The extent to which mining companies routinely deprive African countries of huge amounts of tax revenue that could be used to combat poverty is revealed in two reports published yesterday.

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed calls by the National Council of Churches for fresh elections, charging the churches with spreading populist politics that could ruin the country.

The Vatican has amended comments made about condoms by the Pope, but the change in tone is unlikely to stem critics who say his anti-contraception stance is damaging the fight against HIV-AIDS.

The head of the largest Protestant church in Madagascar has apparently been released after detention by unspecified military personnel following the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana.