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To Mandela, the queen was simply 'Elizabeth'
To Mandela, the queen was simply 'Elizabeth'
by  AFP

Nelson Mandela was on first-name basis with Queen Elizabeth II, a rare privilege contravening royal etiquette, the late anti-apartheid hero's foundation said Friday, sharing anecdotes of their fond relationship.

Kidnapping, the industry bringing Nigeria to its knees
Kidnapping, the industry bringing Nigeria to its knees
by  AFP

It was past midnight when a dozen men armed with AK47s stormed into Mohammed's home just outside Nigeria's capital Abuja to kidnap the truck driver and his wife. In a daring case earlier this year, gunmen kidnapped 72 passengers from a train from the capital Abuja, many of them well-off.

'Floating artists' offer hope to strife-torn Mali
'Floating artists' offer hope to strife-torn Mali
by  AFP

Twilight settles on Bamako, and traffic starts to clog the roads on the banks of the mighty Niger River. "Floating artists" aboard a specially adapted vessel would move up and down the Niger, a river that nourishes West Africa from Guinea to Nigeria.

Jabeur thrashes France's Garcia to reach US Open final
Jabeur thrashes France's Garcia to reach US Open final
by  AFP

Tunisia's Ons Jabeur demolished Caroline Garcia in straight sets to become the first African woman in history to reach the final of the US Open on Thursday. Jabeur, who also made history as the first African woman to reach the final of Wimbledon in July, will play world number one Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in Saturday's final.

Donkey domestication happened 7,000 years ago in Africa: DNA study
Donkey domestication happened 7,000 years ago in Africa: DNA study
by  AFP

Despite transforming history as beasts of burden essential for transporting goods and people, the humble donkey has long been woefully understudied. The authors suggest that Romans bred improved donkey bloodlines to produce mules that were essential to sustaining the military and economic might of the empire.

Angola's court rejects vote challenge, upholds ruling party win
Angola's court rejects vote challenge, upholds ruling party win
by  AFP

Angola's top court on Thursday dismissed an opposition challenge disputing the results of last month's general elections, paving the way for President Joao Lourenco to be sworn in for a second term. The constitutional court rejected the appeal filed by Angola's main opposition party, UNITA, saying the evidence it presented "does not call the overall results into question".

Fell asleep a princess, awoke a queen: Elizabeth in Kenya
Fell asleep a princess, awoke a queen: Elizabeth in Kenya
by  AFP

Princess Elizabeth was deep in the Kenyan forest on the adventure of a lifetime, spotting wildlife from high up in the treetops, when her father died and she became queen. - 'Most wonderful experience' - In fact, the Duke of Edinburgh broke the news to Elizabeth after they had left Treetops but the story stuck and the hotel became the fabled locale where a princess became a queen.

All the queen's kingdoms: where did Elizabeth II reign?
All the queen's kingdoms: where did Elizabeth II reign?
by  AFP

Queen Elizabeth II's reign encompassed to a large degree Britain's declining global influence, from an empire that once bestrode the world to a middle-ranking economy. Where she remained queen, the role was largely ceremonial, and her duties were carried out by one of her governor generals -- a viceroy who effectively acts as head of state.