Ghana must improve human rights record – Amnesty International

Amnesty International has called on government to institute measures to guarantee continuous improvement in its human rights record.
It said, although Ghana’s human rights situation was improving steadily compared to most countries in Africa there was still much to be done.
Mr Lawrence Amesu, Director of Amnesty International Ghana, made the call in a presentation on the launch of the 2013 report in Accra on Thursday.

Niger suicide bombers target Areva mine and barracks

Suicide bombers have struck a military camp and a French-run uranium mine in two towns in north-west Niger.

A bomb at a barracks in Agadez killed at least 19, including 18 soldiers, officials told the BBC. Four attackers died and a fifth is holding four army officers hostage.
The attack on the Somair mine, in the town of Arlit, killed one person and injured 14, its operator Areva said.

Drummer Lee, 25, ‘butchered in street by Muslim fanatics’ in London

The soldier killed in an attack on a London street has been named as Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Drummer Rigby, 25, from Manchester, leaves behind a two-year-old son.
Two men are under arrest in hospital after police shot them near Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday afternoon, in the aftermath of the attack.
The suspects, believed to include Michael Adebolajo, were known to security services, sources have said.
The victim’s name was announced by the Ministry of Defence pending formal police identification.

World Bank pledges $1bn for DR Congo and neighbours

The World Bank has unveiled a $1bn (£660m) aid package to help the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighbours, as fighting continues near the eastern city of Goma.

The money is to be used for health, education, cross-border trade and hydroelectricity projects, it said.
The announcement comes as World Bank head Jim Yong Kim and UN chief Ban Ki-moon start a tour of the region.

Ghana's Derek Boateng ‘completes Fulham deal’

Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has announced he has completed his move to English Premier League side Fulham from Ukrainian club Dnipro.
The 30-year-old wrote on his Twitter account:  “I have signed a two-year deal with Fulham FC! I’m happy to see this deal confirmed!
“Thanks God, my family and everyone who support me!”

Nigeria to free ‘terror’ women

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the release of all women held in connection with “terrorist activity”, the defence ministry says.
The decision was aimed at enhancing peace efforts in Nigeria, it added.
The army is conducting an offensive in three states, where an emergency was declared last week to fight the militant Islamist group Boko Haram.
The group had set the release of women and children as a condition for talks with the government.
More than 2,000 people have died in the conflict in Nigeria since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009 to create an Islamic state.

Obama to tour Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania in June

US President Barack Obama will visit Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania in June, the White House has said.

Mr Obama is expected to meet lawmakers as well as business and civil society leaders and youth on his trip.
The 26 June – 3 July visit will be Mr Obama’s second to sub-Saharan Africa as president. He spent less than a day in Ghana in 2009.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush both visited Africa during their second terms in office.

South Africa legend Nelson Mandela sued by daughters

Nelson Mandela’s daughters Makaziwe and Zenani Mandela are suing their father for the rights of his artworks and control of his millions.
They intend to fight an April 2004 Johannesburg High Court order which gave Mandela the right to instruct his then lawyer, Ismail Ayob, to stop managing his financial, personal and legal affairs.
The sisters are now being represented by Ayob.

This was revealed in the Johannesburg High Court last week by Mandela’s lawyer, Bally Chuene, in his answering affidavit to a lawsuit filed against him by Makaziwe and Zenani.
“Makaziwe and Zenani have sought leave to file answering affidavits in the interdict application (Mandela’s 2004 application) on the basis that they are the sole authorised representatives of Harmonieux, Magnifique and Tinancier Investments and Holdings (Pty) Ltd (also wholly owned by the Mandela Trust),” Chuene said in papers filed on Wednesday.
Last month, the sisters filed papers in the High Court asking for an order instructing Chuene, advocate

Historic joint visit to Africa’s Great Lake region

Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the President of the World Bank Group and Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General will from May 22-24 make a historic joint visit to Africa’s Great Lakes region. This is in support of a recent landmark peace agreement and to push for economic development in one of the world’s most troubled regions. A press release issued May 20, 2013 has said.
“The trip also follows a groundbreaking agreement — the “Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region” – that was signed in February by 11 African nations to