AFRICA

Juba, South Sudan | AFP |  South Sudan’s president said on Saturday he would return to a system of 10 states, a key opposition demand, paving the way for a unity government and an end to the country’s civil war. “The compromise we have just made is in the interest …

Cairo, Egypt | AFP |  Egypt’s health ministry on Friday confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, making it the first in Africa. The nationality of the person was not given in the joint statement with the population ministry, which added that they had shown no “symptoms”. Authorities have …

Paris, France | AFP | A son of Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso has not been charged in a French probe into the assets in France of the families of several African leaders, his lawyer said Friday, although his name has been cited in the investigation. A lawyer …

Juba, South Sudan | AFP |  South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Friday dismissed international calls for compromise with his foes to break a deadlock that threatens a ceasefire in their six year war. Kiir and rebel chief Riek Machar are under increasing pressure to resolve their differences by February …

Kampala, Uganda  | THE INDEPENDENT | The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Prosper Africa initiative is partnering with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and the nations of Africa. The partnership will ensure that businesses are equipped …

Skoura, Morocco | AFP |  Dead palm trees lie on dry, yellowish earth near an abandoned adobe house in Morocco’s arid southeast, as drought threatens ancient oases. “I grew up in this oasis and I have seen it shrink,” says 53-year-old Mohamed El Houkari, who lives in Skoura, a rural oasis …

Tunis, Tunisia | AFP |  Tunisian President Kais Saied’s first major foray into international affairs appears to have backfired, with his diplomatic strategy called into question over the dismissal of Tunis’ UN envoy. Saied, a 61-year-old constitutional law expert with no previous political experience, swept to victory on October 13 last …

S.Sudan’s Kiir returns home as diplomats call for urgent compromise Juba, South Sudan | AFP |  President Salva Kiir returned Wednesday from talks on South Sudan’s future to organised crowds calling him a hero, as diplomats warned time was short to strike a deal for peace. Kiir and his long-term …

Buhera, Zimbabwe | AFP |  Just under a year ago, Alice Posha fled her home in the middle of the night and then watched as it was swept away by floods. The torrential rain came from Cyclone Idai, one of the worst storms ever to hit Africa and the fiercest on …

Bamako, Mali | AFP |  Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has opened the door to talks with jihadists to defuse mounting violence in the West African country, in a break with long-held tradition. Despite the presence of foreign troops, Mali has been struggling to contain a jihadist revolt that broke out …