Liberia: Parliament Speaker Removed

The Liberian parliament on Wednesday voted to remove Speaker Edwin Snowe, who called the action illegitimate, arguing that the decision was taken by “rebels” outside Monrovia.

U.S. Assist. Sec Frazer Sees Credible Force As Key For Somalia

State Department Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer.

One week after a U.S. airstrike against suspected terrorists in Somalia, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer spoke with AllAfrica on the current situation in Somalia, U.S. relations with Sudan, prospects for Liberia, the growing crisis in Guinea, and discussions about the creation of a sixth command for the U.S. military in Africa.

Rwanda: Country Abolishes Death Penalty

IRIN

A genocide prisoner faces a gacaca court in 2005.

Rwanda's cabinet on Wednesday adopted a draft law for the abolition of the death penalty.

DRC: Dissident General Gives Up Rebellion

Congolese dissident General Laurent Nkunda has agreed to end his rebellion and go into exile in exchange for withdrawal of an arrest warrant against him. A UN official welcomed the move, saying it will allow thousands of refugees and displaced people to return home.

HRW

"I think this is going to lead to a peaceful settlement," Nkunda said Thursday.

Guinea: Strike Violence Spreads Nationwide

Maseco Conde/IRIN

Security forces clashed with protestors in Conakry on Wednesday.

The government of President Lansana Conte and opposition forces led by the unions are at loggerheads after a week-long nationwide strike in support of demands that the president reform his government.