A new study by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington shows that fatalities and violent events linked to militant Islamist groups in Africa occurred at a near-record pace, with the Sahel and Somalia accounting for 79 percent of such deaths. Botswana authorities say at least nine people were confirmed dead, as rare flooding hit the semi-arid country after record rainfall. The Vatican says 88-year-old Pope Francis remains in critical condition but has shown a "slight improvement” after nearly two weeks in the hospital.