The Electoral Commission of Zambia has appealed to political leaders to desist from violence ahead of the polls on Thursday.

Zambians will go to polls next week in a tightly contested general elections as well as to vote in a Bill of Rights referendum. As political parties are wrapping up their campaigns, citizens remain steadfast that who-ever wins deliver on promises and put Zambia's interest above their own.

The United States Presidential candidate Donald Trump has caused outrage among the Somali community there after blaming them for the rising crime rate.

Vote counting is currently underway in South Africa after the municipal elections. The countries Electoral commission says nearly 80% of the votes have been counted.

South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday in local elections which are widely seen as a test for President Jacob Zuma and the ruling African National Congress.

South Africa will hold its local elections on Wednesday. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party will find out how well it still represents the aspiration of the South African people.

The United States has carried out air strikes on positions of so-called Islamic State in Libya, following a request by the UN-backed government. The strikes targeted positions in the port city of Sirte, an IS stronghold.

Political parties in South Africa have gone all out to lure voters ahead of Wednesday's local government elections. The ruling party held its final rally on Sunday and says it is confident it will come out on top when South Africans go to the polls.

Southern African Regional Inter-Agency Standing Committee wants to seek 1.2 billion US dollars to fight drought and relieve the food crisis in southern Africa triggered by the El Nino weather phenomenon. El Nino has devastated several southern African countries and crop failures have led to chronic malnutrition.

Two men have been arrested in connection with a robbery at a naval base in Simon's Town near Cape Town. Authorities believe it may be an inside job as the base is a highly secured facility and with elections just around the corner, a possible security threat has not been ruled out.