January 28th, 2013
08:37 AM ET
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Three arrested in deadly Brazil nightclub fire

[Posted at 8:37 a.m. ET] Three people have now been arrested in connection with the deadly nightclub fire in Brazil, according to CNN affiliate Band News in Brazil.

The owner of the nightclub Elissandro Sphor, known as "Kiko", was arrested at a hospital in Cruz Alta, Brazil, according to Band News.

The media outlet also reported a vocalist from the band and a person in charge of stage safety for the band were arrested in Mata, Brazil.

[Posted at 8:25 a.m. ET] One of the club owners and a member of the band have been arrested in connection to the Brazil nightclub fire, CNN affiliate Band News in Brazil is reporting.

[Posted at 8:02 a.m. ET] The death toll in Sunday's nightclub fire in Brazil has risen to at least 233, officials say.

Panicked crowds pushed toward the exits as fire swept through the packed Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria. Many died of smoke inhalation, state-run Agencial Brasil reported. Others were trampled, a security guard told CNN affiliate Band News.

Owners say permits were OK | Did security guards block exits?  Did security guards block exits?

Party the 'last hurrah' before school  Party the 'last hurrah' before school | Photos | Staying safe

How it unfolded  How it unfolded | Opinion: We haven't learned from past

Rhode Island 'can't help but watch' |Timeline: Nightclub fires

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Filed under: Brazil
December 11th, 2012
03:31 AM ET
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Mali's prime minister abruptly resigns

Mali's prime minister abruptly resigned Tuesday, announcing on state television that his entire cabinet was also stepping down.

Cheick Modibo Diarra did not offer a reason for his decision, except for a vague statement that he solemnly delivered.

"Our country Mali is going through the most difficult period in its history," he said. "During this time of crisis, the men and women of this country - uncertain of what is going to happen to their country - find themselves in an unfortunate situation.

"That's why I, Sheikh Modibo Diarra, have resigned with all my government, on this day, Tuesday, 11 of December of 2012. I apologize to all of the Malian people who are suffering from this crisis in every way and at all levels. I thank all the members of the government as well as their contributors for their efforts on the economic front. I wish the next government best of luck."

The development is another blow to the stability of a country once hailed as a model of democracy in Africa, but one derailed by a coup and an uprising of Islamist militants.

Read more: What's behind the instability in Mali?

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Filed under: Africa • World
April 17th, 2012
08:41 AM ET
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Guinea-Bissau suspended from African Union

Guinea-Bissau has been suspended from the African Union in the wake of last week's military coup.

The suspension remains "until the restoration of constitutional order," the union said Tuesday.

The union cited the "recurrence of illegal and unacceptable interference of the leadership of Guinea-Bissau's army on the politics of the country, creating instability and culture of impunity, which have hampered the development of the country."

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Filed under: Africa
April 1st, 2010
12:23 PM ET
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Army chief seized in Guinea-Bissau upheaval

Army officers in Guinea-Bissau, the small West African nation, briefly seized the prime minister and arrested the nation's army chief on Thursday, and media reports quote another army officer as saying he is in control of the country.

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Filed under: World