Chadian rebel conflict threatens EU force: observers

NDJAMENA (AFP) — EU peacekeepers deploying to protect Darfur refugees face tough terrain in eastern Chad, where rebels fighting the African nation's government warn European troops against interfering in the conflict.

The 3,700-strong EU peacekeeping force launched Monday has a limited mandate that includes protecting refugees from Sudan's Darfur region, as well as people displaced by the insurgency in Chad and the northern Central African Republic.

But the conflict between Chad's government and rebels poses risks. Clashes have continued despite a peace accord signed last year between Ndjamena and rebel leaders.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h_03IXUozcYbuKF7vjg5npYIi74w

EU force chief warns Chad, CAR rebels not to interfere

BRUSSELS (AFP) — The commander of the EU's new peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic warned rebel groups Tuesday not to interfere with its efforts to protect refugees from strife-torn Darfur.

"We have a very clear mission. If the rebels are not interfering with our mission, it is no business of ours," Irish General Pat Nash told reporters in Brussels. "That is where we take action, if they interfere with our mission."

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hgk7A2XaeelC0804537W4YFa3vtA

Sierra Leone leader seeks foreign investment

Sierra Leone leader seeks foreign investment

Wed 30 Jan 2008, 7:18 GMT

By Giles Elgood

LONDON (Reuters) - Sierra Leone is looking for investment from the international community to help it recover from a decade-long civil war, its president said on Tuesday.

Sierra Leone is in a "very terrible situation" after the civil war that ravaged the West African nation from 1991 to 2002, Ernest Bai Koroma said during a visit to London.

http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN026280.html

Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa

SPONSOR WIRE
25 January 2008
Posted to the web 25 January 2008

Nairobi

Soil Health Program plans balanced, sustainable approach to restoration of soil fertility as exhausted lands pose major threat to food production

Determined to revive the grossly depleted soils of sub-Saharan Africa, which are a major underlying cause of poverty and hunger, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) today announced a US$180 million five-year program to restore the fertility of Africa's soils.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200801250469.html

Portland changes name to La Farge Cement Malawi

BY HENRY MCHAZIME
09:49:23 - 28 January 2008

LOCAL cement manufacturer La Farge Portland Cement Friday announced it has changed its name to La Farge Cement Malawi migrating to the company’s global brand.

Announcement the change at a press briefing in Blantyre Managing Director Sjoerd Grueter said the move is a sign of growing commitment and confidence by the La Farge group in Malawi.

http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=8101

I'll name 419ers in Nat'l Assembly — Aliyu

Written by Emmanuel Aziken & Laide Akinboade

Monday, 28 January 2008

SENATOR Nuhu Aliyu who, last Wednesday, said the National Assembly was harbouring some fraudsters, yesterday, repeated his charge but vowed to submit the names of such fraudsters only to the Senate President or the Speaker of the House of Representatives. http://www.vanguardngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5361&Itemid=0

Rhodium jumps to record high of $7,050/OZ

28 Jan 2008 09:36

LONDON (Reuters) - Prices of precious metal rhodium surged to a record high of $7,050 an ounce on Friday as the market fretted about supplies from South Africa where a power crisis has hit metals production, traders said.

http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page1408?oid=188908&sn=Detail