Africa

African leaders are calling for a cease-fire, dialogue and the protection of innocent civilians caught between Hamas terrorists and Israeli Defense Forces. The African Union has called for a cessation of hostilities.

World Trade Organization (WTO) chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said on Thursday (October 12) she hoped the Israel-Hamas conflict could be ended quickly, warning it would have a "really big impact" on already weak global trade flows if it widened throughout the region.

Every few years, Malagasy communities hold joyful ceremonies where the remains of lost loved ones are exhumed, cared for and introduced to the newest members of the community. Also, although Tunisia was decades ahead of many other countries in giving women the right to choose whether to go ahead with pregnancies, taboos remain.

Israel says there will be no humanitarian exceptions to its siege of the Gaza Strip until all its hostages are freed. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa volunteers to help mediate the conflict and asks for the opening of a humanitarian corridor.

There's a special reason to celebrate in Senegal as millions of Mouride pilgrims come togetherfor the Grand Magal. This year also features an exhibition of a rare photos of the order's founder. Also relatives of the 73 gambian children killed by toxic cough syrups sue made in India drugmakers. And Beninese students expanding their tech horizons wow judges with their creations.

More well off would be Senegalese migrants are heading to Central America in the hopes of making it into the States. But the journey is often fraught, expensive and uncertain. Also in Kenya the rising cost of living has added to the mental health struggles of many finding it harder to make ends meet.

The hearing comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government battles to deal with irregular migration ahead of elections next year.

The election of President Adama Barrow was a win for democracy in Gambia. However, the arrest of journalists and government critics has raised concerns the West African nation could become a dictatorship once more.

The city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is nearly surrounded by M23 rebels fighting government forces. Residents fear for their safety despite the presence of UN peacekeepers, and they're fed up with waiting for aid from their government.

Liberia's electoral commission says vote-counting was high in an election on Tuesday that will test the popularity of soccer star-turned-president George Weah.

The US formally acknowledges that Niger's military staged a coup when it ousted President Mohamed Bazoum back in July. The announcement means the US will be suspending financial aid and military support to the country. Meanwhile, the first convoy of French troops prepares to leave Niger. Also in this edition: Liberia heads to the polls as President George Weah eyes a second term. Finally, on World Mental Health Day, we take stock of the state of mental health provision in Kenya.

Egypt carried out the highest number of executions in Africa in 2022, according to Amnesty International. The organization reported 883 executions in 20 countries in the same year, marking a 53% increase since 2021. DW examines the current situation in Africa.