A year after Tanzania's bloody election, many remain traumatised by the violence, while government critics live in fear of abduction and arbitrary arrest, or facing treason and terrorism charges.

A senior opposition official in Tanzania is facing the death penalty after being charged with treason. John Pambalu is a member of Chadema national council and a former leader of the party’s youth wing.

A mob of about 50 people beat a foreign national to death Thursday in South Africa's port city of Durban, a flashpoint for anti-migrant sentiment, police said.

In a statement, Madagascar’s Anti-Corruption Unit (PAC) said it had received complaints targeting several former officials, including ex-president Andry Rajoelina. The proceedings have been temporarily suspended as it first has to be determined whether the court has jurisdiction to hear the cases.

Mohamed Lamine Bangoura was found guilty of illicit enrichment, corruption, embezzlement of public funds, and money laundering.

The two were kidnapped in separate incidents in Niger, where they were involved in education and development initiatives, more than a year and a half ago.

Police in South Africa have arrested a pastor and his wife after a raid on a church-run rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga province revealed shocking living conditions.

Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner sharply criticised Formula One's plans to hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda, saying it would help “polish the image of an authoritarian leader.”

Mackenzie also faces separate charges of manslaughter and terrorism, which he denies. The verdict is being closely watched by victims’ families seeking justice three years after the discovery.

Human Rights Watch says the military has killed an estimated 31 people since late August, with at least 50 other people at risk.