Africa 54 - January 21, 2020

Top Stories The Burundian government opens a mass grave in the Bujumbura neighborhood of Kamenge. The mass grave had the remains of 270 people. Families searching for their long lost, but not forgotten, loved ones were allowed to sift through the crumbling remains. Burundi's Truth and Reconciliation Commission has told parliament that it had identified more than 4,000 mass graves across the country. The United States assistant-secretary of State for African affairs, Tibor Nagy, is on the continent for a three-day visit. His trip is designed to highlight America’s commitment to engage Africa’s youth. During his stop in the Central African Republic, he met with young people who have benefited from American programs. Police in Botswana say reported incidents of rape have nearly doubled in the past year. Activists say successful anti-rape campaigns are making victims more confident about reporting when they are attacked. European union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says someone will need to act as a monitor in order for a cease-fire in Libya to work. He spoke to reporters ahead of a meeting on Monday where EU foreign affairs ministers discussed the conflict in Libya and an agreement reached Sunday by a group of world leaders to respect an arms embargo and back off from interfering in Libya. A54 Health There is a worldwide shortage of blood, according to the Red Cross. One-in-ten people donate blood, while one in seven will need it someday. Experts say many patients in developing countries who require blood transfusion, do not have timely access to safe blood and blood products. #Burundi #CentralAfricanRepublic #Botswana #Libya