The international community is in uproar over another coup d'etat in Guinea Bissau. On top of its political problems, the country has also become a hotbed for drug trafficking. Next, a rare glimpse behind closed doors at negotiations for the new government of Mali. Finally, the return of a legend as South Africa’s Nobel laureate, Nadine Gordimer, releases her first book in seven years.
Ministers from Algeria, Mauritania and Niger clashed Sunday over whether to seek dialogue or confrontation with rebels in neighbouring Mali, as Tuareg and Islamist militants tightened their hold on the north of the country.
Morocco scored a last-minute goal to beat Niger 1-0 over Niger Tuesday in what was the last game for both teams in the African Cup of Nations, after finishing behind group winner Gabon.
Gabon’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign got off to a winning start on Monday when they defeated tournament newcomers Niger 2-0 in Libreville. St Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubeyang inspired the Panthers to a confidence-boosting first win.
A French hostage kidnapped in Niger last January by al Qaeda's North African wing was executed while another died when a vehicle in which he was riding was hit by arms fire, a jailed member of the group told France's "Liberation" daily.
Today is the 600th anniversary of Joan of Arc's birth and papers look at how politicians in France are co-opting her image. Threats to France's AAA rating also feature, as does a report on how two French hostages were killed in Niger last January. That's the focus for this French press review, Friday 6th January 2012.
Human rights groups warn that Niger risks sparking a new Tuareg rebellion in its desert north if it mishandles the expected arrival of Muammar Gaddafi's fugitive son Saif al-Islam, who is thought to be on the run in Libya's southern border areas.
First, we look at how Niger is suffering as the conflict in neighbouring Libya drags on. Next, we investigate why the capital of Madagascar could become Africa's biggest shantytown. Finally, despite reigning rugby champions South Africa being out of this year's World Cup, popularity for the sport is growing at home.
Seven people were kidnapped in Niger on September 16, 2010 by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. As the four remaining French hostages mark their first anniversary in captivity, unrest in neighbouring Libya complicates negotiations for their release.
Niger officials said on Monday they were keeping the son of Muammar Gaddafi, Saadi, under surveillance as he made his way to the capital, Niamey. The country has not said whether it will turn him over to Libyan authorities.
