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The great apes of Africa and Asia have long been threatened by hunters, loggers and farmers. But scientists say another threat is rising fast: infectious diseases carried or spread by humans and livestock. NPR's John Nielsen reports.

Secretary of State Colin Powell will visit Africa next week to examine the situation in the Darfur region in Western Sudan, where government-backed militias are accused of carrying out rape, murder and forced evacuations against black farming communities. U.S. officials say they are investigating whether the situation amounts to genocide, but a growing number of lawmakers say the case is already clear. Hear NPR's Michele Kelemen.

Nearly ten million voters in the west African nation of Ghana went to the polls on December 7th to elect a new president. The election has been praised by monitors as free and fair and touted as a shining example of democracy on the continent. President Jerry Rawlings, the outgoing leader, is stepping down after 19 years in power. Unlike many leaders across Africa, he is adhering to the constitutional limit of a two term presidency. Host Lisa Simeone talks with Chris Fomunyoh who monitors elections for the National Democratic Institute.

News of possible book banning in South Africa makes commentator Mark Mathabane remember a time when he was willing to risk his life to save Shakespeare. At the time, 1976, it was blacks who believed Shakespeare represented the worst of Bantu education and set fire to the library in his town. Mathabane fought to rescue the works of Shakespeare, and overheard the white soldiers mock the idea that blacks should be given the chance to learn at all. (3:45) Mark Mathabane's latest book is Miriam's Song, published by Simon and Shuster, 2000, www.mathabane.com.

A conservation group caught and transported 19 black and white rhinos over 1,000 miles from South Africa. The rhinos are roaming Mozambique's national parkland. This won't be the last rhino road trip.

After a brutal civil war, the Hutus and Tutsis of Burundi, in Central Africa, are trying to govern together. A former U.S. envoy has brought a corporate leadership workshop that Burundi's new senators, generals and police chiefs say helps them work more constructively together.

In the 1970s and '80s, pop music fans in Africa were dancing to a Congo-based music known as Soukous. One of its pioneers, Tabu Ley Rochereau, infused elements of American soul into the music. A major collection of his music was just released in the U.S.

Tanzania's Information Ministry is installing high-speed internet on Africa's highest mountain. Right now climbers can use it at roughly 12,200 feet. Connectivity to the summit comes later this year.

While filming in South Africa, Tom Cruise thanked his fans for making Top Gun: Maverick a box office hit as he jumped out of an aircraft. He is shooting the new Mission Impossible movie.

Big teams have been ousted — such as two-time champions Germany. And some surprise packages are still in, Jamaica and South Africa among them.