- The UN security Council has extended the arms and diamond embargo on Ivory Coast for another year until 31 October 2010. The ban also extends travel restrictions targeting Ivorian political figures and a freeze on their foreign assets.
The UN arms embargo was imposed in 2004 over violations of a 2003 cease-fire between the government and the rebels.
The 15-member council unanimously renewed the sanctions and diamond trade ban, saying it would review the measures three months after open, free, fair and transparent presidential elections.
The West African nation was split into a rebel-controlled north by the Force Nouvelles and government-controlled south after an attempted coup sparked civil war in 2002 and a peace deal was signed in 2007.
Long-delayed presidential elections have been scheduled for 29 November, but election officials have said another delay is likely because of problems preparing for the vote.
Over 6.5 million Ivorians have been identified and registered ahead of the polls, originally scheduled for as far back as 2005.
Earlier this week, a UN report said the rebel-held north by the Force Nouvelles and the government-controlled south are stocking up on weapons ahead of the national polls.
The Ivory Coast election is intended to seal a March 2007 peace agreement between Gbagbo and the northern rebels. Peacekeepers from the United Nations and former colonial master France are backing the election process.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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