The Latest Breaking News from RFI

In northern Burkina Faso, reports have begun to emerge of a kidnapping that took place late last week near the town of Arbinda, in a part of the Sahel under jihadist control. Around 50 women were snatched as they gathered fruits and plants in the bush because of severe food…

This week on The Sound Kitchen you’ll hear the answer to the question about France’s nuclear reactors. There’s the bonus question and the “Listeners Corner” with Michael Fitzpatrick, listener news, and “Music from Erwan”. All that, and the new quiz question, too, so click on the “Audio” arrow above and…

The UN has announced the suspension of critical operations in Afghanistan following the Taliban government's ban on female employees working with aid groups. Foreign ministers from 12 countries and the EU – including the United States and France – have urged the Taliban to reverse its decision.

Eight years after first initiating a ban on locally-made whisky sold in plastic bags, the government is finally enforcing a sweeping ban across the country, effective as of 31 December. The whisky has been tested and found to be harmful to human health, but Cameroonians are still stocking up.

When dance, acrobatics and percussion meet, the result is Kalabanté - a circus company created in 2007 by Guinean artist Yamoussa Bangoura. RFI met him at the Nuits d'Afrique festival in Montreal.

Artisans in Normandy are carrying on the traditional practice of lacemaking that dates back to the Renaissance. Shedding the dusty image of decorative doilies, the Bayeux Conservatory of Lace has rejuvenated the art through creative workshops and a boutique – proving just how modern lace can be.

In the presence of the Togolese mediator and Cote d’Ivoire delegation, the Malian government agreed on Thursday in Bamako to release the 46 Ivoirian soldiers who have been detained for the past five months in the Malian capital.

Restoration works on the Djidji Ayôkwé, or "talking drum", have now been completed in Paris. The artefact, stored at the Quai Branly museum, is ready to be returned to Côte d'Ivoire under a restitution plan promised by President Emmanuel Macron.

Tunisians are voting Saturday in the first general elections after a constitutional referendum in July gave President Kais Saied sweeping powers. Political parties have boycotted the vote and there's little enthusiasm among the population since the election's outcome is unlikely to improve the country's economic situation.