![Benin's president Patrice Talon casts his ballot at a polling station in Cotonou, Benin [Charle Placide Tossou/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-11T113322Z_1869717722_RC2NTM9BNK3L_RTRMADP_3_BENIN-ELECTION.jpg?resize=570%2C380)
President Patrice Talon is expected to win a second term in office as group of opposition parties called for a boycott.
Africa News
![A colourised scanning electron micrograph of an aptoptotic cell (green) heavily infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (purple) [File: Handout National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases via AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/9107613b756a4ba5891ee75225c20cc2_18.jpeg?resize=570%2C380)
The SARS-CoV-2 virus variant that was first detected in South Africa has spread to dozens of countries.
Elon Musk’s brain-chip Neuralink company is working on technology that could improve the lives of those with paralysis.
![Chadian soldiers belonging to the Presidential Guard vote during an early round of the election on April 10 [Marco Longari/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/000_97P9QD.jpg?resize=570%2C380)
Election takes place amid mounting popular discontent and opposition criticism against incumbent Deby.
![Supporters wave flags to welcome Benin President Patrice Talon and running mate Mariam Talata to a campaign rally at Abomey-Calavi, Benin, on April 9, 2021 [Pius Utomi Ekpei/ AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/000_97N78H.jpg?resize=270%2C180)
With most rivals in exile or sidelined, Benin’s President Patrice Talon looks set to win a second term in office.
Bay region governor not hurt but at least three people killed and five wounded in attack near Baidoa hotel, police say.
The UN deputy secretary-general discusses the key issues affecting women in her home country and around the world.
![Guelleh, and his extended family, have controlled Djibouti with an iron fist since he was handed power in 1999 [Tony Karumba/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/000_97M8MD.jpg?resize=270%2C180)
President Ismail Omar Guelleh thanks his supporters after he was declared the winner with almost 99 percent of the vote.
![Having political will and solidarity among countries is critical to ensure that all people get a fair shot at a coronavirus vaccine, the World Bank and World Health Organization said on Friday [File: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bangladesh.jpg?resize=270%2C180)
Even after vaccinations are widespread, a small COVID outbreak anywhere can jeopardise economic gains, officials warned.
Leaders in southern Africa are considering possible troop deployment to northern Mozambique amid a rise in attacks.
Butembo demonstrator killed in clash between police and protesters rallying over perceived UN failure to stem massacres.
![The conflict in northern Mozambique has displaced more than 700,000 people [File: Adrien Barbier/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/461c33f7aed4487080775be37e9e2c1d_18-e1605111557454.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Attack on Palma has again increased pressure for more foreign military intervention, which Maputo has long resisted.
![In this artist's rendition, NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter flies through the Red Planet's skies [Courtesy of NASA]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-08-Mars-Ingenuity-ART-PIA23961.png?resize=270%2C180)
THE WEEK IN NUMBERS
Amazon union vote, US vaccine hunters and a Martian helicopter
We gather the numbers to know from the week’s biggest economic news stories so you can impress your friends.
![Mozambique's army says Palma, adjacent to gas projects worth some $60bn and a base for numerous foreign companies, is now secure after being attacked by ISIL-affiliated fighters [File: Alfredo Zuniga/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/000_96Z9EY.jpg?resize=270%2C180)
At least 12 victims thought to be foreigners were beheaded by ISIL-linked fighters in last month’s attack.