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Israel lawmakers hold first vote on bill triggering early election
Israel lawmakers hold first vote on bill triggering early election
World
by  AFP

Israeli lawmakers were holding a first vote Wednesday on a government bill to dissolve parliament and call an early election, after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said his eight-party coalition was no longer tenable. If the government's dissolution bill passes Wednesday's preliminary vote, it must then clear a separate committee vote and three further votes in the full parliament.

At least 100 killed in Afghanistan earthquake
At least 100 killed in Afghanistan earthquake
World
by  AFP

A powerful earthquake in Afghanistan killed at least 100 people and injured dozens more, officials said Wednesday, with the toll expected to rise as rescuers reach remote areas. Scores of people were killed and injured in January when two quakes struck rural areas in the western province of Badghis, damaging hundreds of buildings.

Cameroon's 'cloth of kings' torn over future
Cameroon's 'cloth of kings' torn over future
Africa
by  AFP

Wambesso Fankam stands out elegantly from the crowd at a funeral ceremony in western Cameroon. "In the past when someone who hadn't the right to wear ndop wore it, they had to pay a fine," said Prince Fankam.

Burundi drummers forced to dance to official beat
Burundi drummers forced to dance to official beat
Africa
by  AFP

A troupe of barefoot musicians wearing the national colours of Burundi strike huge wooden royal drums with tremendous force, precision and unabashed joy. In the tiny landlocked nation of 12 million people, drumming troupes big and small perform at weddings, religious ceremonies and other celebrations -- as well as competing against each other.

Remains of independence hero Lumumba return to DR Congo
Remains of independence hero Lumumba return to DR Congo
Africa
by  AFP

The coffin of slain Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba returns to his homeland on Wednesday for an emotionally charged tour and burial, more than six decades after his assassination. Finally able to mourn his uncle but knowing he was assassinated in 1961, Omatuku said he was feeling emotionally torn.