Police in Rwanda say a grenade has exploded at a market in the country’s southwest, wounding 21 people. Authorities said the blast happened late Tuesday in Rusizi, which is near the border with Burundi. Police said no arrests have been made, and called on residents to remain calm while security personnel carry out an investigation.
World Food Program Exploring Return to Southern Somalia
Posted July 13th, 2011 at 4:30 am (UTC-5)
The World Food Program says it is exploring “every possibility” to resume working in southern Somalia, after the Islamist militant group al-Shabab said it would welcome aid groups to areas under its control. In a statement Wednesday, the World Food Program said it is consulting with the United Nations as well as donor countries, and […]
US Warns of Travel Dangers to South Sudan
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 8:25 pm (UTC-5)
The United States is warning its citizens of the dangers of traveling to South Sudan, despite the celebration of the country’s new independence. The U.S. embassy in South Sudan urged Americans Tuesday not to travel to border regions between Sudan and South Sudan, citing recent fighting between forces loyal to the two countries’ armies as […]
Nigeria University Shuts After Bomb Threats
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 5:55 pm (UTC-5)
Thousands of people are fleeing a northern Nigerian city, and the university there has closed indefinitely following threats from a radical Islamist sect. The University of Maiduguri in volatile Borno State shut down Monday, and officials say it will remain closed until the security situation improves. Officials say the university received a letter from the […]
Eritrean Football Players Seek Asylum in Tanzania
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 12:30 pm (UTC-5)
Thirteen Eritrean football players are seeking asylum in Tanzania, where their team was taking part in a regional tournament. A spokesman for Tanzania’s home affairs ministry has confirmed earlier reports that the players did not turn up at a Dar es Salaam airport Saturday, after their team was eliminated in the semi-final of the CECAFA […]
US Firm to Allow Copying of AIDS Drugs
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 11:35 am (UTC-5)
One of the world’s biggest producers of AIDS drugs says it will make some of them available for cheaper generic manufacturing, potentially boosting their use in poor countries, particularly in Africa. U.S. drug maker Gilead Sciences said Tuesday it has reached an agreement with the United Nations’ Medicines Patent Pool to allow other manufacturers to […]
Sudan to Issue New Currency After Split With South
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 9:50 am (UTC-5)
Sudan’s president says the country will issue a new currency following its split with South Sudan last week. President Omar al-Bashir announced the plan during an address to the National Assembly in Khartoum on Tuesday. South Sudan declared its independence on Saturday and on Monday announced plans to introduce its own currency. The new South […]
Nigeria University Shuts Due To Bomb Threats
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 8:45 am (UTC-5)
A northern Nigeria university has closed indefinitely after officials say it received bomb threats from a radical Islamic sect. The University of Maiduguri in volatile Borno State shut down on Monday and officials say it will remain closed until the security situation improves. Officials say the university received a letter from the Boko Haram sect […]
Congo, India to Build Hydro Plant
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 8:25 am (UTC-5)
The Democratic Republic of Congo and India have signed a deal to build a hydroelectric plant in southern Congo. Officials from both countries participated in a signing ceremony in the Congolese city of Kananga late Monday. Congo’s Energy Minister Gilbert Tshiongo said the plant, when completed, will have a capacity of 65 megawatts. The project […]
Nigerian President Appoints More Cabinet Ministers
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 7:05 am (UTC-5)
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed several new cabinet ministers, including naming career diplomat Olugbenga Ashiru as Nigeria’s new foreign minister. Mr. Jonathan also appointed Bart Nnaji as power minister, as he continues to fill out his cabinet after being sworn in for his first full term as president last month. The Nigerian president has […]
