Nigerian authorities have arrested at least 16 people following the introduction of harsh new penalties for same-sex sexual relations, marking a significant escalation in the country's stance on LGBTQ rights.

It said food insecurity is worsening faster than previously anticipated, due to the expanding conflict and funding cuts.

A Guinean appeals court has reduced former Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana's prison sentence for corruption-related offences, paving the way for his release after more than four years in detention as the country's military-led government presses ahead with its anti-graft campaign.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have officially initiated their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, the ICC has confirmed.

Nearly four months after his death, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's burial is taking place as Iran and the US observe a fragile ceasefire.

In a diplomatic note to the African Union seen by Reuters, the US has vowed to block any spending of UN funds on the AU Support ​and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The Socialist government's mass regularisation programme, which closed on 30 June, comes as others European countries crack down on irregular immigration.

As the Democratic Republic of the Congo battles a worsening Ebola outbreak, authorities have established special nurseries to care for children whose parents are receiving treatment. The centres provide shelter, daily care and psychological support while helping reduce the risk of infection.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, decribed the Makatet programme as an “important ambitious roadmap”.