Africa: All of Africa Today - October 29, 2026

One year after violent election crackdown in Tanzania, relatives of victims demand justice and compensation for medical expenses. Survivors are enduring injuries and soaring medical bills, with few signs of government support or information. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Tanzanian authorities of failing to hold security forces accountable and intensifying repression against critics, opposition supporters, and journalists.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who secured a 98% victory, has faced accusations of a mockery of democracy given the exclusion of her main challengers. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in trial for treason amid heightened concerns over political freedoms. Human Rights Watch has called for the release of detained Niger journalist Moussa Kaka, who vanished in August 2026.

Authorities have not disclosed his whereabouts or charges, citing growing concerns over political repression under Niger's military junta. In Kenya, the family of Agnes Wanjiru, killed by former British soldier Robert James Purkiss in 2012, condemns the postponement of his extradition hearing, which has been delayed until May 2027.

Wanjiru's body was discovered in a septic tank near a British Army training camp in Kenya. Purkiss denies the allegations and is contesting extradition to Kenya. Tanzania has discovered substantial natural gas reserves, estimated at 223 billion cubic feet, in the Mnazi Bay area, expected to bolster domestic energy supplies. Liberia will assume the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the first time in 65 years, following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's chairing of a high-level debate on maritime security.

WFP Chief Luke Lindberg advocates that ending conflict is crucial to addressing global hunger, which disproportionately affects 266 million people worldwide, with El Niño exacerbating the crisis.