The Islamist group Ansaru says it kidnapped a French engineer in Nigeria last week, in revenge for France's "stance on Islam".

Rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) seize the key city of Bambari as part of their offensive against President Francois Bozize.

Nigeria's Peter Odemwingie expresses his anger at being left out of the Super Eagles squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Islamists in Mali are reported to have resumed a campaign to destroy mausoleums that they consider idolatrous in the historic city of Timbuktu.

Crystal Palace midfielder Yannick Bolasie rejects the chance to play for DR Congo at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Troops in Somalia's region of Puntland free 22 hostages seized by pirates nearly three years ago, the authorities there say.

African champions Zambia lose 1-0 in Tanzania in an Africa Cup of Nations warm-up, as hosts South Africa and Angola both win.

Luxury goods once belonging to the ousted Tunisian leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his family have been put up for auction.

Egyptians await the results of a referendum on a divisive draft constitution, a day after the resignation of the country's vice-president.