http://www.voanews.com/english/africa/

To listen or watch one of our programs or to read more visit our website at www.voaafrica.com.

________________________________

Here are today's top stories from VOA Africa:

Ted Kennedy - Human Rights Advocate, Apartheid Foe Late US senator protested Nelson Mandela's imprisonment, pushed for sanctions against white-ruled South African government South African President to Make First State Visit to Zimbabwe Many hope that Jacob Zuma will help unblock many outstanding issues in political agreement West Africa Battles Flow of Illegal Weapons West African countries are working to stem flow of illegal weapons linked to years of conflict and illegal drug trafficking Scientists Gather in Drought-Stricken Kenya to Urge Better Use of Africa's Water Scientists at Sustainable Water Conference in Kenya warn Africa's leaders that water scarcity is a cause of not just hunger, thirst, spread of disease, death of wildlife, and shortages in power World Leaders Pay Tribute to Kennedy On world stage Ted Kennedy had a lot of friends and his passing has generated a long list of warm, heartfelt condolences French Hostage Freed in Somalia Former hostage says he escaped without violence while his captors slept Media Rights Group Says Somaliland Cracking Down on Dissent Group says harsh sentences handed down to two reporters earlier this week in Somaliland are clearest indication of government's determination to muzzle free speech