Africa: President Obama to Visit Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania in June/July

[White House]Washington, DC -President Obama and the First Lady look forward to traveling to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania from June 26 - July 3. The President will reinforce the importance that the United States places on our deep and growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including through expanding economic growth, investment, and trade; strengthening democratic institutions; and investing in the next generation of African leaders.

Egypt: Security Forces Prefer Negotiation With Kidnappers

[Aswat Masriya]Egypt's security forces have not received any orders to initiate an armed operation to free the security personnel kidnapped in Sinai, a senior security source told the state-run news agency.

Africa: It Takes a Village to Educate a Girl

[IPS]Niamey -A decade ago, less than a third of school-aged girls in Niger were in class. Today, though significant cultural and religious opposition remains, nearly two-thirds of girls are enrolled in school.

Kenya: Seventeen in Court Over Cruelty to 'Parliament' Pigs

[Capital FM]Nairobi -Seventeen protestors who staged the 'Occupy Parliament' demonstration using 31 live pigs last Tuesday have been charged with cruelty to animals.

Africa: Civil Society Under Attack Around the World

[IPS]Johannesburg -In this column, Mandeep Tiwana, policy and advocacy manager of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, writes that civil society organisations around the globe face grave threats to their efficacy and existence.