Algeria: Hostage crisis at gas complex in desert enters its third day with little known about fate of hostages. \nMali: Bamako residents say they are confident that French troops will halt offensive by Islamist militants. \nNigeria: Nine hundred soldiers deploy as part of a West African intervention force in Mali. \nUS: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces US recognition of Somalia's government.  \nSouth Africa: AFCON 2013 opens tomorrow and tens of thousands of fans from Africa and beyond are expected to attend tournament.