Daily News on the Issues Affecting Africa for November 6th

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 politics in the Congo, new developments in health research, transportation changes in Liberia, rising inequality despite high growth rates, trade versus aid in Tanzania, and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.

Congo's M23 rebel group ends its insurgency
One of Congo's most feared rebel groups declared an end to its violent insurgency Tuesday after a string of military defeats at the hands of Congolese army forces backed by a new U.N. combat brigade. The conclusion of the M23 movement's 20-month-long military rebellion injects a note of hope in the Central African country, where more than 5 million people have died of war-related causes since 1998. But it also highlights the many difficulties that must be surmounted before a sustainable peace can be achieved.  – The Washington Post
To read more, please visit the Washington Post site here

Africa: Breakthrough on procurement  to save $140 million
In a ground-breaking approach to procuring tools to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, the Global Fund and partners have established a new framework to systematically organize the purchase of massive amounts of mosquito nets, anti-HIV drugs and other products that will improve delivery and make significant savings. In a first step, the Global Fund will sign contracts with 7 manufacturers for the largest-ever bulk purchase of mosquito nets treated with insecticide, with immediate costs savings of US$51.2 million, and projected overall savings of US$140 million for the Global Fund over two years. – allAfrica
To read more, please visit the allAfrica site here

Liberia bans motorcycle taxis in Monrovia
A ban on motorcycle taxis has come into force in Liberia's capital, Monrovia, forcing hundreds of commuters to walk to work.  Police set up roadblocks at key intersections to enforce the ban after accusing the bikers of riding recklessly and causing accidents.  The privately owned motorcycle taxis are the main mode of transport in Monrovia and many other African cities. – BBC
To read more, please visit the BBC site here

Behind those fast growth rates, rising inequality
The continent is indeed posting gains — in 2013, sub-Saharan Africa's growth rate is projected at 4.9 percent, a figure that would be the envy of any Western government.  But while those numbers represent a notable turnaround from the continental woes of the 1980s and early 1990s, they are virtually meaningless for the growing ranks of Africans living in extreme poverty.  – New York Times
To read more, please visit the New York Times site here

UK invests £20m in Tanzania amid push to replace aid with trade
The UK's international development secretary has announced four major projects in Tanzania worth £20m. The schemes form part of Britain's drive to increase private sector involvement in development by putting more money through entrepreneurs and doubling the number of UK companies doing business in the country. – The Guardian
To read more, please visit the Guardian site here

Sierra Leone: Fighting gender-based violence in Sierra Leone
The September prosecution of Sierra Leone's former Deputy Education Minister Mahmoud Tarawally on rape charges made headlines and highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence in the country. More than 6,500 incidents of domestic- and gender-based violence were reported in Sierra Leone in the first eight months of 2013, almost as many as in the whole of 2012. – allAfrica
To read more, please visit the allAfrica site here