VOA Africa News Summary

Here are today's top stories from VOA Africa. To listen or watch one of our programs or to read more visit our website at www.voaafrica.com.

US Seeks Clemency for Ethiopian Opposition Leaders 35 opposition members sentenced to life in prison for role in 2005 election protests Mandela Asks Global Elders to Focus on World's Ills on 89th Birthday South Africa's elder statesman, Nelson Mandela, launches group of global elders to address some of world's most pressing problems Ancient Lake Offers Hope for Darfur's Future Large, pure water source may lie deep underground Series of Earthquakes Hit East Africa Scientists say first tremor felt on July 12 and affected Kenya, Tanzania Advocacy Group Says Somaliland Holding Journalist Authorities in Somaliland holding local journalist for nearly a week without giving a reason Former Liberian President Taylor Assigned New Lawyers Charles Taylor is accused of supporting rebels in Sierra Leone's civil war in exchange for diamonds Zimbabwe Opposition Plans Economic Revival Movement for Democratic Change says it is planning a conference on economic revival for a post-Mugabe presidential era Lufthansa's Flight Cancellations Irk Ghana Government In Ghana, President John Kufuor's government is reportedly shocked at a decision by Lufthansa, a German airliner to cancel all of its flights to the country. Will 35 Ethiopians Acknowledge Blame to Win Their Freedom? Addis Ababa Dissidents Weigh Option of Accepting Pardons to Overcome Life-In-Prison Sentences Johannesburg Church Opens Clinic for Zimbabwean Refugees Patients cite deteriorating health care back home