An attempted coup was underway Wednesday in the Sahel state of Niger as President Mohamed Bazoum was being held by members of his guard, who in turn were given an ultimatum by the army, sources said.The West African bloc ECOWAS, the African Union and the European Union condemned what they called an “attempted coup d’etat,” …

‘Attempted coup’ in troubled Niger as president heldWed, 26 Jul 2023 14:55:27 GMT Read More »

Barbie dolls are flying off the shelves in South Africa as “Barbie” movie mania has hit the country’s shores, with toy stores seeing a cotton candy-hued boom in sales. The iconic toy, known for its blonde mane, blue eyes, and pink clothing, has been a household name in the southern African nation for decades — but …

Barbie sales shoot up as movie frenzy hits S.AfricaWed, 26 Jul 2023 14:21:14 GMT Read More »

More than 1,000 supporters of South Africa’s leading opposition party took to the streets in Cape Town on Wednesday to protest a controversial law aimed at increasing the employment of black people.The Democratic Alliance (DA) party and some businesses in the country say the so-called “race quotas” legislation could see qualified workers lose their jobs …

March against S.Africa ‘race quotas’ draws 1,000 in Cape TownWed, 26 Jul 2023 12:32:20 GMT Read More »

Members of Niger’s Presidential Guard on Wednesday sealed off the residence and offices of President Mohamed Bazoum, a source close to Bazoum said, describing the move as a “fit of temper” by the elite troops and that “talks” were underway.The landlocked West African state is one of the most unstable nations in the world, experiencing …

Presidency sealed off, ‘talks’ underway in coup-prone NigerWed, 26 Jul 2023 11:30:45 GMT Read More »

Weary Kenyans on Wednesday voiced cautious optimism for an end to political unrest after President William Ruto said he was ready to meet opposition leader Raila Odinga “anytime” following months of anti-government protests.Since veteran politician Odinga urged Kenyans to take to the streets in March, his Azimio alliance has held nine days of protests against …

Kenyans hope for end to demos as Ruto offers to meet oppositionWed, 26 Jul 2023 09:14:31 GMT Read More »

Weary Kenyans on Wednesday voiced cautious optimism for an end to political unrest after President William Ruto said he was ready to meet opposition leader Raila Odinga “anytime” following months of anti-government protests.Since veteran politician Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to take to the streets in March, his Azimio alliance has held nine days of protests …

Kenyans hope for end to demos as Ruto offers to meet oppositionWed, 26 Jul 2023 07:19:09 GMT Read More »

Western nations fear an economic collapse in Tunisia could trigger even greater migrant flows to Europe and have offered financial assistance. Yet prospects of Tunisia’s sealing the biggest deal of all — a $1.9-billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund — seem increasingly remote.The inflation-ravaged and heavily indebted country reached a tentative deal for the …

As West fears Tunisia collapse, hopes of IMF bailout fadeWed, 26 Jul 2023 03:17:04 GMT Read More »

Around 300 protesters rallied in Tunis Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of President Kais Saied’s adoption of sweeping powers, and to demand the release of about 20 detained opposition figures.”Down with the coup, freedom for all the prisoners,” the protesters chanted.Addressing the crowd that gathered in the heart of the capital, braving temperatures that …

Tunisia protest marks two years since president’s power grabTue, 25 Jul 2023 19:50:14 GMT Read More »

Libyan border guards have recovered the bodies of several migrants from a desert area where many have reportedly been forcibly taken by Tunisian authorities, Tripoli’s interior ministry said Tuesday.The border agents “have discovered five unidentified bodies of irregular migrants of African origin during a patrol in the Dahr al-Khass area” near the Tunisian boundary, the …

Libya authorities find migrants’ bodies near Tunisia borderTue, 25 Jul 2023 19:23:27 GMT Read More »

Kenyan President William Ruto said Tuesday he is ready to meet opposition leader Raila Odinga “anytime” after months of anti-government protests that have sparked international alarm and calls for dialogue.”As you have always known, am available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience,” Ruto said in a post addressing Odinga on …

Kenya’s Ruto offers to meet leader of opposition protestsTue, 25 Jul 2023 19:22:19 GMT Read More »