(CNN) -- The deadly church and mosque attacks in Nigeria and Kenya, and the deaths of Ghanaian and Ethiopian leaders dominated sub-Saharan Africa headlines in 2012. But lost in the midst were a series of positive stories. For every conflict, there was a milestone. For every violence, there was reconciliation. For every setback, progress. Here are the top 5 positive stories out of the continent, as chosen by those who call it home: The rise of African women This year saw three African women take on key leadership roles. Malawi appointed a female president, Joyce Banda, as Liberia re-elected Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
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This year saw three African women take on key leadership roles
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The number of middle-class Africans is rising
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Somalia formed a government in 2012, and Ghana's presidential election was peaceful
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Zambia won its first African Cup of Nations, nearly two decades after a tragic plane crash
Though the report also warns of the growing number of income inequality, it also notes that the middle class is crucial in anchoring @placeholder economies.