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Live Reporting

Natasha Booty and Clare Spencer

All times stated are UK

  1. Scroll down for Thursday's stories

    We’ll be back tomorrow

    That's all from BBC Africa Live today. Keep up-to-date with what's happening across the continent by listening to the Africa Today podcast or check the BBC News website.

    A reminder of today's wise words:

    Quote Message: Don’t gossip in the desert because a bush could be an intruder." from A Thimbukushu proverb sent by Sau Nanyemba in Rundu, Namibia
    A Thimbukushu proverb sent by Sau Nanyemba in Rundu, Namibia

    Click here to send us your African proverbs.

    And we leave you with this picture from Liwa in Chad, simply entitled "Meeting Adjourned":

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  2. Libyans share selfies against slavery

    BBC Monitoring

    The world through its media

    Libyans have hailed the success of an online campaign to share selfies of themselves with black African workers in a display of solidarity, after footage emerged of African migrants being sold as slaves.

    The English-language hashtag #LibyansAgainstSlavery has been used on both Twitter and Facebook.

    View more on twitter
    View more on twitter

    A message shared on a popular Facebook page on 20 November called for Libyans to share photos of themselves with African migrants to prove that "Libyans are against the slave market".

    View more on facebook

    The page posted an update yesterday, praising Libyans’ responses and saying: “I have received thousands of pictures of Libyans with African workers from all over beloved Libya. They have really proved that Libyans are a good people and want peace for all, and just want someone to point them in the right direction”.

    View more on facebook

    While many saw the pictures as a way to change racist attitudes in Libya, others argued that the focus of the hashtags ignored the struggles facing Libyans after nearly seven years of instability.

  3. Zimbabwe police conspicuously absent

    Stanley Kwenda

    BBC Africa, Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwean police were nowhere to be seen in the days after the army takeover of the country.

    Before the army operation, traffic police wearing bright-yellow bibs were an ever-present sight in Zimbabwe.

    Motorists used to complain that police would set up roadblocks and demand bribes.

    It was one of the noticeable changes for Zimbabweans under the “gunners”, as the soldiers are affectionately known in Zimbabwe’s street lingo.

    Soldiers
    Image caption: Soldiers celebrated with the public on the day Mugabe resigned

    The police were confined to their camps because the army wanted to take charge without interference.

    Despite the police absence there has been relative order on the streets of the capital Harare.

    Police slowly started returning to work on Tuesday.

    Today, a joint group of army and police patrolled central Harare

    Members of the public have welcomed the move to pair police and army officers as a way of encouraging effective policing.

    The majority of police officers are expected back at work tomorrow to attend the inauguration of Emmerson Mnangangwa as the country’s new president.

  4. Mugabe granted immunity

    Former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has been granted immunity from prosecution, MP Zanu Ziyambi Ziyambi has told The Guardian newspaper.

    The politician for the ruling party told The Guardian that Mr Mugabe's wife, Grace, will also be allowed to live in peace:

    Quote Message: There has been an agreement. They are elder statesmen and will be respected and given their dues. He was our president and he agreed to resign, so he will enjoy the benefits of being an ex-president and his wife too. He is our icon."

    Colonel Overson Mugwisi, a spokesman for the Zimbabwean Defense Forces, told CNN that an agreement had been reached for a guarantee of safety.

    Robert and Grace Mugabe
  5. Denmark apologises to Ghana for slavery

    Thomas Naadi

    BBC Africa, Accra

    This sketch made in the 1750s shows a ship used to transport slaves to the Americas
    Image caption: This sketch from the 1750s shows a ship used to transport enslaved Africans to the Americas

    The Danish government has apologized to Ghana for its role in the slave trade.

    Foreign Minister Anders Samuelson described it as a "sinful and unforgettable" part of human history that cannot be justified under any circumstance.

    A delegation from Demark led by Queen Magarethe II is in Ghana on an official visit.

    Ghana, which was known as the Gold Coast, was made a Danish crown colony in 1750, at a time when the global trade in African slaves was very active.

    The Danish government sold its territory to Britain in 1814 but thousands of Ghanaians were already sold into slavery in Europe and America.

    Denmark was among the first countries to abolish slavery in 1792.

    On the agenda during the Danish Queen’s visit to Ghana is the problem of human trafficking and the causes of mass migration, like poverty, unemployment and conflict.

  6. Anglophone MPs halt parliament in Cameroon

    Randy Joe Sa'ah

    BBC Africa, Cameroon

    Politicians in the chamber sing: "How many people Paul Biya will kill?"
    Image caption: Some politicians in the chamber sang: "How many people Paul Biya will kill?"

    In Cameroon, MPs from the main opposition SDF party have disrupted proceedings in parliament.

    They are demanding that the concerns of Anglophone protesters be discussed.

    Dozens of people have been killed in recent weeks as authorities crack down on protests against the mainly French-speaking government.

    SDF representatives have threatened that there will be no business in parliament until the matter is brought up for debate.

    A number of politicians made it clear they hold President Paul Biya responsible, singing in unison: "How many people Paul Biya will kill?"

    One in five of the 22 million people in the central African country speak English, with many of them complaining of discrimination, especially in the fields of justice and education.

  7. Gabon's Aubameyang football dynasty

    Gabon have never won a match at the African Cup of Nations without an Aubameyang in the team.

    The family are a footballing dynasty that has helped put their country on the map.

    A former Gabon captain, Pierre Aubameyang, was one of the Central African nation's first players to forge a career in Europe.

    His sons Willy and Catalina used to play for Milan.

    And then there is his other son Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

    The Borussia Dortmund player is one of the nominees for the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2017.

    Watch this short video to find out more about him:

    You have a say in who becomes the BBC African Footballer of the year.

    You have until Monday at 18:00 GMT to vote between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Naby Keïta, Sadio Mané, Victor Moses, Mohamed Salah.

    Read more about how the Aubameyangs put Gabon on the map and vote here.

  8. Zimbabweans tell diaspora: 'We need your remittances'

    While Zimbabweans living abroad consider the future for their country, locals in Harare are advising them to stay where they are.

    Vembai, Linda and DuDu say Zimbabwe needs diaspora income.

    "We still have more than 90% unemployment, so we don't want you coming home then you get here and there's absolutely nothing to do," they warn.

    "Transformation is a process. The economy is not going to be resuscitated overnight."

    Video content

    Video caption: Residents in Harare advise Zimbabweans abroad not to return home

    More highlights from BBC Outside Source

  9. Zimbabwe after Mugabe: ‘We need fairness not corruption’

    Video content

    Video caption: Zimbabwe after Mugabe: ‘We need fairness not corruption’

    Zimbabweans under the age of 37 have lived their entire lives under the rule of former President Robert Mugabe.

    Mr Mugabe stood down on Tuesday.

    We asked young people in the capital Harare about their hopes for the future of the country.

    Video journalist: Christian Parkinson

  10. Woman arrested for stabbing husband

    Haruna Shehu Tangaza

    BBC Africa, Abuja

    Police in north-west Nigeria have arrested a woman suspected of stabbing her husband in the shoulder and chest with a broken bottle following a disagreement.

    He is being treated in hospital for life-threatening injuries to his lungs.

    A relative told me that the man is likely to survive, although he was unconscious.

    Police spokesman for Zamfara state, Mohammed Shehu, says the victim's wife is being held in their custody as a suspect and an investigation is under way.

    It closely follows another attack on a spouse by his wife, which we reported earlier.

  11. 'I am angry' video goes viral in Algeria

    BBC Monitoring

    The world through its media

    View more on youtube

    A video by an Algerian blogger who impersonates a homeless man to shed light on economic, political and social conditions in the country, has attracted more than 5 million views on YouTube.

    "My son dies in hospital while I stand by helpless, meanwhile you [state officials] go abroad for treatment," Anes Tina is heard saying as he lists his grievances against the government.

    The video, titled "Rani Zafaan" which means "I am angry" in Algeria's Arabic dialect, was inspired by the real-life story of a homeless man known for using the phrase.

    It has caused such a stir on social media that Algeria's government has responded.

    Communication Minister Djamel Kaouane said Mr Tina had the right to be angry but accused him of attracting clicks and views, suggesting that the blogger was using the video for financial gain.

  12. Mugabe 'expected at inauguration'

    BBC Monitoring

    The world through its media

    Robert Mugabe
    Image caption: Mr Mugabe is expected to inspect the parade

    Robert Mugabe is expected at tomorrow's inauguration of the new Zimbabwean president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, according to state broadcaster ZBC TV.

    Preparations are under way at the National Sports Stadium in the capital Harare where the event is to be held.

    Diplomatic correspondent Judith Makwanya said the outgoing head of state is expected to inspect the parade to say goodbye while the incoming head of state will introduce himself to the parade.

  13. Britain sends envoy to Zimbabwe ahead of inauguration

    Emmerson Mnangagwa
    Image caption: Preparations are getting under way for Mr Mnangagwa

    Britain's Africa minister Rory Stewart arrived in Zimbabwe earlier today, reports AFP news agency.

    It is ahead of the inauguration tomorrow of the country's new leader Emmerson Mnangagwa.

    Mr Stewart is due to meet political and business leaders, as well as human rights groups and NGOs, the UK foreign ministry said in a statement to AFP.

    He described the historic change as "an absolutely critical moment" following former President Robert Mugabe's "ruinous rule".

    "Britain wants to be a genuine partner for Zimbabweans as they forge a new future," Mr Stewart told AFP.

  14. Africa's first roller-blading world champion

    Africa's first roller-blading world champion had poor equipment and training facilities but leaped to the top of the podium.

    Twenty-year-old Dame Fall from Senegal won the gold medal at the World Roller Games in China with a 1.58m (5.2ft) jump. That's about the same height as an average saloon car. Dame says he now "wants to win ten world champion titles".

    Video content

    Video caption: The odds were stacked against him but Dame Fall leaped to the top and became world class
  15. Dozens of Nigerian medics fail drugs test

    Ishaq Khalid

    BBC Africa, Abuja

    Broken leg
    Image caption: 30 out of 150 medics failed drug test

    A hospital in northern Nigeria has withdrawn 30 graduates' job offers after they tests positive for hard drugs.

    They had been shortlisted for jobs at the National Orthopaedic Hospital in the northern city of Kano.

    They were among 150 people employed from thousands of applicants.

    A spokesman for the hospital told me that they introduced the procedure in the latest recruitment drive to ensure that only mentally sound people are employed because of the sensitive nature of the medical profession.

    The authorities have not given details of the types of drugs the new employees tested positive for.

    Some local media reports say the people who failed the drugs tests were furious.

  16. Running out of cash in Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe's new leader says his priority is to rebuild the country's economy.

    One market seller in Harare told BBC Newsday:

    Quote Message: I'm selling cucumbers, okra and broccoli.
    Quote Message: We have school certificates but here in Zimbabwe there are no jobs. We're suffering, selling the street and police officers harass us.

    Another vendor said he sells shoes to make a living:

    Quote Message: There's a shortage of money here. No distribution of wealth."

    Video content

    Video caption: Market traders in Harare describe how they make ends meet
  17. Woman charged with husband's manslaughter

    Police in Nigeria confirm a woman has been charged with the death of her husband.

    Maryam Sanda is accused of stabbing Bilyaminu Haliru Bello to death, and has been charged with culpable homicide (equivalent to manslaughter).

    The couple have a six-month-old baby, reports Nigeria's Daily Post.

    The case hit the headlines in Nigeria in part because Mr Bello, 35, was the son of veteran politician Mohammed Haliru Bello, the former chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

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  18. Call for Angola's former president to be prosecuted

    BBC World Service

    Jose Eduardo dos Santos
    Image caption: Jose Eduardo dos Santos stepped down as president after decades

    Angola's ambassador to Tanzania has called for the former Angolan president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, to be prosecuted for crimes allegedly committed during his 38-year rule.

    Ambrosio Lukoki said Mr Dos Santos should resign as leader of the governing MPLA party as he was using this position to avoid prosecution.

    Angola's new president, Joao Lourenco, recently sacked the heads of the police and intelligence services, side-stepping a law that he would not do so for eight years.

    He also sacked Mr dos Santos' billionaire daughter as head of the state oil company.

    Mr Lourenco, nicknamed "JLo", was hand-picked by Mr Dos Santos to stand in elections in August - and at the time analysts expected him to maintain the status quo.

  19. Villagers 'storm Grace Mugabe's farm'

    Hundreds of villagers stormed Zimbabwean former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s farm yesterday, reports the private newspaper Newsday.

    Mazowe villagers have been in conflict with the Mugabes over the disputed Arnold Farm for years.

    “Because of Grace and her husband, we stayed at Arnold Farm like captives. They demolished our houses each time we tried to put up structures. They enjoyed it when we slept in the open with our grandchildren,” Stella Nikisi told Newsday.

    Newsday adds that villagers picketed at the gate of Grace Mugabe's orphanage while others sang revolutionary songs.

    Mugabe's dairy milk
    Image caption: Grace Mugabe started a dairy and an orphanage nearby
  20. Guinea strike continues amid teenage deaths

    Claude Foly

    BBC Afrique

    Thousands of schoolchildren in Guinea descended onto the streets
    Image caption: These protesters were running away from riot police on Tuesday

    Teachers are defying the authorities and continuing with their strike despite the death of two teenagers earlier this week.

    A 15-year-old and 17-year-old died in clashes between the police and mainly student protesters on Monday and Tuesday in the capital, Conakry.

    They have been blocking main roads in certain areas of the city – some have stoned vehicles and damaged public property.

    The students are angry about the strike and want the teachers to return to classrooms – and think the authorities should meet the strikers’ demands.

    Protesters install barricades on the road during clashes with Guinean riot police officers in a district of Conakry on November 21, 2017
    Image caption: Main roads are being blocked in Conakry

    It is the second teachers’ strike this year – eight people died in similar protests in February.

    Teachers began their strike 10 days ago, demanding an improvement to their pay and conditions.

    Earlier in the week, four trade unionists behind the strike who had been detained have been released.

    Publicly funded primary and secondary schools across the country have been closed. Private schools remain open.