Features: Solar energy improves lives in rural Zambia

LUSAKA, July 29 (NNN-XINHUA) — In some parts of rural Zambia, especially remote ones off the national grid, access to electricity remains a luxury. However, things are beginning to change for the better thanks to solar energy use in rural communities, improving academic performance of students, who can now study…

Ecuador faces “critical moment” due to organized crime, says president as 2 cops killed in armed attack

QUITO, July 29 (NNN-XINHUA) — Ecuador is facing “a critical moment” due to criminal organizations that have recently unleashed more violence in the streets and prisons, President Guillermo Lasso said. “Organized crime has attacked the rule of law, and through their actions, we have lost valuable lives,” Lasso said during…

US orders non-emergency personnel to leave violence-hit Haiti

A man carries his belongings after Haitian National Police officers fired tear gas to clear a camp PORT-AU-PRINCE, July 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States has ordered non-emergency government personnel to leave Haiti, as the Caribbean nation continues to reel under widespread gang violence, kidnappings, and political instability.In a travel…

Remains of German climber who went missing in 1986 found on Swiss Alps as glaciers melt

ZURICH, July 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Climbers hiking near Switzerland’s famous Matterhorn mountain in the Alps came across human remains that authorities determined to be a German climber who went missing in 1986. The discovery was made July 12 as the climbers hiked along the Theodul Glacier in the southern Switzerland…

African leaders chart goals with Russia

ST. PETERSBURG (Russia), July 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — African leaders participating in the second Russia-Africa summit have in unison emphasised to their Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, that their aim is to foster a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership, while rejecting the notion of a “begging approach”. The African leaders from…

Peru Independence Day: President calls for unity, asks for special powers to combat El Niño event and crime

LIMA, July 29 (NNN-ANDINA) — Pres Dina Boluarte requested legislative powers from Congress in order to approve measures that make it possible to face —more harshly and efficiently— delinquency and crime, as well as the possible consequences of Global El Niño phenomenon. Shee delivered these remarks during her Address to the Nation…

UN says humanitarian work in Niger continues

UNITED NATIONS, July  29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations insisted it is still providing humanitarian assistance on the ground in Niger but was forced to suspend aid flights after the coup closed borders. A UN spokesperson had said on Thursday that this week’s putsch in troubled Sahel country had put…

Niger coup d’etat: Army general declares himself president

 NIAMEY, July  29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Niger’s putschists named an army general as the new leader of the unstable jihadist-hit nation and warned that any foreign military intervention would lead to chaos.        General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the Presidential Guard since 2011, appeared on state television saying he was…

Doctors in Nigeria continue strike action over pay and conditions

ABUJA, July 28 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — About 15,000 doctors in Nigeria continuing with strike action over working conditions and pay, shutting down healthcare across public hospitals. Members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors say an unprecedented number of them are leaving Nigeria for better job offers abroad without being replaced.…

430 rhinos poached in SA

PRETORIA, July 28 (NNN-SANEWS) — South Africa has lost 430 rhinos to poaching since January this year, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. “The latest rhino poaching statistics indicate that a total of 430 rhinos have been lost to illegal killings since the beginning of this year, with the…