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Daily News on the Issues Affecting Africa for November 20th

In the News 615w

Continue reading for a summary of recent news stories relating to some of the most pressing issues on the continent. We draw on a wide range of respected news sources, both from Africa itself and around the world. The themes of today's In the News post are updates on a mall collapse in South Africa, political tension between CAR and Cameroon, civil unrest in Swaziland, Zimbabwe's renewed risk of cholera, elections in Guinea-Bissau, and potential genocide in central Africa.

Deadly South African mall collapse traps dozens
A shopping mall still under construction collapsed near the South African city of Durban on Tuesday. At least one person was killed, 26 were injured and up to 50 more were trapped under rubble, emergency services reported. – France 24
To read more, please visit the France 24 site here

Tensions grow between CAR and Cameroon
The conflict in the Central African Republic has trickled into Cameroon, threatening an already volatile region, as CAR rebels continue to find their way in neighbouring Cameroon. – The Africa Report
To read more, please visit the Africa Report site here

Activists decry Swaziland terrorism law
More than two dozen rights groups are appealing to Swaziland's government, calling for the amendment of a terrorism act that they claim has been used to stifle peaceful opposition.  Activists in Swaziland say they are aware of at least 15 arrests in the last two months, and say detainees have been beaten and given death threats. ­ - VOA
To read more, please visit the VOA site here

Zimbabwe: Sanitation crisis causes new cholera risk
Millions of Zimbabwe residents are at risk of waterborne diseases including a resumption of cholera because of a water and sanitation crisis in the capital, Harare, Human Rights Watch said in a report on Tuesday. – New York Times
To read more, please visit the New York Times site here

Guinea-Bissau postpones post-coup election until March
Guinea-Bissau's transitional government has delayed elections meant to draw a line under a 2012 military coup until March next year, according to a presidential decree on Friday. "The decree fixes the election for March 16 next year," read the document signed by transitional President Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo. – Defence Web
To read more, please visit the Defence Web site here

US warns of genocide risk in Central Africa
US officials on Tuesday warned against rising violence in the Central African Republic, voicing alarm that the country could be heading towards genocide. Rebels overthrew the Central African Republic's (CAR) president in March but a transitional government has lost all grip on the huge but impoverished country of 4.5 million people with retaliatory attacks between Muslims and Christians.  – AFP
To read more, please visit the AFP site here

Related Program

Africa Program

The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations.    Read more