Africa Archives

April 25, 2013

Children bear brunt of CAR crisis

BANGUI, 25 April 2013 (IRIN) - Sporadic armed clashes, looting of orphanages, recruitment into armed groups, and widespread school closures have made life perilous for children in the Central African Republic (CAR) in the wake of a 24 March rebel coup by the Séléka alliance.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), some 2.3 million children are directly affected by the breakdown of law and order and the interruption of basic services.

January 4, 2013

M23 rebels threaten to quit DR Congo talks over ceasefire

(BBC) The M23 rebel group has threatened to pull out of peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo government unless President Joseph Kabila signs a ceasefire agreement. Talks are due to start in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, on Friday. A Congo government spokesman told the Reuters news agency it rejected a rebel demand he described as "pointless".

September 26, 2012

ZIMBABWE: The mean season for gays

(IRIN) - For Zimbabwe’s gay community, voting season is a time of dread. As political temperatures rise ahead of expected elections next year, gays and lesbians are being targeted by police in an apparent strategy to win over voters.

KENYA: Putting the cash back into cashews

(IRIN) - Kenya’s ailing cashew sector, which provides a livelihoods of sorts to 60,000 farmers, is set for a boost.

September 20, 2012

SOUTH AFRICA: Business as usual after Marikana mine violence?

(IRIN) - Five weeks after the Marikana mine massacre in South Africa's North West Province claimed the lives of 34 protesting workers and shocked the world, the strike that prompted the violence has been declared over. But the incident has morphed into a symbol of the growing chasm between those in the government, the mining companies, and the unions leaders on the one hand and mineworkers on the other, say the local community in Marikana, a platinum mining town northwest of Johannesburg.

September 14, 2012

Analysis: Kenya’s deadly mix of frustration, politics and impunity

(IRIN) - Recent deadly clashes in Kenya stem from widespread economic frustration, chronic impunity and the ambitions of politicians seeking office, according to analysts and activists.

September 12, 2012

Zimbabwe - crisis over?

(IRIN) - At the height of Zimbabwe’s humanitarian crisis in 2002, seven million people were in need of food aid. A decade later, the numbers of people in need has climbed down to a million, though it could go up by another 600,000 in 2013.

August 30, 2012

FOOD: Recognizing the African woman farmer

(IRIN) - Boys learning new ideas of masculinity around campfires in rural Africa and “sisterhoods” formed to provide a common voice to women are starting to change attitudes about African women farmers, say the authors of a forthcoming book about gender and agriculture. But it will take many more such efforts to support women food producers, who make up 43 percent of the agricultural labour force in developing countries. In some countries, that number rises to 70 to 80 percent.

August 27, 2012

Togo women push sex strike to unseat president

LOME, Togo (AP) — The female wing of a civil rights group is urging women in Togo to stage a week-long sex strike to demand the resignation of the country's president.

August 12, 2012

HEALTH: Increasing obesity in sub-Saharan Africa threatens child survival

(IRIN) Making sure expectant mothers eat enough remains the main concern of health workers, especially in poorer rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, but this concentration has masked the fact that some pregnant women are dangerously overweight. Swaziland, the fattest country in Africa, now has a maternal obesity rate of 27 percent, and an additional 32 percent are overweight - levels comparable to those in Europe.

August 3, 2012

COTE D'IVOIRE: "We should stop killing each other"

(IRIN) - Dishes and cups scorched brown by flames, and ragged tarpaulin clinging to charred wooden frames litter Nahibly camp for the displaced in Duékoué, western Côte d’Ivoire, after an attack that highlighted persistent tensions in the region. There are worries that the violence - which see-saws depending on which community has the political upper hand and thus more fighting power - could turn into a cycle of killings. “These killings trigger reaction, awaken old rancour. Those who suffer now will one day react,” said René Hokou Legré, the head of the Ivorian Human Rights League (LIDHO).

August 1, 2012

Sahel region of West Africa 'in permanent food crisis'

(BBC) More than one million children are at risk of severe malnutrition in the Sahel region of West Africa, according to two leading charities. They say the main reason is not drought or food deficit, but a lack of protection against shock price rises.

July 30, 2012

Mali unwed couple stoned to death by Islamists

(BBC) A couple who had sex outside marriage has been stoned to death at the weekend by Islamists in the town of Aguelhok in northern Mali, officials say.

July 3, 2012

Timbuktu's Sidi Yahia mosque 'attacked by Mali militants'

(BBC) Islamist militants in Mali have attacked one of the most famous mosques in the historic city of Timbuktu, residents say.

May 29, 2012

Ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor to be sentenced

(BBC) Former Liberian President Charles Taylor is to be sentenced for war crimes by a UN court in The Hague.

Mali: Touaregs Declare ‘Islamic state Of Azawad’

(Magharebia) Touareg rebels from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Islamist group Ansar al-Din signed an agreement Saturday (May 26th) in Gao, establishing a breakaway Islamic state in northern Mali.

October 24, 2011

Tunisians Vote in a Milestone of Arab Change

(The New York Times) Millions of Tunisians cast votes on Sunday for an assembly to draft a constitution and shape a new government, in a burst of pride and hope that after inspiring uprisings across the Arab world, their small country could now lead the way to democracy.

August 4, 2011

No famine in Somalia, claims al-Shabaab

(Channel 4 News) The British Somali journalist Jamal Osman is the first reporter to film inside some of the worst hit areas - held by fighters loyal to the Islamist group al-Shabab. They told him there was no famine - describing the desperate conditions as a drought.

December 9, 2010

The shifting river that is making Uganda smaller

(Guardian) Local farmers lose out as increased flooding rerouts Semliki river and robs them of their land.

July 12, 2010

Al-Shabab 'behind' Uganda blasts

(BBC) Somali Islamist group al-Shabab says it was behind twin blasts which hit the Ugandan capital on Sunday, killing 74 people.

Genocide added to Bashir warrant

A second arrest warrant is issued for Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir - this time on genocide charges.
July 11, 2010

Uganda capital blasts 'kill 23'

(BBC) At least 23 people have been killed in twin explosions in the Ugandan capital Kampala that targeted World Cup fans, police say.
July 9, 2010

Fraud claims delay Guinea run-off

(BBC) Guinea's presidential run-off is postponed to allow a fraud investigation, the electoral commission says.
July 8, 2010

New Zambezi bridge for Mozambique

(BBC) Mozambique's government has announced plans to build a $132m (£87m) bridge across the Zambezi River to help tap coal reserves.
June 27, 2010

Burundi votes in one-choice poll

Turnout is reportedly low in Burundi, where a single candidate, President Nkurunziza, is standing in a presidential poll.
June 25, 2010

Uganda reburial for genocide dead

(BBC) The last of three ceremonies to rebury victims of Rwanda's 1994 genocide recovered in Lake Victoria takes place in Uganda.
June 23, 2010

Kenyan inmates win right to vote

In a landmark ruling a Kenya court rules that prisoners will be allowed to vote in the referendum on a new constitution.

Migrants 'live in fear in Libya'

(BBC) African migrants in Libya are "living in constant fear" and its human rights' reforms are stalling, an Amnesty report says.
June 21, 2010

Peacekeepers 'killed in Darfur'

Three peacekeepers with the international force in Sudan's Darfur region are killed in an attack, officials say.

Aid agencies launch Niger appeal

(BBC) Two major aid agencies launch appeals for seven million people facing food shortages in Niger after crop failures.
June 19, 2010

Darfur rivals 'in revenge attack'

(BBC) At least 48 people have been killed in clashes between rival Arab nomadic groups in Sudan's Darfur region, a clan leader says.
June 17, 2010

Africa push for 'great tree wall'

(BBC) African leaders meet to push forward the idea of planting a tree belt - the Great Green Wall - across Africa from west to east.
June 16, 2010

Darfur rebels surrender to Hague

Two Sudan rebels surrender to the International Criminal Court to face charges over an attack on peacekeepers in Darfur.
June 15, 2010

Pride or prejudice

Why are Kenya's politicians targeting gay people?

Ghana police in stowaway arrests

(BBC) Ghana impounds a Chinese ship and arrests three crew members after three Ivorians are alleged to have been thrown overboard.
June 14, 2010

African leaders prize not awarded

(BBC) A prize of $5m (£3m) for African ex-leaders is not being awarded for a second year, Sudanese magnate Mo Ibrahim says.
June 9, 2010

French troops in Senegal pullout

(BBC) France is closing its military bases in Senegal - 50 years after the independence of its former West Africa colony.
June 2, 2010

Deadly toxin found in Kenya maize

(BBC) There is growing alarm in Kenya where the government has announced 2.3m bags of maize are unfit for human consumption.
May 29, 2010

Malawi pardons jailed gay couple

(BBC) Malawi's president pardons a gay couple jailed after getting engaged, in a case which triggered international criticism.
May 27, 2010

Sudan's Bashir sworn in as leader

(BBC) Omar al-Bashir is sworn in as president of Sudan, following his controversial win in last month's elections.
May 25, 2010

UN force to leave Chad and CAR

(BBC) The UN Security Council votes to withdraw its force from Chad and the Central African Republic by the end of 2010.

Ethiopia poll 'falls short' - EU

(BBC) EU observers say Ethiopia's poll "falls short" of international standards, as ruling party wins all but a handful of seats.

Kenya Islamic Kadhi courts appeal

(BBC) Kenya's attorney general says he will appeal against a court decision declaring a form of Islamic courts unconstitutional.
May 24, 2010

Monitors to probe Ethiopia vote

(BBC) Election observers in Ethiopia are investigating irregularity complaints, but say Sunday's vote was largely peaceful.
May 22, 2010

Ethiopia votes in crunch election

Polls close for Ethiopia's first election since 2005 when disputes left 200 dead, and the opposition is alleging fraud.
May 21, 2010

Niger's hungry 'fleeing south'

(BBC) A growing number of people from Niger are crossing the border into Nigeria because of the food crisis at home, reports say.
May 20, 2010

Gun battles in Madagascar capital

(BBC) The Madagascar army and police clash with a dissident police unit in the capital Antananarivo.
May 19, 2010

Death sentences over Congo attack

(BBC) Eleven members of a Congolese militia which seized an airport and fought UN and government forces are given death sentences.

Nigeria police 'kill and torture'

(BBC) A civil liberties group says police in Nigeria routinely carry out extrajudicial killings, torture and sexual assault.
May 18, 2010

Bridging the gap

Will Sudan's island garden on the Nile be lost forever?

MORE CURRENT HEADLINES

Afghanistan
AFP Asia Pacific
Africa
Africa Have Your Say
African
Alpine skiing
Also in the news
American Football
Americas
AP
Arsenal
Arts & Culture
Asia
Asia Pacific
Asia-Pacific
Aston Villa
Athletics
Australasia
Australia
Baseball
Basketball
Beds, Bucks & Herts
Beds/Bucks/Herts
Berkshire
Birmingham
Black country
Blackburn
Blogs
Bolton
Boxing
Bradford
Bradford & West Yorkshire
Bradford and West Yorkshire
Bristol
Bristol/Somerset
Business
Cambridgeshire
Celtic
Championship
Chelsea
China
Click
Companies
copenhagen
Cornwall
Country profiles
Coventry & Warwickshire
Coventry/Warwickshire
Cricket
Crossing Continents
Cumbria
Cycling
Davos 2009
Derbyshire
Devon
Disability Sport
Dorset
Earth News
East Asia
Eastern Europe
Economy
Edinburgh East and Fife
Edinburgh, East & Fife
Edinburgh, East and Fife
Education
Education & Family
Egypt
England
English
Entertainment
Entertainment & Arts
Entertainment and Arts
Entertainment/Arts
Environment
Essex
Euro 2008
Europe
Everton
FA Cup
Features preview index - WILL NOT PUBLISH
Fencing
Figure skating
Food Crisis
Football
Formula 1
Formula One
Foyle & West
Foyle and West
From Our Own Correspondent
Front page
Fulham
Funny Old Game
Germany
Glasgow and West
Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West
Gloucestershire
Golf
Green Room
Guernsey
Gymnastics
Hampshire
HARDtalk
Have Your Say
Health
Hereford/Worcs
Hibernian
Highlands & Islands
Highlands and Islands
Hockey
Horse Racing
Hull
Human Rights
Humber
Hurricane Ike
Ice Hockey
In Pictures
India
International Teams
Internationals
Ipswich
Iran
Iraq
IRIN News
Irish
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Jersey
Journal
Judo
Kent
Lancashire
Latin America
Latin America & Caribbean
League Cup
Leicester
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Liverpool
London
London 2012
Luge
Macclesfield
Magazine
Man City
Man Utd
Manchester
Merseyside
Mid Wales
Middle East
Middlesbrough
Moneybox
MotoGP
Motorbikes
Motorsport
Music
N Ireland Politics
Newcastle
News
News Front Page
News Websites
Newsbeat
Newsnight
Newspapers
Norfolk
North Africa
North East Wales
North East/N Isles
North West Wales
North Yorkshire
Northamptonshire
Northern Ireland
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
Notts County
Obama inauguration
Olympics
Op-Ed
Oscars
Other sport...
Oxfordshire
Pakistan
Paralympics
Photo essay
Photo Galleries
Politics
Portsmouth
Premier League
Press Release
Programmes
promo
Radio Stations
Rangers
Reading
regular
Religion
Rising sea levels
Rugby League
Rugby Union
Russia
Sailing
Science & Environment
Science and Environment
Science/Environment
Science/Nature
Scot Prem
Scotland
Scottish Cups
Scottish Premier
separator
Shropshire
Snooker
SOL
Somalia
Somerset
South Africa
South Asia
South East Wales
South of Scotland
South West Wales
South Yorkshire
South-East Asia
Spain
Special Reports
Sports Personality
Sri Lanka
Staffordshire
Stoke & Staffordshire
Suffolk
Sunderland
Surrey
Sussex
Swansea
Swimming
Taekwondo
Tayside & Central
Tayside and Central
Technology
Tees
Television
Tennis
The Green Room
The P Word
Today
Tottenham
TV and Radio
Tyne
UK
UK election
UK Politics
US
US & Canada
US and Canada
US Elections 2008
US Politics
Vancouver 2010
Video
Vote USA 2008
Wales
Wales politics
Wear
Website
Weightlifting
Welsh
West Ham
West Indies
West Midlands
West Yorkshire
wide popup
Wiltshire
Wire Services
World
World Cup 2010
World News America
worldNews
York & North Yorkshire
York and North Yorkshire
Your Money
Your News