Kinshasa, DR Congo | AFP | The United States and European Union on Wednesday urged Congolese security forces to refrain from using “excessive force” after soldiers fired on Burundian refugees last week, killing over 30. “The US government is dismayed by the violence and death of more than 30 Burundian nationals …

Mexico City, Mexico | AFP | Adriana Fargo nervously bites her lip as she waits for news on the fate of her seven-year-old daughter, feared buried in the earthquake-hit remains of a Mexico City elementary and middle school. At least 21 children died when a three story wing of the Enrique …

United Nations, United States | AFP | US First Lady Melania Trump dined with the spouses of dozens of world leaders at the United Nations Wednesday, calling on them to protect children and teach them by example. Often criticized for her reluctance to fully assume the role of first lady, President …

Multimedia artist Xenson tackles contemporary issues with creative flair Kampala, Uganda | DOMINIC MUWANGUZI |Even before I entered Afriart on 7th in Kampala’s Industrial Area to see Samson Ssenkaaba aka Xenon’s latest exhibition, I knew I was going to see rare creativity. It is a quality that defines this artist. …

Gaborone, Botswana | AFP | Nine elephants were electrocuted in a freak accident in Botswana after one of them knocked into an electricity pole and the high-voltage power line fell on them, a local official said Tuesday. The herd is believed to have broken out of the northeastern Makgadikgadi Pans Game …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | From the arrival of stars Giorgio Armani and Tommy Hilfiger to anti-fur protesters, London Fashion Week closes on Tuesday after five lively days. Here are some of the highlights from the Spring/Summer 2018 catwalk shows: – Armani and Hilfiger – Considered the younger sibling of …

Antananarivo, Madagascar | AFP | In most countries health ministers are seen as bureaucrats more interested in paperwork than medical miracles. Not in Madagascar, where Mamy Lalatiana Andriamanarivo recently picked up a scalpel and separated conjoined siamese twins in a medical first for the Indian Ocean island nation. “Surgery was performed …

Harare, Zimbabwe | AFP | Zimbabwean activist pastor Evan Mawarire pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of misconduct and inciting a crowd to cause violence. Mawarire — an outspoken opponent of ruling President Robert Mugabe — became popular with his #ThisFlag movement that challenged Mugabe’s government over the economic crisis. …

Kampala, Uganda | GODFREY SSALI | Investors from the United Kingdom face frustration due to bureaucracy and corruption as they seek to start up business in Uganda. This was revealed by Lord Dolar Popat from the House of Lords while hosting the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga to a dinner in …

Lome, Togo | AFP | Togo’s opposition stayed away from parliament on Tuesday, blocking the passage of the government’s bill for political reform and forcing a referendum. The bill was published last week on the eve of protests calling for a revision of the constitution that developed into demands for President …