AFRICA

Soweto, South Africa | AFP |South African President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday sought to calm an increasingly fractious battle to succeed him that is threatening to split the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party. Zuma, who has been hit by corruption scandals and his country’s poor economic performance, will step …

Paris, France | AFP |  The costs of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa could double to almost $60 billion annually just 13 years from now, as obesity fuels an explosion of the disease, a report said Thursday. In 2015, the overall diabetes cost in the region was nearly $20 billion (18 …

Zambian president invokes state of emergency Lusaka, Zambia | AFP |  Zambian President Edgar Lungu invoked a state of emergency on Wednesday after a series of apparent arson attacks, in a move likely to trigger fresh accusations of government authoritarianism. Several fires, including one that burnt down the main market …

Bangui, Central African Republic | AFP | At least 77 people have died after a heavy goods lorry that was carrying passengers tipped over in the Central African Republic, officials said Wednesday. The accident took place Tuesday between Bambari and Ippy in the centre of the country. “Fifty-nine bodies were …

Kenya’s main candidates pull out of televised election debate Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Both Kenya’s leading presidential contenders have pulled out of two planned televised debates ahead of the August 8 election, their parties said Wednesday. President Uhuru Kenyatta withdrew first, followed by his main rival Raila Odinga. The first …

Addis Ababa, Ethopia | PPU |President Yoweri Museveni has held a bilateral meeting with the Palestine President Mohamoud Abbas at the sidelines of the 29th Ordinary Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Governments at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa. The Palestinian leader briefed his host about their liberation struggle …

Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza and his ruling party have moved the country toward violent dictatorship, rights groups said Tuesday in a report that slams the international community for inaction. A “purge” of ethnic Tutsis from the army, a crackdown on opposition and media and a …

The Hague, Netherlands | AFP | War crimes judges will Thursday hand down an eagerly anticipated ruling on whether South Africa flouted international law by failing to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2015, wanted for genocide in Darfur. The landmark decision will serve as a blueprint for future cooperation …

Luanda, Angola | AFP | Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos returned to Spain on Monday for a “private visit”, officials said, five weeks after a monthlong trip to the country when he underwent medical tests. Dos Santos, 74, has been dogged by reports of poor health, with his daughter Isabel …

    Kampala, Uganda | The INDEPENDENT | Fifteen communities advancing nature-based local solutions for sustainable development will each bank $10,000 following the announcment this week of the Equator Prize 2017 winners. Two Kenyan companies Mikoko Pamoja and The Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association are among the 15 winners. Each of the fifteen initiatives represents …