Africa highlights: Tuesday 15 August 2017, as it happened

Summary

South African model alleges she was assaulted by Zimbabwe's first lady
Police minister says she is due in court
Zanu-PF says first lady was 'attacked'
Sierra Leone 'gripped by grief' after mudslide
Main morgue 'overcrowded' with corpses
Search for survivors continues
President pleads for international aid
Burkina Faso mourns after restaurant attack
Cambridge University student among the dead

Live Reporting

Paul Bakibinga and Farouk Chothia

'More bodies' retrieved in Sierra Leonepublished at 13:23 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Rescue workers have been retrieving more bodies from destroyed houses and muddy pools in Sierra Leone's capital Freetown, following yesterday's mudslide, AFP news agency reports.
However, rescue efforts have been hampered by a lack of equipment, it adds.
Interior Minister Paolo Conteh told Sierra Leone's state broadcaster that thousands of people were still missing.
Image source, EPA
Image caption,
Sierra Leone is one of the poorest states in Africa
New inexpensive polio vaccine producedpublished at 13:14 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Plants have been "hijacked" to produce a new polio vaccine in a breakthrough with the potential to transform vaccine manufacture, say scientists.
The team at the John Innes Centre in the UK says the process is cheap, easy and quick.
The synthetic vaccine was grown in the leaves of a close relative of the tobacco plant, tricking its immune system into a response. The polio vaccine was then extracted from the leaves, and in tests it gave animals immunity against the disease.
As well as helping eliminate polio, the scientists believe their approach could help the world react to unexpected threats such as Zika virus or Ebola.
Experts said the achievement was both impressive and important.
For more read:Plants 'hijacked' to make polio vaccine
Image source, John Innes Centre
Image caption,
A close relative of tobacco has been turned into a polio vaccine "factory"
Grace Mugabe investigation at 'advanced stage'published at 12:56 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
A 20-year-old South African woman registered a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm against a "prominent woman" after 14:00 GMT yesterday, South African police say.
The "prominent woman" is believed to be Zimbabwe's First Lady Grace Mugabe, but the police statement does not name her.
The statement adds:
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The investigation into this case has already reached an advanced stage.
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The suspect in this matter cannot be named because she has not as yet appeared in court.
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We request that the SAPS [South African Police Service] be allowed to conduct a thorough investigation and to follow due process."
Image source, AFP
Image caption,
Mrs Mugabe is touted as a possible successor to President Mugabe
See earlier post for more details
Cambridge University student killed in attackpublished at 12:55 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Helen Burchell
BBC News
A Cambridge University student has been shot dead in a terror attack in Burkina Faso, her college has confirmed.
Canadian national Tammy Chen was among at least 18 people killed at a cafe in the centre of of the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, on Sunday evening.
She had recently got married and was expecting a baby, Gonville and Caius College said.
Image source, Reuters
The Master of Caius, Professor Sir Alan Fersht, described Ms Chen as "an exceptional woman".
Two of the gunmen, thought to be jihadists, were killed in the attack.
At least eight foreigners and seven locals were among those killed at the Aziz Istanbul cafe, the government added.
The gunmen fired on customers on the terrace before making their way inside.
Image source, AFP
Cambridge student Ms Chen was finishing a PhD in International Development, focusing on poverty, gender and women's empowerment, her college said.
In 2011 she co-founded and ran a Canadian registered charity called Bright Futures of Burkina Faso, which sought to extend both education and micro-credits to women in some of the poorest parts of the world.
"She had so much to offer the world and it is a tragedy for her to be lost so young," Prof Sir Fersht added.
Media waits for Grace Mugabe outside courtpublished at 12:33 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Pumza Fihlani
BBC News
Local and international media are camped outside a courthouse in South Africa's main city, Johannesburg, awaiting the appearance of Zimbabwe's First Lady, Grace Mugabe.
Mrs Mugabe allegedly attacked a model with an extension cord after finding her with her two sons in a hotel room in Sandton, a plush suburb north of Johannesburg.
Pictures of the model, have been circulating on social media - they show a gash on her forehead and a number of bruises on her body.
Image source, AFP
Image caption,
Mrs Mugabe is an influential political figure in Zimbabwe
In a statement, Gauteng province police minister Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane said she was “appalled and devastated” by the allegations.
It's not clear what charges Mrs Mugabe will face but a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm is being investigated.
Mrs Mugabe has not commented.
Al-Shabab defector denounces grouppublished at 12:10 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Ahmed Adan
BBC Africa, Nairobi
Image caption,
The former al-Shabab deputy leader is no longer on a US terror list
Abu Mansur Robow, the former al-Shabaab deputy leader, has formally renounced links with the militant Islamist group.
Mr Robow, also known as Abu Mansur, was speaking at a press confrence in Somalia's capital Mogadishu.
Two days ago, he defected to the government.
Abu Mansur Robow was one of the founders of al-Shabab, along with other more radical leaders following the defeat of the Islamic Courts Union in late 2006.
He quickly rose in the group's ranks to become its official spokesman and a deputy leader.
He, however, fell out with the al-Qaeda-linked group’s leadership in 2013, and remained a fugitive in the remote areas of south-western Somalia until his surrender.
In June, the US State Department withdrew Mr Robow from its terror list and lifted the $5m (£3.8m) reward for information leading to his capture
Burkina Faso mourns after restaurant attackpublished at 12:07 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Burkina Faso is observing three days of national mourning for the 18 people killed in the attack on Sunday on a restaurant in the capital, Ouagadougou.
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
The restaurant is popular with expatriates
No group has yet said it carried out the assault, which the Burkinabe president branded the work of "cowards" and "terrorists".
Witnesses say the gunmen were speaking a foreign language, possibly Arabic.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb said it was responsible for the last such attack on Ouagadougou in January last year.
Most of the 22 people wounded in the incident have now been released from hospital.
SA minister: Police had to act against Mrs Mugabepublished at 11:59 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
South African police had to act in the interest of the victim who opened the case against Zimbabwe's First Lady Grace Mugabe, Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has said.
A South African radio station has posted a video of his comments ahead of Mrs Mugabe's appearance in court following allegations that she assaulted a woman in a hotel in Johannesburg's Sandton suburb:
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SA minister: Mrs Mugabe 'must answer allegations of assault'published at 11:40 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
South Africa's Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has said that he could not go to Zimbabwe, beat someone up and expect the matter to be swept under the carpet.
Mrs Mugabe would have to answer allegations by a woman that she assaulted her, he told journalists.
A model claims Mrs Mugabe hit her in the face at a Johannesburg hotel on Sunday.
Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party has said Mrs Mugabe was the victim in the alleged assault.
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
Mrs Mugabe heads the women's wing of Zimbabwe's ruling party
More reports of Mrs Mugabe surrendering to policepublished at 11:28 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
AFP news agency is also quoting South Africa's Police Minister Fikile Mbalula as saying that Zimbabwe's First Lady Grace Mugabe has handed herself over to police following allegations that she assaulted a young woman at a hotel in Johannesburg's Sandton suburb.
See previous post
Grace Mugabe 'surrenders' to SA policepublished at 11:24 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
Mrs Mugabe went to South Africa for medical treatment
South Africa's Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that Zimbabwe's First lady Grace Mugabe has handed herself over to police following allegations that she assaulted a woman at a hotel on Sunday, the Johannesburg-based ENCA news site reports, external.
Other reports say she is due to appear in court in Johannesburg's Wynberg suburb:
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Zanu-PF: Grace Mugabe was 'attacked'published at 11:13 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF has tweeted that First Lady Grace Mugabe was "attacked", but she was "safe and fine".
It did not give details, but appeared to be responding to allegations that Mrs Mugabe assaulted a model in South Africa.
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The party has also tweeted that Mrs Mugabe is recovering after travelling to South Africa to be treated for an ankle injury:
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See earlier post for more details
Minister in South Africa condemns Mrs Mugabe over alleged assaultpublished at 10:34 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
Grace Mugabe (R) is alleged to have hit the woman with an extension cord
South Africa's law-enforcement agencies have been ordered to investigate allegations that Zimbabwe's First Lady Grace Mugabe assaulted a woman at a hotel in Johannesburg's Sandton suburb, the police minister of South Africa's Gauteng province has said.
Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane said that people of Mrs Mugabe's calibre were supposed to lead an exemplary life, and she wanted to "ensure that justice is served".
In a statement, her office said:
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According to reports, Grace attacked the woman with an extension cord after finding her with her two sons. The woman suffered head injuries and bruises on her body. Grace came to South Africa to seek medical attention."
The statement quoted Ms Nkosi-Malobane as saying:
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"I am deeply appalled and devastated by the allegations of assault on a young woman by Grace Mugabe. It is worrying especially since the assault happened during the month when we commemorate women for their role in the liberation struggle.
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Also, it is aggravated by the fact that the [alleged] incident has been committed by someone with a high social standing in society."
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No-one has a right to abuse women irrespective of situations they find themselves in. People of Grace’s calibre was supposed to live an exemplary life and be a role model to aspiring young women.
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I have instructed the Law Enforcement Agencies to investigate this case accordingly and ensure that justice is served."
Mrs Mugabe has not yet commented.
See earlier post for more details
US congratulates Uhuru Kenyatta on re-electionpublished at 10:32 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
The United States has congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta on his re-election, despite opposition claims of massive fraud in the 8 August poll:
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Kenyan Somali woman makes historypublished at 10:07 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Bashkas Jugsodaay
BBC News, Nairobi
Kenya's general election results may still be disputed but some would argue that they have already been historic. This follows not only the election of some youthful politicians but the election of female governors and senators for the first time as well.
Sophia Abdi Noor made history by becoming the first Somali woman from North Eastern Province to be elected to parliament. She will represent the Ijara constituency.
Ms Noor has been a nominated member of parliament since 2008 but this was the first time she was elected on her own steam.
She credits her success to her track record. Having founded and run an NGO for more than 20 years which, according to her, has delivered education, health and water programmes. She was also involved in the implementation of women and youth employment programmes.
Her goal?
"I want to be the best servant leader of Ijara." she says.
Image caption,
Sofia Abdi Noot first elected Somali female parliamentarian from North Eastern Province
Sierra Leone mudslide: '270 bodies retrieved'published at 10:06 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Rescue workers have so far recovered 270 bodies from the mudslide on the outskirts of Sierra Leone's capital Freetown, the mayor has said, Reuters news agency reports.
Rescue operations were continuing, Sam Gibson added.
Image source, EPA
Image caption,
Houses were submerged when the hillside collapsed on Monday
Sierra Leone 'gripped by grief'published at 09:59 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Image source, EPA
Image caption,
The mudslide destroyed homes on the foot of Sugar Loaf mountain
Sierra Leone's President Ernest Bai Koroma has addressed the nation following the devastating mudslide which has claimed more than 300 lives in the capital, Freetown.
In the televised address, he said:
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Our nation has once again been gripped by grief. Many of our compatriots have lost their lives, many more have been gravely injured and billions of Leones' worth of property destroyed in the flooding and landslides that swept across some parts of our city.
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Every single family, every single ethnic group, every single region is either directly or indirectly affected by this disaster.
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Fellow civilians, this tragedy of great magnitude has once again challenged us to come together, to stand by each other and to help one another.
Sierra Leone mudslide: Morgue 'overcrowded with corpses'published at 09:20 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Image source, EPA
After stopping during the hours of darkness, rescue and recovery efforts are resuming in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, following a devastating mudslide and floods which killed more than 300 people.
Sia Lajaku Williams is head of programmes in Sierra Leone for the charity Street Child which is trying to provide support for the survivors.
Speaking to the BBC, she said people were still in shock and trying to find their loved ones:
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Right now, some are trying to go the national stadium; others are at the response centre that the government has set up and the government is encouraging people to go to this centre.
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Some people are not even thinking of where to go. They're just looking for their loved ones and crying and wailing. And there was a huge crowd at the main government hospital morgue which was also overcrowded with corpses."
Grace Mugabe accused of assaulting womanpublished at 09:01 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
The police minister of South Africa's Gauteng province has urged Zimbabwe's First Lady Grace Mugabe to hand herself over to police - or face arrest - over allegations that she assaulted a young woman during a visit to South Africa, Johannesburg-based Eyewitness News has reported, external.
The woman, described by South African media as a 21-year-old model, is alleged to have sustained injuries to the face after being assaulted at a hotel in the posh suburb of Sandton near Johannesburg on Sunday night.
Gauteng police minister Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane was quoted by privately owned Eyewitness News as saying:
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We are now requesting that the first lady come forward. If not, police will ensure that she’s arrested and goes to court like any other person. We are also looking for her two sons.”
Mrs Mugabe has not yet commented. Her two sons live in South Africa.
Zimbabwe's Information Minister Christopher Mushowe told BBC Africa Live that he was unaware of the alleged assault:
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This is news to me. I haven't heard of it."
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
Two sons of President Robert Mugabe and Grace Mugabe live in South Africa
Mrs Mugabe was in South Africa to be treated for an ankle injury during a freak road accident last month when the alleged assault took place, according to Zimbabwean media.
It is unclear what prompted the alleged assault.
Desperate dig for mudslide survivorspublished at 08:59 British Summer Time 15 August 2017
Image source, EPA
Image caption,
Some 3,000 people are estimated to have lost their homes
The desperate dig for survivors was due to resume at first light in Sierra Leone's capital, after mudslides and floods claimed the lives of more than 300 people.
Their homes in Freetown were engulfed after part of Sugar Loaf mountain collapsed following heavy rain early on Monday morning.
Many of the victims were still asleep in their beds when disaster struck.
Vice-President Victor Foh has warned the final death toll may be far higher.