Two French aid workers were kidnapped overnight by a gang of twenty armed men in the north eastern region of the Central African Republic (CAR), close to the border with Sudan, reports France24. The men who are believed to be from Triangle, were abducted from Birao, a town which is considered part of a zone watched by the United Nations Mission in the CAR and Chad (MINURCAT). - Tuesday 24 November 2009 - 14:16

According to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, greater access to anti-retroviral drugs has helped cut the death toll from HIV by more than 10% over the past five years. The World Health Organization and the Joint UN Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAids) say an estimated 33.4 million people worldwide are infected with HIV. The report also shows there has been a significant drop in the number of new HIV infections. - Tuesday 24 November 2009 - 14:15

South African animal rights activists have agreed to meet Zulu groups in a bid to stop a bull-killing ritual, writes the South African Star. Cultural commissioner Pat Mkhize announced the meeting after a court case brought by Animal Rights Africa (ARA) was postponed. They are suing Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, arguing that the ceremony, known as Ukweshwama is cruel. A royal spokesman said the killing was a highly symbolic way of thanking God. - Tuesday 24 November 2009 - 14:14

According to the Washington Post, US prosecutors have announced charges against eight individuals as part of an investigation into young men leaving the United States to fight in Somalia. Those charged are accused of giving financial support to recruits, and of training and fighting with Somali Islamist militants. Up to 20 people are thought to have left Minnesota to fight with Somali militants in the last two years. - Tuesday 24 November 2009 - 14:13

The exploration company Heritage Oil has agreed to sell its stakes in two Uganda oil fields to Italy’s Eni for $1.5bn, reports BBC. Heritage will sell its 50% share in the fields for $1.35bn in cash and a deferred payment of $150m. The deal, which requires approval from Ugandan authorities, is expected to be completed in early 2010. - Monday 23 November 2009 - 15:36

President Jose Eduardo dos Santos has urged his party to implement a zero tolerance policy on government corruption, reports Reuters. The President said irresponsible officials had squandered his country’s oil wealth. Mr. Dos Santos added that members of his MPLA party had been “too timid” in their attitude regarding government spending. Last week, Angola was named by Transparency International as one of the world most corrupt nations. - Monday 23 November 2009 - 15:19

A Swiss court has ordered the seizure of $350m in assets from the son of Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Sani Abacha, says AFP. Abba Abacha was convicted of being a member of a criminal organization and given a suspended custodial sentence. Nigeria state lawyers believe Sani Abacha, who ruled from 1993 until his death in 1998, may have stolen $2.2bn. - Monday 23 November 2009 - 15:14

According to the BBC, the Somali Islamist group al-Shabab says it had taken control of the southern town of Afmadow without any resistance from rival militants. The town in Lower Juba region had been controlled by rival group Hisbu-Islam, but its members are reported to have withdrawn without a fight. The two militant groups have been fighting each other for months for control of this region. - Monday 23 November 2009 - 13:07

South Africa is to set up special courts to quickly deal with crime committed during the one month long 2010 World Cup. The government hopes the fast-track system will enable visitors to give evidence while still in the country and therefore act as a deterrent. A total of 54 courts will operate in the nine World Cup host cities, notes Africa News. - Monday 23 November 2009 - 13:02

The world’s largest mass yellow fever immunization is starting in West Africa, targeting 12 million people, writes Times Live. World Health Organization will begin vaccinating in Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone. WHO spokeswoman, Aphaluck Bhatiasevi indicated that local health teams will also offer vitamin A and deworming tablets and the measles vaccine in Sierra Leone. Thirteen African nations are said to be at high risk of outbreaks of yellow fever, which can kill if untreated. - Monday 23 November 2009 - 12:58