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Lumumba's coffin visits Kisangani, where Congo's first premier found his way
Lumumba's coffin visits Kisangani, where Congo's first premier found his way
by  AFP

After a rest in his native village, the coffin of the former Belgian Congo's first post-independence prime minister Friday pursued its memorial pilgrimage to the northeastern city of Kisangani. From Kisangani, the coffin will be taken on Sunday to Katanga in the southeast, where a secessionist movement raged after independence and where Lumumba and his aides were tortured to death.

Commonwealth nations free to chart own course: Prince Charles
Commonwealth nations free to chart own course: Prince Charles
by  AFP

Prince Charles told Commonwealth leaders Friday that the choice to become a republic or abandon the queen as head of state was "a matter for each member country to decide". "I want to say clearly, as I have said before, that each member's constitutional arrangement, as republic or monarchy, is purely a matter for each member country to decide.

Ethiopia says Tigray fuel shortage 'a myth'
Ethiopia says Tigray fuel shortage 'a myth'
by  AFP

Ethiopia on Thursday described fuel shortages in the war-wracked Tigray region as a "myth" and accused Tigrayan rebels of seeking to launch a new offensive. "The myth of fuel shortage is a TPLF hidden agenda to enhance mobility of its army in preparation for another round of conflict," it said, referring to the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

Ogier pulls ahead in Safari Rally opener
Ogier pulls ahead in Safari Rally opener
by  AFP

Sebastien Ogier took the lead after Thursday's opening special as he looks to win a second straight Safari Rally, while championship leader Kalle Rovanpera suffered a puncture in Kenya. But fortunately it's a long rally," said the 21-year-old Finn who currently has a 55-point lead in the championship over Neuville after five races.

Swahili smash for Osaka's new venture
Swahili smash for Osaka's new venture
by  AFP

The name of Japanese tennis ace Naomi Osaka's new venture Hana Kuma has raised eyebrows in Africa -- as the term has a lewd meaning in Swahili. Hana Kuma means "flower bear" in Japanese.

UK's Johnson defends migrant deal on Rwanda visit
UK's Johnson defends migrant deal on Rwanda visit
by  AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his controversial migrant deal with Rwanda on a visit to the country Thursday, telling critics to "keep an open mind". But Johnson told reporters: "The critics need to keep an open mind about the policy."

UK's Johnson holds talks with Rwanda leader on migrant deal
UK's Johnson holds talks with Rwanda leader on migrant deal
by  AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held talks with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame on Thursday on their migrant deal that has provoked a storm of outrage. Their meeting on the sidelines of a gathering of Commonwealth nations followed talks in Kigali on Wednesday between Kagame and the British heir to the throne Prince Charles, who has reportedly described the migrant deal as "appalling".

World 'sleepwalking' to Somalia famine catastrophe: charity
World 'sleepwalking' to Somalia famine catastrophe: charity
by  AFP

The international community is "sleepwalking" towards a catastrophic famine in Somalia, and children are dying because hospitals are at breaking point, the charity Save the Children warned on Thursday. "Famine is bearing down on Somalia and clinics for malnourished children are close to breaking point.