Africa: All of Africa Today - August 17, 2026

Over 100 migrants were detained near the Ceuta border in Morocco on August 17, 2026, amid fears of another mass crossing. At least 111 people, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, were apprehended around Fnideq, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds. This incident follows a previous influx of roughly 78,000 migrants arriving by sea in just hours, with 100 deaths reported.

Morocco and Spain have bolstered security forces, drones, boats, and barriers in response. The death toll from the Lake Kariba boat disaster in Zimbabwe has risen to 80 after eight additional bodies were recovered, with at least 67 survivors. The tragedy has been declared a national disaster by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and an investigation will examine various factors contributing to this one of Zimbabwe's deadliest boating accidents.

In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Ebola outbreak is escalating, with the virus killing approximately one person every 30 minutes and causing 2,184 deaths. Over 4,660 cases have been reported across six provinces, predominantly in Ituri. Uganda has reported 20 cases. The UN has allocated an extra $30.5 million for the response, emphasizing the need for expanded treatment, contact tracing, and safe burials, as conflict and severe food insecurity hinder efforts.

Ghana is taking a leading role in the global push for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, advocating for apologies, debt relief, compensation, and investment in affected African communities. The country led a UN resolution recognizing slavery as the greatest crime against humanity and hosted a reparations summit attended by representatives from about 80 countries.

Ghana's government aims to use reparations to support education, entrepreneurship, research, and debt relief, though the debate acknowledges African involvement in the slave trade and the Ga Mantse apologized for his ancestors' role. However, the debate also highlights concerns about commercialization and rising costs in Ghana's heritage tourism initiatives, raising questions about the balance between healing and authentic reparatory justice.