing large audiences, with strong engagement around the show's latest installment.

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, appears on episode 31 of The Motherhood Network podcast to discuss immigration, corruption and the country's future. The interview has drawn large engagement, with audiences reacting to his views on migration policy, governance failures and the political direction of South Africa ahead of ongoing national debates.

Nigeria host Mozambique on October 23 in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier C. The hosts arrive with winning momentum and are seen as favourites, but Mozambique could spring an upset as both sides chase progress toward the global T20 World Cup. Fans and pundits are sharing previews and predictions ahead of the match.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres held a meeting with his Special Representative for the Central African Republic. The UN announced the talks, which concern the world body's work in the country, where its political mission has been supporting peace efforts. No details of the discussion were released in the announcement.

South Africa and Australia are locked in a closely fought Test series, with South African captain Temba Bavuma scoring a century to drag the hosts back into contention. Reports say South Africa seized control as Bavuma provided the heroics, while an earlier match saw a record-breaking quartet of Australian performances put the visitors in full command.

New reporting says Africa's bats may be able to withstand climate change, but only if suitable roosting habitats remain available as conditions shift. Researchers warn that rising temperatures could otherwise leave bat populations stranded, with consequences for ecosystems that depend on them for pollination and insect control. Conservation of habitat is highlighted as the deciding factor.

Nigerian health authorities have confirmed a case of Ebola in the country, with the infection linked to an outbreak in East Africa. The confirmation raises concerns about the disease spreading across borders in the region, and officials are expected to trace contacts and step up screening to contain any further transmission.

Three African wild dogs have reportedly traveled more than 2,500 miles, an extraordinary journey for a species already known for roaming vast distances. The story is drawing attention for what it suggests about how far these endangered predators can move across southern Africa, and the challenges of tracking and protecting animals that cover such huge ranges.

The second Test between South Africa and Australia reached day four, with highlight coverage of the day's play drawing attention from cricket fans worldwide. Sky Sports is carrying highlights of the match as the series continues between the two top cricketing nations.

The head of Africa CDC has called on African countries to strengthen Ebola preparedness following a confirmed case in Nigeria. The appeal comes as health authorities work to trace contacts and prevent further spread of the virus. Officials are stressing early surveillance, rapid response capacity and cross-border coordination to avoid a wider outbreak in the region.

South Africa enforced the follow-on in their Test match against Australia, leaving Australia 170 runs behind at stumps on Day 4. With Australia forced to bat again and the deficit still substantial, the match is heading toward a tense final day, with South Africa in a strong position to press for victory.

The Lutheran World Federation is highlighting faith-based advocacy for women in African contexts, connecting religious commitment with efforts to advance women's rights and dignity. The piece frames the church's role in supporting women facing social and economic challenges across the continent.

The International Monetary Fund has published its October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook Update for Sub-Saharan Africa. The report assesses the region's growth prospects, inflation pressures and fiscal conditions, and is being closely followed by economists, policymakers and investors tracking how African economies are coping with global financial conditions and debt burdens.

Australia is struggling to avoid defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, needing a monumental batting effort to salvage a draw. South Africa are strong favourites to win and level the series. Live coverage by Dean Bilton and Simon Smale is following every twist as the match heads toward a likely conclusion.

The International Federation of Journalists has announced that its Executive Committee will organise a solidarity mission to support journalists in Sudan. The mission aims to back press freedom and provide assistance to media workers affected by the country's ongoing conflict. The announcement was highlighted across African journalism networks.

A presidential adviser has argued that the country's strategy toward Africa must go beyond ceremonial diplomacy, calling for a more substantive approach to relations with the continent. The remarks suggest criticism of current engagement as largely symbolic, with an emphasis on deeper political and economic cooperation instead of protocol-driven visits and events.

Student protesters have filled the streets of Belgrade ahead of Serbia's snap elections, part of a protest movement putting pressure on the government as the vote approaches. The demonstrations draw on months of student-led activism that has grown into one of the largest challenges to authorities in Serbia in recent years.