Africa

Nigeria: militants attack Shell pipeline

Presumed militants of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) attacked Shell facilities in the latest escalation of its “all-out war” on the Nigerian government and oil companies.

Africa

Ethiopia re-occupying Somalia?

Ethiopian troops have reportedly crossed into Somalia after the transitional government there made a plea for foreign forces to help battle insurgents.

Africa

Sudan: hundreds killed in tribal clashes

At least 244 people have been killed this week in clashes between the Misseriya and Rizeqat tribes on the border of the regions of Darfur and South Kordofan, Sudan.

Africa

Niger: president dissolves parliament

Niger’s President Mamadou Tandja dissolved parliament a day after the constitutional court turned down his bid to extend his term. The opposition warns of a step towards dictatorship.

Africa

Darfur rebel leader appears before The Hague

Darfur rebel leader Bahar Idriss Abu Garda appeared before the International Criminal Court at The Hague to face war crimes charges over an attack that killed 12 African Union peacekeepers.

Africa

Somalia: thousands flee fighting in Mogadishu

Thousands fled their homes in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, after at least 35 people were killed over the weekend, while masked Islamist fighters were seen heading toward the city.