Africa StreaM

Almost all of the tens of thousands of migrants who entered Spain’s enclave of Ceuta had left by Saturday, according to officials. An estimated 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco over just a few days, with at least 67 people losing their lives in the attempt. Spain has announced plans to install a 500-metre-long containment barrier along the sea border, while a majority of EU countries have called for emergency talks in an open letter to the bloc’s interior ministers. Aida Alami, Reporter and New York Times World contributor, gives further insights.

After a day of deadly chaos in Spain’s tiny North African enclave of Ceuta, calm has returned for now. Of the 60,000 migrants who stormed into the territory, around 45,000 returned to neighbouring Morocco within hours. Authorities ordered people to turn around and go back, warning they could otherwise face eventual expulsion. There were fears the massive surge could trigger a humanitarian crisis. Spain is a major entry point into Europe for migrants seeking a better life, and many hoped that reaching Ceuta would help them make their way to mainland Europe. Nick Rushworth has more.

Spanish officials said more than 48,000 migrants had returned, after around 50,000 people crossed the border between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta by sea. Meanwhile, France and Italy bolstered border controls on Saturday, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announcing the suspension of Schengen free movement between Spain and Italy. According to Judith Sunderland, Senior Associate Director at Human Rights Watch, the return of many of those who reached Ceuta was chaotic, and the exact figures remain unclear. She says the borders are heavily fortified, making them extremely difficult and dangerous to cross, with 57 people reported to have died during the crisis. And while Ceuta is part of Spain and the Schengen free movement area, special rules apply to the enclave, making it difficult for migrants to travel onwards from there.

The massive influx of people was equivalent to around 70% of Ceuta’s resident population. As the first reports of migrants reaching the Spanish enclave spread, more people headed north in the hope of reaching EU territory. It remains unclear what triggered the influx, but social media was awash with posts encouraging people to enter Ceuta in the days before the chaos began. Clémence Waller has more.

In tonight's edition: Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye is in hospital after collapsing in court, raising fresh concerns over the treatment of political opponents. Also, Ghana proposes sweeping constitutional reforms that could reshape its political landscape. Meanwhile, Benin steps up its campaign to recover looted cultural treasures and colonial archives from France.

At least 34 people have died attempting to reach the Spanish exclave of Ceuta from Morocco, according to Spanish authorities. Officials are pushing for a national emergency to be declared as around 60,000 migrants crossed into the territory via land and sea over the past 24 hours. Over 37,500 have since gone back. It is yet unclear what triggered the influx, although Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has blamed criminal networks.

In Tunisia, after weeks of extended power cuts, the effects are serious. Between 150 and 200 died in the heatwave, according to the Order of Young Doctors, and businesses took severe hits after their goods spoiled. Authorities have announced that power is returning to normal as temperatures go back down this week. This crisis has highlighted Tunisia’s fragile dependence on energy as climate change sees regularly higher temperatures. FRANCE 24's Lilia Blaise and Hamdi Tlili report.

The lengthy absence of Cameroon's long-serving President Paul Biya, who has been in Switzerland since early June, has reignited debate about government inaction, in a country where many crave change. Biya has made frequent trips to Geneva over the years and has faced waves of speculation and rumours regarding his health. FRANCE 24's Indira Ayuk tells us more from Yaoundé.

In tonight's edition: The new South African Netflix drama "The Polygamist" is winning over global audiences; we speak to its lead screenwriter. But first: Cameroon's President Paul Biya has not been seen in public for more than 50 days, his longest absence from public view. Also, the impact of weeks of power cuts in Tunisia is coming into sharp focus, with hundreds believed to have died during a recent heatwave.

In tonight's edition: DR Congo's constitutional court approves a referendum law that critics say could open the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office. Also, as the El Niño weather pattern looms, millions across Africa could face worsening droughts and floods. Plus a new survey suggests Africa's youth are becoming more pragmatic in how they view global powers.

In Madagascar, the capital remains shaken. Since the end of June, a wave of disappearances and kidnappings has hit Antananarivo, affecting mostly children and teenagers. Last Friday, the country observed a national day of mourning for the victims. The government has announced the creation of an anti-kidnapping task force, as reports continue to come in. FRANCE 24's Aurélie Kouman met with police officers and victims' families.

Chad announced that it is withdrawing from the Rome Statute and, therefore, from the International Criminal Court, as several other countries in the Sahel region have done. In an official statement, Chad’s government criticised the ICC’s alleged partiality, arguing that most of its investigations have concerned the African continent.

Khalida Boufedeche, a trained allergist who represents the Algerian capital Algiers, was elected as the country's first-ever woman parliament speaker Wednesday. Boufedeche is a member of the ruling National Liberation Front's central committee – and now the fourth highest-ranking official in the country.

In tonight's edition: Chad is pulling out of the International Criminal Court, accusing it of bias against Africa. Also, in Madagascar, nearly 200 people have been reported missing this year. Finally, centuries-old medinas in the Comoros have gained UNESCO World Heritage status.

Chad officially launched its third General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-3) at the end of June, the country's first nationwide census since 2009. On the ground, however, logistical challenges are already emerging. In some remote areas, difficult access is preventing census teams from reaching every household, prompting some residents to travel to nearby towns in order to be counted. Many also hope to use the opportunity to draw the government's attention to shortcomings in public services. Our report from Massaguet, in western Chad.

After two days of fierce battles against the RSF, the Sudanese army says it has gained control of the Al Sadarat highway, a key military supply route, and effectively blocked the siege of El Obeid. In response, the RSF has increased their drone strikes on El Obeid, whilst hundreds of thousands of people are still stuck in the city.

In tonight's edition: Sudan's army says it has broken the siege of El-Obeid after regaining control of a key supply route following intense fighting with RSF paramilitaries. Also, Chad is carrying out its first national census in nearly two decades. Plus the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations is now underway, with early matches already delivering excitement and surprises.

Thando Sibiya, Sports Presenter and Journalist, is our guest.

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday with qualification for the World Cup and a record two-million-dollar first prize on the line. A record 16-nation line-up -- up from 12 at the previous edition -- will compete with 10-time title-holders and defending champions Nigeria the team to beat.