Category Archives: African News

Libya death sentences cast long shadow over rule of law

In July, a court in Tripoli ruled against more than 30 officials and personalities who had served under Col Muammar Gaddafi’s government. The rulings included nine death-penalty verdicts, four acquittals and a range of other prison sentences for war crimes. Those condemned to death by firing squad include Col Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam and former Continue Reading...

Boko Haram crisis: Nigerian military chiefs given deadline

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has given his new military chiefs a three-month deadline to defeat the Islamist militant Boko Haram group. He gave the order at a swearing-in ceremony for the new service commanders he appointed last month. When Mr Buhari took office in May, he vowed to tackle the six-year Islamist insurgency “head on”. Continue Reading...

Nigerians mourn monarch Oba Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife

A revered monarch in south-west Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, has been buried after thousands attended his funeral, a mourner has told the BBC. Traditional rites to honour Oba Okunade Sijuwade – a king of the Yoruba, Nigeria’s second biggest ethnic group – are being held in the city of Ife. Dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Vice-President Continue Reading...