Africa

Gambians celebrate the victory of opposition coalition candidate Adama Barrow against longtime President Yahya Jammeh on Friday in the streets of Serrekunda, Gambia.

World News

Will Gambia See Its First-Ever Peaceful Transfer Of Power?

10:31am December 02, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Election officials say an opposition candidate has defeated Gambia's longtime leader in the country's presidential vote. It remains to be seen how the current president will react to the news.

Deborah Birx is the U.S. global AIDS coordinator.

Top U.S. AIDS Official Touts Progress, Has Tough Words For Tanzania

11:16pm December 01, 2016

by Jason Beaubien

An interview with Dr. Deborah Birx, the U.S. Global AIDS coordinator. She says this is an "exciting" time in the global fight against the disease.

World News

U.N. Human Rights Officials Highlight Signs Of Genocide In South Sudan

6:25pm December 01, 2016

by Michele Kelemen

United Nations human rights investigators say the stage is set for a Rwanda-like genocide in the world's newest nation, South Sudan.

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Dr. Raj Panjabi has his blood pressure checked by a Liberian community health worker.

A Million Dollar Prize For A Doctor Who Goes The Extra Mile

6:19pm December 01, 2016

by Marc Silver

Dr. Raj Panjabi started Last Mile Health to bring health care to remote parts of Liberia. Now he has received the very generous TED Prize, to be used to fulfill "a wish."

Gambians wait to cast votes at a polling station Thursday in Banjul.

World News

PHOTOS: Gambia Holds Presidential Election Amid Internet Blackout

6:05pm December 01, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

This vote marks the most serious challenge yet to the rule of President Yahya Jammeh. The president has ruled for 22 years since he led a coup, and has a dismal human rights record.

Women walk past the African Renaissance Monument near Dakar, Senegal, in 2009, shortly before it was finished by North Korean workers. Critics complained about the $27 million cost.

World News

For Autocrats In Need Of Statues, North Korea Is No Longer An Option

5:16pm November 30, 2016

by Greg Myre

New United Nations sanctions against North Korea ban the export of monuments. The impoverished Asian nation has made millions by building statues for African nations.

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira was sent to prison for 84 days for her public protests against the leader of Zimbabwe.

World News

Young Widow With 5 Kids Turns To Activism To Oust A President

4:09pm November 30, 2016

by Ofeibea Quist-Arcton

She's a former train driver and labor leader — and now an activist in the campaign to drive Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, from office.

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Halima Aden wore a navy blue, embroidered burkini — a full-body bathing suit — during the swimsuit competition.

The Beauty Pageant Contestant Wore A Burkini

7:43pm November 29, 2016

by Riham Feshir

And a hijab, too. She wanted to be true to her Muslim values as she competed in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.

'Mayor Of Mogadishu': Symbol Of Hope Or Divisive Figure?

12:13pm November 28, 2016

Steve Inskeep talks to the BBC's Andrew Harding about his book: The Mayor of Mogadishu. It's a look at Somalia's modern history through the life story of one of its most controversial politicians.

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Music & Culture

Music Of Mali: Rokia Traore

8:39am November 27, 2016

Despite the ongoing Tuareg rebellion and military coup, Mali produces extraordinary artists and musicians. NPR's Linda Wertheimer speaks with singer Rokia Traoré about her album, "Né So."