BBC News with John Jason.
The Malian army backed by French forces has repelled an attack by Islamist militants in the northern city of Timbuktu. French troops pushed the militants out of the city earlier this year, but sporadic fighting has continued. Tomma Fessy reports from Bamako.
What happened is that a group of Jihadists managed to infiltrate the town over night. A long fire fight lasted hours overnight between the Jihad fighters and the Malian army. It's only when the French intervenes on the ground and by the air according to the residents there that the battle was taken to an end this afternoon. A Malian officer I spoke to over the phone told me that he was able to confirm that death of at least 8 Jihad fighters. And he told me that one Malian soldier was also killed in the fierce fighting this afternoon, and four others wounded.
Nigerian troops say they've killed 14 suspected members of the Islamist rebel group Boko Haram in a raid on a building in the northern city of Kano. A military spokesman said a soldier was killed in the raid and a potential suicide bomber was arrested. From Lagos, here's Tomi Oladipo.
Residents in some parts of Kano said they heard explosions and gunfire as the soldiers fought Islamist militants on Sunday morning. A military spokesman says security forces found several weapons belonging to the extremists including a car loaded with explosives, possibly to be used for an Easter Sunday attack. There's been no independent confirmation of the details of this clash. In the past major Christian holidays in northern Nigeria have been blacked by bomb attacks particularly targeting churches. Much of the violence across the region has been blamed on the radical Boko Haram sect.
Doctors in South Africa reporting a further improvement in the condition of the former president Nelson Mandela. President Jacob Zuma thanked that thousands of people who prayed for the former leader at various Easter church services over the weekend. From Johannesburg, here's Peter Biles.
A statement from the South African presidency said Nelson Mandela had had a restful day and was continuing to receive treatment for his lung infection. The government in Pretoria says it's satisfied that he's getting the best possible medical care to enable his recovery and comfort. And doctors have reported a further improvement after four days in hospital. They've not said how serious Mr. Mandela's condition is. But there is obvious concern. He's 94 years old, and this is his third stay in hospital since last December.
A day of national mourning has been declared on the India Ocean island of Mauritius after 11 people died in severe floods. Torrential rain hit the capital Port Louis on Saturday night. Water levels have now receded, but many buildings have been flooded. Residents expressed anger at the authorities have not done more to help them cope. They said roads were blocked, trees had fallen, and there's mud everywhere. Others reported shortages of food, water and electricity.
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The Syrian government has accused rebels of setting fire to three oil wells in the east of the country, causing a loss of nearly 5,000 barrels of oil a day. Syria state news agency says the wells were set ablaze following a dispute between the rebels about how to divide the oil. The government of president Assad has lost control of large parts of eastern Syria where most of the oil fields located.
The self-claim president of the Central African Republic Michel Djotodia has named his caretaker government. Rebels and the members of the former opposition will make up most of the cabinet. Although, there'll be one member was linked to the ousted president Francois Bozize. Mr.Djotodia will take on the role of Defense Minister, as well as being president. The rebels seized power in a coup last week.
Pope Francis has used his first Easter Sunday message to call for peace around the world. In an address to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter Square in Rome, the new pontiff appealed for a diplomatic solution on the Korean Peninsula. He also mentioned conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. These people in St. Peter Square gave their reactions to the Pope's message.
We want to come to be, to get the blessing from the Pope and to feel the love and community here today. That's all we did. And we are hoping that this would be a new sign for world peace.
I listened to the Pope's reaching. And I attended the service. I think it reminds me of the younger generation. I often believe that there'll be peace. And if older brought in the same way we serve in God and treating the younger generation to give them peace and love.
An entire troop of performing fleas has been wiped out by the freezing temperatures currently gripping Germany. The director of the flea circus said he woke and found all 300 of tiny staffs dead inside their transport box. The circus has found 50 new fleas to fulfill an engagement to open their fair near Kommern.