AFP Africa

Madagascar’s president denounces ‘coup’ attempt in day of fresh protestsFri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:20 GMT

Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina condemned on Friday what he said was an attempt to topple his government as fresh protests flared against the political elite and years of misrule. The poor Indian Ocean island has been rocked by days of fatal clashes between demonstrators and security forces, who have responded with arrests, tear gas and bullets. Called to …

Madagascar’s president denounces ‘coup’ attempt in day of fresh protestsFri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:20 GMT Read More »

Madagascar capital under tight security for new anti-government protestFri, 03 Oct 2025 09:59:10 GMT

Riot police locked down the centre of Madagascar’s capital on Friday ahead of planned fresh protests against President Andry Rajoelina, the political elite and years of misrule.The near-daily rallies, which began on September 25 in Antananarivo, have since spread to other parts of the Indian Ocean island, posing the most significant challenge yet to Rajoelina’s …

Madagascar capital under tight security for new anti-government protestFri, 03 Oct 2025 09:59:10 GMT Read More »

West Africa, hot spot for drug trafficking, turns to consumptionFri, 03 Oct 2025 06:13:22 GMT

Drug trafficking through west Africa is deepening addiction and straining public resources in some of the world’s poorest countries, used to transit contraband towards Europe.The United Nations sounded the alarm last year that smuggling through the Sahel — a semi-arid region below the Sahara where poverty and armed groups are rife — was on the …

West Africa, hot spot for drug trafficking, turns to consumptionFri, 03 Oct 2025 06:13:22 GMT Read More »

South Africa eye back-to-back Rugby Championship crownsFri, 03 Oct 2025 01:43:09 GMT

South Africa are firm favourites to wrap up a second straight Rugby Championship title for the first time when they face Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday in a competition with an uncertain future.This year’s tournament has been one of the most exciting and unpredictable since Argentina joined South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in the …

South Africa eye back-to-back Rugby Championship crownsFri, 03 Oct 2025 01:43:09 GMT Read More »

Fresh anti-government protests hit MadagascarThu, 02 Oct 2025 19:35:45 GMT

Thousands of protesters marched again in several cities across Madagascar on Thursday while the movement in the capital Antananarivo took a “strategic” break after a week of demonstrations.The Indian Ocean island was awaiting the nomination of a new prime minister after President Andry Rajoelina dismissed his entire government on Monday in a bid to placate …

Fresh anti-government protests hit MadagascarThu, 02 Oct 2025 19:35:45 GMT Read More »

Kenya president vows more ‘professionalism’ in anti-doping agencyThu, 02 Oct 2025 17:14:06 GMT

Kenya’s President William Ruto on Thursday said he wanted greater “professionalism” in the country’s anti-doping agency (ADAK) as it faced a deadline from world authorities to clean up its systems. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said last month that the Kenyan branch was not meeting its standards and gave it until October 3 to address concerns. Ruto …

Kenya president vows more ‘professionalism’ in anti-doping agencyThu, 02 Oct 2025 17:14:06 GMT Read More »

Six countries urge dialogue in protest-hit MadagascarThu, 02 Oct 2025 10:43:55 GMT

Six foreign embassies and the European Union delegation on Thursday called for “constructive dialogue” in Madagascar where anti-government protesters took a “strategic” break after a week of demonstrations.The Indian Ocean island was awaiting the nomination of a new prime minister after President Andry Rajoelina dismissed his entire government on Monday in a bid to placate …

Six countries urge dialogue in protest-hit MadagascarThu, 02 Oct 2025 10:43:55 GMT Read More »

Argentina scrum-half Cruz to start against SpringboksThu, 02 Oct 2025 09:54:07 GMT

Argentina scrum-half Simon Benitez Cruz will make just his second Test start when they face South Africa in the Rugby Championship in London this weekend, the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) announced on Thursday.Cruz, 26, replaces the injured Gonzalo Garcia, who was stretchered off during last week’s heavy loss to the 2023 World Cup winners in …

Argentina scrum-half Cruz to start against SpringboksThu, 02 Oct 2025 09:54:07 GMT Read More »

Egyptian, Congolese contenders vie for UNESCO top jobThu, 02 Oct 2025 06:35:49 GMT

An Egyptian ex-minister is the favourite to become head of the UN’s culture agency, but his Congolese rival says bets are still off before a key decision next week.The vote to replace outgoing French UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay after two four-year terms in office is not expected until November 6, during the body’s general assembly …

Egyptian, Congolese contenders vie for UNESCO top jobThu, 02 Oct 2025 06:35:49 GMT Read More »

Addicts swap drug dens for support centre in AbidjanThu, 02 Oct 2025 06:06:02 GMT

In Ivory Coast’s biggest city Abidjan, vulnerable drug addicts say that discovering a secluded care and support centre in an upscale part of the city has helped them to turn around their lives. In recent years, the coastal west African nation has become a pivotal transit hub for the global heroin and cocaine trade, as well …

Addicts swap drug dens for support centre in AbidjanThu, 02 Oct 2025 06:06:02 GMT Read More »