In Africa, the mobile phone comes first before even food— except in South Sudan
>M&G Africa Reporter & AgencyMTN to cut jobs in Africa's youngest nation amid economic crisis spurred by war--showing just how bad things there are.
UN boss Ban scores major points ahead of Zuma-led heads of state visit to Burundi
>M&G Africa Reporter & AgencyBurundi president Pierre Nkurunziza softens stance on talks with opposition, and to free hundreds of political prisoners as peace effort resumes.
Mugabe's wife now denies presidential ambitions, says to back Zim leader even if ‘in wheelchair'
>M&G Africa Reporter & AgencyApparent U-Turn to stoke speculation over what it means for race to succeed frail 91-year-old leader in 2018 elections.
Rwandan rebels kidnap 6 Tanzanian Muslim leaders in DR Congo, demand $20,000 ransom
>M&G Africa Reporter & AgencyThis could be awkward for Tanzania, which in the past called on Rwanda to negotiate with the rebels now turned kidnappers.
Another African election is around the corner; Ugandan police arrest two top Museveni rivals
>M&G Africa Reporter & AgencyExcept Eritrea, all of Africa now holds elections. However, most go for the form and ritual. Truly free elections are still few and far in between.
France helps Compaore flee, underscoring its continued Africa influence as Burkina Faso talks strike deal
>M&G Africa Reporter & AgencyRegional bloc ECOWAS to hold meeting Thursday as Paris shadow looms large.
Shabaab behead Kenyan, Morocco arrests ISIS jihadists, and Boko Haram makes big gains
>M&G Africa Reporter & AgencyThe militants have grown stronger, secured powerful new weapons and refreshed their ranks while the Nigerian military is mired in crisis.
Huge depot blaze puts Tripoli under threat, oil production drops
>M&G Africa Reporter & AgencySpread of the blaze could cause potential "humanitarian and environmental catastrophe".
