Venezuelan acting president calls for oil industry reforms to attract foreign investment

Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez (C) CARACAS, Jan 16 (NNN-XINHUA) — Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday called on the legislature to approve an oil industry reform plan to attract foreign investment and promote the country’s economic recovery. In her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the…

Russia expels British diplomat for alleged spying, London mulling response

A flag flies above the British embassy in Moscow MOSCOW, Jan 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia on Thursday expelled a British diplomat it said was an undeclared spy, but London said such “malicious and baseless” accusations undermined the basic conditions needed for embassies to operate and said it was considering a…

UN: Sec-Gen Guterres’s last annual speech slams world leaders for lack of cooperation

United Nations Sec-Gen Antonio Guterres UNITED NATIONS, Jan 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has lashed out at world leaders he accused of turning their backs on international cooperation amid “self-defeating geopolitical divides” and “brazen violations of international law”.Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, the UN secretary-general…

Madagascar military receives equipment and training from Russia

ANTANANARIVO, Jan 16 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — As Madagascar continues its political transition after the ouster of the previous government, it is strengthening cooperation with Russia.Moscow is supplying military equipment to the Indian Ocean nation and has sent a delegation to train armed forces in its use, the Malagasy presidency said.The training…

Kenya secures zero-duty access to China

The Eaubonne bulk carrier ship docks in the port of Mombasa, Kenya NAIROBI, Jan 16 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) –Kenya has secured zero-duty access for almost all its exports to China in a preliminary deal, its trade minister said, as Nairobi seeks to offset the impact of higher US tariffs.The Kenya-China deal aims…

Ethiopia accuses neighbour Eritrea of arming rebels in escalating war of words

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ADDIS ABABA, Jan 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ethiopian police said they had seized thousands of rounds of ammunition sent by neighbouring Eritrea to rebels in the Amhara region, escalating a feud between the longstanding foes that experts have said could lead to renewed conflict.Eritrea’s information minister…

New calls for humanitarian truce in Sudan as peace talks resume in Cairo

Smoke billows after drone strikes by the paramilitary RSf CAIRO, Jan 16 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Sudan peace efforts resumed in Cairo as Egypt, the United Nations and the United States called for the warring parties to agree to a nationwide humanitarian truce, as the war between the army and its rival…

Pres Museveni votes as Uganda election unfolds amid delays and crackdown

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni seen casting his vote KAMPALA, Jan 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has cast his ballot as the country votes in a tense election that could extend his rule into a fifth decade. The 81-year-old leader, in power for 40 years, is widely expected to…

South Africa: Festive season stats show a 5% reduction in fatal crashes

PRETORIA, Jan 16 (NNN-SANEWS) — Preliminary data from the 2025/26 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign indicates a five percent reduction in both fatalities and crashes when compared to the same period last year. “This year, a total of 1 427 fatalities were recorded from 1 172 crashes this year. The…

South Africa welcomes approval of AGOA Extension Bill

PRETORIA, Jan 16 (NNN-SANEWS) — South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Bill by the USA House of Representatives. AGOA is critical legislation that allows for eligible sub-Saharan African countries to enjoy…