JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's government has begun laying off just over 3,000 workers from its youth ministry, as it tries to make good on its promise to cut the bloated civil service and sort out the country's finances.

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A nationwide strike by doctors in Zimbabwe is continuing, a representative for the doctors said after state media reported the strike had been called off following a meeting between medical staff and first lady Auxilla Mnangagwa.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Most of the migrants who crossed the Mediterranean to Europe last year arrived in Spain, according to European Union estimates published on Friday, as Italy had the fewest irregular entries in five years.

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A person is being treated in isolation at Sweden's Uppsala University Hospital on suspicion of infection with Ebola, the regional authority said on Friday.

KHARTOUM/CAIRO (Reuters) - Short of time to save his sinking economy, Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir boarded a Russian jet on Dec. 17 and became the first Arab leader to visit Damascus since 2011, renewing what has been seen as a push for the financial help he needs to survive.

KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo's Catholic church said on Thursday it was clear which candidate won the country's presidential election, and demanded that the electoral commission publish accurate results.