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Rebels fight on in eastern DR Congo ahead of truce
Rebels fight on in eastern DR Congo ahead of truce
by  AFP

M23 rebels were still fighting and advancing on one front of their offensive in east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, civilian and military sources said, just hours before a ceasefire was to come into force. M23 rebels were to withdraw from "occupied zones", failing which the East African regional force would intervene.

Army foils coup bid in Sao Tome: prime minister
Army foils coup bid in Sao Tome: prime minister
by  AFP

The military has foiled a coup attempt in Sao Tome and Principe, the prime minister of the island nation off the western coast of Africa said in a video message confirmed by AFP on Friday.

Mali junta hits out at critical rights report
Mali junta hits out at critical rights report
by  AFP

Mali's junta has hit back at a new report accusing the army and Russian paramilitaries as well as rebels of "grave crimes" against civilians, saying it "totally rejects" the charges. The government said it "totally rejects" the FIDH charges of persecution against the Peul community, which is often accused of supplying men for jihadist groups.

Civilians flee as jihadists advance in northeast Mali
Civilians flee as jihadists advance in northeast Mali
by  AFP

Jihadists aligned with the Islamic State group are advancing in northeastern Mali, prompting terrified citizens to flee their homes, sources there say. The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) launched an offensive in the Gao and Menaka regions in March, triggering heavy fighting with local armed groups and rival jihadists.

Jones calls for referee respect as Springboks' Erasmus misses England game
Jones calls for referee respect as Springboks' Erasmus misses England game
by  AFP

England coach Eddie Jones said referees had to be treated with respect as his team prepared to face a South Africa side who will be without Rassie Erasmus at Twickenham. - 'Fight and fight' - But the teams' most recent meeting was a far closer contest, England edging the Springboks 27-26 at Twickenham last year.

I.Coast's Ble Goude says he wants to make low-key return
I.Coast's Ble Goude says he wants to make low-key return
by  AFP

Charles Ble Goude, a key figure in post-electoral violence that swept Ivory Coast 11 years ago, wants to make a low-key homecoming this weekend, his representatives said on Thursday. But Boga Sako, who heads the welcoming committee, told a press conference that Ble Goude "wishes to make a sober return."

Algeria sentences scores to death over forest fire lynching: media
Algeria sentences scores to death over forest fire lynching: media
by  AFP

An Algerian court Thursday sentenced 49 people to death over the lynching of a man falsely accused of starting deadly forest fires during an extended heatwave last year, state media reported. The court in Dar El Beida on Thursday "sentenced 49 people to execution over (Ben Ismail's) murder and mutilation of his body," the APS news agency reported.