Michael Kaloki

The Prime Minister warned of, quote, extremely difficult times ahead as the Iran war continues to affect oil costs.

noting that current prices are almost double the estimates indicated in Senegal's current budget.

Several African countries have put in place measures to try and mitigate the impact of increased oil prices, including reducing fuel taxes and increasing subsidies.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Kaloki in Nairobi.

The humanitarian organization said yesterday that an escalation of violence between South Sudan's military and opposition groups in the northeast of the country had forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

MSF warned that without sustained humanitarian support, further displacement of people coupled by the risk of disease outbreaks could result in a catastrophe.

The aid group added that a number of remote communities in South Sudan remain without life-saving assistance.

Last month, the United Nations Security Council expressed grave concern over escalating violence in

in parts of South Sudan and called on all the warning parties to cease hostilities, adding that the fighting was undermining the country's stability.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Kaloki in Nairobi.

The wooden drum, known as Gigi Ayokwe or Panther Lion, was looted by French colonial authorities in 1916 and is among several stolen artifacts that Ivory Coast has asked France to return.

The drum which weighs about 950 pounds and is just under 12 feet long is referred to as a talking drum.

and was once used by the Achan community in Ivory Coast to communicate between villages.

The repatriation of the Gigi Ayokwe is part of broader efforts announced by French President Emmanuel Macron eight years ago to return artifacts taken from African countries during the colonial era.

The drum is expected to go on display at a museum in Ivory Coast's commercial capital, Abidjan.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Kaloki in Nairobi.

Search and rescue operations are underway to find those who are missing following heavy rains in various parts of the country, including the capital Nairobi and the western and southern regions.

Many residents have been displaced after floodwaters damaged their homes

while transportation has been disrupted after roads in various regions were submerged.

Parts of Kenya are prone to flooding during the country's main rainfall season, which is between the months of March to May.