1.Zambia- Lusaka 

UN calls on Zambia to stop arbitrary arrests of opposition figures

The United Nations rights chief voiced concern Wednesday at reports of arrests and detentions of opposition members in Zambia before and after last week's election, which handed President Hakainde Hichilema a second term.

"I urge the authorities to stop arresting people arbitrarily and to uphold fully the due process rights of all those detained," Volker Turk said in a statement.

The country's electoral commission said on Tuesday that Hichilema took around 60 per cent of the vote in the August 13 general election, similar to his score at the 2021 polls when he won his first five-year term.

His closest challenger was the leader of the main opposition NRPUP party and former government minister Brian Mundubile, who scored around 38 per cent.

While Thursday's vote was largely peaceful, the opposition said intimidation and restrictions marred its campaign, concerns echoed by international election observers, including the European Union.

2.    Tanzania – Dar es Salaam

Tanzanian newspaper Mwanahalisi has been suspended for six months after publishing a story alleging government divisions.

The country’s information ministry said the paper breached media regulations by reporting that Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi was unwilling to step down, despite pressure from the ruling party.

Regulators say the story was unverified and lacked balance, noting that Nchimbi wasn’t interviewed.

Mwanahalisi's suspension takes effect immediately and covers both print and online editions. The paper has 30 days to appeal.

Another outlet, Jamvi la Habari, has been summoned to explain recent stories that may have breached regulations, authorities said.

International observers have warned of a narrowing of civil and political rights in Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Tanzania ranks 117th out of 180 countries in press freedom, according to media watchdog Reporters Without Borders

3, Benin- USA- California

Angélique Kidjo makes history as the first black African honoured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo on Tuesday became the first Black African to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In a glitzy ceremony under palm trees and picture-perfect California skies, Kidjo was feted by film stars and music industry titans as she unveiled the star on the busy thoroughfare.

"We Africans don't know what we've given to the world," the 66-year-old said. "Without us, there's no music possible on this planet." After thanking her team and family, Kidjo erupted into song as those present sat rapt.

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 20 August 1983, when the South African anti-apartheid umbrella organisation, the United Democratic Front (UDF), was launched at Rocklands Community Centre in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, on 20 August 1983. Its inception was inspired by the union of anti-apartheid organisations in opposing the Tricameral Constitution about to be introduced by the Apartheid Government