Africa

The Africa I Know Isn't The Africa In The Headlines Today

7:47am December 20, 2014

by Todd Moss

In 1990, our commentator visited Africa and fell in love with the energy and dreams of its people. Today he sees a land full of promise. But Ebola has revived the image of Africa in chaos.

The two candidates in Sunday's runoff presidential election are incumbent Moncef Marzouki (left), who has been serving on an interim basis, and Beji Caid Essebsi, 88, who held posts in the old regime that was ousted in 2011.

World News

With A Presidential Vote, Tunisia Seeks A Peaceful Transition

8:32pm December 19, 2014

by Leila Fadel

Tunisia launched the Arab uprisings four years ago when it ousted a dictator. Sunday's presidential election heralds the country's steady, but not-yet-guaranteed progress.

Queue Listen Now

The "Rusty Radiator" award for most offensive or stereotypical portrayal of the developing world in a fundraising video went to Feed a Child South Africa.

And The Award For Most Offensive Fundraising Video Goes To ...

2:34pm December 19, 2014

by Anders Kelto

If you're a charity that wants to help the developing world, you really, really, really don't want to win a "Rusty Radiator."

A body bag and some wooden sticks were used to fashion this stretcher.

A Nurse's Desperate Plea: Show Me The Ebola Money

11:30am December 19, 2014

by Karin Huster

Patients escape. Long gloves, chlorine and toilets are in short supply. Despite promises of international aid, the essentials of medical care are still missing at one Sierra Leone treatment center.

A vigil is held against violence in Cali, Colombia. The country has seen some 1,090 homicides this year.

Death Comes In Many Different Ways. And Some Are A Bit Surprising

8:55am December 19, 2014

by Marc Silver

A new report looks at the top causes of death in 188 countries. Infectious diseases are less of a threat than in 1990 — but please, look both ways before you cross the street.

World News

In Nigeria, Islamic Extremists Kidnap Close To 200 People

6:32pm December 18, 2014

It happened not far from the town of Chibok, where over 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped in April. Audie Cornish speaks with Tim Cocks, Reuters Nigeria bureau chief, based in Lagos.

Queue Listen Now

Members of the Abuja "Bring Back Our Girls" protest group sit during a march in continuation of the Global October movement. Once again, Boko Haram militants are implicated in killings and mass kidnapping in northeastern Nigeria.

World News

Boko Haram Suspected In New Round Of Killing And Kidnapping

4:37pm December 18, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The latest killing and kidnapping occurred just 20 miles from where the Islamist extremist group kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls in April.

Najin, a female northern white rhino, gets a pat from keeper Mohamed Doyo. Najin, who lives at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, is one of only five of its subspecies left in the world.

World News

We're Down To 5 Northern White Rhinos: Is It Too Late For Babies?

9:07pm December 17, 2014

by Gregory Warner

With the death of a northern white rhino in San Diego's zoo this week, researchers are working to see whether they can save the species. They'd better hurry — only five remain.

Queue Listen Now

Dr. Mohammed Arif helps treat a wounded patient at a field hospital in Kobani, Syria. Most of the clinics in this besieged Syrian border town are now in ruins. Only one still stands, its location kept secret lest it be targeted.

Medical Workers In Conflict Zones Have Never Faced Greater Risks

4:26pm December 17, 2014

by Eleanor Klibanoff

They've always been caught in crossfire. But now they are being singled out as targets. And the worst violence is taking place in Syria.

Residents of New Georgia Signboard, a small village just north of Monrovia, pass the time by playing a fast-paced board game called Ludo.

A Game Of Ludo Helps Liberians Catch A Break From Ebola

2:52pm December 16, 2014

by Didrik Schanche

The fast-paced board game — it's a lot like Parcheesi — offers a way to escape the stress of life in the Ebola zone.