In brief: Protests over Charlie Hebdo shake Niger; 10 killed in church fires

NIAMEY, Niger – The Niger government said at least 45 churches have been set on fire in this predominantly Muslim West African nation in protests over French cartoons lampooning Islam’s prophet.

In a statement issued Monday, the government also declared three days of national mourning for the 10 people who died amid the violent protests that first began Friday.

Authorities have said the victims were inside churches and bars set ablaze by protesters angry about the portrayal of the Prophet Muhammad in the French news weekly Charlie Hebdo. The publication was the subject of a terror attack that left 12 dead earlier this month.

Niger’s government in the statement promised that those responsible for the arson and deaths will be sought and punished.

Ukraine, rebels fight for Donetsk airport

DONETSK, Ukraine – Russian-backed rebels and Ukrainian government troops fought pitched battles Monday for control of Donetsk airport, while residential areas nearby were caught in intensive crossfire.

The rebels say they have fully seized the airport in recent fighting, but Ukrainian officials reject the claim. They say Ukrainian troops are still holding out in the wreckage of the new terminal.

Three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and 66 wounded in the previous 24 hours, military spokesman Andriy Lysenko told reporters.

U.N. condemns Boko Haram escalation

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Security Council condemned the recent escalation of attacks by Boko Haram on Monday, in its first formal reaction to the activities of the Nigerian extremist group that seized the world’s attention last year with the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls.

In a presidential statement approved by all 15 members, the council expressed deep concern that Boko Haram’s activities are undermining peace and stability in central and west Africa.

The statement was sponsored by Nigeria.