The African Union on Monday held talks on the Niger crisis as the country’s post-coup rulers showed defiance yet also pointed to diplomacy for a potential solution.But talks at the AU’s headquarters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa coincided with a flare-up over threats by the regime to prosecute Niger’s deposed president.”AU’s Peace & Security …

African Union hosts Niger talks as regime sends mixed signalsMon, 14 Aug 2023 22:14:49 GMT Read More »

An air strike has killed at least 26 people in Ethiopia’s embattled Amhara region, a hospital official and a resident told AFP on Monday, as deadly clashes rock the region.The strike in Finote Selam on Sunday was the most severe since clashes between members of the Ethiopian army and a local militia known as Fano …

Air strike kills at least 26 in Ethiopia’s AmharaMon, 14 Aug 2023 19:07:22 GMT Read More »

Fighting between the forces of Sudan’s rival generals rocked Monday the capital Khartoum and a major city in the western Darfur region, witnesses told AFP, displacing thousands within days.Residents of violence-wracked Nyala, Sudan’s second city and state capital of South Darfur, awoke to “the sound of artillery strikes”, witnesses saidHundreds had on Sunday fled paramilitary …

Darfur residents flee as Sudan battles intensify: witnessesMon, 14 Aug 2023 17:41:44 GMT Read More »

At least five people died Monday and seven others are missing after their Europe-bound migrant boat sank off Tunisia’s coast, a judicial official in the city of Sfax told AFP.Sfax has emerged as a major hub for migrants from Tunisia and other parts of Africa attempting perilous voyages across the Mediterranean, often in rickety boats …

Five dead, seven missing as migrant boat sinks off TunisiaMon, 14 Aug 2023 15:44:35 GMT Read More »

A major city in Sudan’s western Darfur region was rocked Monday by “the sound of artillery strikes” as residents fled violence-wracked Nyala in their dozens, witnesses told AFP.Hundreds has on Sunday fled paramilitary attacks in Nyala, Sudan’s second city and state capital of Darfur South, as fighting intensified in the restive region bordering Chad.Darfur and …

Residents flee Sudan’s Darfur as battles intensify: witnessesMon, 14 Aug 2023 15:27:50 GMT Read More »

Madagascar’s chief of staff and an “associate” have been arrested in Britain on suspicion of seeking a bribe from a British mining company to secure licences to operate in Madagascar.  Romy Andrianarisoa, 46, the top aide to Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, and Philippe Tabuteau, 54, have been charged with bribery offences in Britain following a “fast-paced” …

Madagascan president’s top aide charged with bribery in UKMon, 14 Aug 2023 15:17:59 GMT Read More »

The West African bloc ECOWAS is mulling military intervention to restore Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, after he was detained by members of his guard on July 26.But experts say any such move is freighted with operational and political hazards — from mustering an intervention force to inflicting civilian casualties.These, they say, are the main …

Military intervention in Niger laden with risks: expertsMon, 14 Aug 2023 11:48:38 GMT Read More »

Young and ambitious, the son of Comoros President Azali Assoumani has all the trappings of a leader in waiting.As the ruling party of the small Indian Ocean archipelago gathered to appoint a new secretary general at the weekend, many thought the top job would go to Nour El Fath Azali, 39.Azali himself — currently a …

President’s son seen as Comoros leader in waitingMon, 14 Aug 2023 05:57:52 GMT Read More »

Walvis Bay is renowned for the abundance of its wildlife. Whales bask offshore while flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns all shelter in the tidal lagoon.Look closely of an evening in the dunes, just as the sun is setting, and you may also catch a glimpse of Namibia’s future rugby stars practising their drills. Namibia became independent …

Namibian rugby finds strength in the dunes of Walvis BayMon, 14 Aug 2023 02:10:50 GMT Read More »