Daybreak Africa - VOA Africa

A Zambian opposition spokesperson is asking the Zambian government to follow internationally prescribed extradition protocols in the case of renegade member of parliament Jay Jay Banda. He recently escaped from lawful custody in Zambia, but the Zambian government announced he was captured in Harare, Zimbabwe. He escaped police custody in August this year while awaiting trial for aggravated robbery. Emmanuel Mwamba, spokesperson for Zambia’s main opposition Patriotic Front Party, tells VOA’s James Butty, MP Banda is running to save his life and should be given international protection

Refugees at Malawi's only refugee camp, Dzaleka, have started receiving their first-ever insurance payouts to mitigate the impact of the El Niño weather pattern, which has destroyed their crops. Lameck Masina has more in Blantyre.

A group of lawmakers in the Liberian House of Representatives claiming to be the majority bloc has elected and sworn in a new speaker following weeks of confusion in the House. As Dennise Nimpson reports from Monrovia, Speaker J. Fornati Koffa has rejected his removal and petitioned the Supreme Court.

On Daybreak Africa: Senegal’s ruling party, PASTEF, secured a resounding victory in the country’s legislative elections, winning 130 of 165 seats, according to provisional results announced Thursday by the national vote counting commission. Plus, Malawi refugees receive first-ever insurance payout. Zimbabwe captures a renegade Zambian member of parliament. Liberia’s House Speaker Says His Removal is Unconstitutional. Heavy gunfire broke out Thursday night in South Sudan’s capital, Juba. Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration for the top law enforcement job. For these and more tune in to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: Mali's junta chief on Wednesday sacked civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the government, days after Maiga issued rare criticism of the military rulers. Plus, leaders of the main opposition parties in Congo have called for nationwide protests against President Felix Tshisekedi’s plans to draft a new constitution. Uganda charges opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye with threatening national security and the illegal possession of firearm. Meanwhile, the Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network has called for Besigye’s immediate and unconditional release. Zambia's Catholic Bishops raise their concern over rights violations. SADC investigates violence following Mozambique’s polls. Meanwhile, Mozambique’s president wants talks to end weeks of post-election unrest. Nigeria's Mining Week brings into focus a long-neglected sector. For these and more tune in to Daybreak Africa!

In Zambia, Catholic bishops are raising the alarm about increased arrests and prolonged detentions of opposition leaders. In a letter signed by all 11 bishops, they lamented what they see as significant restrictions on democratic freedom. They say this is illustrated by charges being brought against at least six opposition leaders, as well as journalists and civil society activists, for political activities. Kathy Short reports from Lusaka

Nigeria concluded a three-day conference Wednesday to mark National Mining Week. Authorities in the West African nation have been seeking to expand investments in the mining industry in a bid to diversify the economy, amid the global surge in demand for minerals. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja

Uganda opposition leader Rtd Col. Kizza Besigye was charged Wednesday in a military court with threatening national security and illegal possession of firearms. Besigye, who was arrested in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, was introduced to the court amid tight security. His family and opposition are opposed to his trial in a military court and worry about his health. Reporter Mugume Davis Rwakaringi has more from Kampala

The Convenor of the Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye’s wife told VOA Tuesday that her husband was kidnapped in Kenya, brought back to Uganda and held in a military jail. Besigye had been scheduled to attend and speak at Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua’s book launch on Sunday, but he was a no-show. Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, said Wednesday that Kenya has no knowledge about Besigye’s alleged abduction. Karua, leader of the National Rainbow Coalition – a Kenyan opposition party --- and Convenor of the Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network, tells VOA’s James Butty, Dr. Besigye must be released unconditionally because kidnapping and abduction by state security violate local and international law.

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has invited the four presidential candidates for a dialogue as part of a bid to end post-election unrest that has left several people dead and dozens of others injured. Protesters say the October 9 election won by ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo was rigged, something the government denies. Charles Mangwiro reports from Maputo