Ethiopia Asks for Urgent Food Aid
The Ethiopian government has asked the international community for emergency food aid for 6.2 million people.
The request came at a meeting of donors to discuss the impact of a prolonged drought affecting parts of East Africa.
The UN's World Food Programme says $285m (£173m) will be needed in the next six months. Some aid officials say the numbers of hungry could rise.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8319741.stm
Africa: Leaders to Strengthen African Court
AFRICAN Union (AU) member states will only refer cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a last resort when the African Court of Justice is established with criminal jurisdiction.
This is one of the proposals in the draft convention that seeks to establish a legal framework to address the root causes of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons.
The convention will be tabled before the heads of state summit, which opens today.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200910220006.html
Deadly Clashes Shake Somali Capital
At least 20 people have been killed and 58 injured in a battle between anti-government fighters and African peacekeepers in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, medical workers say.
According to witnesses, clashes broke out on Thursday after fighters launched mortar bombs at the city's international airport, as Sharif Ahmed, the country's president, flew out of the country.
Ali Muse, head of Mogadishu's ambulance services, told the AFP news agency it was "the worst such incident recently" in the city.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/10/200910227534514170.html#
Sudan: South Disowns Referendum Vote Limit
The Southern Sudan Government has rejected a deal announced at the weekend on a referendum on the fate of the region.
Under the deal agreed by Southern Sudan's Vice-President Riek Machar and the North's VP, Mr Ali Osman Taha, a two thirds turnout of all registered voters and a 50 per cent plus one vote would be necessary for the South to become a separate state.
Says John Andruga Duku, the head of mission at the Government of Southern Sudan Liaison Office in Nairobi: "This is not acceptable to the SPLM and the Government of Southern Sudan.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200910211130.html
Algiers Police Fire on Slum Protest
People living in a slum district of the Algerian capital have taken to the streets for a second day to protest against job and housing shortages.
Residents of the Diar Echams area, frustrated over high unemployment and inadequate housing, clashed with police on Wednesday having started their protest on Monday night.
The police said at least 11 officers were hurt, although no figure of civilian casualties was given.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/10/20091021135417557575.html
