Libya's interim council hopes to seize one of Muammar Gaddafi's last strongholds without resistance as it tries to control the entire country.

Madagascar's opposing political factions have agreed to retain the coup leader as head of the transitional government starting on Wednesday.

Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki said on Saturday he was ready to form a government of national unity to end post-election violence that has killed hundreds of people and forced 250 000 to flee their homes. The development could be a breakthrough after a week-long stalemate between Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga.