Exclusive photos obtained by FRANCE 24 show Russian mercenaries, believed to be of the Wagner group, operating in Mali. Also, Ethiopians in Lalibela marked the Orthodox Christmas under the shadow of conflict. Just months ago, the historic town was occupied by Tigrayan rebels. And Senegal's national dish has gone global. Thieboudienne, made with rice and fish, has been added to UNESCO's cultural heritage list.

Photos show Russian Wagner mercenaries operating in Mali

Join Georja Calvin-Smith for a round up of the week's cultural and current affairs stories from across the African continent: exclusive reports and analysis. Every Thursday at 3:45pm Paris time.

News & Politics

Northern Nigerian communities who have lost faith in the struggling security forces' ability to protect them are increasingly setting up vigilante groups to battle insurgents themselves. Also, rap is gaining ground in Egypt and although the scene is still overwhelmingly dominated by men, women are increasingly picking up the mic. And Kenya's birds of prey are falling prey to encroaching human activity. Some conservationists fear it may be too late to roll back the damage.

Nigeria's rural vigilante patrols aim to protect local communities

Motorists in Nigeria face huge queues at petrol stations across major cities as frustration grows over the multi-headed crises dragging on the country's economy. Also, known locally as the Mendzang, the xylophone has a small but dedicated following in Cameroon. And we head out on the road with the roaming chef and former Kenyan rugby star, Dennis Ombachi.

Nigeria hit by snaking queues at the pumps amidst petrol crisis

We bring you a week of political and social events from across the African continent. This week, Uganda's constitutional court threw out a challenge to the homophobic law adopted last May. Also, Congolese wordsmiths the Tetra collective use slam poetry to explore their deep love of Congolese and French literature. And many women farmers in Senegal struggle to secure access to land in the rural communities where they are sidelined from ownership.

Uganda's anti-gay law stands after top court rejects bid to block it

There is increased focus on education at the COP28 climate talks amidst growing acknowledgement of the importance of the sector in responding to the uncertainty and displacement caused by climate change. FRANCE 24's Georja Calvin-Smith speaks to Yasmine Sherif, the head of the Education Cannot Wait fund, as she sets out the stakes from the crucial talks in Dubai.

Greening education key to Africa's climate challenge

Students are among the victims of Nigeria's rampant inflation, as they face tuition fee hikes of over 300 percent. Also, the clock is ticking down towards DR Congo's general elections, in which President Felix Tshisekedi is running for a second term. Plus, Nairobi hosts international talks on the reduction of plastic pollution.

Photos show Russian Wagner mercenaries operating in Mali

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