(Reuters) – Mario Balotelli earned lavish praise for his team spirit from Italy coach Cesare Prandelli following his performance in the 2-2 draw in a friendly against Brazil on Thursday. “I know how he really wants to be one of the best in the world but he has to... Read more
(AP) — Suspected homosexuals in Cameroon say they have been tortured and raped in prison, according to a report released Thursday by Human Rights Watch and three local organizations. The 55-page report, titled “Guilty by Association,” documents reported abuses by authorities prosecuting suspected gays and lesbians. Those convicted can... Read more
Technology to help in South Africa’s snake search
Africa March 22, 2013
(AP) — The Pretoria Zoo says it’s turning to technology with infra-red cameras to search for a two-meter-long (6.5-foot-long) black mamba snake that escaped from its enclosure a week ago. Marketing manager Craig Allenby of the zoo in South Africa’s capital said Thursday the missing snake probably is in... Read more
(AP) — Rebels in Central African Republic on Thursday dismissed the president’s offer to release some political prisoners, saying the fighters would still consider retaking up arms despite signing a peace agreement two months ago. The move deepens concerns that the rebels could again fight against the government, further... Read more
(AP) — Will the allure of a $5 million reward be the downfall of a tweeting, rapping American jihadi who once fought alongside the Somali militant group al-Shabab but now denounces their methods and motivations in online feuds? A U.S. State Department official who specializes in Somalia said Thursday... Read more
(AP) — A suicide car bomber killed a soldier near Timbuktu’s airport, officials said Thursday, the first such attack in the fabled city where French forces ousted Islamic extremists from power almost two months ago. The renewed violence heightens security concerns as the French military seeks to hand over... Read more
Nigerians are reacting with anger and apprehension to Monday’s suicide car bomb explosion in Kano that claimed the lives of over 40 passengers of buses bound for the southern parts of the country. The general anger was followed Wednesday with more violence as no less than 11 people were... Read more
(AP) — Wanted on an international warrant for alleged war crimes, Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda lived openly in Congo for years, playing tennis at exclusive clubs and dining at lakeside restaurants in full view of foreign diplomats and U.N. peacekeepers. That all ended when the 39-year-old known as “The... Read more
(AP) — South Africa’s police chief said Tuesday she stands by her statement praising officers involved in the shooting massacre of 34 striking miners and insisting they were “just doing your work.” Evidence before the judicial commission questioning her Tuesday has indicated some miners were shot in the back... Read more
(AP) — Zimbabwe’s electoral body said Tuesday that 94.5 percent of voters cast a ballot in favor of a new constitution that calls for a strengthening of human rights and a curb on presidential powers after a decade of political and economic turmoil in the southern African nation. But... Read more
