Aid groups urge helicopters for Darfur

KHARTOUM - A new report has identified 140 aircraft as suitable to aid struggling UN peacekeeping efforts in Darfur, urging India, Ukraine and NATO countries in particular to donate helicopters without delay.

The United Nations says up to 300,000 people have died in Sudan's western region of Darfur during five years of war, but not a single military transport or tactical helicopter has been deployed to patrol an area the size of France.   details

Zambian university shut after student protest
LUSAKA - Zambia shut its biggest university following protests by students over a month-long strike by their lecturers, a university spokesman said on Thursday.

University of Zambia authorities decided to close the institution for three weeks and asked students to vacate the campus, Stanlous Chewe said.   details