Africa

South Africa's firbrand politician, Julius Malema, gave a dynamic speech at the launch of the Pan-African Institute, in which he criticzed Kenya's President William Ruto. Malema received enthusiastic cheers from the audience. But did he cross a line and break the African etiquette that a guest does not speak ill of their host?

Mali's military has taken the town of Kidal from rebel groups. But experts fear that possible fresh attacks might jeopardize lasting peace.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Sudan's acting foreign minister said the UN mission's performance in achieving its objectives "was disappointing."

A huge debate is ongoing in Nairobi as representatives from some 175 countries negotiate terms of the first ever treaty on plastic pollution. Many countries including the UK, Japan and Kenya say the aim should be to reduce plastic production while the US, Saudi Arabia and much of the plastic industry argue that the focus should be on recycling and reuse.

Africa is seeking an action plan on the back of growing calls for compensation for the historical enslavement of millions of its people at a conference in Ghana. Meanwhile in the Central African Republic, the UN Security Council has adopted a resolution to renew its local peacekeeping mission – MINUSCA – for another year in the country plagued by instability and fighting. Finally, African tech is going from strength to strength at the Africa Tech festival in Cape Town, South Africa.

Fuel-pumped motorbike taxis in Benin's capital Cotonou, emit harmful fumes, which add to city pollution. An electric vehicle company is looking to change that by introducing electric motorcycles.

Mali's army on Tuesday said it has seized the major rebel stronghold of Kidal in northern Mali. Over in Liberia, ballot counting is underway following the run-off vote between the incumbent and his rival. President George Weah is hoping for a second term in office while former Vice President Joseph Boakai bids to unseat him.

Ballot counting was underway in Liberia on Tuesday in a run-off election between President George Weah and former vice president Joseph Boakai, in what is expected to be a closely fought vote.

Madagascar's supporter of opposition parties clashed with police in the capital city, Antananarivo on Saturday leading to several arrests by security officials. The groups barricaded roads, lit fires and threw stones at the police.

Liberia is gearing up for the runoff presidential election. President George Weah is fighting to keep his job, and facing stiff competition from former vice president Joseph Boakai. The election is a rematch of 2017 - when Weah defeated Boakai with 61 percent. But since then, some voters have become disenchanted with Weah - particurarly over issues of corruption and unemployment.

After a fruitless 10-hour search in stomach-churning waves, the Senegalese navy patrol boat, Walo, had started its long journey back to port on Thursday evening when its radar picked up a neon blip - another vessel was moving fast through the dark seas.

Kenya's high cost of hospitalization can quickly put many patients in debt. But local caregiver networks are working to eliminate hospital stays — making it easier for people to access wellness programs and avoid high costs.