Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says he expects Senegal striker Demba Ba to complete his transfer to Chelsea.

Lawmakers in Nigeria are debating a bill on Same Sex Marriage Bill, which was passed a year ago by the country's senate. Under the new bill, same sex marriages would carry a 15 year prison sentence, and individuals who witness or help these couples would face ten years in jail themselves.

Seleka rebels in the Central African Republic say they are halting their advance on the capital, Bangui, as neighbouring countries deploy troops.

Mauritania bans the use of plastic bags to protect the environment and the lives of animals and fish, the environment minister says.

Chelsea trigger a release clause for Newcastle's Senegal forward Demba Ba.

Nigeria overlook Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi for their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad after he fails to answer their phone calls.

Two Jordanian UN peacekeepers are freed in Darfur, Sudan, after being held captive for more than four months.

Fear inside one of Nigeria's few gay clubs

A court in Uganda throws out a case against UK theatre producer David Cecil, who was charged over a play about the condition of gay people, he tells the BBC.

Tottenham admit striker Emmanuel Adebayor may still decide to link up with his country Togo to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Who will be the winners and losers of 2013?

The leaders of Sudan and South Sudan say that they are ready to compromise in order to reach an agreement at talks later this week.

Ten people are crushed to death and 120 injured in Angola as they try to enter an overcrowded stadium for a New Year's Eve vigil, reports say.