Congo Protesters burn tyres, urging president to step down - witnesses

Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and security forces fired shots in the Congolese capital on Monday as opposition activists prepared to march to press President Joseph Kabila to step down, witnesses said.

Kabila's mandate ends in December but the opposition says he is preparing a plan to stay in power longer.

The protests were in the Ngaba and Yolo neighbourhoods, witnesses said.

Tunisia Water shortages spark 'thirst uprising' warning

Activists are warning of a potential "thirst uprising" in Tunisia following protests over severe water shortages after one of the North African nation's driest summers on record.

Residents in the interior are suffering long water supply cuts, reservoirs are running dry and farmers are seeing significant losses, adding to social tensions in a country still struggling with instability since its 2011 revolution.

The Tunisian citizens' water observatory, known as Watchwater, warned last month the country could face a "thirst uprising" reminiscent of the protest movement that spread across Tunisia nearly six years ago.

"The failure to find urgent and serious solutions will increase protests across the country," it said.

play Water scarcity has been exacerbated in recent years by growing urbanisation and increasing demand from agriculture and industry
(AFP/File)

Water scarcity has long been a problem for Tunisia, but in recent years the challenge has been exacerbated by growing urbanisation and increasing demand from agriculture and industry.

This year has seen the country particularly hard-hit, with rainfall -- Tunisia's main water source -- down by some 30 percent, the state secretary for water resources and fishing, Abdallah Rabhi, told AFP.

In August, the agriculture ministry warned Tunisia would be facing a "catastrophic" situation if it did not rain by the end of the summer. The few rainstorms since have not been enough to replenish groundwater reserves or reservoirs.

Agricultural losses for this year have already reached nearly two billion dinars ($900 million/800 million euros), according to the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Call to 'pray for rain'

The ministry of religious affairs has even called on the people to "pray for rain".

Since mid-May, the authorities have announced more than 700 water supply cuts. Officially they last from several hours to three days, but Alaa Marzouki of Watchwater said that in some regions the cuts have lasted nearly a month.

Protests have erupted in several affected areas, with the water shortages adding to the frustrations of many residents who feel their concerns are being ignored by authorities in Tunis.

play Reserves at Tunisia's 30 dams and reservoirs had reduced by 40 percent between August 2015 and 2016
(AFP)

At one demonstration in the northwestern town of Fernana earlier this month, protesters gathered at a local pumping station and threatened to disrupt supplies to the capital, according to local media reports.

"Economic protests resembling those that sparked the 2010 Jasmine Revolution are spreading throughout Tunisia and may grow into nationwide civil unrest," the Washington-based American

Dani Carvajal Dani Carvajal: Real Madrid not giving any points away

After missing out on the title by one point last season, Dani Carvajal says Real Madrid will not be giving anything away this term.
Madrid pushed Barcelona all the way to the final day of 2015-16 but were unable to topple the Catalan giants, with both sides winning their final matches.
Zinedine Zidane's team maintained their 100 per cent record at the start of the new campaign with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Sunday, a result which saw them equal Barca's record of 16 successive LaLiga victories achieved in 2010-11.
Carvajal is desperate for Madrid to drop as few points as possible having missed out by such a small margin last term.
"It's a nice record to equal the 16 victories, but we must keep thinking game by game," said the right-back.

Desmond Elliot "We shall grow old together" actor praises wife

Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot is full of praises for his wife Victoria.

play Desmond Elliot and wife (Instagram)

The couple attended a wedding over the weekend and the politician shared a photo of the two of them on social media.

He used the photo as an opportunity to express his undying love for his wife and to let the world know just

Patience Jonathan Ex-First Lady says EFCC is a big thief

 

Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a big thief that’s trying to steal her money.

The EFCC has placed a restriction on 5 bank accounts containing $15 million which Mrs Jonathan has claimed is hers.

Four of the accounts were opened with company names by former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Waripamowei Dudafa.

Mrs Jonathan made the comment via an open letter written to EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu by her

Buhari President spent less than N20M on treatment of ear infection - Presidency

Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu has said that the president spent less than £50,000 (N20.5m) to treat an ear infection in the United Kingdom.

Buhari travelled to London to see an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist for the treatment of the infection in June.

Wale Have you seen this adorable photo of singer's baby?

  

So, Nigerian-American rapper Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, aka Wale welcomed a baby girl with his girlfriend Chloe Alexis, back in July 22, 2016.

Now the crooner has shared an adorable photo of his little girl, Zyla Moon Oluwakemi while busy with his daddy duties recently.

play Wale's daughter, Zyla Moon Oluwakemi (Instagram)

He wrote alongside the photo, "I had too much faith in humanity . I had too much faith in an industry

Buhari President under fire for 'stealing' Obama's 2008 speech

Nigerians on Twitter have condemned President Muhammadu Buhari for plagiarising the President Barack Obama's 2008 victory speech.

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had on Friday, September 16, admitted that the paragraph nine of Buhari's speech at the 'Change Begins With Me' campaign launch was a 'copy and paste' of Obama's 2008 speech.

He blamed the reckless insertion on the error of an ambitious staff in the Presidency, saying the matter would be investigated and the offender punished accordingly.

Al though, multiple sources say, the erred staff has been identified and sacked.

Nonetheless, Nigerians have continued to mock the President, describing the incident as embarrassing and

Niger Delta 'Our operation in region, a huge success,' says Naval Chief

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Saturday said recent operations by the navy in the South-South and other parts of the country, have recorded huge success.

Ibas stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of the Third Quarter Route March, in Abuja.

The naval chief was represented by Rear Adm. Adeniyi Osinowo, Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Naval Headquarters.

He said that the operations, carried out in partnership with other security agencies, were in line with the navy’s mandate to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Footballers Wives Man United WAGs vs Man City WAGs

Pulse Sports brings you pictures of the wives and girlfriends of Manchester United and Manchester City

Manchester Derby Five derby day debuts

Claudio Bravo, Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane could all make their Manchester City bows in Saturday's top of the table clash at Manchester United. But how do the pressures of derby day affect those combining them with a first appearance in red or blue.
Eric Cantona: Manchester United 2 Manchester City 1 (December 6, 1992)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's instant leap into the affections of Manchester United fans has drawn comparisons with a similarly enigmatic, charismatic forward of Old Trafford renown. Eric Cantona was the catalyst for United's initial golden era under Alex Ferguson, the driving inspiration behind the 1993-94 and 1995-96 "double-double". He also made a habit of scoring at will against City, netting eight times in seven derbies – winning six and drawing one. In fact, Cantona's debut as a half-time replacement for Ryan Giggs in this match marked his only appearance against City without a goal, but it became a symbolic debut in many respects. In 1991/92, United and City came second and fifth respectively in England's top division. Following Cantona's introduction to the rivalry, two seemingly well-matched sides spent the rest of the decade hurtling in opposite directions.
Phil Neville: Manchester City 0 Manchester United 3 (February 11, 1995)
If Cantona was the figurehead of United rise's to dominance, his and Ferguson's task was underpinned by a famously fearless crop of young talent. A prime example of this came when an injury to brother Gary thrust an 18-year-old Phil Neville into a Manchester derby debut. The younger sibling turned in a wonderfully assured performance as goals from Paul Ince, Andrei Kanchelskis and Andy Cole after half-time saw United past Brian Horton's City, who they dispatched 5-0 at Old Trafford earlier that season. It was the first league outing of 263 in United colours for Neville, coming 15 months before he collected the first of six Premier League winners' medals.
Mikheil Kavelashvili: Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3 (April 6, 1996)
Mercurial Georgian playmaker Georgi Kinkladze provided dazzling shafts of light amid the darkness that was Manchester City's on-field reality during the mid-1990s. Convinced there must be plenty more where that came from, then City boss Alan Ball returned to Eastern Europe to bring in his compatriot Mikheil Kavelashvili. The striker enjoyed an ideal start to life in England, smuggling home to cancel out Cantona's opening penalty. Crowd favourite Uwe Rosler, who controversially lost his starting place to Kavelashvili, did likewise after Cole made it 2-1 but Ryan Giggs had the final say, with United bound for the title. Kavelashvili did not score again in the top flight, as City were relegated and the following season he did not make enough Division One appearances to retain his work permit.
Patrice Evra: Manchester City 3 Manchester United 1 (January 14, 2006)
France left-back Patrice Evra claimed 10 major honours during his time with United, although his maiden Premier League appearance on a crisp Manchester day 10-and-a-half years ago did not look like it would

Titi Sarkcess The christening of Sarkodie's daughter in pictures

Rapper, Sarkodie and his family were in full force to attend the christening of Adalyn Owusu Addo.

The father-daughter duo were dressed in traditional christening outfit for the memorable ceremony.

play Sarkodie and Adaly

All eyes were also focused on Adalyn's mother, Tracy who was looking elegant

Turkey Government suspends 11,500 teachers over alleged links to Kurdish militants

Turkey has suspended 11,500 teachers over alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), a Turkish official said on Thursday, confirming an earlier report from broadcaster CNN Turk that cited the education ministry.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim visited the mainly Kurdish southeast over the weekend and said in a speech there that an estimated 14,000 teachers had links to the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, the European Union and the United States.

Hollande France President gives clearest hint at quest for second term

President Francois Hollande said on Thursday he would not let France's image deteriorate "over the coming months or coming years", his clearest indication yet that he intends to run for a second term in office next year.

In an hour-long speech on "democracy and terrorism", Hollande, a Socialist, took a swipe at his right-wing opponents, saying their hardline reactions to a wave of militant attacks demonstrated an intent to destroy France's social model.

"I won't let the image of France, the influence of France, deteriorate over the coming months or coming years," said Hollande, who opinion polls show is the most unpopular French leader of modern times.

Hollande has come under attack from right-wing opponents, in particular former president Nicolas Sarkozy, over his track record on security. More than 230 people have been killed in militant Islamist attacks on French soil since January 2015.

Sarkozy, who announced last month his candidacy for the April 2017 presidential poll, has said France needs to be "merciless" in its response to the attacks and that there is no place for "legal niceties" in the fight against terrorism.

Without mentioning Sarkozy by name, Hollande said: "Constitutional principles are not legal niceties."

"Is the freedom to come and go a legal nicety? Is freedom of expression a legal nicety? Is freedom to worship a legal nicety? Is being presumed innocent - something that's useful when defending one's self - a legal nicety?" Hollande said at the left-wing Jean Jaures Foundation, drawing warm applause.

FEARS

Hollande, who defeated Sarkozy in the 2012 presidential race, was speaking on Thursday amid lingering security fears and this summer's debacle over a burkini ban, a saga which encapsulated secular France's difficulties responding to the threat posed by homegrown jihadists and foreign militants.

Worryingly for Hollande, an opinion poll published by Elabe on Wednesday showed almost nine in 10 voters did not want the president to seek a second five-year term.

Further underlining the uphill battle Hollande would face in winning re-election, respondents were damning in their assessment of his performance on the two key themes set to dominate the campaign: security and the economy.

Boko Haram Confusion as Shekau, Barnawi's factions engage in gun battle

There seem to be confusion in the camps of Boko Haram as two factions of the sect reportedly engaged in a gun battle.

According to a report by AFP, members belonging to the Shekau faction had engaged Islamic State backed Abu Musab al-Barnawi in Monguno area of Borno State.

The report further revealed that the bloody fight between the two factions of the insurgents was over leadership tussle.

Several fighters from Shekau’s camp were said to have been killed in two separate gun battles with Barnawi

Ahmad Salkida ‘I wasn’t arrested,’ Journalist linked with Boko Haram says

 
Journalist, Ahmad Salkida has denied reports that he was arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) over his links with Boko Haram.

Reports had it that Salkida was arrested on Monday, September 5, 2016, upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He made the denial via a statement released on Wednesday, September 7. It reads:

“In response to the demand by Nigerian security authorities for me to clear my name, I flew into Abuja on Monday, 5th September. Contrary to reports, I was not arrested. I had very engaging conversations with officers.”

“The atmosphere was mutually respectful. The discussions opened useful insights that are benefiting to both sides on the discussion table. I wish to thank most especially family friends & professional colleagues who believed & trusted that my outputs have only solely been driven by professional considerations.”

Hillary Clinton Presidential candidate slams Trump for commenting on Fed policies

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton criticized Republican rival Donald Trump on Tuesday for making comments about the Federal Reserve's monetary policies, which she said should be off-limits for U.S. presidents and presidential candidates.

"You should not be commenting on Fed actions when you are either running for president or you are president," Clinton told reporters on her campaign plane. "Words have consequences. Words move markets. Words can be misinterpreted."

Trump, who has previously accused the U.S. central bank of keeping interest rates low to help Democratic President Barack Obama, said on Monday that interest rates should change.

"They're keeping the rates down so that everything else doesn't go down," Trump said in response to a reporter's request to address a potential rate hike by the Federal Reserve in September. "We have a very false economy."

Clinton criticized the New York real estate magnate in her second press conference in as many days.

"He should not be trying to talk up or talk down the economy, and he should not be adding the Fed to his long list of institutions and individuals that he is maligning and otherwise attacking," she said.

Clinton, a former U.S. senator from New York and secretary of state, also said that daughter Chelsea Clinton's involvement in the Clinton Foundation charity will be decided after the Nov. 8 election.

"These issues will be decided after the election. And we will decide the appropriate way forward," she said.

Spain Country rescues 177 migrants off southern coast

Spanish authorities said on Tuesday they had rescued 177 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa on six boats off the southern Mediterranean coast.

Spain's maritime rescue service said it had spotted some of the boats by airplane. It sent ships to carry out the rescues at various points on the country's southern shore, including near Malaga. There were eight minors among those rescued, it added.

Taylor Swift, Tom Hiddleston Couple's whirlwind romance comes to an end

After three months of dating, Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston have called their whirlwind romance quits.

play Tom Hiddleston, Taylor Swift
(usweekly)

A source reveals to Us Weekly that the 26-year-old singer is behind the split saying, "She was the one to put the brakes on the relationship. Tom wanted the relationship to be more public than she was

Basketmouth Comedian, family robbed at gun point at home

Popular comedian, Basketmouth was robbed at gunpoint in his home in Lekki today September 7, 2016.

play Baskemouth's wife Elsie and their kids
(Instagram)

According to Bovi, the father of two was robbed between the hours of 2am-4am at gun point.

He took to Instagram writing, "Basketmouth was robbed this morning in his home in lekki phase 1 between the hours of 2am and 4am, 7th of September 2016. He and his family were held at gun point while the sad episode lasted. Nobody was hurt. Valuables were taken including the CCTV device. A

Kano Police arrest 22 kidnappers, bandits in Falgore forest

A total of 22 suspected kidnappers and armed bandits terrorising many communities around the Falgore forest in Kano have been arrested by the police.

According to a report by Punch Newspaper, the arrest was made known by the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Yusuf, who said the arrest was a result of the success of the anti-kidnapping unit of the Kano State Police Command.

“The Rano Area Commander was directed to relocate his office to the most affected axis to ensure effective supervision of the men deployed. Items recovered from the suspects included four fabricated AK47 rifles, nine motorcycles, two face masks, 96 cows, 33 sheep and one dog," Yusuf said.

Others recovered items, according to Yusuf, were 56 rounds of live ammunition, some quantity of drugs, two expended cartridges, two cell phones, a bow and arrow, axe and machete and N200, 000 cash.

Bring Back Our Girls That show of shame by 'Buhari supporters'

When the ‘Bring Back Our Girls’  (BBOG) advocacy outfit set out for the presidential Villa, Monday; like they’ve promised to do every 72 hours hence, they were accosted by a pro-Buhari  group who promptly told them that the call to rescue the over 200 girls still in Boko Haram custody was a scam.

A sense of sickening déjà vu doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt when I first read the news of all that transpired.

Africa Fashion Guide Vlisco confirmed as Africa conference 2016 keynote speaker

On September 8th 2016, Africa Fashion Guide hosts their 5 year anniversary Fashion Africa Conference event in London, UK and are extremely pleased to announce that Vlisco will attend as guests and as keynote speakers on the day.

To join just register here and receive an early booking discount tickets.

Fashion Africa Conference 2016 will be held on the entire top floor rooms of the popular Richmix location in the heart of contemporary East London, Vlisco speakers will present as part of the morning keynote speeches titled “Talk Africa”.

These bite-size TedX style will open discussions which investigates the growth of the African retail stratosphere, the culture of the African consumer market and why you should be an early adopter, African Fashion Manufacturing, ethical sourcing, African textiles, African cotton, through to trends in African fashion on and off the continent and more and more under the theme of 'The African Market'.

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New Music General Pype - 'All the loving' Ft. Burna Boy, Phyno

It was an all star performance as General Pype featured Burna Boy and Phyno in his new single, 'All the loving'.

The track is a rich dancehall jam made extremely exotic with the addition of Phyno's amazing rap skills.

Hassanah - 'Just for us'

 

Soul singer and songwriter, Hassanah, who is of Nigerian and German origins, has released her new single,  'Just for us'.

This follows a remarkable release of the 2015 song, 'I know better', which she recorded along with her music group, Selou.

'Just for us' is an Afrobeat track produced by Kenya's ThExchange Project.
DOWNLOAD

DJ Jimmy JATT - 'Turn up' ft Flavour, Terry Apala

DJ Jimmy JATT returns with the remix of his single with Flavour 'Turn up'.

This new release features Apala-fusion singer, Terry Apala, and a Trap twist in the productionDOWNLOAD

J'odie - 'Fresh palmwine'

 
D.U.N Entertainment diva and vocal gem J’odie resurfaces with a new single titled 'Fresh Palmwine', produced by Wole Oni.

Blasphemy Chemist owner escapes being lynched by Muslim youths in Ketu

The life of a chemist owner, Emmanuel Emeka, was saved by policemen from the Ketu Police Division of Lagos state on Sunday, September 4, 2016.

According to Punch, Muslim youths seized Emeka and almost lynched him for writing a blasphemous statement on a magazine.

The Muslim youths mobilised themselves to destroy the young man’s shop, but were prevented by the timely intervention of policemen who dispersed them, reports say.

Confirming the reports, the Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos said Emeka was taken into custody for his safety.

Adding that “The Lagos State Police Command averted what could have been a religious  crisis

Angry Artisans Block makers commence strike over cement, granite price hike

The President, National Association of Block moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Rasco Adebowale has announced that block makers in the country have commenced a five day strike following the increase in the price of cement and granite.

The block makers also threatened to increase the price of their products unless the price of cement and granite is reversed.

According to Adebowale, “We won’t really call it a strike but a break for one week after which we will

Amaechi FG has recovered N3.4 trillion in looted cash and assets- Transportation Minister

The Federal Government has recovered a total of N3.4 trillion in cash and assets from persons who looted Nigeria’s coffers, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said.

The government has also discovered N115 billion worth of looted cash and assets in the United States, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom, according to Amaechi.

Amaechi made the disclosure on Monday, September 5, 2016, in the United Kingdom while speaking at the 34th Cambridge University International Symposium on Economic Crime.

“Our president has stopped at nothing to demonstrate that whosoever is caught in corruption related crimes will not be spared. In his days as military Head of State and through other positions he has held in public life, he has upheld a life of integrity. He is a typical example of how a leader can inspire committed followership through the force of example,” Amaechi said according to The Sun.

“As someone who has been in active politics for more than 30 years, I have learnt that many well-intended reforms are possible only if the leader can offer the requisite leadership and muster the right political will. 

“In my country, since our President, Muhammadu Buhari, was elected, he did not leave anyone in doubt that the fight against corruption will not only be taken seriously, but will form a cardinal plank of his policy direction.

“So far, he has made several pronouncements that set the tone of his commitment to strengthening anti-corruption agencies to go after anyone who has questions to answer.

“The president’s resolve was enough signal to all of us, members of his cabinet and the citizenry, that an end has come for the old ways of doing things. Currently, many people who have been indicted in one form of corrupt practice or another are being prosecuted in our courts. That, I believe is the way to show leadership and take responsibility.

“Another important factor is what I refer to as the force of example. There is very little any leader can achieve if he talks the right political talk without offering personal examples. In these days of internet and social media revolution, citizens often spend time to scrutinize the reputation and activities of any leader to find out if they are consistent with what he or she stands for in the media.

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Kebbi NLC endorses Halidu as branch chairman

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has approved, Malam Umaru Halidu, as the Acting Chairman of Kebbi branch.This is contained in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr Peter Ezon, on Tuesday in Kebbi.

Ezon said the NLC’s took the decision in good faith and to further avoid unnecessary crisis in the branch. He said that the former branch Chairman, Malam Murtala Usman, was removed from office by the state

billoniarepublictv

US Presidential Race Clinton rejects Mexico invitation after Trump's diplomatic ruckus

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said on Monday she will not accept an invitation from Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto for a visit after rival Donald Trump created what she called a "diplomatic incident" in his foray there.

In a written excerpt from an interview with ABC News that will air Tuesday morning, Clinton simply said "no" when asked if she would travel to Mexico before the election on Nov. 8, without elaborating further.

Her campaign later confirmed her decision.

"We understand and respect her decision to propose the time to hold a meeting," said Mexican Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu in a tweet, adding that contact with Clinton's campaign was ongoing.

Pena Nieto extended invitations to both candidates last month, and Trump flew to Mexico City last

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Lagos Customs impound contraband valued at N250.4m

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted contraband with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 186.9 million between July and August, 2016.

The Controller of the unit, Comptroller Umar Dahiru, said this on Tuesday in Lagos.

Dahiru said that the unit through its interventions recovered N63.5 million from vehicles and other goods, due to under-payment, undervaluation and false declarations.

He said that these cumulatively translated to N250.4 million in the two months under consideration.

"Within July and August 2016, about 225 different seizures were recorded, comprising foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, fairly-used vehicles popularly known as 'Tokunbo', and various general merchandise,’’ Dahiru said.

He said that 23 suspects had been apprehended in connection with the seizures.

The controller commended the relentless efforts of Officers and Men of the unit, adding that "even though

Bring Back Our Girls Over 100 Police officers disrupt BBOG protest

The Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group recently declared the intention to march to the Presidential Villa every 72-hours until the abducted Chibok schoolgirls are rescued.

Despite police barricade at the entrance to the Villa

Ghana Parliament speaker bars opposition bid to probe gift to president

Ghana's parliament speaker on Thursday dismissed an opposition motion for an inquiry into the alleged gift of a luxury car to President John Mahama, heading off the risk of an impeachment process against the West African leader.

The dispute gave Mahama's political rivals a chance to challenge his integrity in the run-up to an election in December in which he faces a stiff challenge from New Patriotic Party (NPP) leader Nana Akufo-Addo.

The NPP has alleged that Burkinabe businessman Djibril Kanazoe may have won a $613,000 government construction contract by giving Mahama a Ford Expedition sports utility vehicle - an accusation dismissed by the government.

It filed an urgent motion in parliament last month that forced Speaker Edward Adjaho to recall MPs from recess on Thursday to consider its request for an investigation.

Islam Karimov Uzbek President is dead - diplomatic sources

Uzbek President Islam Karimov has died after suffering a stroke at the age of 78, three diplomatic sources told Reuters on Friday, leaving no obvious successor to take over Central Asia's most populous nation.

The Uzbek government did not immediately confirm the reports. Earlier on Friday it said in a statement that the health of Karimov, who has been in hospital since last Saturday, had sharply deteriorated.

"Yes, he has died," one of the diplomatic sources said when asked about Karimov's condition.

Long criticised by the West and human rights groups for his authoritarian style of leadership, Karimov had ruled Uzbekistan since 1989, first as the boss of the local Communist Party and then as president of the

Islamic State's military retreat raises risk of attacks in France-prosecutor

Islamic State's military pullback in Iraq and Syria increases the risk of Islamist attacks in France like the ones the country suffered this year and last, France's anti-terrorism prosecutor Francois Molins was quoted saying on Friday.

"We see clearly in the history of terrorism that when terrorist organisations are in difficulty on their