Africa

On Sudan's Nile bank, a formidable trek for US leader

Jan 9, 2011

A businessman traces the former US president Roosevelt's Nile tour to an old warehouse on the outskirts of Juba, which would become the new capital should southern Sudan secede. Read article On Sudan's Nile bank, a formidable trek for US leader

Two French hostages found executed in Niger desert

Jan 9, 2011

Two Frenchmen kidnapped at gunpoint by possible al Qa'eda-linked militants from a restaurant in central Niamey have been found dead after a desert rescue operation by the Niger military, officials said. Read article Two French hostages found executed in Niger desert

Historic independence referendum for South Sudan today

Jan 9, 2011

Region begins week-long vote to decide on independence, though jubilant mood is marred by reports of violence and death in a remote border state. Read article Historic independence referendum for South Sudan today

Two dead, 20 injured in Algeria riots

Jan 8, 2011

Rioting was over the rising costs of food and unemployment. Read article Two dead, 20 injured in Algeria riots

Four killed in South Sudan attack ahead of referendum

Jan 8, 2011

A rebel group attacked Southern Sudan's military and four rebels were killed, a military spokesman said today, a day before the region begins voting in an independence referendum. Read article Four killed in South Sudan attack ahead of referendum

US affirms commitment to Sudan 'irrespective of poll'

Jan 8, 2011

John Kerry pledges help beyond the poll that will decide whether the country stays united and whatever the result. Read article US affirms commitment to Sudan 'irrespective of poll'

The man aspiring to be the world's newest leader

Jan 8, 2011

Salva Kiir could soon be the president of southern Sudan, a role for which he has long been fighting, first as a soldier and rebel leader, then as Omar al Bashir's second in command. Read article The man aspiring to be the world's newest leader

Arab world dismayed by prospect of Sudan split

Jan 7, 2011

Many blame the governance of president Omar al Bashir for the country's imminent division, as experts urge Arab leaders to deliver a conciliatory message. Read article Arab world dismayed by prospect of Sudan split

Sudan's south already jubilant at prospect of split

Jan 7, 2011

There are celebrations in the southern town of Juba as weekly rallies turn into daily carnivals through what would become their capital as southerners eagerly anticipate their independence. Read article Sudan's south already jubilant at prospect of split

Yemeni fishermen find dead migrants

Jan 5, 2011

Fishermen found the bodies of two migrants whose boat capsized off Yemen, killing dozens. Read article Yemeni fishermen find dead migrants

This is our future too, say northerners in south Sudan

Jan 5, 2011

While the south accounts for as much as 80 per cent of Sudan's oil production, more than control of this wealth is at stake when voters go to the polls on Sunday. Read article This is our future too, say northerners in south Sudan

Ivory Coast rival agrees to negotiate "peaceful end" to crisis

Jan 4, 2011

The statement marked a dramatic break after Nigeria¿s president, who is also head of a regional bloc, said the crisis was deadlocked while the current head of the African Union also voiced dismay over the pace of negotiations. Read article Ivory Coast rival agrees to negotiate "peaceful end" to crisis

Egypt's Pope says state must address Copts woes

Jan 4, 2011

Coptic Pope Shenouda III has called on the Egyptian government to address Christian grievances about discrimination and urged his flock to quell violent rioting over a New Year's Day church bombing. Read article Egypt's Pope says state must address Copts woes