Washington Post: In Niger, hunger crisis raises fears of more child marriages – As the famine crisis grips the Sahel region, Niger – with the world’s highest rate of child marriage and fertility – could see a surge in young marriages, as parents trade their daughters for money to survive. However, experts predict that Africa could continue to see crises if rapid population growth is not halted. (Sudarsan Raghavan)
The Atlantic: This Is Africa’s New Biggest City: Lagos, Nigeria, Population 21 Million – Lagos, Nigeria, now clocks in as the center of one of the largest urban areas in the world, with its estimated 21 million dwellers. While the city government provides energy and other initiatives for its residents and boasts many millionaires, two thirds of the population still lives in poverty. (John Campbell)
Reuters: Congo warlord jailed for 14 years in landmark case – The International Criminal Court issued its first ruling Tuesday, jailing a Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga Dyilo for 14 years. He was charged for abducting children and forcing them to fight in a war in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002 and 2003. “The trial and sentence handed down today sends a strong message to those who recruit and use children during times of war,” said Anneke van Woudenberg of Human Rights Watch. (Thomas Escritt)
VOA: Zambia Government Committed to Creating Jobs, Says Official – Zambia’s Information, Broadcasting and Labor Minister Fackson Shamenda said the government is encouraging private and public sector partnerships that will create jobs, especially for young people. He announced upcoming government-led workshops to establish the bond. (Peter Clottey)