New York, United States | AFP | John Williams, the prolific film composer who has scored “Star Wars” and other blockbusters, will premiere a new work dedicated to Leonard Bernstein, the Boston Symphony Orchestra said Wednesday. The orchestra announced its 2018 season at Tanglewood, its summer home nestled in the wooded …

Milan, Italy | AFP | Gian Piero Ventura’s reign as Italy coach ended on Wednesday after a World Cup qualifying fiasco during which the four-time champions failed to reach next year’s finals in Russia. The 69-year-old’s fate was sealed after a crisis meeting of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in Rome, …

Washington, United States | AFP | Tennis superstar Serena Williams is used to hoisting trophies, but on Thursday, it looks like she’ll be carrying a wedding bouquet. Music royalty Beyonce and Jay Z, along with actress Eva Longoria are among the A-listers reportedly convening in New Orleans for Williams’ wedding to …

Maiduguri, Nigeria | AFP | Twelve people were killed Wednesday evening after four suicide bombers struck in the regional capital of Maiduguri in northeast Nigeria, rescue workers told AFP. Two men and two women blew themselves up in the Muna neighbourhood at around 1700 GMT, the chief security officer of Borno …

Kinshasa, DR Congo | AFP | Dozens of people were arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, following warnings from authorities that they would break up planned protests against the extended rule of President Joseph Kabila. The Lucha citizen movement said at least 27 were detained by police in …

Harare, Zimbabwe | AFP | Emmerson Mnangagwa appears well-placed to return to a leading role in Zimbabwe following the army’s takeover in response to President Robert Mugabe’s sacking of the former vice president. Nicknamed “Ngwena” (The Crocodile) because of his fearsome power and ruthlessness, the 75-year-old has a reputation for taking …

Khartoum, Sudan | AFP | Dozens of Sudanese journalists on Wednesday demonstrated in Khartoum against a proposed new press law that aims to tighten restrictions on media freedom in the African country. “United Against the New Law” and “Free Press or No Press,” read banners held up by demonstrators who say …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Telecom firm, Africell Uganda and Uber have signed the ‘Uber With Africell’ partnership campaign agreement designed to enhance convenience with free rides for first time users. The campaign, which started on Nov. 02 will see new users get free first time rides up to Shs …

Dakar, Senegal | AFP | France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Tuesday encouraged African nations calling for greater autonomy over their security to “go for it”, following the launch of a regional anti-jihad force in the Sahel. France currently has its own a 4,000-strong counter-terror force named Barkhane tackling jihadists …

Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reached an agreement with the national team over earnings for the World Cup in Russia on Tuesday, hoping to avoid a pay strike similar to the one in Brazil in 2014. It did not disclose the various fees agreed with the …