Across the African continent, October closes on a tense note — marked by protests, political unrest, and international scrutiny. From Tanzania’s post-election bloodshed to Cameroon’s disputed leadership and Sudan’s mounting atrocities, the continent faces a turbulent weekend.
Tanzania: Opposition Alleges 700 Dead in Post-Election Crackdown
The Tanzanian opposition party Chadema claims nearly 700 people have been killed amid violent protests following disputed election results. Opposition spokesman John Kitoka accused authorities of conducting overnight raids during curfew hours, with most casualties in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.
Foreign journalists remain banned, and internet blackouts continue as President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces mounting pressure to restore calm.
Sudan: RSF Arrests Fighter Over El Fasher Atrocities
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) say they have detained a fighter, Abu Lulu, after footage surfaced showing mass executions in El Fasher, recently seized after a 500-day siege.
The UN has reported “credible evidence” of war crimes as over 36,000 civilians flee the area. Analysts warn that the conflict, which has claimed 40,000 lives since 2023, may push Sudan closer to fragmentation.
Cameroon: Opposition Leader Claims Army Support
Cameroon’s opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary has gone into hiding under military protection after rejecting President Paul Biya’s reelection. Biya, 92, extended his 43-year rule following a contested vote. Tchiroma has called for a three-day national shutdown in protest, while reports suggest cracks within the military establishment.
Western Sahara: UN Vote Sparks Sahrawi Protests
Protests have erupted in Tindouf, Algeria, against a U.S.-backed UN autonomy plan granting Morocco sovereignty over Western Sahara. Sahrawi demonstrators reject the proposal as “unfair,” reigniting decades-long tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on the measure later today.
US Refugee Policy: Trump Limits Admissions, Prioritizes White South Africans
The Trump administration has announced a drastic cut to the 2026 U.S. refugee cap — down to 7,500, the lowest in history. The decision prioritizes white South African farmers, sparking outrage from global human rights organizations. South Africa’s government condemned the move as racially biased and “politically motivated.”
Guinea-Bissau: Coup Plot Thwarted Ahead of Elections
Authorities in Bissau have arrested several top-ranking military officers accused of plotting a coup ahead of the November 23 elections. Those detained include General Dahaba Na Walna and two commanders. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, already facing past coup attempts, confirmed he will seek reelection.
Independent Media Group Suspended
The Tunisian government has suspended the independent media outlet Nawaat for one month, citing “financial irregularities.” Critics argue it’s part of a broader assault on free speech under President Kais Saied, reversing democratic gains since the 2011 revolution.
Health: WHO Confirms Mpox Spread in 17 African Nations
The World Health Organization reports 2,862 new mpox cases and 17 deaths across 17 African countries between mid-September and late October. The virus continues to spread through close contact, prompting renewed public health warnings across the continent.
Summary
From political turmoil in Tanzania and Cameroon to global outrage over U.S. refugee policies, October 31 paints a portrait of an Africa in flux — resilient, restless, and demanding justice.