A French magistrate has opened a preliminary investigation into alleged embezzlement by three African leaders. Presidents Omar Bongo of Gabon, Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Republic of Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea deny any wrongdoing. The investigation follows lawsuits by the French branch of an anti-corruption group, Transparency International. It has accused the three leaders of buying luxury homes and cars in France with money from African public funds, http://connectafrica./2009/05/06/african-leaders-to-be-tried-by-french-magistrate/