In the news

At least 40 people have been killed in two armed attacks in central Nigeria, the country’s authorities announced. “The armed attacks had been carried out against villages surrounding a mining area,” according to Udu al-Umma, Governor of Plateau State. He added that at least 40 people were killed as a …

A prominent Malian economist and professor Étienne Fakaba Sissoko has been sentenced to two years in jail, one of which was suspended, for criticizing the military authorities. He was also ordered to pay a fine of 3m CFA francs ($4,900). The 41-year-old academic, who has been in custody since March, …

At the age of 90, Ed Dwight has finally successfully completed his journey into space aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft since his journey began in 1961. After more than six decades of waiting, he became the oldest person to journey to space aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft. Dwight’s journey began …

The US and Niger authorities have agreed that US troops will leave the country no later than 15 September, they announced in a joint statement on Sunday. The two countries had “reached a disengagement agreement to effect the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which has already begun”. The statement commended the …

An 8-year old boy has drown in River Adjei at Nurses Quarters near Domeabra in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. According to reports, the boy went missing for a day. “The deceased went to the river together with his 12-year-old elder brother and friends to …

A South African court has barred former president Jacob Zuma from running in the upcoming general elections. The Constitutional Court ruled that his 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court disqualified him. Mr Zuma has been campaigning under the banner of the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party after falling …

The luxury watch brand Rolex will close its official store in South Africa in June after 76 years, the company told local newspaper, News24. Rolex said “local markets and conjuncture have changed, and no longer warrant the presence of an official Rolex affiliate”. But added that they would remain “active …

Chad’s Constitutional Council has confirmed the results of the presidential election, declaring interim military leader Mahamat Déby the winner. It also rejected challenges by two losing candidates in the 6 May elections. The country’s electoral body declared Gen Déby winner of the election with 61% of the vote, with his …

Five health workers have been arrested for the disappearance of a newborn baby’s umbilical cord and placenta at Government Cottage Hospital, Iloffa, in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Nigeria State. “A woman gave birth to a baby while the umbilical cord and the placenta were yet to be given to …

Eight worshippers were killed and 16 others injured after a man attacked a mosque with a locally made explosive in northern Nigeria’s Kano state. The suspect attacked the mosque in Kano’s remote Gadan village “purely in hostility following prolonged family disagreement,” police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna said. “The worshippers were locked …