Africa

World News

U.S. May Send Weapons To Libya's Fledgling Government

6:45am May 17, 2016

by Michele Kelemen

The weapons would be used to counter the militants in the Islamic State and other extremist groups. But first, world powers would have to agree to ease an arms embargo against Libya.

Libyans are wary, but are enjoying a bit of normalcy at the new cafes that have sprung up in the past few months.

World News

In The Midst Of Libya's Turmoil, New Cafes Spring Up To 'Change The Mood'

4:58am May 17, 2016

by Laurel Dalrymple

Logically, it's not the right time to open up shop in Tripoli. But entrepreneurs aren't only investing in their businesses, they're buying into a new way of life.

World News

Former D.C. Bureaucrat Returns Home In Effort To Fix Ailing Somalia

6:50pm May 16, 2016

NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with Abdisalam Omer, the former aide to Washington, D.C., Mayor Anthony Williams, who is now Somalia's foreign minister.

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Retired CIA Agent Confirms U.S. Role In Nelson Mandela's 1962 Arrest

6:50pm May 16, 2016

NPR's Kelly McEvers interviews Aislinn Laing of The Telegraph about reaction to an interview with retired CIA agent Donald Rickard, acknowledging that he helped the South African apartheid-era government arrest Nelson Mandela. She says many in South Africa suspected the CIA's involvement, but before now, there was no documentation.

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Candidate John Magufuli looks out from an election billboard in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city. The former teacher and chemist took office as president in November and has pledged to fight corruption. His nickname: "the bulldozer."

You Can Have Our Millions — But First You Must Pass Our Test

3:07pm May 16, 2016

by Marc Silver

The U.S. aid group MCC just suspended a $463 million "compact" with Tanzania because of concerns about unfair elections on its semi-autonomous island, Zanzibar.

U.S. Sends $128M Aid For Ethiopia's Worst Drought In 50 Years

8:00am May 14, 2016

Ethiopia is once again experiencing a severe drought, bringing to mind the famine that ravaged the country in the 1980s.

National Contest Spurs Economic Growth In Nigeria

4:27pm May 13, 2016

by Alex Goldmark

It's especially hard for developing countries to create jobs and foster small businesses to promote growth. But Nigeria took a risk on a massive national contest to find thousands of people with ideas for businesses and did something radical. It gave away millions of dollars to thousands of people who asked for it — and it worked. It is a rare success story for bold economic development programs.

World News

Kenya To Close World's Largest Refugee Camp At Dadaab

1:46pm May 13, 2016

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Aden Tarah, a resident of the Dadaab refugee camp, about Kenya's announcement that the camp will be closed, and the residents will be sent back to their countries of origin.

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Kids in Uganda get goalkeeper training from Soccer Without Borders.

The Goal Of These Soccer Players Isn't Just Scoring Goals

2:50pm May 12, 2016

by David LaGesse

Soccer Without Borders, which won a $250,000 grant this month, helps kids overcome past trauma by kicking it and flicking it.

Keo Motsepe was partnered with Full House actress Jodie Sweetin this cycle. They earned perfect 10s Monday night — and were then voted off the show.

Health & Safety

Dancing With The South African Star: Keo Motsepe

4:47pm May 11, 2016

by Marc Silver

Keo Motsepe reflects on what dancing has taught him — and what he's teaching folks about his homeland.