Barack Obama’s second-term inauguration sees him return with a far more aggressive political programme
US Treasury warns of ‘extraordinary measures’ amid fiscal cliff deadlock
Barack Obama cuts short holiday to tackle budget crisis as country faces breaching its $16.4tn debt limit
Fastjet takes EasyJet low-cost model into African airspace
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s low-cost African airline is ready for takeoff in Tanzania
Gaza rockets land near Jerusalem as fears of ground offensive grow
As tanks gather near border Israeli minister says invasion could come before end of weekend
From Senegal to Sudan, does building resilience work?
Making poor people resilient to disaster is gaining credence, but some experts caution that it is not a panacea for development
Hamas says ‘gates of hell opened’ as Israel kills military leader in Gaza
Ahmed al-Jabari’s assassination in missile strike marks ‘start of broader operation’ that may involve ground troops, says Israel
Africa’s employment crisis: ‘Time to see the world through young people’
Africa’s population boom means 1m new jobs are needed each month. Read how young people want to tackle the challenge
Israel fires warning shots into Syria as violence escalates in Gaza
Four Palestinian civilians are reported killed in Gaza as fears grow that Syrian civil war could spill across border
Greek MPs approve hefty budget cuts
Thousands gather in protest as parliament votes to pass new austerity measures in 2013 budget
South Africa opposition tables no-confidence motion in Zuma
Eight parties unite and call on ruling ANC MPs to ‘search their conscience’ and vote against leader accused of corruption
Barack and Mitt finally feel brotherly love … thanks to their Kenyan mother
Twins born in a hospital close to Obama’s ancestral home village named to mark the events in the US on their birthday
Barack Obama’s odyssey continues
History made as first black US president is re-elected, defying jobless rate and assaults of American right
Barack Obama wins second term – reaction as it happened
• Barack Obama beats Mitt Romney to win re-election
• Republicans projected to hold control of House
• Democrats remain in charge of Senate
• Read our latest news story on Obama’s victory
Uganda: oil, corruption and entitlement
Wet dreams about black gold are part of the disappointing story that underpins the rising tide of inequality
Julius Malema ‘unshaken’ after money laundering charge
Firebrand politician mocks South African president after reports that he would face more serious charges prove unfounded
Kenyan Amisom peacekeeper held after ‘shooting dead six Somali civilians’
African Union offensive against al-Shabaab may be undermined by what Somali army spokesman calls ‘deliberate killing’
Religious intolerance on the rise worldwide, says US report
Pew Research Centre report says the US and UK are among countries showing a worrying rise in religious discrimination
Pakistan explodes in fury as south Asia’s Muslims join anti-US protests
Violent demonstrations leave 15 dead as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka witness Islamic anger at America
Islamic countries brace for anti-west protests
• Pakistan blocks mobile phone signals in 15 cities
• French embassies and schools closed in around 20 countries
• Tunisia bans protests against Charlie Hebdo cartoons
Morgan Tsvangirai’s messy love life is a gift to his enemies
Zimbabwe’s prime minister may yet succeed Robert Mugabe but his poor judgment about his private life gives cause for concern