AFP Africa

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 »

Niger’s military regime vowed late Sunday to prosecute ousted president Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and slammed West African leaders for imposing sanctions on the country.The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Niger in response to the coup and has not ruled out using force against the army officers who toppled …

Niger generals vow to prosecute ousted president for ‘high treason’Mon, 14 Aug 2023 02:09:55 GMT Read More »

The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali on Sunday said it had brought forward its withdrawal from a base in the north of the country due to deteriorating security conditions.During the operation, three of its soldiers were wounded when they came under fire, the force added a few hours later.The MINUSMA force’s departure from Ber comes …

UN force in Mali quits base early over insecuritySun, 13 Aug 2023 22:33:16 GMT Read More »

The leader of Niger’s military regime is ready to consider a diplomatic solution to its stand-off with West African bloc ECOWAS, the head of a religious delegation of mediators said Sunday.The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has not ruled out using force against the army officers who toppled Niger’s elected leader Mohamed Bazoum …

Niger regime leader ‘open to explore diplomacy’: mediatorsSun, 13 Aug 2023 20:14:22 GMT Read More »

Temperatures in Morocco have for the first time on record topped 50 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit), the North African country’s meteorological service said Sunday amid a scorching heatwave.The meteorological station in the southern coastal city of Agadir recorded on Friday the new national record of 50.4C, said the General Directorate of Meteorology.Morocco has experienced a …

Morocco breaks heat recordSun, 13 Aug 2023 16:30:29 GMT Read More »

“Crossing the Channel, it’s playing with our lives,” Hajji Mahmud acknowledged.But despite the dangers, the Afghan migrant remained determined to attempt the crossing, even after the deaths of at least six of his countrymen early Saturday when their vessel sank.In the makeshift camp at Loon-Plage on the north coast of France, some 15 tents were …

Migrants on France’s Channel coast undeterred by latest deathsSun, 13 Aug 2023 08:00:45 GMT Read More »

Sudan’s war has left university lecturer Ali Seif without pay for months. To make ends meet, he has turned to making soap in his room at a makeshift displacement camp.Out of work as fighting rages between the forces of rival generals, many Sudanese have been forced to find creative ways to support themselves and their …

Sudanese start small businesses to survive warSun, 13 Aug 2023 03:00:55 GMT Read More »

Niger’s detained president was seen by his doctor on Saturday, his entourage said amid mounting concern for his condition, while Nigerian religious leaders met the officers who seized power last month to try to defuse the crisis.The Muslim leaders visited the capital Niamey with the blessing of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, head of the West …

Detained Niger president seen by doctor: entourageSat, 12 Aug 2023 20:42:57 GMT Read More »