World stock markets plummeted with a sharp drop in the US dollar and major commodities, as China failed to mitigate sliding confidence in its domestic stock market on Monday.

Negotiators from North Korea and South Korea spoke through Saturday night and into Sunday evening to ease tensions between the two nations after an exchange of artillery fire last week.

The new head of Nigeria's army, General Tukur Buratei has survived an attack by Boko Haram militants on his convoy in Borno state, in the northeast of the country.

The ambush resulted in clashes in which 5 militants and one Nigerian soldier were killed.

Ugandan soldiers who were deployed with the African Union in Somalia, have been charged with the killing of a group of civilians at a wedding last month.

Head of the AU troops in Somalia, Maman Sidikou, apologised to the families of the seven wedding guests. The bloc had previously denied the incident took place.

Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir proposed ceasefire and peace talks with militants working to overthrow his government.

Mr Bashir reiterated his offer of amnesty for rebels who agreed to put down their arms and join the national dialogue between government and opposition parties.