Mali

Sonatel's margins pressured by rivals, tax

Senegalese telecom operator Sonatel saw 2010 net profits slip as tougher competition nibbled at its margins and it was hit by a temporary tax surcharge on incoming traffic, the group said.

Randgold FY profits surge, sees 70 pct jump in production

Randgold Resources sees a surge in production for 2011 as it reported a 43 percent rise in full-year profit in spite of operational and political setbacks. The company, which boosted its annual dividend by 18 percent to 20 cents, forecasts production to be between 750,000 and 790,000 ounces for 2011.

AU's Odinga says IvoryCoast mediation fails

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said an African effort to mediate Ivory Coast's disputed poll had failed on Wednesday, blaming incumbent Laurent Gbagbo and warning of harsh sanctions or force if he did not step down.

Moody’s downgrades Tunisia's credit rating

Moody's Investors Service downgraded bond ratings of the Tunisian government to Baa3 from Baa2, and changed its outlook to negative from stable – citing the country’s political instability amidst the ongoing chaos of street protests and change in regime.

Mediators say talks deadlocked on Ivory Coast

Talks to end Ivory Coast's post-election standoff remain in deadlock, with no sign Laurent Gbagbo will agree to step down as president and his rival unwilling to meet him until he does, mediators said on Tuesday.

Al-Qaeda demands talks with Osama in return for French hostages

France is verifying the authenticity of a broadcast message by an al-Qaeda off-shoot demanding troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for the safety of their nationals kidnapped in Niger. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) also suggested direct negotiations with al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden over hostages' issue. Five French nationals along with two Africans, all employees of French firms Areva and Vinci operating in the mining town of Arlit in Niger were kidnapped on September 16.

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