The conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, which began in the 1980s, is thought to have claimed the lives of around 300,000 people from the combined effects of war, hunger and disease.

Today the United States of America is celebrating its Independence Day. But at 237 years old, Uncle Sam is actually relatively elderly. Here are the four young whippersnappers of international relations:

Student of the year Husameldin Elnasri speaks about his experiences at Lancaster University and the hopes he has for his homeland Sudan

Hydroelectric project creating water anxiety in Egypt; reporter covering farm evictions arrested

Sudan’s President, Omar al-Bashir, has said that all political prisoners are to be released in the latest sign of an easing of political tensions within the country and with South Sudan.

The ballot has not provoked the violence of 2007, but the defeated Prime Minister plans to contest the ballot count

It was funny how it took me longer time coming from Sudan to South Africa than it took my colleagues coming from other continents. I guess this could be another reminder (and a metaphor) of how much work we need to do as African to bridge the gaps between us and stop functioning like a big messed up family.

SNP rejects UK Coalition lawyers' claims that independent country would have to reapply to join EU

Tom Leece is Film and TV editor at Fourth & Main

Even after enduring atrocities, these children still dream of becoming teachers and doctors

Join the Independent's campaign to help child soldiers in the Central African Republic

Youths armed with sticks, machetes and spears battled police in a South Sudanese town, forcing thousands of civilians to seek refuge in a UN compound, the United Nations and residents said.

James Nesbitt says 'child' and 'soldier' are two words that should never go together

Sudan says he's an Israeli operative – but his handlers say he's too easily distracted for that. Matthew Kalman reports on a spy thriller