Today in Africa: EU bans Sudan gold imports, Botswana same-sex marriage case

NEWS

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don’t have to. On July 14, coverage includes: the European Union’s move to cut a key source of funding for Sudan’s war as hunger deepens across the country; a closely watched High Court case that could make Botswana the second African nation to recognize same-sex marriage; and more.

Sudanese men pan for gold at the village of al-Abidiya in northern Sudan.

by Ashraf/AFP via Getty Images

Standing intro blurb: Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

EU Bans Sudan Gold Imports to Cut Off War Funding

The European Union has banned the purchase, import, and transfer of gold from Sudan, saying the trade has become a major source of funding for the country’s civil war. The bloc also banned exports of mercury and cyanide used in gold mining, as aid agencies warn Sudan’s worsening conflict, shrinking humanitarian funding, and rising farming costs are pushing millions closer to hunger.

Sudan’s Growing Crisis

Sudan is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, with both the army and the Rapid Support Forces controlling major mining areas.
The EU says the new restrictions are meant to reduce resources available to those fueling the war, though experts say broader enforcement is needed to curb illicit gold exports.
The World Food Programme says nearly 19.5 million people face acute food insecurity, with more than 100,000 still living in famine-like conditions.
The WFP has reduced the number of people it assists from 5 million to about 3.5 million because of a $646 million funding gap.
Rising diesel prices, fertilizer shortages, and the closure of a key border crossing from Chad into Darfur are adding pressure to Sudan’s food supply.

Botswana High Court Hears Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Challenge

Botswana’s High Court has begun hearing a landmark case that could make the country the second in Africa, after South Africa, to recognize same-sex marriage. A lesbian couple, Bonolo Selelo and Tsholofelo Kumile, is challenging the constitutionality of the country’s Marriage Act after officials refused to register their marriage, arguing they should have the same legal rights and recognition as heterosexual couples. The case was heard today, Tuesday, July 14, and continues tomorrow, July 15.

What’s at Stake

The case argues that the Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it recognizes only marriages between a “bride” and a “bridegroom.”
Church and cultural groups have asked the court to reject the challenge, saying same-sex marriage conflicts with Botswana’s customs and Christian beliefs.
Botswana decriminalized homosexuality in 2019, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021, and removed the old criminal provisions from its laws earlier this year.
Officials reportedly advised the couple to marry in South Africa after the couple refused to register their union in Botswana.
While several African countries have decriminalized same-sex relationships in recent years, South Africa remains the continent’s only country that recognizes same-sex marriage.

U.S. Restricts Travelers From DR Congo as Ebola Outbreak Grows

The Trump administration has barred U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo from flying directly to the United States on commercial flights as the country’s Ebola outbreak continues to spread. Under the new rules, Americans in the DR Congo or those who have recently left must spend at least 21 days in a third country before traveling to the U.S., as the World Health Organization warns that the outbreak is expanding faster than available funding can keep pace.

Ebola Response Under Pressure

The WHO has received only about 40% of the $115 million it says is needed to respond to the outbreak.
WHO officials say the true number of Ebola infections could be at least double, and possibly more than four times, the official count.
The outbreak has spread to two additional provinces, prompting calls for stronger case detection and patient isolation.
A U.S. humanitarian worker recently tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, and two infected Americans have been transferred to Germany for treatment.
The Bundibugyo strain has no proven treatment or approved vaccine.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Saudi Arabia Grants Royal Amnesty to Nearly 2,000 Ethiopians

Saudi Arabia has granted royal amnesty to 1,971 Ethiopian nationals after diplomatic efforts by Ethiopia, offering relief to many families as concerns grow over the treatment of Ethiopian prisoners in the kingdom. The announcement comes as rights groups say dozens of Ethiopians remain on death row and continue to raise concerns about executions and access to fair trials.

Kenya Extends Fuel Tax Cut as Global Oil Risks Persist

Kenya has extended its reduced VAT rate on petroleum products from 8% for another three months, through mid-October, to help shield households and businesses from volatile global oil prices. The government will also spend 945 million Kenyan shillings ($7.31 million) on fuel subsidies for the current pricing cycle and says supplies remain stable despite renewed tensions involving the U.S. and Iran.

African Shoppers Turn to Package Forwarders to Access Global Retailers

Package-forwarding companies are helping more African shoppers buy from global retailers like Amazon and Walmart despite the lack of local stores, formal street addresses, and widespread access to bank cards. Companies such as Senegal’s Afrety and logistics giant Aramex use overseas warehouses, mobile money, and GPS-based delivery to connect customers with international brands, though online shopping remains concentrated in wealthier urban areas.

South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation Suspends CEO

South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation has suspended CEO Patrick Dlamini after receiving a whistleblower complaint alleging impropriety. The state-owned asset manager said the move is precautionary and not a finding of wrongdoing, giving Dlamini time to respond to the allegations.

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