Zambia ruling party takes slim lead in presidential vote
LUSAKA (Reuters) – Zambia’s ruling party presidential candidate Edgar Lungu took a slim lead over his rival Hakainde Hichilema after votes from more than half of constituencies were counted, the electoral commission said on Thursday.
Bomb explodes near Turkish delegation in Somalia day before president’s visit
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – A suicide car bomb exploded at the gate of a Mogadishu hotel where Turkish delegates were meeting on Thursday, a day before a visit by President Tayyip Erdogan to the Somali capital.
Madagascar’s opposition to challenge PM’s appointment in constitutional court
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Madagascar’s opposition is to challenge the appointment of Prime Minister Jean Ravelonarivo in the constitutional court after the administrative court said it would not hear the case, extending uncertainty in a country struggling to…
Britain announces new powers for Scotland, edges toward federalism
LONDON (Reuters) – The British government began a historic transfer of powers to Scotland on Thursday, keeping a pledge it had given to persuade Scots to reject independence as renewed nationalist support surges.
U.S.-led forces launch 31 air strikes in Iraq, Syria: U.S. military
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S.-led forces attacked Islamic State targets with 21 air strikes in Iraq and 10 in Syria since Wednesday, the American military said.
Hamas calls on Hezbollah to unite fight against Israel
GAZA (Reuters) – A letter purported to be from Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’s armed wing, on Thursday appealed to the Lebanese Hezbollah group to unite with Hamas in battling Israel.
India, U.S. trying to get nuclear deal over line during Obama trip
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India and the United States were trying to narrow differences on nuclear trade on Thursday ahead of President Barack Obama’s visit, but New Delhi ruled out a change in its liability law that has choked off U.S. investment.
Turkey’s Erdogan seeks closure of Gulen-linked schools in Africa
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday Turkey would seek the closure of schools in Africa linked to his ally-turned-foe Fethullah Gulen, opening a new front in his battle with the U.S.-based Muslim cleric.
In Mosul, Islamic State turns captured city into fortress
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – In a government building in Mosul, a handful of Iraqi contractors gathered to compete for a tender last month.
Antwerp cancels PEGIDA Flanders demonstration over security fears
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The city of Antwerp has banned a demonstration by the Belgian branch of the German anti-Muslim movement PEGIDA because of security fears, the mayor said.
