Trade between Africa and China jumped over the last decade. China is promising $1 billion in aid to the African continent, while also cancelling other debts. Clean energy is on the agenda, but also China's blind eye cast at human rights failings.

Sudan is one of the world?s more dangerous places for mothers, the top United Nations Children?s Fund (UNICEF) official there said today, calling for increased maternal care services.

The ordinary African is in the cross-fire of struggles over land and resources, but not of his choice. When elephants dance, the grass is trampled.

The Arab League controls 10 African nations and the Islamic Conference controls half of the continent. If oil indeed greases the paths of power in Washington and elsewhere, how can poor African nations cope?