Summary

  • Uganda's health ministry 'condemns purchase of lubricant'

  • Disgraced South African policeman shows minister 'middle finger'

  • Kenya extends deadline for chaos-hit party primaries

  • Nigeria 'seizes $1.3m worth of cannabis'

  • US military commander warns of increase in piracy in East Africa

  • North African neighbours squabble over Syrian refugees

  • Ex-child soldier wins top environment prize

  • Email stories and comments to africalive@bbc.co.uk - Monday 24 April 2017

Live Reporting

Hugo Williams and Farouk Chothia

  1. Morocco and Algeria in row over Syrian refugees

    Buses and ambulances wait to leave rebel-held Aleppo (15 December 2016)AFP

    Conflict in Syria has forced people to flee their homes

    Morocco and Algeria have become embroiled in a diplomatic row over a group of Syrian refugees. The countries have summoned each other's ambassadors over the matter. 

    On Friday Morocco accused Algeria of inhumane behaviour by forcing a group of more than 50 Syrians into its territory near the desert town of Figuig. 

    It also said Algeria was stirring up tension at the border. 

    But Algeria rejects the accusations and says Morocco tried to expel the group towards Algeria. It is not clear where the Syrians are now. 

    Read: The Syrian couple who want to rebuild their shattered city 

  2. 'Drought fuels piracy' in Somalia

    BBC World Service

     A top US military official says the recent rise in piracy off the Somalia coast seems to be fuelled by drought and famine. 

    General Thomas Waldhauser, Commander of US Africa Command, said there had been half a dozen attacks in the last month. 

    Some of the vessels seized were carrying food and oil, he added. 

    After peaking in 2011, the number of attacks had dropped to zero, mainly as a result of naval patrols and improved security measures by shipping companies. 

    General Waldhauser was speaking during a visit by the US Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis, to the American military base in Djibouti. 

    Mr Mattis said the rise in piracy was being watched but he wasn't expecting a US military response. 

    A pirate stands with his high calibre weapon near the central Somalia town of Galkayo on August 18, 2010AFP

    Foreign navies have been patrolling the Somali coast to curb piracy

    Read: The Nigerian kidnapped by pirates - twice 

  3. Today's wise words

    Our African proverb of the day:

    To wait is not to tremble."

    A Kikuyu proverb sent by Michael Kagumu, Nairobi, Kenya

    Click here to send us your African proverbs

  4. Good morning

    Welcome to BBC Africa Live where we will bring you the latest news from around the continent.