Putin accuses the West of 'blackmailing' Africa

President Vladimir Putin said Russia can offer help to Africa without the conditions attached by Western powers.

Mr Putin said relations with Africa had improved, pointing to military cooperation agreements that Russia currently has with more than 30 African countries.

One of the most senior politicians in South Africa's opposition party, Democratic Alliance (DA) has resigned his post and quit the party over how it handles race.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the bloodless coup in Somalia that saw President Mohamed Siyad Barre’s rise to power.

(Image: President Putin will host African leaders for a two-day summit. Credit: Reuters)