CAIRO (Reuters) - Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, the head of Egypt's most prestigious seat of Islamic learning al-Azhar, died of a heart attack on Wednesday on a visit to Saudi Arabia, religious officials at al-Azhar said. He was 81.

NAIROBI, (Reuters) - Pirates have seized a Kenyan-flagged fishing vessel off the Somali coast for possible use as a "mother ship" to launch more attacks, a maritime official said on Tuesday.

NAIROBI - IGAD Heads of State and Government have urged parties to the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement to remain committed to the implementation of outstanding issues in the agreement.

NAIROBI - A preliminary report by the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission on the cemetery land Scandal heavily implicates Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, his PS Sammy Kirui and Nairobi mayor Godfrey Majiwa.

NAIROBI - President Kibaki  has directed that all Public offices (including Civil Service and Parastatals) purchase Kenyan- made furniture and other associated items, so as to support the growth of the manufacturing industry and enhance employment creation.

JOS - Nigerian authorities say they have arrested scores of people in connection with attacks near the central city of Jos that left more than 200 people dead.

NAIROBI (Reuters) - With its economies recovering, Africa needs to start rebuilding reserves and thinking about tightening spending to build defences against future crises, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Monday.

NAIROBI - A statement released by the Presidential Press Service has indicated that  President Mwai Kibaki has directed that the officers who are responsible for fraudulent purchase of the cemetery land Plot No. LR. 14759 at Mavoko Township, comprising 120 acres by the City Council of Nairobi at an exorbitant price of Ksh.283 million, be interdicted with immediate effect.

NAIROBI - President Mwai Kibaki has banned Cabinet Ministers and their Assistants from traveling abroad until debate on the new constitution is over.

(Reuters) - China's Foreign Minister said on Sunday new sanctions on Iran will not solve the standoff over its nuclear program, while chiding the United States after two months of tensions between the big powers.