Myanmar, the US and Southeast Asian envoys are preparing for talks, following Malaysia’s announcement that it would assist migrants stranded at sea.

Sectarian riots in central Burma have claimed 43 lives, 86 injured and have left 11 376 homeless, state media has reported.

Burmese authorities have faced criticism from rights groups after deadly unrest between Muslim Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

Deadly violence between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna has flared again, adding to the more than 90 deaths in clashes in the city this week.

More than 20 bombs have hit cities and towns across Iraq, killing at least 36 and wounding almost 150, raising fears of sectarian strife.

Islamists Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for attacks in Nigeria amid growing concern about government’s inability to tackle sectarian violence.

Sporadic shooting rang out overnight in the central Nigerian city of Jos, and witnesses said at least one person was killed by soldiers.

Nigeria must address underlying issues of poverty and discrimination if it is to end a cycle of violence, rights groups and diplomats said.

Nigeria sent in troops to the northern Jos region on Monday after attacks by gangs on Christian villages that officials say killed 500 people.

Nigeria’s religious fault line was in the spotlight on Tuesday after riots in the central city of Jos claimed hundreds of lives.