Satellite images indicate evidence of "war crimes" committed by Sudan's northern army in the contested Abyei region, a monitoring group has said.

South Sudan must prepare for a "real crisis", whatever the outcome of an upcoming referendum on the potential partition of Africa's largest country.

Conditions are already tough in Darfur, but many warn things will get worse after Sudan expelled aid groups it accused of collaborating with the ICC.

Surrounded by yellow papers crackling to the touch, archivists painstakingly catalogue documents and photographs that make up the history of a nation -- and the vertebrae of Eritrea's national archive. It's a record of one of Africa's most remarkable rebel armies, documenting the past spirit of optimism that drove their 30-year bitter guerrilla war.

The WFP's first delivery of aid to Somalia was delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles in Kenya -- slowing relief efforts for millions hit by drought.

Armed Lou Nuer youths have marched on Pibor, home to the rival Murle people, who they blame for cattle raiding and have vowed to exterminate.

Sudan and South Sudan leaders have met as pressure grows to end long-running disputes that have brought the foes to the brink of renewed conflict.

South Sudan's ruling party said on Wednesday a 60% turnout threshold required for an independence vote to be declared valid has been reached.