adminUN rights chief urges protection for Syrians
The UN human rights chief has issued another appeal for the urgent protection of the Syrian people from the government’s crackdown.
African secures ICC prosecutor’s post
New York — International Criminal Court countries have agreed to nominate Fatou Bensouda of Gambia as chief prosecutor for the main war crimes tribunal, diplomats said.
WikiLeaks releases ‘spy files’
London — WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange launched the website’s new project on Thursday — the publication of hundreds of files it claims shows a global industry that gives governments tools to spy on their citizens.
Euro crisis will take years to solve — Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the eurozone debt crisis cannot be solved overnight, urging instead a long-term approach that relies on tougher fiscal rules in European treaties.
A week before European leaders meet for what is being seen as a make-or-break summit for the single currency bloc, Merkel yesterday once again rejected the idea of joint euro zone bonds and cautioned against steps that might hurt the credibility of the European Central Bank.
18 killed in DRC poll violence
Kinshasa — Election-related violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed at least 18 civilians between 26 and 28 November, Human Rights Watch said yesterday, urging an end to killings by security forces.
Rumours of flesh-eating bananas in Mozambique
Maputo — Rumours of flesh-eating bananas in Mozambique have sparked a plummet in the sale of the fruit, prompting the health minister yesterday to reassure people of its safety.
“From the work conducted by the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Trade and Industry, it was concluded that there is no record of entry of any infected banana in the country,” according to a joint statement.
Do what you want with me: Malema
Johannesburg — ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema has challenged his detractors to do whatever they want with him, the SABC reported yesterday.
Jackie Selebi collapses after sentence
Johannesburg — Former police commissioner Jackie Selebi was admitted to hospital yesterday after his appeal against a 15-year corruption sentence was dismissed, his attorney said yesterday.
He collapsed and could not walk when he watched the judgment being handed down on television.
Kenya, Sudan resume ties after Bashir court ruling
NAIROBI — Kenya has normalised relations with Sudan after Khartoum reversed its decision to expel the Kenyan ambassador over a Nairobi court ruling ordering the arrest of the Sudanese president, the Kenyan foreign affairs minister said yesterday.
Singer hasn’t cut nails for 18 years
Singer Chris Walton is better known by her stage name “The Dutchess” in America, says the Daily Mail.