African news

Drug gang warnings ahead of pope visit to Mexico

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:45:10 GMT

A drug gang warned its rivals to keep the peace during a papal visit to Mexico next month in banners hung around the central state of Guanajuato which Pope Benedict XVI is due to visit.

The warnings, signed by the the Knights Templar gang, were quickly removed Tuesday and came shortly after the local archdiocese made a plea to drug gangs to avoid violence during the pope's visit.

The banners claimed the Knights Templar gang had accepted a truce and would not permit violence from their rivals.

'Lin-sanity' in Big Apple for new Knicks' star

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:25:15 GMT

"Indescribable," that's Jeremy Lin's verdict on his sudden rise to sports stardom thanks to two outstanding performances for the New York Knicks.

Lin, making his first NBA start, poured in 28 points on Monday night as the Knicks battled to a 99-88 victory over the Utah Jazz.

Lin, an American whose parents hail from Taiwan, added eight assists against the Jazz, improving on the career highs of 25 points and seven assists he produced off the bench in a victory over New Jersey on Saturday.

Elizabeth Taylor's Van Gogh fetches �10 million

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:25:14 GMT

A painting by Vincent van Gogh owned by the late Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor has sold for more than £10 million, Christie's auction house announced on Tuesday.

Van Gogh's "Vue de l'asile et de la Chapelle de Saint-Remy" ("View of the Asylum and Chapel of Saint-Remy") went under the hammer for £10.1 million ($16 million, 12 million euros), far exceeding the estimated £7 million price tag.

BHP first-half profit down 5.5%

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:25:13 GMT

Global mining giant BHP Billiton said Wednesday its first-half profits fell 5.5 percent to US$9.94 billion, largely due to lower commodity prices and some production constraints.

The result in the six months to December 31 was nevertheless one of the largest in Australian corporate history, and compared to the record US$10.5 billion the company booked in the previous corresponding period.

Despite the drop-off in profit, which was slightly worse than analyst expectations, revenue increased 9.7 percent to US$37.48 billion from US$34.17 billion.

VIDEO: Nigeria's lead poisoning epidemic

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:21:44 GMT

Some four hundred children have been killed and many more are at risk after the world's worst lead poisoning epidemic in northern Nigeria.

US stocks claw out gains on Greece hopes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:05:11 GMT

US stocks closed in positive territory Tuesday, clawing back from losses after reports that Greece was nearing a bailout deal to avoid defaulting on its debt.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 33.07 points (0.26 percent) to finish the session at 12,878.20.

The broad-based S&P 500 added 2.72 points (0.20 percent) to 1,347.05 while the Nasdaq Composite edged up 2.09 points (0.07 percent) to 2,904.08.

Stocks started the session on a sour note but finished with gains after positive noises out of Europe.

Tech-savvy Singapore sees spike in online scams

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:45:13 GMT

Internet scams have increased in Singapore as consumers in the tech-savvy city-state increasingly turn to online shopping, but the overall crime rate fell to a 20-year low, police said Tuesday.

The online scams mainly hit people who made purchases in response to advertisements offering discounts on services such as hotel accommodation, holiday packages and car rental, but did not receive what they paid for.

Sudan Rebels Free Kidnapped Chinese Workers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:35:28 GMT

Red Cross flies workers from Kauda area in Southern Kordofan to Nairobi where they are handed over to Chinese embassy

Maldives president resigns after police and army mutiny

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:30:57 GMT

The Maldives' first democratically-elected president resigned on Tuesday following a coup attempt by police officers and army troops to plunge the tropical island paradise into turmoil.

Bombings hit near military bases in Nigeria

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:21:16 GMT

The explosions near the city of Kaduna caused some injuries, state police commissioner Bala Nasarawa said.

Bomb attacks strike military bases in Nigeria

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:21:15 GMT

Burnt roofing sheets are seen after a blast at Gomboru local market on Monday, in Nigeria's northern city Maiduguri February 7, 2012.

Senegal’s Female Presidential Candidate Has Equality Agenda

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:07:19 GMT

Senegal’s sole female presidential candidate talks about women’s issues and upcoming race

Congolese Civilians Suffer Atrocities at IDP camps in North Kivu

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:59:51 GMT

Humanitarian operations are hampered by continued violence

'Suicide attack' on Nigeria army

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:59:23 GMT

A man in military uniform blows himself up outside a Nigerian army barracks in the city of Kaduna, which is also rocked by other blasts, officials say.

Uganda MP revives anti-gay bill

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:57:02 GMT

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill is reintroduced to Uganda's parliament - without the death penalty but still calling for life in prison for some offences.

Mali v Ivory Coast

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:56:46 GMT

Preview of Wednesday's second semi-final between Mali and Ivory Coast at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

SA 'zombie-held singer' charged

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:47:53 GMT

South African police charge a man who claimed to be Khulekani "Mqgumeni" Khumalo - a popular dead singer - with fraud.

VIDEO: Rare snowfall in parts of Libya

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:31:57 GMT

Snow blankets parts of Libya, a rare occurrence for the country

VIDEO: Displaced Somalis return home

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:30:04 GMT

Tens of thousands of Somalis are returning home after fleeing severe droughts in southern parts of the country.

Sudan Oil Dispute Raises War Rhetoric

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:18:57 GMT

Sudan, South Sudan leaders fire escalating verbal salvos as tensions continue to reach breaking point

Zambia v Ghana

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:38:47 GMT

Preview of Wednesday's first semi-final between Zambia and Ghana at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Harnessing the Mineral Wealth of Poor Countries

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:59:04 GMT

New recommendations promote good governance, transparency

South African police arrest 'resurrected' singer

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:43:21 GMT

South African police arrested a man on Monday after he claimed to be a popular musician who died in 2009, sparking a frenzy among the singer's fans.

SENEGAL: Thousands rally in Dakar for new anti-Wade protests

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:40:30 GMT

Thousands of opposition supporters marched in the Senegalese capital Dakar on Tuesday to protest against President Abdoulaye Wade's controversial plans to seek a third term in a February 26 presidential election.

South Africa considers law banning sale of alcohol to pregnant women

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:37:14 GMT

South Africa is considering introducing a law that bans retailers from selling alcohol to pregnant women.

Explosion hits near military base in Nigeria

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:11:32 GMT

An emergency management official says an explosion has struck near a military base in a central Nigerian city at the heart of riots that killed hundreds of people last year.

Nations Cup final yet to sell out

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:03:26 GMT

Organisers say nearly a third of the tickets for the Nations Cup semi-final and final in Libreville are still available.

UN: 20,000 Who Fled Violence in Mali Need Help

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:03:11 GMT

UNHCR says it has sent emergency teams to Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania to help refugees forced to flee their homes

Rhinos Threatened by SAF Ranger Strike

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:53:25 GMT

Last year, over 448 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa; 240 of those in Kruger National Park

SOUTH SUDAN: Kidnapped Chinese workers released in Sudan

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:48:05 GMT

A group of Chinese workers kidnapped by rebels in Sudan's South Kordofan state 11 days ago were released Tuesday and flown to the Chinese embassy in Nairobi, a foreign ministry statement said.

Blasts Rock Central Nigerian City

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:45:04 GMT

In central city of Kaduna, witnesses say two explosions, one near army base, caused an unknown number of casualties

Chinese workers released in Sudan

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:51:20 GMT

A group of Chinese workers kidnapped by rebels in Sudan last month has been freed and flown to Kenya, officials from both countries say.

Making money in war time

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:31:53 GMT

Making money in war time

Zimbabwe's Rushwaya to face trial

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:21:10 GMT

Zimbabwe FA former head Henrietta Rushwaya will stand trial this month on alleged corruption charges.

Lead Poisoning Rampant Among Nigerian Children Rights Group Says

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:51:38 GMT

Human Rights Watch finds epidemic in Zamfara State the worst in modern history

Maldives President resigns after police mutiny

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:18:36 GMT

President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives has announced his resignation after police took over the state broadcaster and called for him to be overthrown.

South Africa minister: Mines won't be nationalized

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:02:06 GMT

Nationalization is not an option for South Africa's troubled mining industry, the country's mining minister told an international audience Tuesday.

Charity quits after Mali attacks

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:45:18 GMT

Medical charity Doctors of the World pulls out of northern Mali following a recent outbreak of fighting by Tuareg rebels - some of whom used to fight for Col Gaddafi in Libya.

Egyptian Military, Under Pressure, Advances Election Timetable

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:40:46 GMT

Said Sadek, professor at the American University in Cairo says protesters are suspicious of expedited presidential vote announcement

China mulls sending envoys to Mid East after Syria veto

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:25:12 GMT

China said Tuesday it was considering sending its own envoys to the Middle East to help resolve the conflict in Syria, after it vetoed a UN resolution aimed at ending a deadly crackdown in the restive state.

Beijing also expressed hope that a visit to Damascus by the foreign minister of Russia -- which also vetoed the resolution -- would pay off as the two nations came under a barrage of international condemnation over the rejection.

Greek general strike starts as EU presses govt

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:05:13 GMT

Greek trade union leaders called a general strike on Tuesday, as embattled Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos faced growing pressure from EU leaders to adopt tough new austerity measures.

A key meeting with heads of the Greek socialist, conservative and far-right parties that form Papademos' unwieldy coalition was also expected to take place Tuesday, after the leaders failed to hold talks on Monday.

Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos blamed the political parties for the failure to reach consensus on debt negotiations with the country's EU-IMF creditors.

Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed resigns in stunning fall from grace

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:04:05 GMT

The first democratically-elected president of the Maldives has resigned after rebel police mounted a coup against his government.

US to deport Liberia ex-warlord

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:59:18 GMT

A US judge rules that former Liberian rebel leader George Boley should be deported for his role in the West African country's civil war.

China worker found dead in Sudan

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:30:40 GMT

The body of a Chinese worker who fled a camp in Sudan when rebels attacked has been found, says China, while 29 kidnapped workers are still missing.

Citigroup to launch credit cards in China

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:05:12 GMT

Citigroup said it has won permission to issue credit cards in China, a first for a foreign bank amid complaints regulators largely shut out overseas competitors from tapping the massive market.

In a statement issued late Monday, the US-based banking giant said it had received approval to issue its credit cards from industry watchdog the China Banking Regulatory Commission.

"This approval represents a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Citi's business in China," Stephen Bird, chief executive officer of Citi Asia-Pacific, said in the statement.

Juncker backs special account for Greek debt interest

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:05:11 GMT

Eurogroup chief Jean-Claude Juncker lent support to a Franco-German proposal to set aside bailout funds for Greece in a special account to cover interest payments on its massive debt.

The Luxembourg prime minister told Berlin's RBB Inforadio that the idea, put forward Monday at a meeting of Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris, was worthy of consideration.

Africa: Ghana, Tunisia Set for Afcon Battle

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:33:15 GMT

[Leadership] It's West Africa versus North Africa today as tournament favourites Ghana will tonight take on Tunisia for the semi final ticket in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Could drought threaten South Africa's rooibos tea?

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:22:30 GMT

Could drought threaten South Africa's rooibos tea exports?

East Africa: Save Horn of Africa

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:20:54 GMT

The Moment (London)-THE Horn of Africa is going through the worst humanitarian disaster ever recorded in history.

Africa: Africa Upbeat Despite Economic Crisis - Zuma

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:41:37 GMT

BuaNews (Tshwane)-The economic crisis occurs under very upbeat circumstances for Africa said President Jacob Zuma.

Africa: The Country Is Second Most Active On Twitter in Africa

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:39:15 GMT

Business Daily (Nairobi)-New research reveals how Africa Tweets South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and Morocco lead Tweeting on the continent

Africa: New Research Reveals How Africa Tweets

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:17:37 GMT

Portland Communications (London)-Young people Tweeting from mobile devices are driving the growth of Twitter in Africa, according to How Africa Tweets, new research launched in Nairobi today.

Africa: Stop the Poaching!

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:15:36 GMT

Greenpeace (Amsterdam)-Greenpeace Statement on Rhino Poaching in South Africa

Africa: Africa's Finest Assemble in Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:04:14 GMT

CAF (Giza)-Africa will be the focus of the lenses of global football enthusiasts as the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in barely some few hours.

In pictures: Combating drought in the Horn of Africa

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:55:55 GMT

Combating drought in the Horn of Africa

Africa: CCTV Africa Launched

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:20 GMT

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)-Africa has always been portrayed as the problem-stricken continent grappling with famine, debt, corruption and civil wars.

Africa: Red Cards As African Cup Countdown Begins

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:13:03 GMT

RNW Africa (Hilversum)-South Africa captain Morgan Gould and coach Pitso Mosimane were red carded in Equatorial Guinea as the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations countdown began badly this weekend.

Africa: Orange Africa Cup of Nations Countdown Begins

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:53:17 GMT

CAF (Giza)-Equatorial Guinea and South Africa kick off a 13-fixture warm-up schedule this Friday ahead of the Orange 2012 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Training Africa's future leaders

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:57:05 GMT

The man training Africa's future presidents and business leaders

Africa: New Year Celebrations Around the Continent

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:27:40 GMT

South Africa: making the country a better place for all

South Africa

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 01:54:36 GMT

South Africa is located on the southern tip of Africa and is the wealthiest, and one of the largest countries on the continent.

East Africa: East Africa's Top Stories of 2011

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:39:12 GMT

1. Food and Water security

Africa: President Obama On the Horn of Africa Famine

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:36:22 GMT

Statement by the President on the Horn of Africa Famine

DIY solar panels head to Africa

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:08:04 GMT

Phone chargers made in a London garage head to Africa

Africa: There's Good News Out of Africa

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:26:30 GMT

Title: Emerging Africa. How 17 Countries are Leading the Way

Africa: Ugandan Women Win Africa T20 Title

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:21:48 GMT

Uganda are champions of the Pepsi ICC Africa Women's Twenty20 tournament. The ladies victory means that Uganda are the top Associate Twenty20 seeds in Africa and only South Africa and Zimbabwe, who are Test nations, are better.

Africa: International Community and Democracy in Africa Construct

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:38:55 GMT

MORE than ever as Africa gets entwined in the international system, the international community is becoming increasingly part of the development in Africa.

Africa in 2011: The year dictators fell

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:01:40 GMT

Are politicians still scaring investors away from Africa?

Africa: Showcasing a More Confident Africa

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:48:11 GMT

Africa is on the move.

Postcards from Readers: Reflections of Africa

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:50:41 GMT

Reflections of Africa. Botswana, Africa, September, 2011. By Jerry Shantz, Citrus Heights.

Ugandan Pupils Worst in Africa

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:02:32 GMT

Uganda's pupils have one of the worst reading cultures in Africa.

Africa: Zuma Promotes Intra-Africa Trade

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:42:50 GMT

Promoting intra-Africa trade and investment must be a matter of urgency, says President Jacob Zuma.

Africa: Leadership for Conservation in Africa Holds Congress in Ghana

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:28:34 GMT

Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA) is an African based initiative aiming to project and develop 20 million hectares of conservation of land in Africa by 2020.

East Africa: South Sudan Considers Joining East Africa Community

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:34:22 GMT

The newly independent state of South Sudan is considering joining the East Africa Community (EAC) - a free trade zone - but will initially conduct further studies on the matter.

Africa: Credit Card Companies in Hot Pursuit of Customers in Africa

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:55:44 GMT

Africa's unbanked population stands to benefit from the entry into the continent of Visa and MasterCard, both providers of credit card services.

Africa: International Community And African Democracy

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:05:26 GMT

MORE than ever, as Africa gets entwined in the international system, the international community is becoming increasingly part of Africa's development.

Africa: Hell No, Africa Won't Go!

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:56:31 GMT

Algeria said Africa "would not leave Durban" without an operational Green Climate Fund and a signed Kyoto Protocol.

Africa: 'Help Continent Protect Land, Forests'

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:21:40 GMT

International development institutions should assist Africa to embark on climate change initiatives aimed at restoring and preventing the desertification of sub-Saharan Africa, and protect the vast Congo Basin rain forest.

South Africa: DoC Observes Africa Telecomunications Day

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:18:05 GMT

The Department of Communications observes Africa Telecommunications Day which is celebrated annually on the 7 December.

Gay rights: Africa, the new frontier

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:23:27 GMT

Why Africa has become battleground for gay rights

Africa: Strategies to Halt HIV in Africa Afoot

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:14:33 GMT

The 16th International Conference on AIDS and SITs in Africa began on monday in Addis Ababa with over 10,000 participants in attendance.

Zambia/South Africa: Nation, South Africa Battle for Group Supremacy

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:57:47 GMT

AFTER posting an emphatic 4-0 victory over Mauritius last night, Zambia will make a 50km drive back to Molepolole Stadium to renew regional rivalry with South Africa tomorrow.

Africa: A Conversation Between U.S. Congress and the Continent's Diplomatic Corps'

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:47:19 GMT

Leadership Africa USA was honored to celebrate the first ever joint House Senate Congressional conversation between the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, the Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs, and the African Diplomatic Corps on Africa's development priorities to improve U.S. Africa relations.

Airtel acquires 50 million customers in Africa

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:12:57 GMT

Airtel Limited, a telecommunications services provider with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, has celebrated a significant milestone following its attainment of 50 millionth mobile customer in Africa.

Africa: At African Aids Conference, MSF Calls for Increased Funding for HIV Treatment

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:06:57 GMT

As Africa's AIDS Conference convenes in Addis Ababa this Sunday, December 4, efforts to combat HIV in sub-Sahara Africa are under serious threat.

S.Africa: Funds Raised To Fight Rhino Poaching

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:42:12 GMT

S.Africa: Funds raised to fight rhino poaching

South Africa: Country's Mortality Rate Declines

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:53:00 GMT

South Africa's mortality rate continued to decline in 2009, with tuberculosis being the most commonly mentioned cause of death on certificates, says Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

Africa: Airtel Attains 50 Million Customers Mark in Africa

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:44:45 GMT

Leading telecommunications service provider with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa,Bharti Airtel Limited has attained a significant milestone as it acquire its 50 millionth mobile customer in Africa.

Africa: Airtel Subscribers Hit 50 Million in Africa

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:21 GMT

Bharti Airtel Limited has gained its 50 millionth mobile subscriber in Africa, challenging closest competitor Vodacom, which recorded 45.4 million subscribers for the quarter ending June 2011.

Africa: Mobile Firm - We've 50 million Customers in Africa

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:49:06 GMT

Bharti Airtel Limited, a telecommunications services provider with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, yesterday said it has attained 50 million mobile customers in Africa.

U23s: South Africa held by Gabon

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:39:23 GMT

South Africa and Gabon draw 1-1 in Group B, on a day when Egypt can book their place in the semi-finals of Africa's Olympic qualifying finals.

Africa: Sanusi Named Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2011

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:58:17 GMT

Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, arguably the most decorated governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria , has emerged winner of the Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2011.

Africa: Kilamba City One of Africa's Biggest Project

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:03:37 GMT

Norwegian ambassador to Angola, Jon Vea, considered the Kilamba Kiaxi housing project as one of the biggest ones in Africa, due to its dimension and architectonic quality.

Invest in Africa and Its Capital Markets - Call

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:40:00 GMT

The World Bank's vice president for Africa Obiageli Ezekwesili called on investors worldwide to invest in Africa and its budding capital markets.

South Africa: Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms...

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:12:59 GMT

Africa investor is an investment specialist communications firm advising governments, international organisations and businesses on communication strategies for capital market and foreign direct investments in Africa.

East Africa: EAC, Comesa Commended for Promoting Intra-Africa Trade

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:49:25 GMT

The East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa , have been hailed for improving trade among African countries.