Africa

The Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has banned the export of foodstuffs that the country imports, the state news agency reported. According to the agency, which quoted a source, the president described as economic sabotage the fact of selling foodstuffs that the country does not produce locally. The commodities include sugar, …

At least 13 security personnel were killed in an ambush by gunmen on Sunday in the town of Taparko in Burkina Faso, according to reports. Reports said their bus hit a landmine near the town earlier in the day, reports said. The town of Taparko is frequently targeted by Islamist …

A senior police officer in Nigeria’s Enugu state is being investigated over the assault of a female colleague, whom he allegedly dragged and beat, local media reported. Enugu State Deputy Commissioner Oluseyi Okenla allegedly dragged a female officer to the ground while beating her and ordering her detention. He could …

Former Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, 85, died at home on Friday after a short battle with colon cancer, his family and the presidency announced. Banda, Zambia’s fourth president who was in power from 2008 to 2011, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and had been receiving medical treatment. …

The Ethiopian human rights body has accused rebels of killing at least 750 civilians in the northern Afar and Amhara regions in the second half of last year. More than half died in air strikes and heavy artillery fire, it said, adding that the rest died in extra-judicial killings. It …

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Raymond Zondo as the country’s new chief justice, the presidency said in a statement on Thursday following a public selection process. Approved by political parties, Judge Raymond Zondo is hailed for his long experience in the judicial field. But Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom …

Kenyan authorities have announced the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and are now allowing people not to wear face masks in open places. The health ministry said mandatory quarantine and isolation of confirmed cases are also removed. The government however encouraged people attending events indoors to wear face masks and while …

The Lagos state government in Nigeria has started publishing details of convicted sex offenders in the state, including names and pictures, local media reported. It is part of a crack down on domestic abuse and gender based violence, under provisions given by section 42 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence …

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said his country has been approached to play a mediation role in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Mr Ramaphosa did not say who had made the approach but said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and urged him to …

Customs officials in Nigeria say they have intercepted 1,390 sacks of donkey meat in the north-western state of Kebbi near the border with Niger, local media reported. The head of the customs in the region, Joseph Attah said initial investigations suggested about 1,000 donkeys were slaughtered and their meat packed …