Africa

This week in Across Africa, Georja Calvin-Smith speaks to Namibian President Hage Geingob ahead of his arrival in New York for the UN General Assembly. He shares his perspective on governance, the impact of Africa's first climate change summit and the role of the African Union in responding to regional upheaval.

The foreign minister of Mali told the UN General Assembly that any military intervention in Niger would threaten Mali's security. The juntas in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso signed a mutual defense pact last week.

An explosion erupted at a warehouse for smuggled fuel in southern Benin. Benin's informal economy is heavily reliant on selling smuggled Nigerian fuel on the black market.

Cooperation between Tunisia and the EU to limit irregular migration is proving difficult. Both parties have something to win and much to lose.

Malnutrition and disease in the midst of a violent conflict have claimed thousands of young lives. UNICEF has warned that many thousands more are likely to die.

Three West African countries ruled by military juntas have signed a mutual defense pact. Mali and Burkina Faso had previously promised to come to Niger's aid in the event of an attack.

Aid agencies in Libya said local authorities and charities are struggling with the scale of the disaster. Survivors are now at risk from the spread of diseases such as cholera.

Often the only way to identify the dead after natural disasters, like Libya's floods or Hawaii's wildfire, is with DNA, fingerprints and dental records.

Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the eldest son of ousted Gabonese president Ali Bongo, has been charged with corruption, embezzlement of public funds and money laundering. Several cabinet members were also indicted. Also in this edition: famine aid for Somalia is to be temporarily suspended after a UN probe found widespread theft and misuse of funds.

In Northern Ghana, a social enterprise provides school kits and raincoats made from plastic waste. The all-women group is keeping children in school while helping the environment.

A bus carrying employees from a diamond mine in Limpopo reportedly collided with a lorry. Road safety is a critical challenge in South Africa, despite the country's advanced road infrastructure.

Organizers of the Benin World Petanque championship hailed the event as a cultural victory for the country. From leisurely street games to fierce club tournaments, Benin is carving out its place in the sport. Angela Ukomadu has more.