PAKISTAN: Aid community takes extra security precautions

ISLAMABAD, 16 July (IRIN) - Many international aid organisations in Pakistan are taking extra precautions in the face of rising insecurity and terrorist threats in the country. Expatriate staff in particular are being cautioned after several attacks targeting foreigners this year. Full report

SIERRA LEONE: Post-election scenario worries ICG

ABIDJAN, 15 July (IRIN) - The International Crisis Group (ICG) has expressed concern over the post-election scenario in Sierra Leone, saying President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah needs to broaden the government, defuse renewed ethnic tensions and speed up reforms of the security structures. Full report

MADAGASCAR: Focus on economic recovery and national reconciliation

JOHANNESBURG, 15 July (IRIN) - After an eight-month long power struggle that divided the island nation, Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana has called for national reconciliation. Full report

DRC: Radio Okapi expands to Gbadolite

NAIROBI, 15 July (IRIN) - Radio Okapi, the network operated by the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has expanded its service to the northwestern town of Gbadolite, broadcasting on 93 FM. Full report

KENYA: UNHCR denies refugee riots in north

NAIROBI, 15 July (IRIN) - The UN refugee agency UNHCR has denied media reports claiming that hundreds of refugees stormed its offices in northwestern Kenya, demanding a solution to a dispute over firewood. Full report

IRAN: Afghan repatriation nears 100,000 mark

ISLAMABAD, 15 July (IRIN) - The number of Afghans who have returned to their homeland from Iran is approaching the 100,000 mark, says the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The programme envisions the voluntary repatriation of 400,000 Afghan refugees this year. Full report