A growing number of men across the continent say they are being promised jobs in Russia, only to be forced into the war. Some go as mercenaries, but many more are drawn unwittingly.

Some see a clear explanation: Russia needs more troops, and young men in Africa desperately need jobs.

The location and timing of the attack fueled concerns about collaboration between Somali pirates and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen under the cover of Mideast turmoil.

Despite the fragile cease-fire in the Middle East, many Africans say they are bracing for tougher times ahead and making difficult decisions about the future.

Nowhere has the achievement at the race in London resonated more than in Kenya’s Rift Valley, which has yielded many champions.