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French-led troops in Mali have seized control of the airport in Timbuktu from Islamist militants and are fighting their way into the city center.

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Crackdown on violence in Egypt leads to more violence updated 8 hours 50 minutes ago

Egypt's latest wave of violence spilled into a fourth day Monday, as sporadic clashes erupted over new measures to clamp down on fighting.

Egypt's Morsy declares curfew in 3 cities, vows 'justice' for those behind violence updated 9 hours 32 minutes ago

Egypt's security forces regained control Sunday of a vital northeastern port city

Q&A;: What's behind the latest wave of violence in Egypt? updated 11 hours 50 minutes ago

What's behind the latest wave of violence in Egypt?

30 dead after Egyptians angry about riot verdicts try to storm prison updated 1 days ago

A punishing Egyptian court ruling tied to a soccer riot spurred clashes that left at least 30 people dead Saturday, an official said.

Mali's famed Timbuktu without water, other services updated 2 days ago

Malian soldiers have carried out summary executions as they seek to drive back Islamist militants in the north, a human rights group claimed Thursday.

On anniversary of revolution, unrest in Egypt leaves 7 dead, hundreds injured updated 2 days ago

Streets in Egypt were again roiled by deadly clashes between police and protesters Friday, with four people reported killed.

Malian security forces push into rebel territory updated 2 days ago

Malian security forces made their deepest gains yet into territory controlled by Islamist militants, taking control of Hombori, a military official told CNN.

Desmond Tutu Fast Facts updated 3 days ago

Here's an in-depth look at the life of Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

5 must-reads from around Africa updated 3 days ago

While the French-led operation to flush out militants in Mali has dominated coverage, news from across the continent certainly hasn't stopped. Five stories you may have missed this week:

'Sons of the Sahara' -- just one group in Algerian gas plant attack updated 3 days ago

Somewhere in the Sahara, a group of men in camouflage show off their collection of 4x4 vehicles and pickup trucks mounted with machine guns. They are members of the 'Movement of the Sons of the Sahara for Islamic Justice", under the command of Mohamed Lamine Bencheneb.

In Libya, fears of oil field attack grow updated 3 days ago

A threat targeting the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi has allegedly surfaced after last week's bloody hostage crisis in neighboring Algeria.

Broken limbs, torn lives in northern Mali updated 4 days ago

There's no shortage of harrowing stories of life under Islamist militants in northern Mali. Public floggings for smoking cigarettes. Broken limbs. Broken hearts.

Pentagon releases official timeline of Benghazi attack updated 4 days ago

The Pentagon released Friday an hour-by-hour timeline of the September 11 assault on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

United States, Italy lend support for French in Mali updated 4 days ago

International backing for French forces battling Islamist militants in Mali gathered momentum Tuesday, as U.S. military aircraft flew French troops and supplies.

Algerian forces seek 'peaceful' settlement of dramatic, deadly hostage crisis updated 5 days ago

Algerian special forces troops are holding their fire and hoping for a peaceful resolution -- to the hostage crisis at a remote gas field.

Bloody Algeria hostage crisis ends after 'final' assault, officials say updated 5 days ago

The Algerian military operation to end a deadly hostage crisis at a remote gas plant in Algeria is over, British and Norwegian officials said Saturday.

Nations scramble to account for missing after Algeria hostage crisis updated 5 days ago

The hostage crisis in eastern Algeria is over, but the questions remain.

Algeria attack may have link to Libya camps updated 5 days ago

The terrorists who attacked an Algerian gas complex may have trained in jihadist camps across the border in southern Libya, sources say.

At least 37 hostages killed in Algeria gas plant standoff, prime minister says updated 5 days ago

After a fiery end to an Algerian hostage standoff that transfixed the world, dramatic tales of escape trickled in, together with casualty numbers.

'My brother didn't deserve to die' in Algeria standoff updated 5 days ago

Just 10 days after he returned to the sprawling complex in In Amenas from a visit home, American Victor Lovelady was taken hostage in Algeria.

BP fears 'the worst' for missing Algeria workers updated 5 days ago

Just 10 days after he returned to the sprawling complex in In Amenas from a visit home, American Victor Lovelady was taken hostage in Algeria.

Algeria attack changes terror landscape in North Africa updated 5 days ago

The attack in Algeria raises the alarming prospect that militants could turn parts of Africa into places too dangerous for Westerners.

Off-road bikers race to save lives in rural Africa updated 5 days ago

Riders for Health is a group using motorbikes to deliver medicine to remote communities in rural Africa.

City panicked by wave of suspected ritual killings updated 6 days ago

A wave of killings linked to occult rituals has triggered panic in Yaounde, the capital of the West African nation of Cameroon.

Malian troops take key town; humanitarian crisis grows updated 6 days ago

The Malian military gained control Monday of the central Mali town of Diabaly, a key advance in the battle against Islamist militants in the north.

Mali takes key town as nations prepare more troops updated 7 days ago

The Malian military has gained control of the central town of Diabaly, a key advance in the battle against Islamist militants in the north.

From slum life to Disney film: Ugandan teen chess star 'the ultimate underdog' updated 8 days ago

Ugandan teen Phiona Mutesi grew up in one of the poorest spots on earth, but a chance meeting with a chess coach turned her into a rising chess star.

French, Malians seize town from Islamists updated 9 days ago

French and Malian forces squaring off with Islamist militants seized a key city from them Friday, a high-ranking French source told CNN.

Africa: Top 5 stories of the week are ... updated 10 days ago

While the French offensive to flush out Islamists in Mali dominated media coverage this week, news from other African nations hasn't stopped. Our Top 5

Islamists take foreign hostages in attack on Algerian oil field updated 10 days ago

Islamists angry over Algeria's support for the French offensive in Mali attacked an Algerian gas field and took hostages, officials said.

Algerian hostage crisis enters 3rd day with 'ongoing activity' updated 10 days ago

Nearly two days after Islamist militants abducted hostages at a gas plant in Algeria, "activity" continues, a British official said.

Lethal weather on 'world's most dangerous lake' updated 11 days ago

Up to 5,000 people die each year on Lake Victoria, where sudden thunderstorms and treacherous waves are common.

Six reasons events in Mali matter updated 11 days ago

Events in Mali are being watched with growing anxiety throughout West Africa.

Malian rebels vow to 'open gates of hell' as U.S. weighs policy options updated 11 days ago

The United States is navigating one tricky quandary in Mali: how does it aid counterterrorism efforts without violating its own policy?

Rebels still hold key town in Mali, French defense minister says updated 12 days ago

Mali rebels are "well-equipped and well-trained" and still hold a key town, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Tuesday.

France vows to halt jihadist charge in Mali updated 12 days ago

The French government has thrown down the gauntlet to the jihadists of Ansar Dine and their fellow travelers in Mali -- and insists its goal is nothing short of eradicating these militant groups.

What's behind the instability in Mali? updated 12 days ago

International leaders are responding to an uprising of militants in Mali, hoping to inject stability in a country once hailed as a model for democracy in Africa.

Somali Islamists kill French hostage, claiming retribution updated 12 days ago

Islamist militants had been saving one last blow to deal to France after its military conducted a bloody, unsuccessful hostage rescue attempt in Somalia Friday.

Panetta: U.S. could provide logistical, intel support in Mali updated 13 days ago

The U.S. military could provide logistical and intelligence support in the French effort against Islamist rebels in Mali, Defense Secretary Panetta said Monday.

Train cars carrying Egypt security recruits derail, killing 19 updated 13 days ago

Train cars full of Egyptian security recruits derailed and crashed in Giza on Tuesday, killing 19 and injuring 107, an official said.

2 French soldiers likely killed in failed hostage rescue, defense minister says updated 13 days ago

A soldier missing in action since a failed attempt to rescue a French hostage in Somalia is most likely dead, France's defense minister said Monday.

Islamist rebels gaining ground in Mali, French defense minister says updated 13 days ago

Islamist militants gained ground in one Malian town on Monday even as government troops stepped up their offensive to wrest control from rebels.

Jacob Zuma - Fast Facts updated 14 days ago

Here's a look at the life of Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa.

Robert Mugabe - Fast Facts updated 14 days ago

Here's a closer look at the life of Robert Mugabe.

Morgan Tsvangirai - Fast Facts updated 14 days ago

Here's a look at the life of Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

Opinion: Nigerians still waiting for their 'African Spring' updated 14 days ago

A year after Nigeria's fuel protests, its "Occupy" movement could re-emerge at any time to take the country by storm, says Omoyele Sowore.

U.S. supported France's failed hostage rescue in Somalia updated 14 days ago

U.S. troops lent "limited technical support" in France's bloody, failed bid to rescue a hostage in Somalia, President Obama said Sunday.

Kenyan rangers hunt poachers who killed 11 elephants for ivory updated 14 days ago

Kenyan park rangers are hunting for a gang of poachers who they say killed eleven elephants and hacked off their tusks.

Nigeria captures top Boko Haram figure updated 14 days ago

Nigeria's military says it has captured a leader of Boko Haram, the Islamic militant group blamed in the deaths of hundreds of civilians.

France determined to 'eradicate' terrorism in Mali, official says updated 14 days ago

As a new round of French military strikes targeted Islamist rebels in Mali on Sunday, both sides of the fight said they were determined to win.

Ex-Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, convicted of killings, will be retried updated 15 days ago

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the killings of peaceful protesters during the revolution that eventually deposed him, will get a new trial.

Gunmen open fire on Italian consul's car in Benghazi updated 15 days ago

Gunmen targeted the car of the Italian consul general in Benghazi, Libya, on Saturday as he was leaving the consulate.

Africa: Top 5 stories of the week updated 15 days ago

From the recovery of an ailing iconic leader, to an international military intervention, this big stories will echo in Africa and beyond.

'Many deaths' as Malians, joined by French, try to beat back Islamist militants updated 15 days ago

A French pilot was killed in a raid in Mali, France's defense minister said Saturday, as French troops are sent to help combat Islamists.

French bid to rescue hostage in Somalia fails, leading to soldier's death updated 15 days ago

A military operation to free a French hostage in Somalia failed, and the resulting battle left two French soldiers and 17 Islamists dead.

Nelson Mandela - Fast Facts updated 16 days ago

Here is a look at the life of Nelson Mandela, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president of South Africa.

Kenyan president rejects lawmakers' hefty retirement package updated 16 days ago

For the second time in four months, the Kenyan president Saturday rejected an attempt by lawmakers to award themselves a retirement bonus of $110,000 each and a series of other perks.

Sudanese army says it killed more than 50 rebels updated 16 days ago

The Sudanese army said it killed more than 50 rebels during clashes in a state bordering neighboring South Sudan.

State of emergency declared in Mali updated 16 days ago

State military forces say they retook a town in northern Mali after intense fighting that included help from French military forces.

Central African Republic rebels, president to form unity government updated 16 days ago

Rebels in the Central African Republic will be part of a unity government under that nation's embattled president, officials said Friday.

Kenyan lawmakers vote themselves a hefty retirement bonus again updated 17 days ago

Kenyan legislators voted to give themselves send-off bonuses of $110,000 each despite the president's veto of their earlier attempt at another hefty payoff.

Cameroon court acquits 2 men imprisoned for 'looking gay' updated 17 days ago

A Cameroon appeals court overturned the sentence of two men found guilty of homosexuality because they wore women's clothing and makeup.

Renewed violence kills 19 in southeast Kenya updated 18 days ago

Revenge attacks targeting a village in southeast Kenya killed 10 people Thursday, including women and children, the nation's Red Cross said.

Tunisia frees man held in Benghazi attack updated 19 days ago

A man held by Tunisian authorities in connection with the deadly September attack on a U.S. consulate in Libya has been released, the state news agency reported.

Obasanjo: Nigerian leaders should reach out to Boko Haram updated 19 days ago

Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo says more could be done to reach out to the militant Islamist group Boko Haram.

South African troops headed to embattled Central African Republic updated 21 days ago

South African troops will head to the Central African Republic, where they'll work alongside that nation's military who are trying to quash a rebellion.

Mandela's recovery complete, spokesman says updated 22 days ago

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has completed his recovery from a lung infection and gallstone surgery, a spokesman said Sunday.

Leaders of 2 Sudans agree to temporary administration of diputed oil-rich region updated 22 days ago

The presidents of the two Sudans concluded talks Sunday to addressing outstanding oil and security issues after tensions between the two nearly led to a war.

Rebels assault 2 towns in Central African Republic despite peace talk plans updated 23 days ago

Rebels attacked two towns Saturday in the Central African Republic even as government officials planned for peace talks next week, authorities said.

Egypt to reshuffle 10 Cabinet ministries, state news says updated 23 days ago

Egypt is reshuffling several of its Cabinet ministries with leaders it describes as "technocrats," state media said.

Red Cross: Grenade blast at Kenya refugee camp kills 2 updated 23 days ago

A grenade blast at a cafe in a refugee camp in Kenya killed two people and left five others wounded, the Kenyan Red Cross said Saturday.

Leaders of 2 Sudans meet again to address unresolved issues updated 24 days ago

Leaders of the two Sudans meet Friday to address economic, oil and security issues after tensions between the two nations nearly led to a return to war.

'Hippie apes' battle for survival in the Congo updated 24 days ago

Bonobos are known for their peace-loving ways, but their very existence is threatened by conflict and deforestation.

Gunmen attack Nigerian police station, kill 4 updated 25 days ago

Gunmen overran a police headquarters and a government building in northeastern Nigeria early Thursday, killing four, including two civilians, officials said.

Diplomats seek progress on Central African Republic crisis updated 25 days ago

Diplomats are meeting Thursday in Gabon for talks on a brewing crisis in the Central African Republic, following rebel advances.

2 abducted U.N. peacekeepers freed in Darfur updated 25 days ago

Two U.N. peacekeepers have been freed in the Darfur region of Sudan more than four months after they were abducted while on patrol, the United Nations said.

Yoweri Museveni - Fast Facts updated 25 days ago

Here is a look at the life Yoweri Museveni, president of Uganda.

British producer accused in Uganda over gay play says case is dropped updated 26 days ago

UK theater producer David Cecil, charged in Uganda for a play he staged about challenges facing gay people, says the case against him has been dropped.

Ivory Coast mourns 60 killed in New Year's stampede updated 26 days ago

Ivory Coast's president has promised a swift investigation into the New Year's stampede that killed 60 people, mostly women and children.

'Solar sisters' spreading light in Africa updated 26 days ago

Solar Sister is a network of women who sell solar lighting to communities that don't have access to electricity.

Death toll from stampede at Angola stadium vigil rises updated 26 days ago

The death toll from a New Year's stampede during a church vigil at an Angolan stadium rose to 16 Wednesday, state media said.

Nigerian forces kill 13 Boko Haram militants after church attacks updated 26 days ago

Nigerian forces took its fight to Boko Haram's stronghold Wednesday, killing 13 suspected combatants.

Plastic surgery safari: Getting the 'Jennifer Lopez butt' in South Africa updated 27 days ago

Many foreigners choose South Africa as plastic surgery destination, where cosmetic procedures are dubbed a "surgery safari."

Amid unrest, African Union chief arrives in Central African Republic updated 28 days ago

The head of the African Union arrived in the Central African Republic Sunday as tensions mounted between the government and rebels there, an official said.

22 killed in three attacks in Nigeria updated 28 days ago

At least 22 people have been killed in three separate attacks in Nigeria since Friday, including 15 Christians shot Sunday inside a church, officials said.

Keep Nelson Mandela in thoughts and prayers, Zuma says updated 28 days ago

South African President Jacob Zuma urged his countrymen Monday to keep the ailing Nelson Mandela in their prayers.

No African leader deemed worthy of leadership award updated 28 days ago

Recognition of human rights and gender equality is increasing thanks to better government performance in Africa, a new report has found.

Africa Achievements: Top 5 ways the continent shone in 2012 updated 28 days ago

In Africa, stories such as attacks in Nigeria and Kenya dominated the headlines in 2012. But lost in the midst were positive highlights.

Central African Republic government officials, rebels to hold talks amid unrest updated 29 days ago

Central African Republic rebels and government officials will meet early next week in Gabon for peace talks, a minister said.

Obama signs bill to grant Nigerian student U.S. permanent residency updated 30 days ago

A Nigerian immigrant's dream came true when President Barack Obama signed into law a rare private bill granting him permanent residency

U.S. diplomats leave Central African Republic amid unrest updated 31 days ago

The capital of the Central African Republic was calm Friday, a day after throngs took to the streets to demand foreign intervention as rebels inched closer

Central African Republic president seeks help against rebels updated 31 days ago

The president of the Central African Republic asked for help from the international community to stave off advances being made by rebels.

Ailing Mubarak returned to military hospital after fall updated 31 days ago

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is being transferred from prison to a military hospital for treatment, state-run TV said Thursday.

Nigerian activist keeps family legacy alive updated 31 days ago

Her mother was assassinated, her father was jailed by the military. Today, Hafsat Abiola is a prominent civil rights activists.

Nelson Mandela is discharged from the hospital updated 32 days ago

Former President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from a hospital and will continue receiving treatment at his home in Houghton.

Ailing Mubarak moved to military hospital updated 32 days ago

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is being transferred from prison to a military hospital for treatment, state-run TV said Thursday.

Rebels advance in Central African Republic updated 32 days ago

The United Nations announced Wednesday that it is temporarily relocating dependents and non-essential staff in the Central African Republic.

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