Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's arrest has led to clashes in Africa's Senegal. Also, Sonoko has denied all the rape allegations as well. Clashes between police and students also have been reported.

Africa:  Ousmane Sonko's arrest leads to clashes in Senegal

African swine fever has threatened the Hungarian Mangalica pig. Mangalica pigs are listed as an endangered animal and are developed by cross-breeding. WION tells you more.

African swine fever threatens Hungarian Mangalica pig

African nations have started the COVAX aided vaccination drive as efforts to inoculate the world's poorest nations. COVAX aims to provide 1.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries in the year 2021.

African nations start COVAX-aided vaccination drive

African countries have now started the COVAX-AIDED vaccination drive as efforts to inoculate the world's poorest nations.

African countries begin COVAX-AIDED vaccination drive

An increase in Islamic insurgency has led to the displacement of nearly 670,000 people in east Arica's Mozambique. Jihadist violence has been a major reason behind displacement at this level. Oil wells have become the source of conflict for which insurgency has been dragged for 3 years.

Africa: Islamic insurgency led displacement of over 670,000 people

Two months after the vaccination campaigns kicked off in the west, the first jabs are finally arriving in Africa and Latin America. While the virus may not discriminate, the vaccination programmes certainly do. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: A world of 'Vaccine Haves & Have Nots'

In the West,&nbsp;people are refusing to take jabs,&nbsp;but in&nbsp;Africa,&nbsp;there aren't medicines,&nbsp;let alone vaccines.&nbsp;

There are talks&nbsp;about global cooperation, but&nbsp;this is the end result.&nbsp;It is&nbsp;a logistical nightmare.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This whole pandemic has been a learning curve.&nbsp;The lessons learnt in the last&nbsp;year&nbsp;should help us prevent the next pandemic&nbsp;if countries are willing to learn.&nbsp;

Right now,&nbsp;this is a world of vaccine haves and have nots.&nbsp;In the United States,&nbsp;doses are&nbsp;getting&nbsp;wasted&nbsp;in refrigerators.&nbsp;In Japan,&nbsp;they don't have enough syringes.&nbsp;

It's a complete breakdown&nbsp;in terms of&nbsp;global cooperation and planning.&nbsp;

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Earlier,&nbsp;multilateral and regional groupings have failed to boost cooperation&nbsp;but on Thursday,&nbsp;Saarc&nbsp;workshop was South Asia's chance to&nbsp;make the&nbsp;right amends.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The virtual meeting was convened by India&nbsp;and around&nbsp;10 of&nbsp;India's&nbsp;neighbours&nbsp;participated along with&nbsp;Saarc&nbsp;members.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the meeting&nbsp;and&nbsp;talked about promoting best Covid&nbsp;practises&nbsp;and the need for South&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;unity.&nbsp;

Some proposals laid out&nbsp;were&nbsp;a visa regime for medical workers,&nbsp;a regional air ambulance for health contingencies,&nbsp;and most importantly,&nbsp;sharing vaccine efficiency data.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The only issue is that&nbsp;getting everyone onboard&nbsp;in this political climate will be next to impossible.&nbsp;

Politicisation&nbsp;of the pandemic&nbsp;has been happening. Now,&nbsp;even vaccine approvals and purchases are political.&nbsp;Venezuela will only use Russia's&nbsp;Sputnik.&nbsp;Iran will let its people die before using&nbsp;US&nbsp;jabs.&nbsp;Pakistan is at the mercy of Chinese doses.&nbsp;Add to this,&nbsp;a breakdown in supply chains&nbsp;and we have a full-blown crisis.&nbsp;

More than 180 million Americans have been inoculated&nbsp;and&nbsp;in Africa,&nbsp;the jabs haven't even arrived&nbsp;yet.&nbsp;At this rate,&nbsp;it will be 2023 before large parts of the continent are inoculated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the world's most powerful fighting force is turning out to be anti-vaccine.&nbsp;Almost one-third of&nbsp;US&nbsp;servicemen are refusing to take the jab.&nbsp;The reason is unclear.&nbsp;Some reports say the troops are falling for internet&nbsp;rumours.&nbsp;Either way,&nbsp;it's a dangerous prospect.&nbsp; 
US&nbsp;troops travel the world.&nbsp;They eat, sleep and train in close quarters.&nbsp;It's a virus cluster waiting to emerge.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the Pentagon leadership is scrambling to find a solution.&nbsp;

Maj&nbsp;Gen Jeff Taliaferro, joint chiefs of staff vice director for operations,&nbsp;"We believe that, of course, the vaccine is the right thing to do.&nbsp;It's clearly safe for service members and we need to continue to educate our force and help them understand the benefits and ensure there's leadership involvement in the discussion of the benefits of the of the vaccine."&nbsp;

Across the Atlantic,&nbsp;Britain is falling back on some desperate tactics.&nbsp;They have approved a new clinical trial.&nbsp;One that will deliberately expose healthy people to the Wuhan virus.&nbsp;It's a first during this outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
During a vaccine trial,&nbsp;normally&nbsp;people are&nbsp;given an experimental jab&nbsp;but at no point,&nbsp;they&nbsp;are infected on purpose.&nbsp;In this case,&nbsp;volunteers are being infected in a controlled environment.&nbsp;

It is&nbsp;to understand the minimum virus load needed to trigger the infection&nbsp;and understanding how the virus transmits.&nbsp;

90 volunteers have been roped in&nbsp;for it.&nbsp;All&nbsp;are&nbsp;aged between 18 and 30.&nbsp;They&nbsp;will&nbsp;be paid 88 pounds per day&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;cost of putting their lives on the line.&nbsp;

Human challenge trials have been done before&nbsp;as&nbsp;they can be helpful in understanding more about a disease.&nbsp;But the fact that the UK&nbsp;is&nbsp;doing this now just goes to show how dire the situation is.&nbsp;

The world would do well to take a leaf from India's playbook,&nbsp;cooperation,&nbsp;solidarity,&nbsp;and&nbsp;neighbourhood&nbsp;first.&nbsp;These have been the pillars of India's pandemic response.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the West, people are refusing to take jabs, but in Africa, there aren't medicines, let alone vaccines. There are talks about global cooperation, but this is the end result.

In the West, people are refusing to take jabs, but in Africa, there aren't medicines, let alone vaccines. There are talks about global cooperation, but this is the end result. It is a logistical nightmare. This whole pandemic has been a learning curve. The lessons learnt in the last year should help us prevent the next pandemic if countries are willing to learn. Right now, this is a world of vaccine haves and have nots. In the United States, doses are getting wasted in refrigerators. In Japan, they don't have enough syringes. It's a complete breakdown in terms of global cooperation and planning. × Earlier, multilateral and regional groupings have failed to boost cooperation but on Thursday, Saarc workshop was South Asia's chance to make the right amends. The virtual meeting was convened by India and around 10 of India's neighbours participated along with Saarc members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the meeting and talked about promoting best Covid practises and the need for South Asian unity. Some proposals laid out were a visa regime for medical workers, a regional air ambulance for health contingencies, and most importantly, sharing vaccine efficiency data. The only issue is that getting everyone onboard in this political climate will be next to impossible. Politicisation of the pandemic has been happening. Now, even vaccine approvals and purchases are political. Venezuela will only use Russia's Sputnik. Iran will let its people die before using US jabs. Pakistan is at the mercy of Chinese doses. Add to this, a breakdown in supply chains and we have a full-blown crisis. More than 180 million Americans have been inoculated and in Africa, the jabs haven't even arrived yet. At this rate, it will be 2023 before large parts of the continent are inoculated. Meanwhile, the world's most powerful fighting force is turning out to be anti-vaccine. Almost one-third of US servicemen are refusing to take the jab. The reason is unclear. Some reports say the troops are falling for internet rumours. Either way, it's a dangerous prospect. US troops travel the world. They eat, sleep and train in close quarters. It's a virus cluster waiting to emerge. So, the Pentagon leadership is scrambling to find a solution. Maj Gen Jeff Taliaferro, joint chiefs of staff vice director for operations, "We believe that, of course, the vaccine is the right thing to do. It's clearly safe for service members and we need to continue to educate our force and help them understand the benefits and ensure there's leadership involvement in the discussion of the benefits of the of the vaccine." Across the Atlantic, Britain is falling back on some desperate tactics. They have approved a new clinical trial. One that will deliberately expose healthy people to the Wuhan virus. It's a first during this outbreak. During a vaccine trial, normally people are given an experimental jab but at no point, they are infected on purpose. In this case, volunteers are being infected in a controlled environment. It is to understand the minimum virus load needed to trigger the infection and understanding how the virus transmits. 90 volunteers have been roped in for it. All are aged between 18 and 30. They will be paid 88 pounds per day as the cost of putting their lives on the line. Human challenge trials have been done before as they can be helpful in understanding more about a disease. But the fact that the UK is doing this now just goes to show how dire the situation is. The world would do well to take a leaf from India's playbook, cooperation, solidarity, and neighbourhood first. These have been the pillars of India's pandemic response.

The story of vaccine haves and have nots

Health workers in two African countries are working overtime to contain an Ebola outbreak. More than 10 cases are being reported out of Guinea and Congo. At least 7 people have died. Is this the beginning of a new epidemic? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: An Ebola outbreak in Africa in the middle of a pandemic

With a continued focus on Africa, India's Exim&nbsp;Bank (Export-Import Bank of India) has extended the 5th line of credit (LOC) to Sierra Leone. The LOC worth $15 million will be used for the expansion of projects for rehabilitation of existing potable water facilities that will benefit 100,000 residents in 4 communities. The total value of all the 5 LOCs now stands at $168 million and covers sectors such as power, agriculture, potable water.

The latest LOC was signed on&nbsp;February 5, 2021 between&nbsp;General Manager, Exim Bank&nbsp;Saroj Khuntia, and Sierra Leone's Finance Minister&nbsp;Jacob Jusu Saffa.

Specifically, for Africa,&nbsp;India has a total of 211 Line of Credits (LoCs) amounting to US $ 12.85 billion in various infrastructure projects such as power plants, hydroelectricity, power transmission &amp; distribution networks, dams etc.&nbsp;New sectors such as Telecommunication, Defence and Solar have also been included under the Indian govt's LoCs to Africa in the last few years.&nbsp;

LoCs has been used to build iconic projects like the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Niger. The centre hosted the OIC FMs meet last year. New Delhi has also extended LOC under new channels including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

With a continued focus on Africa, India's Exim Bank (Export-Import Bank of India) has extended the 5th line of credit (LOC) to Sierra Leone. The LOC worth $15 million will be used for the expansion of projects for rehabilitation of existing potable water facilities that will benefit 100,000 residents in 4 communities.

With a continued focus on Africa, India's Exim Bank (Export-Import Bank of India) has extended the 5th line of credit (LOC) to Sierra Leone. The LOC worth $15 million will be used for the expansion of projects for rehabilitation of existing potable water facilities that will benefit 100,000 residents in 4 communities. The total value of all the 5 LOCs now stands at $168 million and covers sectors such as power, agriculture, potable water. The latest LOC was signed on February 5, 2021 between General Manager, Exim Bank Saroj Khuntia, and Sierra Leone's Finance Minister Jacob Jusu Saffa. Specifically, for Africa, India has a total of 211 Line of Credits (LoCs) amounting to US $ 12.85 billion in various infrastructure projects such as power plants, hydroelectricity, power transmission & distribution networks, dams etc. New sectors such as Telecommunication, Defence and Solar have also been included under the Indian govt's LoCs to Africa in the last few years. LoCs has been used to build iconic projects like the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Niger. The centre hosted the OIC FMs meet last year. New Delhi has also extended LOC under new channels including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

With focus on Africa, India's Exim Bank extends 5th line of credit to Sierra Leone

While debt burden imposed by China on many countries has been in news for long, Nigeria is faced with a problem that is both -- ecological and financial. Nigeria has a loan of USD 6.5 billion from China. This has resulted in debt burden for China. The loan amount is so huge that Nigeria can only repay it&nbsp;in 2 decades. A failure to repay the debt means that Nigeria will have to surrender its oil fields or coastal port authorities. Nigeria is world's 10th largest oil producer.

Worry is on the ecological front as well with Chinese illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities being another cause of concern. Nigeria is losing $70 million due to Chinese trawlers. IUU has been a global concern, from Africa to Latin America putting pressure on local ecology and encroaching on national sovereignties.

China is keen on increasing engagement with the African continent. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had visited Niger in the first week of January this year, with a focus on cooperation against covid and a number of agreements being signed. &nbsp;And while China is trying hard to win over the continent, it has already got a lot of bad press, especially when it comes to racism.&nbsp;

2020 saw Nigeria strongly voicing its concern after videos emerged of discrimination faced by Nigerians in Guangzhou. They were been stigmatized for being carriers of the Covid virus. The Chinese envoy to Nigeria was summoned by foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama and the matter was strongly taken up.

While debt burden imposed by China on many countries has been in news for long, Nigeria is faced with a problem that is both -- ecological and financial. Nigeria has a loan of USD 6.

While debt burden imposed by China on many countries has been in news for long, Nigeria is faced with a problem that is both -- ecological and financial. Nigeria has a loan of USD 6.5 billion from China. This has resulted in debt burden for China. The loan amount is so huge that Nigeria can only repay it in 2 decades. A failure to repay the debt means that Nigeria will have to surrender its oil fields or coastal port authorities. Nigeria is world's 10th largest oil producer. Worry is on the ecological front as well with Chinese illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities being another cause of concern. Nigeria is losing $70 million due to Chinese trawlers. IUU has been a global concern, from Africa to Latin America putting pressure on local ecology and encroaching on national sovereignties. China is keen on increasing engagement with the African continent. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had visited Niger in the first week of January this year, with a focus on cooperation against covid and a number of agreements being signed. And while China is trying hard to win over the continent, it has already got a lot of bad press, especially when it comes to racism. 2020 saw Nigeria strongly voicing its concern after videos emerged of discrimination faced by Nigerians in Guangzhou. They were been stigmatized for being carriers of the Covid virus. The Chinese envoy to Nigeria was summoned by foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama and the matter was strongly taken up.

Nigeria faces China's ecological, financial drain

More than 200,000 people have fled Central African Republic to escape form the violence, said UN refugee agency UNHCR. Nearly half of those who escaped crossed border into Democratic Republic of Congo. CAR has been marred by violence over December election result.&nbsp;

The CAR army, backed by UN, Russian and Rwandan troops, has been battling rebels seeking to overturn a Dec. 27 vote in which President Faustin-Archange Touadera was declared the winner.

"Refugees have told UNHCR that they fled in panic when they heard gun shots, leaving their belongings behind," spokesman Boris Cheshirkov told journalists in Geneva

Central African Republic has struggled to find stability since 2013 rebellion that ousted former president Francois Bozize

Former prime minister Martin Ziguele, who came third in the Dec. 27 election, said on Friday there was fighting across the country every day, preventing movement between towns, and pushing more people to flee.

"Everyone is focused on the main transport route between the capital and eastern Cameroon for supplies, but inside the country, there is no movement," Ziguele told Reuters by phone from Bangui.

"I cannot leave Bangui and go 90 km (60 miles) without a heavily-armed army escort. Imagine then the population. Add the curfew and the state of emergency, it is really an apocalyptic situation," Ziguele said.

In a statement on Friday, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, a regional body of 12 member states, called for a ceasefire and urged armed groups to "disengage from the encirclement of Bangui" and allow people and goods to move freely.

The body will also ask the United Nations Security Council to lift an arms embargo imposed on CAR that has restricted the flow of weapons to the army since 2013.

(With AFP inputs)

More than 200,000 people have fled Central African Republic to escape form the violence, said UN refugee agency UNHCR. Nearly half of those who escaped crossed border into Democratic Republic of Congo.

More than 200,000 people have fled Central African Republic to escape form the violence, said UN refugee agency UNHCR. Nearly half of those who escaped crossed border into Democratic Republic of Congo. CAR has been marred by violence over December election result. The CAR army, backed by UN, Russian and Rwandan troops, has been battling rebels seeking to overturn a Dec. 27 vote in which President Faustin-Archange Touadera was declared the winner. "Refugees have told UNHCR that they fled in panic when they heard gun shots, leaving their belongings behind," spokesman Boris Cheshirkov told journalists in Geneva Central African Republic has struggled to find stability since 2013 rebellion that ousted former president Francois Bozize Former prime minister Martin Ziguele, who came third in the Dec. 27 election, said on Friday there was fighting across the country every day, preventing movement between towns, and pushing more people to flee. "Everyone is focused on the main transport route between the capital and eastern Cameroon for supplies, but inside the country, there is no movement," Ziguele told Reuters by phone from Bangui. "I cannot leave Bangui and go 90 km (60 miles) without a heavily-armed army escort. Imagine then the population. Add the curfew and the state of emergency, it is really an apocalyptic situation," Ziguele said. In a statement on Friday, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, a regional body of 12 member states, called for a ceasefire and urged armed groups to "disengage from the encirclement of Bangui" and allow people and goods to move freely. The body will also ask the United Nations Security Council to lift an arms embargo imposed on CAR that has restricted the flow of weapons to the army since 2013. (With AFP inputs)

More than 200,000 people flee CAR violence

Cyclone Eloise made landfall in the African state of Mozambique but it has caused mild damage and has been downgraded to a tropical storm.

Cyclone makes landfall in Mozambique but caused less damage than feared

The 38-year-old former ragga singer turned politician has been the main rival to 76-year-old Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a sixth term.

Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni reported leading in early election trends

For Ethiopia - the Grant Renaissance Dam is a matter of national pride. But Egypt and The Sudan fear the dam would cut off their water supplies from the Nile river.

Gravitas: Africa's largest dam triggers divisions between 3 countries

Uganda's incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has been accused of human rights violations. His challenger - singer turned political Bobi Wine has filed a report against him. WION'S Palkitells you how the high stakes Presidential election in Uganda is shaping up.

Gravitas: High stakes political battle in Uganda

Niger votes in an election on Sunday that is expected to lead to the first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents in a country reeling from Islamist violence.

Former interior minister Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling party`s candidate, is the overwhelming favourite to succeed President Mahamadou Issoufou, who is stepping down after two five-year terms leading the largely desert country of 23 million.

Bazoum, 60, has promised continuity with Issoufou`s policies, while also vowing to clean up pervasive corruption.

"If I am lucky enough to win this election, you will have chosen someone who is ready from day one," he said in a campaign video.

Niger faces twin security crises. It has suffered repeated attacks near its western borders with Mali and Burkina Faso from militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Near its southeastern border with Nigeria it faces attacks from Boko Haram. Hundreds of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the last year alone.

The economic situation is also critical. More than 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed growth to a crawl, compounding the effects of climate change and low prices for top export uranium.

Bazoum faces 29 other candidates, who will hope to force a second round by denying him an outright majority of the vote.

Hama Amadou, who finished runner-up in the last election, was barred from running because of a criminal conviction, leaving the opposition without an obvious figurehead.

But last week, Amadou`s party called on its supporters to turn out for Mahamane Ousmame, who was president from 1993-1996.

"After my candidate was disqualified, I didn`t have the motivation to come out and vote," said Ali Hamma, an Amadou supporter. "But with the new instructions, I am going to vote."

A peaceful transfer of power would be a milestone for Niger, which has experienced four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.

It would also stand in stark contrast to Ivory Coast and Guinea, whose presidents this year used constitutional changes to extend their tenures to three terms, raising fears of a democratic backslide in West Africa.

Niger votes in an election on Sunday that is expected to lead to the first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents in a country reeling from Islamist violence.

Niger votes in an election on Sunday that is expected to lead to the first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents in a country reeling from Islamist violence. Former interior minister Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling party`s candidate, is the overwhelming favourite to succeed President Mahamadou Issoufou, who is stepping down after two five-year terms leading the largely desert country of 23 million. Bazoum, 60, has promised continuity with Issoufou`s policies, while also vowing to clean up pervasive corruption. "If I am lucky enough to win this election, you will have chosen someone who is ready from day one," he said in a campaign video. Niger faces twin security crises. It has suffered repeated attacks near its western borders with Mali and Burkina Faso from militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Near its southeastern border with Nigeria it faces attacks from Boko Haram. Hundreds of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the last year alone. The economic situation is also critical. More than 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed growth to a crawl, compounding the effects of climate change and low prices for top export uranium. Bazoum faces 29 other candidates, who will hope to force a second round by denying him an outright majority of the vote. Hama Amadou, who finished runner-up in the last election, was barred from running because of a criminal conviction, leaving the opposition without an obvious figurehead. But last week, Amadou`s party called on its supporters to turn out for Mahamane Ousmame, who was president from 1993-1996. "After my candidate was disqualified, I didn`t have the motivation to come out and vote," said Ali Hamma, an Amadou supporter. "But with the new instructions, I am going to vote." A peaceful transfer of power would be a milestone for Niger, which has experienced four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. It would also stand in stark contrast to Ivory Coast and Guinea, whose presidents this year used constitutional changes to extend their tenures to three terms, raising fears of a democratic backslide in West Africa.

Niger heads to polls in search of first democratic transition

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks. Niger gained independence from France 60 years ago but the politics has been marred by numerous coups.

Around 7.4 million people are registered to vote for the ballot for presidency, which coincides with legislative elections. Niger is ranked as the world's poorest country as per United Nations Human Development Index.

"I expect the Nigerien president to put security, health, progress and democracy first," Aboubakar Saleh, a 37-year-old launderer, told AFP in Niamey without revealing who he voted for.

Issaka Soumana, a 52-year-old lorry driver, said he wanted change.

"Niger is not moving forward. Our country must rise," he said, brandishing his thumb stained with ink to show he had cast his ballot.

Niger's incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou was elected in 2011 after a coup in 2010. He has agreed to step down after two successive terms.

The frontrunner in the 30-strong field is his designated successor, Mohamed Bazoum, 60, a former interior and foreign minister.
<img alt="Niger's presidential candidate Mohamed Bazoum leaves the polling station after casting his ballot in Niamey on December 27, 2020 during Niger's presidential and legislative elections" data-caption="Niger's presidential candidate Mohamed Bazoum leaves the polling station after casting his ballot in Niamey on December 27, 2020 during Niger's presidential and legislative elections" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb6a7b2f-9a83-4c5c-aa2d-11a5b2823771" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XT92K.jpg" />
"It is a great pride that this date of December 27 has been respected," Bazoum said after voting.

Bazoum's main rival, former prime minister Hama Amadou, was barred from contesting the vote on the grounds that in 2017 he was handed a 12-month jail term for baby trafficking -- a charge he says was bogus.

The polling stations will close at 1800 GMT on Sunday, December 27. Partial results will be announced on Monday while full results will be available on Wednesday and Thursday.
<img alt="Niger election" data-caption="A Nigerien soldier stands guard as Niger's outgoing president Mahamadou Issoufou arrives at a polling station in Niamey on December 27, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="419172b9-037a-411f-bb4f-1e7918068d5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XT926.jpg" />
Niger has borne burnt of Jihadist violence on its southwestern border with Mali, and its southeastern frontier with Nigeria.

A jihadist insurgency that has spilt across borders in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger claimed some 4,000 lives last year from jihadist violence and ethnic bloodshed stirred by Islamists, according to the UN.

In Niger itself, hundreds have died in the past five years, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

(With AFP inputs)

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks.

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks. Niger gained independence from France 60 years ago but the politics has been marred by numerous coups. Around 7.4 million people are registered to vote for the ballot for presidency, which coincides with legislative elections. Niger is ranked as the world's poorest country as per United Nations Human Development Index. "I expect the Nigerien president to put security, health, progress and democracy first," Aboubakar Saleh, a 37-year-old launderer, told AFP in Niamey without revealing who he voted for. Issaka Soumana, a 52-year-old lorry driver, said he wanted change. "Niger is not moving forward. Our country must rise," he said, brandishing his thumb stained with ink to show he had cast his ballot. Niger's incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou was elected in 2011 after a coup in 2010. He has agreed to step down after two successive terms. The frontrunner in the 30-strong field is his designated successor, Mohamed Bazoum, 60, a former interior and foreign minister. "It is a great pride that this date of December 27 has been respected," Bazoum said after voting. Bazoum's main rival, former prime minister Hama Amadou, was barred from contesting the vote on the grounds that in 2017 he was handed a 12-month jail term for baby trafficking -- a charge he says was bogus. The polling stations will close at 1800 GMT on Sunday, December 27. Partial results will be announced on Monday while full results will be available on Wednesday and Thursday. Niger has borne burnt of Jihadist violence on its southwestern border with Mali, and its southeastern frontier with Nigeria. A jihadist insurgency that has spilt across borders in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger claimed some 4,000 lives last year from jihadist violence and ethnic bloodshed stirred by Islamists, according to the UN. In Niger itself, hundreds have died in the past five years, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes. (With AFP inputs)

Niger citizens vote in a historic election

Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Mauritania, Ghana and Ivory Coast have seen a sharp rise in cases and are reporting near record levels of infection.

Africa crosses 2.5 million COVID-19 cases as it witnesses second wave of infections

More than 300 schoolboys kidnapped in northern Nigeria have been rescued, the Katsina state governor has said.

Over 300 kidnapped Nigerian school boys handed to government

For more than 5 days, 300+ school boys have been missing in Nigeria. The Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the abductions. Is this a crisis that can be put on the back-burner?

Gravitas: Nigeria Jihadist Crisis

India's oil imports from Africa & U.S., they rose sharply last month. While, from middle-east and Latin America were down. India became third-largest oil importer and consumer last month.

World Business Watch: India's oil imports from Africa & U.S. rose sharply last month

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region. Many others are wounded. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Witnesses and other officials confirmed the attack, which came as municipal and regional elections went ahead across the country.

On November 28, Boko Haram terrorists <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-kills-at-least-43-farm-workers-in-nigeria-346154">struck in Nigeria</a>. Around 30 of the men were beheaded in the attack in the village of Zabarmari.

"Some victims were killed or wounded by bullets, others were burnt inside their houses, consumed by the flames of an enormous fire set by the attackers," said an&nbsp;official.

Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, he added.

Roughly 70 attackers arrived at Toumour at around 1745 GMT on foot, having swum across Lake Chad, said the official. The attack itself lasted three hours.

"They first attacked the residence of the traditional chief, who only just managed to escape," he said.

"It was an attack of unprecedented savagery," said a local elected official who asked not to be named. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed."

(With agency inputs)

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region.

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region. Many others are wounded. Witnesses and other officials confirmed the attack, which came as municipal and regional elections went ahead across the country. On November 28, Boko Haram terrorists struck in Nigeria. Around 30 of the men were beheaded in the attack in the village of Zabarmari. "Some victims were killed or wounded by bullets, others were burnt inside their houses, consumed by the flames of an enormous fire set by the attackers," said an official. Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, he added. Roughly 70 attackers arrived at Toumour at around 1745 GMT on foot, having swum across Lake Chad, said the official. The attack itself lasted three hours. "They first attacked the residence of the traditional chief, who only just managed to escape," he said. "It was an attack of unprecedented savagery," said a local elected official who asked not to be named. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed." (With agency inputs)

Boko Haram Jihadists kill 27 in attack in Niger

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The continent of Africa is witnessing upheavals across many regions. In Nigeria, the Boko Haram has slaughtered 110 farmers. The brutal killings have thrust into limelight the many conflicts and power tussles that continue to plague Africa to this day.

In Ethiopia, the government has discovered mass graves in the Tigray region. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to face vote of confidence in the country's parliament. And in sub-saharan Africa, the death toll due to malaria has outpaced that of COVID-19. Most of the African continent is going through a tough phase.

Nigeria

In the village of Zabarmari in north-east Nigeria, there's a sense of anguish &amp; helplessness among the residents after 110 farmers in the village were brutally slaughtered. Reportedly, the farmers were tied up, tortured, and then beheaded.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility but the barbaric killings are being called the handiwork of the Boko Haram - a jihadist terror outfit that has flourished in Nigeria for nearly two decades. As the bodies of the slain villagers were laid to rest, the farmers called upon the federal government to recruit more soldiers. The farmers say that they face a desperate choice: whether to stay home and die of starvation - or - get killed by insurgents. Dozens of farmers are still missing, and reports say that the death toll could rise further.

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Since emerging in 2002, the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has developed into the world's most brutal conflicts. At least 36,000 people have been killed and more than 2 million displaced.

Self-educated preacher Mohammed Yusuf founded the group in the north-eastern Borno state. He called upon Muslims to reject the state and regard western science and modern literature as sinful. The conflict he started remains concentrated in the north-east.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-says-military-operation-in-tigray-region-is-over-hunt-for-regional-leaders-begins-346253" hreflang="en">Ethiopia says military operation in Tigray region is over, hunt for regional leaders begins</a>

Most of Nigeria's Muslims live in the north, while Christians live mostly in the south. The Nigerian government&nbsp;based in Abuja is often accused of doing little to stop the insurgency. But this time the country's President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to bring the perpetrators to book as Nigeria battles Islamist insurgency.

Ethiopia

Nearly 5,000 kilometres away in Ethiopia, the situation is no better. The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia is showing no signs of ending. At least 70 graves have been discovered in the Humera town of the Tigray region. This discovery was made just a day after the Ethiopian government claimed that the region was back under its control.

Sub-Saharan Africa

As the armed conflicts continue during the pandemic, the death toll due to malaria has outpaced COVID-19 in sub-saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)— there were an excess of 20,000 to 1 lakh malaria deaths in sub-saharan Africa last year. Most of the victims included babies in the poorest parts of Africa.

South Africa

Meanwhile, political turmoil is plaguing the more developed regions of Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be facing his first motion of confidence this Thursday. South Africa's opposition party, the African Transformation Movement has listed 15 reasons why Ramaphosa should be removed from office.

With mass murders, military conflicts, deadly diseases, and political unrest - Africa is facing a very tough time.

The continent of Africa is witnessing upheavals across many regions. In Nigeria, the Boko Haram has slaughtered 110 farmers. The brutal killings have thrust into limelight the many conflicts and power tussles that continue to plague Africa to this day.

The continent of Africa is witnessing upheavals across many regions. In Nigeria, the Boko Haram has slaughtered 110 farmers. The brutal killings have thrust into limelight the many conflicts and power tussles that continue to plague Africa to this day. In Ethiopia, the government has discovered mass graves in the Tigray region. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to face vote of confidence in the country's parliament. And in sub-saharan Africa, the death toll due to malaria has outpaced that of COVID-19. Most of the African continent is going through a tough phase. Nigeria In the village of Zabarmari in north-east Nigeria, there's a sense of anguish & helplessness among the residents after 110 farmers in the village were brutally slaughtered. Reportedly, the farmers were tied up, tortured, and then beheaded. So far, no group has claimed responsibility but the barbaric killings are being called the handiwork of the Boko Haram - a jihadist terror outfit that has flourished in Nigeria for nearly two decades. As the bodies of the slain villagers were laid to rest, the farmers called upon the federal government to recruit more soldiers. The farmers say that they face a desperate choice: whether to stay home and die of starvation - or - get killed by insurgents. Dozens of farmers are still missing, and reports say that the death toll could rise further. × Since emerging in 2002, the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has developed into the world's most brutal conflicts. At least 36,000 people have been killed and more than 2 million displaced. Self-educated preacher Mohammed Yusuf founded the group in the north-eastern Borno state. He called upon Muslims to reject the state and regard western science and modern literature as sinful. The conflict he started remains concentrated in the north-east. Also read: Ethiopia says military operation in Tigray region is over, hunt for regional leaders begins Most of Nigeria's Muslims live in the north, while Christians live mostly in the south. The Nigerian government based in Abuja is often accused of doing little to stop the insurgency. But this time the country's President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to bring the perpetrators to book as Nigeria battles Islamist insurgency. Ethiopia Nearly 5,000 kilometres away in Ethiopia, the situation is no better. The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia is showing no signs of ending. At least 70 graves have been discovered in the Humera town of the Tigray region. This discovery was made just a day after the Ethiopian government claimed that the region was back under its control. Sub-Saharan Africa As the armed conflicts continue during the pandemic, the death toll due to malaria has outpaced COVID-19 in sub-saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)— there were an excess of 20,000 to 1 lakh malaria deaths in sub-saharan Africa last year. Most of the victims included babies in the poorest parts of Africa. South Africa Meanwhile, political turmoil is plaguing the more developed regions of Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be facing his first motion of confidence this Thursday. South Africa's opposition party, the African Transformation Movement has listed 15 reasons why Ramaphosa should be removed from office. With mass murders, military conflicts, deadly diseases, and political unrest - Africa is facing a very tough time.

From mass murders to armed conflict, African countries are having a tough time on multiple fronts

The United Nations on Monday said that Sudan needs $150 million to cope with the migration crisis.

UN: Sudan needs $150 million to cope with migration crisis

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