China seeks to extend its lock on Africa’s mineral wealth;  Rebels overtake the capital of one country while the president flees and international observers worry; And France confirms the death of a terrorist. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping is firming up ties in Africa.  He arrived in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Sunday and will also visit South Africa and Republic of Congo.  Africa’s raw resources, especially rare earth minerals and precious metals are crucial to China’s manufacturing and tech economies.  Although there is growing concern about the continent exporting its rocks while spending heavily for the finished products from Asia.

There’s looting reported in the capital of the Central African Republic, after rebel forces moved in and President Francoise Bozize moved out.  A spokesman for the Seleka rebel coalition urged citizens to remain calm and welcome his forces.  The UN is concerned that as many as 170 Thousands refugees may be on the move as a result.

France is sending more of its troops to the Central African Republic to protect its citizens there after the coup d’etat in Bangui.  South Africa, which had troops in Bagui to support the government, said it suffered some casualties in the fighting. 

France is confirming the death of al Qaida militant Abou Zeid in a raid in Mali last month.  Zeid had been suspected of kidnapping westerners in Africa to hold for ranson and raise money for the terrorist network.  In spite of Zeid’s death or perhaps because of it, al Qaida announced it has killed a French hostage who had been held for almost 2 years.

The founding father of Modern African literature is dead.  82-year old Chinua Achebe, originally of Nigeria, died after a brief illness.  He wrote more than 20 works, often critical of politicians in Nigeria.  He had been living in the United States since 1990 following injuries from a car crash.