The total number of active Covid-19 cases in Africa has surpassed 7.5 million, with a death toll of 189,307 and 6.6 million recoveries. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, and Ethiopia have the highest case numbers. Southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by northern and eastern Africa, with central Africa being the least affected.

Gauteng Health Department in South Africa recorded over 23,000 teenage pregnancies from April 2020 to March 2021, with 934 girls aged between 10 and 14 years. The Democratic Alliance expressed concerns about the social and health implications, including the risk to mother and child, and the perpetuation of poverty and early school dropout. The department lacks data on the fathers, with some statutory rape cases reported. MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi urged for intensified campaigns to prevent teenage pregnancy.

Nigeria has recorded 1,149 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily count since February 2020, bringing the total to 184,593. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported that Lagos accounted for 393 of these cases. Active cases have risen to 14,619, with 167,738 recoveries and 2,149 deaths. The Delta variant has been detected, raising concerns about a third wave. Nigeria has restricted entry from several countries and used four million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine for its inoculation program. Experts fear the Delta variant could hinder vaccine distribution if wealthier nations require booster shots.

Tensions escalated between the Democratic Republic of Congo and India following the death of Congolese student Joël Malu in the custody of Indian police. In response, a mob in Kinshasa looted and torched Indian businesses and vehicles. The police arrested three protesters and recovered stolen goods. Malu had been detained on drug possession charges and reportedly died of cardiac arrest, which protesters in Bangalore contested, leading to clashes with police and further arrests.

Shell has agreed to pay £95 million to communities in southeastern Nigeria affected by oil spills in the 1970s, following a settlement in the Abuja High Court. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People welcomed the ruling, which they hope will address long-standing injustices. Shell maintains that the spills were caused by third parties during Nigeria's civil war. This settlement follows a history of legal challenges and previous compensations by Shell for environmental damage in the region.

Hajiya Hadiza Shehu Shagari, the widow of Nigeria's former President Shehu Shagari, passed away at the age of 80 due to COVID-19 complications at a hospital in Abuja. Her death was confirmed by her family, and she will be buried on the same day. Shehu Shagari was Nigeria's first democratically elected president in 1979, and his regime followed decades of military rule. Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, with Muhammadu Buhari becoming president in 2015.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced that roads will be named after all athletes who won medals in the Tokyo Olympics, including Faryal Ashraf, Ahmed Al-Jundi, Saif Issa, Hedaya Malak, Muhammad Ibrahim, and Gianna Farouk. This initiative aims to honor their relentless efforts and achievements in raising the Egyptian flag higher.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni awarded athletes with luxurious vehicles, houses, and monthly stipends for their successful performance at the Tokyo Olympics. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists will receive monthly salaries of $1,415, $845, and $280 respectively. Gold medalists will also receive a house for themselves and their parents. Three medalists, Joshua Cheptegei, Peruth Chemutai, and Jacob Kiplimo, were gifted brand new Mitsubishi vehicles. The athletes were celebrated upon their return to Uganda.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni awarded luxurious vehicles, houses, and monthly stipends to athletes who won medals at the Tokyo Olympics. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists will receive monthly salaries of $1,415, $845, and $280, respectively. Museveni also promised to build houses for Gold medalists and their parents. The athletes, including Joshua Cheptegei, Stella Chesang, Peruth Chemutai, and Jacob Kiplimo, received a hero's welcome upon their return.

Nigeria plans to execute over 3,008 convicts, urging state governors to sign death warrants and build holding centers to decongest prisons. Despite the directive, all 36 regional governors have refused, leading to accusations from the federal government of obstructing justice. Human rights groups, including CAPIO, criticize the move as a violation of human rights and the African Union's moratorium on executions. The last executions in Nigeria occurred in 2013 in Edo state.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to testify against former President Jacob Zuma in the ongoing state capture case. Ramaphosa will provide evidence in his capacities as both the current and former Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) and the country. This marks his second appearance before the commission, following his initial testimony in April. Zuma faces multiple charges related to corruption and fraud, including allegations of taking bribes from French defense firm Thales. The unrest in South Africa, which began after Zuma's imprisonment for contempt of court, has led to significant violence and looting, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.

Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto was barred from traveling to Uganda by immigration officials, who insisted he needed clearance from President Uhuru Kenyatta. Ruto, accompanied by three MPs and Turkish businessman Harun Aydin, linked the move to political humiliation by his foes. The incident highlights the souring relationship between Ruto and Kenyatta, with the latter allegedly backing opposition leader Raila Odinga for the upcoming national election. Ruto criticized the decision, framing it as an elitist move against him.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa's name was allegedly used in a fraudulent mining chemical deal, resulting in a Harare man losing US$488,000. The accused, Eustine Charambira, claimed the deal involved Mnangagwa and unnamed army generals. Charambira, who has previous fraud convictions, allegedly deceived the complainant, Erasmus Chimbumu, into sending money to various accounts under false pretenses. The case is under investigation by the Borrowdale Police Station.

Nigeria's decision to ban Twitter has resulted in a $243 million loss over 51 days, impacting the country's revenue and media operations. The ban, condemned by the United Nations and rights groups, is seen as a threat to freedom of expression. The Nigerian government defends the ban, citing national stability concerns. Media outlets like News Central and Arise News have experienced significant setbacks due to the ban, affecting their viewer engagement and growth. Despite the ban, Twitter remains a crucial platform for young Nigerians and activists.

The article lists the top 10 strongest African currencies compared to the US dollar, with the Libyan Dinar being the strongest. Despite conflicts and economic struggles, countries like Libya and Tunisia have maintained strong currency positions. The Ghanaian Cedi is the strongest in sub-Saharan Africa, while other countries like Morocco and Botswana have strong currencies due to their economic and political structures. Zambia's currency is influenced by copper prices, Seychelles benefits from luxury tourism and strict monetary policy, and South Africa's Rand is backed by gold production. Eritrea and Egypt have implemented measures to protect and stabilize their currencies.

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the pro-Biafran independence movement, has been postponed to October 21 due to his absence in court. Kanu, who was arrested abroad after four years on the run, faces charges including terrorism and treason. His lawyer cited the authorities' failure to present him in court as the reason for the adjournment. The trial's delay comes amid ongoing unrest in southeastern Nigeria, where calls for secession persist. Another activist, Sunday Igboho, was also recently arrested in Benin, highlighting the broader regional tensions and challenges facing Nigeria.

Rwanda has been implicated in wiretapping the phones of top Ugandan officials using Israeli-made spyware Pegasus, according to a report by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). The espionage targeted high-ranking political and military figures, exacerbating already strained relations between Rwanda and Uganda. The report highlights the capabilities of Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, to infiltrate devices and access encrypted communications. The diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and its neighbors, including Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are underscored by these revelations.

FIFA's independent ethics committee has banned Constant Omari, former interim president of DR Congo's Confederation of African Football (CAF), from all football-related activities for 12 months. This decision follows an investigation into a 2016 television contract between CAF and Lagardère Sports, which resulted in significant financial losses for CAF. Omari, who was vice-president of CAF at the time, was found to have been involved in detrimental contractual arrangements. He resigned as president of Fecofa last week and was previously banned from standing for re-election to the FIFA Council due to the ongoing investigation.

Evelyn Joshua, the wife of the late Nigerian pastor TB Joshua, is set to become the head of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) following the church elders' declaration. Married to TB Joshua for 31 years with three children, Evelyn has been involved in the church, providing counseling to followers. TB Joshua, who passed away on June 5, 2021, was a controversial figure with a net worth estimated at $10 million and was known for his 'miracle powers' that attracted large crowds and criticism alike. He will be buried at his church in Ikotun, Lagos state.

Ghana aims to plant over 5 million trees to preserve its forest cover and environment, marking Green Ghana Day led by President Nana Akufo. Seedlings were distributed across 16 regions for planting by individuals and organizations. Lands Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor highlighted the focus on economic trees and addressed the 80% depletion of forest areas since 1900. The initiative targets mostly degraded land.

Kenya lifted a ban on direct flights from Somalia, ending a month-long suspension of air travel between the two countries. The decision follows intercessions and aims to reopen Kenya's airspace to flights from Somalia. Diplomatic relations between Kenya and Somalia have been strained, with Somalia accusing Kenya of interfering in its internal affairs and supporting Jubbaland state governor Ahmed Madobe, a rival of President Farmajo. Additionally, the two nations are engaged in a maritime boundary dispute currently before the International Court of Justice.

Tsitsi Dangarembga, a celebrated Zimbabwean novelist, has been awarded the PEN Pinter Prize 2021. She is recognized for her 'unflinching, unswerving' gaze upon Zimbabwe and its society, resonating with a global audience. Dangarembga's notable works include her debut novel 'Nervous Conditions' and the film script 'Neria'. She will deliver a keynote address at the award ceremony hosted by the British Library and English PEN. Dangarembga has also been involved in activism, facing arrest for participating in a silent protest demanding reform in Zimbabwe.

Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo is scheduled to return to Abidjan on June 17 via a Brussels Airlines flight, after a decade-long absence following his acquittal of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. His return is seen as a symbol of reconciliation in Côte d'Ivoire. The government, led by President Alassane Ouattara, has authorized his return and is working to ensure a peaceful and orderly welcome, amidst concerns of potential unrest from his supporters. Gbagbo's homecoming is portrayed as the beginning of a new phase for the country's future, emphasizing reconciliation, peace, and reconstruction.

A French court sentenced Damien Tarel to 18 months in prison, with 14 months suspended, for slapping President Emmanuel Macron. Tarel, who has been in custody since the incident, will serve 4 months in prison. The prosecution condemned the slap as deliberate violence. Tarel, who sympathizes with anti-government 'yellow vest' protesters and leans towards right/far-right views, has no party affiliation. Macron dismissed the assault as an isolated event and vowed to continue meeting voters. Political leaders united in condemning the incident, viewing it as a symptom of the tense political climate ahead of regional and presidential elections.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump praised Nigeria for blocking Twitter and urged other countries to do the same, criticizing social media platforms for restricting free speech. Nigeria's government suspended Twitter after the platform deleted a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari, which was deemed abusive. The suspension has affected millions of Nigerians, with the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria complying with the directive. Trump also hinted at the need for a competitive social media platform and reflected on his interactions with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg.

An explosion at Ala-Futow village in southern Somalia killed more than 61 Al-Shabaab militants, including six foreign nationals and bomb experts. The incident occurred 285 kilometers from Mogadishu, with the Somali National Army conducting a subsequent operation to destroy Al-Shabaab equipment. The group, which emerged from the Islamic Courts Union, has lost many strongholds since 2011 but still controls rural areas and retains an urban presence.

Tanzania's Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Ndugai, has issued a stern warning to MPs against introducing illegitimate spouses in the assembly following numerous public complaints. The warning follows an incident involving a female MP from the Arusha region who caused a disturbance at a married man's burial, leading to public criticism and a statement from the ruling party, Chama Cha Maendeleo (CCM), condemning the incident and promising moral action.

A petition with over 20,000 signatures has been initiated by Change Tanzania to disqualify Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz from the BET Awards due to his alleged support for the autocratic regime of the late president John Pombe Magufuli and his close ties with Paul Makonda, a former governor accused of human rights violations. The NGO criticizes Diamond for not speaking out against the atrocities committed during Magufuli's rule and for remaining silent when fellow artists were targeted.

The children of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe have appealed a ruling by Chief Zvimba to exhume Mugabe's remains and rebury them at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. The family argues that the chief lacks jurisdiction over the matter. Mugabe's widow, Grace, was accused of breaking local customs by burying him in their rural home. The tribunal court ordered her to pay a fine. Some family members suspect President Emmerson Mnangagwa's involvement in the exhumation decision.

Tanzania is preparing for Covid-19 vaccination following a report by health experts to President Samia Suluhu. The report, led by Prof Said Aboud, recommends voluntary vaccination and resumption of pandemic statistics. The government plans to mobilize resources for medical equipment, training, and vaccines. This shift marks a departure from former President John Magufuli's stance, who downplayed the pandemic and relied on prayers and herbal remedies. Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi has also expressed readiness to receive vaccination support from WHO.

June marks 40 years since the first AIDS cases were documented. Despite significant advancements in HIV treatment, a vaccine remains elusive, with Africa bearing the highest burden of the disease. Efforts to develop a vaccine have faced numerous challenges, including the virus's rapid mutation and integration into host DNA. Johnson & Johnson is conducting trials for its HIV vaccine candidate, with results expected soon. Other promising approaches include mRNA vaccines and the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies. The United Nations aims to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 through increased diagnosis and treatment.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni announced a new lockdown to curb the rising Covid-19 cases, including the closure of schools, suspension of non-essential travel between districts, and a ban on mass gatherings. The restrictions, effective from June 7, 2021, will last for 42 days and include a curfew, limited public transport, and the closure of bars and discos. The country has seen a significant increase in severe Covid-19 cases, with health facilities reaching capacity. Vaccination rates remain low, with only a small fraction of the population fully vaccinated.

Nigerian televangelist Temitope Balogun Joshua, known as T.B. Joshua, died at 57 on June 6, 2021. His death was announced by his church, The Synagogue Church of All Nations, and confirmed by Lagos Police Commissioner Hakeem Odumosu. Joshua was known for his prophecies, healing claims, and philanthropic efforts. His death has led to an outpouring of grief from followers and notable figures, including Nigerian President Buhari, who praised his spiritual and philanthropic contributions.

Senegal has secured the patent right to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines starting next year, following a deal with Belgian biotech group Univercells. This move places Senegal alongside Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa as African nations producing the vaccines. Univercells will transfer its production line to Senegal in mid-2022, with the aim of hiring locals and distributing the vaccines within the West African region.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the 2022 African Cup of Nations Draw, originally scheduled for 25 June 2021, due to logistical challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. A new date will be announced later. The postponement was requested by the Cameroon Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and agreed upon by CAF. The tournament is set to take place in Cameroon, with 31 countries already qualified and one spot remaining to be decided between Benin and Sierra Leone.

Refugees in East Africa, particularly from South Sudan and DR Congo, are benefiting from satellite connectivity installed by UNHCR and Avanti Communications. This initiative, which also includes the provision of laptops and tablets, aims to improve refugees' standards of living by enabling access to job advertisements and grant opportunities online. The project promotes self-reliance among refugees and eases pressure on host countries like Uganda, which hosts over 1.4 million refugees. The partnership was first announced at the UN Global Refugee Forum in December 2019, and the completion of installations at six sites fulfills Avanti's pledge to support UNHCR.

Since March 2020, 32 parliamentarians in the Democratic Republic of Congo have died from Covid-19, with the National Assembly's first vice president, Jean-Marc Kabund, confirming the deaths. The country is experiencing a rise in infection rates, with 107 new cases recently reported, predominantly in the capital, Kinshasa, which is the epicenter of the epidemic. Despite the ongoing vaccination campaign, skepticism and hostility towards the vaccine persist among the Congolese, fueled by social media rumors. Consequently, the DRC has redistributed 1.3 million of its 1.7 million AstraZeneca doses received through the UN Covax system to neighboring countries, retaining 384,000 doses and receiving an additional 50,000 from India.

Mali's military leader Assimi Goita has ousted transitional President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, accusing them of sabotaging the transition to civilian rule. This move follows a government reshuffle that excluded key junta supporters, raising concerns about the country's ability to hold elections as planned in 2022. The international community, including the African Union, United Nations, and ECOWAS, has condemned the detentions and called for the leaders' immediate release. The situation has heightened fears of further instability in Mali, which is already grappling with jihadist violence and social unrest.

Paul Onuachu was awarded best player in the Jupiler Pro League with KRC Genk and won the Golden Boot award after scoring 35 goals in 41 games. His performance helped Genk secure second place and a spot in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League. Liverpool, RB Leipzig, and Sevilla are interested in signing him. Zambian international Pastson Daka was named the best player in the Austrian division for his performance with the Red Bulls, scoring 27 goals in 27 appearances.

By 2050, Africa's population is expected to exceed 2.5 billion, with the middle class growing to 1.1 billion, signaling potential economic growth and a real estate boom. Africanews interviewed Bronwyn Knight, CEO of Grit Real Estate Income Group, a top real estate firm listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. Knight discussed the company's diverse real estate offerings across eight African countries and how they aim to support Africa's growth. Despite the pandemic's impact, Knight sees resilient asset classes and significant growth opportunities in emerging markets. Grit Real Estate Income Group also educates pension funds on alternative investments in real estate as a lead sponsor of the Pension Funds & Alternative Investments Africa conference.

Several African leaders, including Presidents Kagame, Buhari, Dennis Sassou N’guesso, Tshisekedi, and Ramaphosa, gathered in Paris for the Africa Finance Summit. The summit, aimed at addressing post-pandemic economic recovery, follows President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of canceling Sudan's $5 billion French debt. The International Monetary Fund has warned of a $290 billion financial gap for Africa up to 2023. The summit seeks to bolster Africa's economic resilience amid ongoing global economic challenges.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is set to meet former French army officers who served in Rwanda during the early 1990s, a period marked by the genocide against the Tutsis. This meeting follows a report by French historian Vincent Duclert, which links France to the genocide but finds no evidence of complicity. The report, commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to clarify France's role during the genocide. Kagame is currently in France for summits on Sudan and African economic financing.

The African Union's committee on Chad will resume its postponed meeting on Friday to discuss measures regarding the Chadian Transitional Military Council (TMC) led by Mahamat Idriss Déby. The opposition group Wakit Tama, which has organized deadly protests calling for the interim government's resignation, plans new demonstrations on May 19. The Chadian interim government, represented by Minister of Communication Abderaman Koulamallah, downplays the protests, asserting the transitional process's legitimacy and the police's legal right to maintain order. Other opposition groups are expected to join the movement to increase pressure on the military junta.

The African National Congress (ANC) has given its Secretary-General Ace Magashule 30 days to leave the party or face expulsion due to corruption charges. Magashule, a close ally of former President Jacob Zuma, faces 21 charges of fraud and corruption related to his tenure as Free State Premier. The ANC plans further meetings to address Magashule's case and other members facing expulsion. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the party's failure to address state graft under Zuma, admitting that corruption had eroded constitutional values and undermined the rule of law.

Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania's president, has been elected as the head of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Suluhu, the first woman to hold both the presidency and the party leadership, has pledged to defend democracy, fundamental freedoms, and attract foreign investment. She has also committed to a science-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting with Magufuli's approach.

The draw for the 2020-21 Total CAF Confederation Cup was conducted in Cairo, Egypt, revealing key quarterfinal matchups. Current champions Al Ahly will face Mamelodi Sundowns, with coach Pitso Mosimane set to face his former club. Simba United, leading Group A, will meet Kaizer Chiefs. Other fixtures include MC Alger vs Wydad Athletic Club and CR Belouizdad vs Esperance de Tunis. The first leg of the quarterfinals is scheduled for May 14-15, with the second leg on May 21-22.

The Communication Authority of Kenya has suspended Mount Kenya TV for four weeks due to airing explicit content during children's programming. The station acknowledged the violation, attributing it to a content mix-up. The authority fined the station $4,600 and mandated special training for its journalists. The station apologized and committed to reviewing its editorial policy to comply with child protection laws.

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu has pardoned 5,001 prisoners as part of the country's Union Day celebrations. A total of 1,516 prisoners were released after having a quarter of their sentences reduced, while 3,485 inmates had their sentences reduced but will continue to serve time. The pardoning is an annual event commemorating the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar on April 26, 1964. The President urged the released prisoners to contribute to nation-building and adhere to national laws.

Kiliavo Fresh, an avocado firm in Kenya's largest game park, lost its bid to renew its license after the Kenya National Environmental Tribunal suspended it due to concerns of interference with wildlife. The farm, which covers 180 acres near Amboseli National Park, was said to obstruct migration routes for elephants. Despite claims by the owners that their farm does not affect key corridors, environmentalists argue that large-scale agriculture is unsustainable in the arid region, especially with the water-intensive nature of avocado farming posing a threat to the ecosystem.

Martha Koome is set to become Kenya's first female Chief Justice after being selected as the top candidate by Kenya's Judicial Service Commission. Her nomination follows a rigorous process and is pending approval by President Uhuru Kenyatta and vetting by parliament. Koome, known for her defense of women and children's rights, holds a Master of Laws and has been a High Court judge since 2003. The vacancy arose after former Chief Justice David Maraga's tenure ended, a period notable for the nullification of Kenya's 2017 presidential election.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, announced that Kenya will not close the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps but is seeking long-term solutions. Kenya's government aims to develop a future strategy while continuing to provide hospitality. The Kenyan high court had previously suspended the government's plan to shut down the camps, which host hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia and South Sudan. The government's demand to the UN refugee agency is perceived as a response to Somalia's maritime border dispute case at the International Court of Justice.

A candidate malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, developed by Oxford University, has shown an unprecedented 77% efficacy in trials conducted in Africa, raising hopes for a breakthrough in combating the disease. The vaccine, which meets the World Health Organisation's 75% efficacy target, is expected to be approved within two years. The final phase of clinical trials has begun, involving 4,800 children across four African countries. The vaccine can be produced on a large scale and at a lower cost, with a partnership formed with the Serum Institute in India to manufacture at least 200 million doses annually. Another vaccine by GSK, already administered to 650,000 children in Malawi, Ghana, and Kenya, has shown lower efficacy.

Kenya's police crackdown on curfew violators has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Barricades were set up on major roads to enforce the 8 pm curfew, causing significant traffic delays. The new restrictions, announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta, include a ban on inland travel in Nairobi and four other counties, and stricter curfew hours. The measures, aimed at curbing the rise in COVID-19 cases, have been met with displeasure from many Kenyans due to their impact on daily life and the economy.

Ghanaian actress Rosemond Brown, also known as Akuapem Poloo, was granted bail by an Accra court pending an appeal after being convicted for posting nude photos with her son on social media. She was sentenced to 90 days in jail for publishing obscene materials, domestic violence, and undermining another person's privacy and integrity. The judge stated the verdict should deter similar behavior on social media. The photo, shared in 2020, sparked mixed reactions, including from American singer Cardi B.