What's Going on in Africa Today

U.S. Kills Top Qaeda Leader in Southern Somalia (NY Times)
American commandos killed one of the most wanted Islamic militants in Africa in a daylight raid in southern Somalia on Monday, according to American and Somali officials, an indication of the Obama administration’s willingness to use combat troops strategically against Al Qaeda's growing influence in the region.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/world/africa/15raid.html

China Partnering, Not Plundering, in Africa (Reuters)
Beijing is worried about culturally naive Chinese companies damaging its image in Africa, but thinks the perception that it is only after cheap oil and minerals is unfair, its ambassador to Pretoria said on Tuesday.
http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE58E0K620090915

World Bank Urges Zambia to Control Spending (Reuters)
The World Bank will give further funds to Zambia when it implements measures to control spending and ensure such funds benefit its people, a senior Bank official said on Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLF500257

Niger Corruption Case 'Political' (BBC News)
Niger opposition leader Mahamadou Issoufou has said the corruption charges he faces are politically motivated.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8256361.stm

Senegal's Youths Dream of Europe (BBC News)
Senegal was once the starting point for thousands of Africans trying to reach a better life, but has the economic downturn led to a reduction in the numbers seeking a new start? Will Ross reports from the West African state.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8251029.stm

What's Going on in Africa Today?

Exodus From North Africa Full of Perils (NY TIMES)
Part of an exodus the Algerian press has dubbed the “harraga” — a play on a Maghreb Arabic word to mean “those who burn” — there is an overwhelming number of Algerian young people who are trying to cross the Mediterranean and burn identity papers and emotional ties in the process. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/world/africa/09iht-algeria.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

End Zimbabwe Sanctions, Say Southern African Leaders (Reuters)
Southern African heads of state called on the international community to end sanctions on Zimbabwe , ending a regional summit meeting on Tuesday with a statement many had expected. http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSL833232

'Leak' Led to UN Kidnap in Niger (BBC)
A former UN special envoy to Niger who was kidnapped by al-Qaeda and held for four months has said he believes a high-level leak led to his abduction.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8245671.stm

Rwanda Named World's Top Business Reformer (All Africa)
Rwanda was named today as the world's top business reformer, measured by the changes the country has made over the past year to make doing business there easier.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200909090350.html

Ramadan Fighting in Mogadishu is "Worst in 20 Years" (Reuters)
Fighting in Mogadishu during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan has so far been some of the worst in 20 years, killing 32 civilians in four days this week, a human rights group in the Somali capital said on Thursday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLA092532