AFRICA

13 November 2012 Last updated at 15:58 ET

Uganda to pass anti-gay law as 'Christmas gift'

Uganda will pass a new law against homosexuality by the end of 2012 as a "Christmas gift" to its advocates, the speaker of parliament has said.

The AP news agency quoted Rebecca Kadaga as saying that Ugandans were "demanding" the law.

Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda, but the bill which is before parliament proposes tougher sentences for people convicted.

Foreign donors have threatened to cut aid if gay rights are not respected.

Nigerian youths 'executed' in Boko Haram stronghold

At least 30 people were killed when Nigerian troops carried out raids targeting the militant Islamist sect Boko Haram, officials reported on Friday, as a prominent ex-general was gunned down in his home by suspected insurgents.

By FRANCE 24  (text)

 

Nigerian troops shot dead at least 30 people during raids in the northeast city of Maiduguri, bastion of the radical Islamist sect Boko Haram, witnesses and hospital staff said on Friday.

In a separate incident on Friday, unknown gunmen shot dead a prominent ex-general at his home in an attack which had the hallmarks of Boko Haram.

Nigeria church attack prompts sectarian reprisals

At least eight people were killed and more than 100 injured Sunday when a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a Catholic church in northern Nigeria. At least two more people were killed in reprisal attacks against Muslims.

 

Libya assembly approves new cabinet

Libya’s national assembly on Wednesday gave its approval to a cabinet line-up proposed by Prime Minister-designate Ali Zeidan, state media reported, a day after protesters prevented a first attempt to vote on the new cabinet.

Libya's national assembly gave its approval on Wednesday to a cabinet line-up proposed by prime minister designate Ali Zeidan, a day after protesters derailed a vote, state media reported.
"The General National Congress gives its confidence to the government of Ali Zeidan," the official LANA news agency reported.

Nigeria 'committing human rights abuses' in fight against Islamists

Amnesty International claimed on Thursday Nigerian security forces are committing brutal human rights abuses in the battle against Islamist insurgents Boko Haram. Amnesty said the abuses, including executions, are merely fuelling the conflict.

Human rights abuses committed by Nigeria’s security forces in their fight against Islamist sect Boko Haram are fuelling the very insurgency they are meant to quell, Amnesty International said on Thursday.

Nigerian 'youths executed' in Boko Haram stronghold

Dozens of young men have been shot dead in Nigeria by the military in Maiduguri, residents in the north-eastern city have told the BBC.

An imam told the BBC about 11 youths from his street alone were killed, including four of his own sons.

The alleged extrajudicial executions happened as Amnesty International accused the security forces of abuses in its crackdown on Islamist militants.

A military spokesman in Maiduguri said he was not aware of the incident.

But Lt Col Sagir Musa told the BBC investigations would be made.

Maiduguri is the stronghold of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which is fighting to impose Islamic law across Nigeria.

Improved Business Environment in Africa – World Bank

A new joint report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank was released today, measuring business regulations in 183 worldwide economies. Doing Business in a More Transparent World 2012 is a sage look at economic global developments, and revealed that a number of countries across the African continent are emerging business environments.