U.S. sanctions 4 Hezbollah supporters in West Africa

The United States imposed sanctions on four Lebanese citizens on Tuesday, accusing them of fundraising and recruiting for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in West Africa.

The U.S. Treasury Department said the four men were sanctioned for effectively acting as “ambassadors” for Hezbollah, which Washington considers a terrorist (more…)

Rebels Seize Capital of Central African Republic

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Rebels in the Central African Republic seized control of the capital, Bangui, on Sunday morning, according to officials, witnesses and local news media reports, and the country’s president was reported to have fled.

“Bangui is under the control of rebel elements who entered the capital this morning,” (more…)

How Much Gold Does China Really Have?

It’s amazing that no one is talking about this.
“China’s demand is robust” they’ll say. “China may overtake India as the top gold consumer” they’ll add. “Exports rise year over year” the chatter continues.

But no one, and I mean no one, in the mainstream is calling a spade a spade. China is hoarding gold at a rate never seen before (more…)

Arabs, Tuaregs in Mali face hostility, report

MOPTI, Mali — Bawba Mint Baba Ahmed’s sewing teacher singled her out in front of the class, telling her: “You look like a rebel.” Others threatened to slit her throat, she says, drawing a finger across her neck.

Now the 29-year-old has dropped out of school and spends her days hiding inside her mud-walled home (more…)

Over 100 dead in French strikes and fighting in Mali

More than 100 people including rebels and government soldiers were killed in Mali during French air strikes and fighting over the strategic town of Konna, Malian military sources and witnesses said on Saturday.

An army officer at the headquarters of Mali’s former military junta (more…)

Israel to deport tens of thousands of Africans

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he aims to repatriate tens of thousands of African illegal migrants and that the inflow into Israel from the Sinai peninsula has been brought to a halt.

“Our aim is to repatriate tens of thousands of infiltrators now in Israel to their countries of origin,” he said, adding Israel had been in contact (more…)

African Union chooses first female leader

A South African politician has become the first female leader of the African Union (AU), ending months of bitter deadlock at the continental body.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, South Africa’s home affairs minister, was elected chair (more…)

Text of Obama’s speech on US policy in Mideast, Africa

US President Barack Obama’s speech Thursday outlined the US policy on the Middle East and North Africa . Here is the full text as provided by the White House

West African leaders hold emergency talks over Ivory Coast crisis

West African leaders are meeting to discuss the violent political showdown that has gripped Ivory Coast since last month’s disputed presidential election, while a militant youth leader loyal to incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo calls for protests against what Gbagbo supporters say is foreign interference in the country’s affairs. (more…)

Lebanon’s Byblos Bank Acquires a private Congo bank

Byblos Bank SAL, the third-largest Lebanese lender by assets, acquired Solidaire Banque Internationale, a private bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as part of a plan to expand into emerging markets.
(more…)