Somalia: Car bomb in Mogadishu kills scores of people

In this edition: clashes break out in Mogadishu at a protest organised by the opposition. Residents reported hearing sporadic gunfire and grenades being fired in the capital. Our regional correspondent Mukelwa Hlatshwayo brings us the latest. Also, voters in Niger are gearing up for Sunday's presidential run-off between Mohamed Bazoum and Mahamane Ousmane. The fight against insecurity will be a major challenge for the next president. And camel milk is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya. We meet farmers taking advantage of the lucrative drink.

Asha Mohammed is a taxi driver in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu. In a country which the UN classifies as one of the most difficult for women, her courageous career choice is breaking stereotypes. N°93L89XN°93Q22N

Police suspect a suicide bomber blew up a car outside a popular restaurant in the capital city. Victims were still reportedly being pulled from the rubble through the evening.

Many Somali women have limited chances to find earn an income for themselves. But a series of worskshops in the capital Mogadishu is slowly changing that.

A dispute between Kenya and Somalia over an oil- and gas-rich area in the Indian Ocean is unlikely to spark an armed conflict. But it may have ramifications for fishing communities, as well as the wider region.

The Islamist group detonated car bombs before launching nighttime raids at two locations in southern Somalia.

The United States and European Union say Somalia risks facing sanctions if it fails to resume talks to end its deadlock over elections. But President Mohamed has extended his mandate despite the international criticism.

Sporadic clashes broke out in the Somalian capital as tensions continue after embattled President Mohamed extended his mandate last week sparking a political crisis.

Mutinous Somali soldiers hold parts of Mogadishu a day after three were killed in fatal clashes with government troops. The opposition fighters are against the extension of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's mandate. And in Ivory Coast, health centres are struggling to convince people to get vaccinated, the suspicion many African communities harbour over the shots are even leading some countries to have to destroy out-of-date Covid-19 vaccine doses. And South Africa's “My Octopus Teacher” wins best documentary at the Oscars.

Mogadishu residents have started to flee from their homes after military forces, who are against Somalia's president’s term extension, took over new positions along Maka al Mukarrama, a key road that is often used by the government officials. Residents say they fear armed clashes will renew in the city.

The massive blast hit a guest house as people were breaking their fast during Ramadan. High school students are reportedly among the casualties.

The decision comes after intense fighting in the streets of Mogadishu. But some opposition members and residents were not convinced with the decision.