GUINEA BISSAU : International help needed to military interference, ICG

The International Crisis Group, ICG, says Guinea Bissau needs outside help to end military involvement in the country’s politics for the country to ever break free from violence. The conflict watchdog said this in a new report released just days to the presidential elections. Crisis Group Analyst, Mohamed Jalloh spoke to WADR’s Helen Blakesley.

NIGER : Trade unions begin strike over constitution amendment plan

Trade unions have gone on strike to force President Mamadou Tandja to give up his plan to amend the constitution, which would allow him extend his mandate. The leaders of the seven trade unions in Niger began their strike Thursday after a 24-hour ultimatum given the president had expired. Hassan DJIBO, the Deputy Secretary General of the Democratic Confederacy of the Workers of Niger talked to WADR’s Alexis Bies.

AFRICA : UNCTAD wants regional integration to address economic crisis

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says Africa should strengthen regional integration to build stronger economies. This was reflected in a just released report entitled “Economic Development in Africa”. UNCTAD senior economist, Norbert Lebale, spoke to WADR’s Myriam Wedraogo.