Senegal throws nine gays in jail.A Senegal court has sent nine gay men to jail for “indecent conduct and unnatural acts,” reports the BBC. The judge also ruled the men were a part of a criminal organization and tacked on three more years to the maximum five-year sentence he already handed down. Many of the men were members of a group formed to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. While homosexual acts are illegal in the west African nation, lawyers for the men argued that the sentence was extreme. “This is the first time that the Senegalese legal system has handed down such a harsh sentence against gays,” said one of the men’s lawyers. He also said he would appeal. A gay rights group was shocked at the outcome. “We’re actually shocked by the ruing of the court. There have been pretty consistent human rights violations in Senegal,” said Cary Alan Johnson of the International and Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. “Many gays are already fleeing to neighboring countries because of our living conditions,” said the leader of a Senegalese gay rights organization anonymously.  

 World Lens:

Will Smith is in Germany promoting, South Africans ring in the New Year, Sudanese protest against Israelis. See pics.

Zambians cast their ballots for president. Voters in Zambia headed out to the polls Thursday to elect a new president, a successor to late President Levy Mwanawasa, who died of a stroke in August, reports Reuters. Although the campaign season has been generally peaceful, Patriotic Front opposition leader Michael Sata has accused the ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy of rigging the vote. “I have never seen this type of panicking and this is because they have rigged the election,” said Sata as he was casting his ballot in the nation’s capital Lusaka. “They have rigged the election in favor of Rupiah Banda. It is the first time that the army commander, who is supposed to protect people, is predicting violence.”  Rupiah Banda, who is currently serving as acting president, has a lot of experience. The nation’s election monitoring group, the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP), has said that there were a few issues with voter identification and verification. But they also said that while an army chief threatened people who misbehaved after voting, it did not amount to a threat to all citizens. “For sure, it was unnecessary for the army commander to issue threats, it does intimidate, it does create fear in some ordinary citizens,” an FODEP official said.

Charity leaves Niger after lack of government response. The charity Doctors Without Borders (Medecins sans Frontieres) is set to pack up its bags and leave Niger, a region where they say they are desperately needed, reports the BBC. The charity was suspended from working in the country months ago but just recently decided to throw in the towel on charity work in the nation. “As we have not received a response from Niger authorities and in view of government statements, the French section of Medecins sans Frontieres cannot help but leave the country,” the group said in a statement. But Niger’s government says MSF is making the problem of malnourished children in the nation seem bigger than it really is; they also say the charity refuses to work with the government. And the country’s health minister said that the child hunger is something they are equipped to take care of;  a statement that charity officials couldn’t disagree with more. “Maradi is one of the regions in Niger most affected by malnutrition. Since MSF’s activities in southern Maradi were halted, and despite an increase in admissions into other health centers and MSF projects in the surrounding areas, thousands of children are not receiving treatment,” said the president of MSF’s international board, Christophe Fournier. “It is shocking that a government, after having allowed innovative programs to be established, would ignore the needs of thousands of children.”

Nigerian man who married 86 wives is arrested. A Nigerian man, who has 86 wives, was arrested for refusing to divorce all but four. Mohammadu Bello Abubakar, a Muslim preacher, was charged by the country’s Niger state (a government that operates under Muslim law) with “insulting religious creed” and “unlawful marriages.” But Abubakar, who has 170 children with his wives, insists that the Koran does not state any punishment for having over four wives.  According to Muslim scholars, up to four wives are allowed providing that they are all treated equally. He is being held without bail until a hearing on October 6. Local authorities previously told Abubakar he had to divorce 82 of his wives by the end of August, or he will face eviction from his home. But last week he won an injunction that stopped them for evicting him for that reason. They will hold a hearing Thursday to determine whether or not that order was a violation of his human rights.

Share your PEACE with the world. Ever wished for a chance to spread peace around the world? Well, the United Nations is giving anyone with a cell phone that opportunity. In honor of the International Day of Peace on September 21, cell phone users in the United States are being encouraged to create a 160-character message on peace beginning with the word “PEACE,” according to a press release. Peace wishers should text their messages to the number 69866. After receiving them, the United Nations Department of Public Information will collect the messages and post them on the Web site. They will also give the messages to leaders from around the world when they come to the General Assembly meeting on September 23. The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 and every year the U.N. looks forward to this “day of ceasefire and non-violence.” People all over the world, including in war torn areas like Sudan and Afghanistan, will participate in this year’s celebrations.

Zimbabwe leaders resume power-sharing talks. On Monday, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai resumed their power-sharing talks, mediated by South African President Thabo Mbeki, reports The Associated Press. The talks, which follow June’s disputed run-off election, have been at a standstill. The main point they can’t seem to agree on is how much power Mugabe should give up. Tsvangirai (who believes he fairly won the first round of elections in March, and says he dropped out of June’s race because of government-sponsored violence against his supporters) wants Mugabe to be only a ceremonial president while he holds most of the power. If that doesn’t happen, he wants “elections under international supervision and see who will carry the day,” he said at a Movement for Democratic Change party rally Sunday.  Mugabe, the country’s longtime leader, is opposed to relinquishing power and recently threatened to go ahead and appoint a Cabinet without help from Tsvangirai. But the opposition leader made it clear he’s not budging. “We should not be pushed into a deal. We would rather have no deal than get a bad deal,” he said at the rally. He has also been vocal about the South African president’s effectiveness as a mediator, saying that President Mbeki is biased toward Mugabe and should be relieved of his duties, reports the news service. “The biggest problem we have is there are people who are putting pressure on the MDC, not (on) Mugabe,” Tsvangirai said at the rally.

Swaziland king catches heat for flossin’ at his party. Last weekend’s party in Swaziland , celebrating both King Mswati III’s 40^th birthday and the African nation’s 40^th independence day, left many up in arms. The lavish event, which could have cost anywhere between $2.5 million and $12.5 million, have many people wondering why so much money would be spent on a single shindig while most of the nation is struggling. Swaziland has the highest AIDS rate in the world and, ironically, only 25 percent of citizens reach the age of 40. Hit hard by the AIDS epidemic, life expectancy in the nation is less than 31 years, reports CNN. Despite those depressing stats, King Mswati III was driven around a stadium in a BMW in front of thousands of cheering people during the celebration. Before the event, people protested against its high cost. “I’m aware that many in the world might be wondering why we are so excited about the celebrations of our 40^th anniversary. The answer is simple. We are celebrating our nationhood,” King Mswati told the audience. That was the closest he came to acknowledging his citizen’s general discontent, adding that citizens should do more to fight AIDS and appealing to tourists. “We are telling a world full of prejudices that we are a happy nation in spite of the challenges that face us,” he said. Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe made an appearance as well and was greeted by cheers from the crowd. A controversial and unpopular figure in the international community, many in the region like Mugabe for his stance against the West. The king and his 13 wives have been criticized for their expensive lifestyle. Adding fuel to those concerns, eight of his wives hopped a plane and flew to Dubai ahead of the party to buy birthday outfits.

Tennis star captures first U.S. Open title in six years

Serena Williams is a U.S. Open champion again. The star disposed of challenger Jelena Jankovic Sunday following a rainout of the scheduled Saturday competition. Last week, Williams eliminated her sister Venus from the tournament in the siblings’ first meeting since Venus captured the Wimbledon title earlier this year. The Open win is Serena’s first in six years, and the win makes her the No. 1 women’s tennis player in the world rankings.

World Lens: Barack Obama’s Kenyan grandma shows her support, flood waters leave Haitians stranded and Usain Bolt is still dominating. Get these pictures and more here.

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Nigeria is hooking up HIV positive couples. One Nigerian state has decided to match up HIV positive couples in an effort to slow the spread of the disease. “Suitors who have tested positive and are willing to wed each other, can reduce the spread of the virus and also cushion the psychological trauma of isolation,” the executive secretary of the Bauchi Action Committee on AIDS, Dr. Lirwan Mohammed, told the BBC. In recent weeks, about 70 couples have been matched by the country’s Bauchi state government. The couples are (confidentially) hooked up during counseling sessions and have the freedom to accept or reject prospective mates.  Under the Islamic laws the state operates under, condom use is not encouraged. But members from UNAids not only think this is a bad idea, but also a dangerous one. “There may be a very big danger in terms of the spread of the disease,” a spokesman said. Since two people could have differing strains of HIV that could interact, they should still use condoms, he added. He also believes it would be bad for kids. “The chances are that child would become a double orphan, they would lose both parents.” At least one HIV groom is happy, though. “If we should fear God, we should stop spreading the HIV virus through indiscriminate marriage, thereby infecting innocent people,” he told the news service anonymously. An estimated 2.4 million Nigerians are living with HIV.

Thousands of Zambians mourn late president. Thousands came out in Zambia Wednesday to pay their final respects to late President Levy Mwanwasa. After suffering a stroke in June, Mwanwasa passed away at age 59 last month in a French hospital. The ceremony brought the country to a standstill – businesses closed and millions of Zambians watched a live telecast of his funeral on state television, reports Reuters. As he was buried, Mwanawasa was honored with a 21-gun salute by five air force jets. “The flag has been lowered and a gallant fighter is gone, but Zambia must pick up the bits and pieces and forge ahead so that his legacy can live on,” Zambian pastor, Peter Ndhlovu said. Mwanawasa, respected for his strong financial reforms in his country, was a strong critic of longtime Zimbabwe leader, Robert Mugabe, whose country is in financial crisis. Mugabe, along with other African leaders (including presidents of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and Malawi) attended Mwanawasa funeral. “Mwanawasa was a very courageous leader. He was very frank and wanted to change not only his country but the entire southern African region. We will greatly miss him,” Mugabe told a Zambian radio station. Mwanwasa left behind his widow Maureen and six children. At the service, she spoke of her late husband’s willingness to take care of orphans at his church. “He was the father of all. It is the orphans he took care of that bring pain to my throat, they are orphaned again,” she said. Rupiah Banda, the country’s vice president, is currently serving as acting president.

Nigerian who married 86 women could face death penalty. The Nigerian man, who gained international fame in recent weeks for having 86 wives, could face the death penalty, reports the BBC. The country’s Islamic authority, Jamatu Nasril Islam, told 84-year-old Mohammed Bello Abubakar that he had to choose only four wives and repent within three days to avoid being sentenced to die. Abubakar, a former teacher and Muslim preacher, lives with his wives and at least 170 children. According to many Muslims, up to four wives are allowed as long as they’re treated equally. But Abubakar (obviously) disagrees. “To my understanding the Koran does not place a limit and it is up to what your own power, your own endowment and ability allows,” he told the BBC. “God did not say what the punishment should be for a man who has more than four wives, but he was specific about the punishment for fornication and adultery.” He also says God gives him the power to handle that many. “A man with 10 wives would collapse and die, but my own power is given by Allah. That is why I have been able to control 86 or them,” he said. The authority made the decision based on Sharia law, which has had its punishments reintroduced in the predominately Muslim state of Niger, in the last eight years. While there have been people sentenced to death for adultery under Sharia, none of them have actually been carried out.

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Dog protects baby abandoned by teen mom. A dog showed its motherly instincts by sheltering an abandoned newborn – along with its own six puppies – in 37-degree weather in Argentina, reports CNN. A man called the police to his house near La Plata (a rural part of the country) when he heard cries from a baby in a field near his house. When he went outside, he saw the baby lying alongside the dog and its six puppies, says a police official. “She took it like a puppy and rescued it. The doctors told us if she hadn’t done this, he would have died,” Daniel Salcedo, chief of police of the Province of Buenos Aires told CNN. “The dog is a hero to us.” It seems as if the dog carried the baby 50 meters from the place he was left by his 14-year-old mother to where her puppies were. The baby, a boy only a few hours old, was found to be in general good shape when examined by the hospital, says Dr. Egidio Melia, director of the Melchor Romero-Hospital in La Plata. The baby’s mother, who was driven to the hospital by a neighbor, claimed the baby as hers the next morning. She was then given psychological care and hospitalized, said Melia. The baby has since been transferred to a children’s hospital.

Lil’ Kim could be featured in Playboy

The rapper who presented an award to singer Diana Ross wearing a top made of pasties is reportedly ready to take things a step further. Lil’ Kim plans to pose nude for Playboy magazine, according to Web reports. The rapper, better known as Kimberly Jones, has been known for her sexuality since she began in the rap game during the late 1990s. She hasn’t confirmed the reports of her planned debut as a model for one of the most popular men’s magazines in America.

Comedian Mo’Nique among participants in “African World.”

Veteran R&B performers the O’Jays will headline one of the biggest annual Black cultural celebrations in the Midwest this weekend. Comedian and radio show host Mo’Nique will also appear, along with singer Talita Long, mother of actress Nia Long at the three-day African World Festival in Detroit. Black art, African and Caribbean cuisine, and musical rhythms from throughout the Diaspora will be featured today through Sunday at the free outdoor festival on Hart Plaza. Established by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the event has attracted as many as 1 million visitors.

Talks break down over agricultural imports
Hopes of saving a world trade deal were dashed when the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks collapsed last night in Geneva , dealing a major blow to the global economy and raising questions over the worth of the WTO. The meeting was the last chance to strike a deal on cutting tariffs and subsidies in agriculture and manufactured goods before the U.S. presidential election in November. Talks collapsed when the main protagonists – the United States and India , with the latter supported by China and Indonesia – failed to reach a compromise on a measure to shield developing countries against massive agricultural import increases. South Africa ’s chief trade negotiator, Xavier Carim, said essential gains would be lost, which could have grave implications for the trading system and the WTO. Multilateral trade talks are likely to go into hibernation indefinitely as elections in the United States throw negotiating mandates into disarray, while a slowdown in the global economy already has dampened the appetite for further trade reforms. Carim said WTO chief Pascal Lamy had done “as much as he could have on the main issues. In the end this broke down on issues in agriculture.” He said the round’s ultimate direction had veered off the developmental route promised at the start of the talks seven years ago in Doha , Qatar . “We cannot be under any illusion that what was on the table was a package for very modest reforms in agriculture. The price South Africa was being asked to pay until the point of the collapse was just exorbitant, and not worth the gains,” he said. Trade ministers of the Group of Seven (G-7) bloc, consisting of Australia , Brazil , China , the European Union (EU), India , Japan and the United States , yesterday mulled over a new compromise text Lamy put forward on Monday. But the talks failed to break an impasse on a clutch of key issues, notably what is called the special safeguard measure, a mechanism to allow developing countries to increase tariffs on farm produce in the event of import surges or price collapses.

The east African country asks the U.N. to suspend al-Bashir’s indictment.
South Africa , supported by China , is trying to persuade the United Nations Security Council to suspend the attempt to prosecute Sudan ’s President Omar al-Bashir for genocide and war crimes in Darfur . The United States , while opposing South Africa ’s current efforts, has hinted that it might support the move if the Sudanese government makes concessions to help bring peace to the region, reports AllAfrica.com. This plan has emerged from briefings in Pretoria and New York over the past two days, the news agency says. The prosecutor of the newly established International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno-Ocampo, asked the court two weeks ago to issue an arrest warrant for Bashir. The Security Council has the power, under the statute which established the court, to defer ICC investigations and prosecutions for a year at a time. South Africa ’s deputy foreign minister, Aziz Pahad, told a briefing on Sunday that he hoped the Security Council would “consider very seriously” the view of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council and the Arab League that the prosecution of Bashir would jeopardize peace efforts in Darfur . Pahad said the international community should deal with the issue “in a much better way that will not undermine the ICC and will enable us to deal with impunity in the broader context of reconciliation and finding solutions.” Speaking after Security Council consultations in New York on Monday, the U.S. representative at the U.N., Zalmay Khalilzad, said South Africa , supported by China and other countries, was trying to introduce the deferral of the prosecution into a resolution extending the mission of the U.N.-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). The United States believed this was “unwarranted,” he said, and the Security Council was divided on the issue. However, he left open the possibility of a deferral in future, saying “the situation is such that to move forward at this point … is premature. We think that there is more work to be done. …”

Nelson Mandela turns 90 today
Nelson Mandela, the former South African leader who spent 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid, turns 90 years old today. In previous weeks, there have been a series of public celebrations honoring Mandela, including a start-studded concert in London, featuring Leona Lewis, U2 and others. But he will be spending his birthday at his home village of Qunu, which is in southeastern South Africa, reports the BBC. Village celebrations originally were going to be low key, but now a soccer festival, a concert and a dinner for 500 guests is planned for Saturday in the village. Go to BET.com to celebrate Mandela’s life through pics, a quiz and more!
http://www.bet.com/News/Features/NewsPackageFeatureNelsonMandela.htm?Referrer={0471DDF0-D0D8-48A8-9E30-ADD40CBE0269}

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World Lens: Miss. Universe 2008 makes her debut in front of the press, Sudanese angrily protest their president’s possible arrest and Britain’s Prince Harry plays with orphan children in Lesotho. See these pics and more here!

Kidnappers free Nigerian soccer star’s brother.
The family of Nigerian soccer star Joseph Yobo is breathing a sigh of relief after Yobo’s older brother was released by kidnappers, reports the BBC. Nornu Yobo was kidnapped 12 days ago while at a Port Harcourt hotel, a place known for numerous ransom kidnappings. He recently flew to Lagos to be reunited with family. “I feel so relieved and better now. It was a horrible experience that really affected me mentally and physically,” Everton soccer star Joseph Yobo said of his brother’s return. “I can now take a rest after this sad event.” Nornu was released Wednesday evening, but it is unknown if someone paid a ransom or not. His kidnappers are still at large. A police spokeswoman told the BBC that kidnappers demanded 200 million naira ($1.7 million) for Yobo’s safe return.