Al-Shabab intelligence chief says he is quitting

Zakariya Ismail Hersi renounces violence perpetrated by the al-Qaeda-linked group and calls for reconciliation.

Zakariya Hersi made his first public appearance since his surrender last December at the information ministry [AFP]

A leader of Somalia's al-Shabab with a $3m bounty on his head has announced he is leaving the armed group.

Why Boko Haram Is So Strong

Boko Haram  terrorists are waging the most brutal insurgency in Africa. They have captured a lot of territories and have killed a vast number of people. Officials estimate that some three million people are affected by the terrorists and here are 5 points according to the  International Crisis Group why Boko Haram is so strong.
1. Boko Haram has a lot of separate groups.

Balarabe Musa Wants February Elections Postponed

As some Nigerians continue to express pessimism on the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the February 14 and 28 general elections, a prominent figure and a former governor in the north has joined such calls.

Former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa

As some Nigerians continue to express pessimism on the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the February 14 and 28 general elections, a prominent figure and a former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa has joined such calls.

Airlines stop flights to Baghdad after shooting

Foreign airlines cancel flights to Baghdad after FlyDubai jet was hit by suspected sniper fire during landing.

Etihad said it had suspended all flights to Baghdad with immediate effect and until further notice [AP]

Houthis free top aide to Yemen president

Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak was relased on Tuesday, and handed over to local tribes in the southern province of Shabwa.

Mubarak was previously nominated as prime minister, but his appointment was rejected by the Shia rebel group [EPA]

Houthi rebels have freed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's chief of staff, whose abduction set in motion days of political turmoil in Yemen.

Several dead as convoy ambushed in South Sudan

Military says at least 13 people, including four journalists, dead in attack blamed on Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army.

South Sudan is struggling to contain lawlessness as conflict between the government and the rebels continues [EPA]

At least 13 people, including four journalists, were killed in South Sudan's western region, when gunmen attacked their convoy in the country's west, a military spokesman said.

Buhari Is Not Electable- Obanikoro

Sen Musliu Obaniko, who is the immediate past Minister of State for Defence, has called on Nigerians to judge the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) by his past and not what his party presents him to be in 2015.

Senator Obanikoro of PDP

Vanguard reports that the former minister made the assertion on Tuesday while addressing party supporters at the campaign rally he organised under the aegis of the Goodluck/Sambo Independent Campaign Group in Lagos.