Niger Prepares For Major Offensive Against Boko Haram

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 said forces from neighbouring countries were now fully integrated and able to take on the Islamist fighters.

The deputy leader of an anti-immigration party in Germany has sparked a racism row with comments about the German football star Jerome Boateng, whose father is from Ghana.

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. Mr Habre denies any knowledge of the murders and torture.