Verdict Expected In War Crimes Trial Of Former Chadian Dictator Hissene Habre

A verdict is expected in the trial of Hissene Habre, who ruled Chad for eight years until 1990 and is accused of ordering the killing of 40,000 people during his rule. Mr Habre denies any knowledge of the murders and torture.

The authorities in Niger say they are preparing a major offensive against the Nigerian militant group, Boko Haram. Speaking to the BBC, the defence minister, Hassoumi Massaoudou, said forces from neighbouring countries were now fully integrated and able to take on the Islamist fighters.

The Australian prime minister has defended his government's efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef after research suggested mass bleaching has destroyed more than a third of the coral on parts of the reef.