The Latest Breaking News from RFI

Authorities in Madagascar concede gold smuggling is still booming despite laws introduced at the start of the year to make it easier to take the precious metal out of the country legally.

In his play Vielleicht, French-Ivorian director Cédric Djedje lays bare Germany's colonial past, through the story of the 40-year struggle of Afro-descendants to change the names of three streets dedicated to German colonialists in Berlin's African quarter.

French soldiers have been asked to leave Chad by 31 January, sources close to the government in Paris say – a deadline that RFI was able to confirm with Chadian authorities.

West African leaders are giving the three Sahel countries led by military governments six months to reconsider their decision to quit the regional bloc Ecowas, as security issues and movements of populations cause concern among its 12 remaining members.

President Emmanuel Macron declared a national day of mourning in the French overseas territory of Mayotte, and announced an emergency fund for uninsured cyclone victims – as people in remote areas reported receiving no assistance since the disaster struck five days ago.

This week on The Sound Kitchen you’ll hear a “This I Believe” essay from RFI Listeners Club member Helmut Matt from Herbolzheim, Germany. Just click the “Play” button above and enjoy!

Anti-whaling activist and Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson, freed after five months in custody in Greenland, will head to France in the coming days, following Denmark’s refusal to extradite him to Japan.

The French archipelago Mayotte lies devastated this week after an unprecedented cyclone struck the country's poorest department – its impact magnified by chronic infrastructure failings and a migration crisis that saw thousands avoid emergency shelter for fear of deportation.

Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 34 lives and caused widespread destruction across Mozambique, the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management confirmed on Tuesday. The powerful storm, which made landfall earlier this week, has left thousands displaced and severely damaged infrastructure, including homes and roads.