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Here are today's top stories from VOA Africa:

Sierra Leone Tribunal Hands Down Final Rulings UN-backed war crimes court for Sierra Leone upholds prison sentences for 3 rebel leaders convicted of crimes against humanity Former Prosecutor Calls Sierra Leone Special Court Remarkable David Crane says many precedents for international crimes set Independent Media Still Struggling in Zimbabwe Agreement that brought about Zimbabwe's unity government includes provisions that require the government to license independent broadcasters and newspapers US Issues Travel Ban Against Prominent Kenyan Official US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson says US is not happy with the pace of reforms in Kenya; additional visas may be revoked for impeding key government reforms South African Mid-Term Budget Faces Severe Shortfall Sharp drop in tax revenues blamed on global economic crisis Nigerian Rebels Declare Indefinite Ceasefire Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta calls peace talks with government 'a serious and meaningful dialogue'