(July 4,2008)THE HAGUE - The International Criminal Court took custody on Thursday of its highest-profile suspect to date -- Congolese former rebel warlord and vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba, who was arrested in Belgium in May.

Kenya hotel probe recommends finance minister go

(July 4,2008) NAIROBI - A Kenyan government report into the secretive sale of a luxury Nairobi hotel has recommended the finance minister and central bank governor step down to allow a full investigation into the "fraudulent" transaction.

Tsvangirai rejects Zimbabwe talks for now

(July 4,2008) HARARE - Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Wednesday rejected talks on a unity government, saying President Robert Mugabe must first stop violence and accept him as the rightful election winner.

Chad halts "holy war" by Muslim leader, 70 killed

(July 4,2008) N'DJAMENA - Chad said on Wednesday its security forces had killed 66 followers of an Islamic spiritual leader who was threatening to launch a holy war against Christians and atheists from Africa to Europe.

Ivory Coast seeks donor funds to keep polls on track

(July 4,2008) ABIDJAN - Ivory Coast urgently needs nearly $100 million from donors to finance preparations for elections in November and pay disgruntled rebels who staged a brief revolt at the weekend, officials said on Wednesday.

Algeria Christians get suspended jail terms

(July 4,2008) TISSEMSILT, Algeria - A court in Algeria handed suspended jail terms and fines to two Christians on Wednesday for trying to convert Muslims, a defence lawyer said, in the latest in a series of trials stirring accusations of religious repression.