The Latest Breaking News from RFI

August 2003 saw nearly 15,000 people in France die from heat, more than any summer before or since. Twenty years on, the country is better prepared – but temperatures are rising. RFI looks at what the 2003 disaster can teach France about protecting the vulnerable from heatwaves.

The Mont Aigoual weather observatory in France's southern Cévennes region has been transformed into Le Climatographe, a centre dedicated to teaching people about climate change.

Mont Aigoual in southern France is famous for its weather station, built in 1894. Until recently, the remote site was staffed round the clock – but now it has become fully automated. The last technician to be posted there as head of the observatory shares her memories with RFI.

By keeping rodents under control, owls help maintain the natural balance of Ghana's forests. But superstitious beliefs have led to attacks on the birds. Kwabena Poku Bosompim, regional director of the Forestry Commission in the Ahafo region of Ghana, is on a mission to save the country's owls.

Speaking to RFI, French Foreign Minister Christine Colonna urged the leaders of a coup in Niger to abandon their takeover attempt before a deadline set by the West African bloc Ecowas expires on Sunday. She said the threat of regional military intervention should be taken "very seriously".

Ibrahim Ngaroua was taken hostage by Boko Haram in 2017 in the north of Cameroon, and finally escaped the terrorist group four years later. He was one survivor to recently share their harrowing experiences with students from a local peace institute.

This week on The Sound Kitchen, a special treat: RFI English listeners' musical requests. Just click on the “Play” button above and enjoy!

Amnesty International has reported that extensive war crimes are being committed in Sudan as the conflict between the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces continues to ravage the country.

France on Friday rejected a move by Niger's junta to scrap bilateral military pacts, saying only the west African country's "legitimate" leadership was entitled to do so. Meanwhile a regional Ecowas delegation quit the country after failing to secure the return to power of Niger's elected government.

The West African economic bloc Ecowas has given the leaders of a coup in Niger until Sunday to restore order. But for now, the elected president remains in detention in his palace and a military council is still in charge.

Thousands of pro-coup supporters take to the streets in Niger marking the 63rd anniversary of the country's independence from France, as FRANCE 24 and RFI are banned in the country. We talk to Dr Olayinka Ajala, senior politics lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, about the latest developments. Also, violence in…