73 million Nigerians register to vote in presidential elections

Millions of Nigerians head to the polls this weekend to choose their next president. In a country where voting has often been synonymous with fraud and violence, there's a sense that something is different this time. Election officials are promising that these elections will be free and transparent - and many people say they believe them.

FOCUS

01/05/2013 - LIBYA

Libya militiamen step up pressure on government

Powerful militiamen are once again showing their muscle to press their demands on how Libya should be run. The gunmen are still surrounding the justice and foreign ministries in Tripoli. They are calling for an "isolation law" to pass, which would bar any former member of the Gaddafi regime from political life. But some believe they are using the law as a pretext to try to bring down Prime Minister Ali Zeidan.

01/05/2013 - FRANCE

Tackling unemployment with 'Generation Contracts'

With French unemployment at record levels, President François Hollande has launched a number of programmes to tackle joblessness, such as "Contracts of the Future," and "Generation Contracts", aimed at the young in particular. The government has promised financial help to companies willing to hire people under the age of 26, and more money to companies willing to hold on to senior workers that can train them up.

30/04/2013 - ENVIRONMENT

EU bans three bee-harming pesticides for two years

Environmentalists hailed a "victory for bees" on Monday after the European Union voted for a ban on several nerve-agent pesticides blamed for the dramatic decline in global bee populations. Fifteen of the 27 member states, including France, voted for a two-year restriction on the neonicotinoids, despite strong opposition from chemical companies.

30/04/2013 - NETHERLANDS

Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne

The Netherlands is celebrating its new King, Willem-Alexander. His mother Queen Beatrix bid an emotional farewell after a reign that has spanned more than three decades. When she took the throne, back in 1980, Republicans hit the streets to protest against the monarchy. Now, the royal family enjoys the support of more than 80 percent of the Dutch people. We look at what has changed and examine the new king's role.

29/04/2013 - ALGERIA

Bouteflika's health: an endless source of speculation

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is undergoing treatment in Paris after suffering a mini-stroke on Sunday. The 76-year-old has been in power since 1999 and faces a presidential election next year. His health has been an endless source of speculation in recent years, but is the country ready for a post-Bouteflika era - and is there a succession plan in place?

React to the article

(4) Reactions

Activité créative

by Anonyme - 11/04/2012 - 21:23

Salut à tous !
Je cherche à pratiquer une activite artistique comme le dessin ou la peinture..
vous me conseillerai quoi pour debuter ?

report abuse

Doug Herbert

by Anonyme - 23/04/2011 - 16:30

better than Anderson Cooper-great interviewer, great piece!

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There are naby better places

by Anonyme - 17/04/2011 - 12:58

There are naby better places in Nigeria to focus on for the purpose of this information instead of makoko - Akoka Lagos.
Nigeria is not as poor as the west think we all the time.