It's back to school in most of West Africa, but in one of the region's poorest and most Islamic countries, Niger, the secular public school system is in a state of paralysis, so more and more children are going to Islamic schools instead. Many impoverished children are forced to go begging to pay for their education.

An international conference to press for the eradication of female genital mutilation in Africa and around the world took place in Kenya from 16-18 September. A testimony from a thirteen-year-old Kenyan girl was especially shocking as she described what it is like to be forcibly circumcised at the age of 11 to ambassadors, activists, health workers, policy-makers and other guests.

Thousands of people gathered in the small kingdom of Swaziland on September 21st for the first public talks on the country's long-awaited new Constitution. Swaziland was expected to adopt the Constitution before the end of the month, but pro-democracy groups have said the document - which has been in the making since 1996 - did not curb the powers of King Mswati III, but rather strengthened his hold on the poor southern African nation.

At least 11 wild animals, all elephant and buffalo, have died of anthrax in the eastern Caprivi region of Namibia. Sacky Namugongo, deputy director of parks and wildlife management in the environment and tourism ministry, said seven dead elephants and four dead buffaloes were tested on Saturday and Sunday and found to have had anthrax symptoms. The carcasses were found in the areas between Masikili and Kasika in the Caprivi strip and residents have been urged not to eat the meat.

A dozen French soldiers on mission in Ivory Coast have been placed under investigation for allegedly stealing tens of thousands worth of euros in funds from a bank they were guarding in the west African country. The soldiers, part of France's 4, 000-strong Licorne force in the divided former colony, went before the Armed Forces Tribunal in Paris and were placed under investigation - a step short of being charged - for robbery and receiving stolen goods, the officials said.