Results stream in after tense local elections in Nigeria

 ABUJA, March 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has won his bid for re-election, Nigeria’s electoral commission said, as votes are counted following local elections marred by violence and vote buying. Governors are powerful positions in Nigeria, with some controlling state budgets larger than those of several African nations.…

Somalia drought could lead to 135 deaths a day: UN study

MOGADISHU, March 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The record drought sweeping the Horn of Africa may lead to 135 deaths a day in Somalia between January and June this year, the health ministry, WHO and UNICEF said in a study. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that nearly 100,000…

Two French journalists imprisoned for 1 year for blackmailing King Mohammed VI

PARIS, March 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Two French journalists were handed  1 year suspended prison sentence plus a further 10,000 euro fine in Paris after found guilty of trying to blackmail the King of Morocco Mohammed VI in 2015 by extorting money  so as not to publish a book . The…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia is war crime – UN

UNITED NATIONS, March 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia’s forced deportation of Ukrainian children to areas under its control amounts to a war crime, UN investigators have said. The UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said there was evidence of the illegal transfer of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russia. The Commission’s…

Libya Uranium: Missing barrels recovered, say Eastern Forces

TRIPOLI, March 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Armed forces in eastern Libya say they have found about two and a half tonnes of uranium ore that were reported missing by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Ten drums containing the ore were found near the border with Chad, said the head of the forces’…

Brazilian president reiterates call to revive Unasur

SAO PAULO, March 17 (NNN-XINHUA) — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterated a call to revive Unasur (Union of South American Nations), the South American integration bloc. Accompanied by his Paraguayan counterpart Mario Abdo Benitez, Lula made the remarks during a speech in the southern city of Foz…

Colombia: Death toll in coal mine blast rises to 21

BOGOTA, March 17 (NNN-XINHUA) — The death toll from Tuesday’s coal mine blast in the Colombian department of Cundinamarca has risen to 21 after the bodies of 10 trapped miners were found, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said. “I have just been informed by the governor … that despite all rescue…

Argentina to hold general election in October

Alberto Fernandez (C) celebrates after winning presidential election in 2019 BUENOS AIRES, March 17 (NNN-XINHUA) — Argentina will hold the general election for the 2023-2027 presidential term on Oct. 22, the National Electoral Chamber announced. Mandatory primary elections are scheduled for Aug 13. Political parties can present one list of…

Algerian president appoints new FM in cabinet reshuffle

Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s new FM ALGIERS, March 17 (NNN-XINHUA) — Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune appointed a new foreign minister as part of a cabinet reshuffle, the spokesperson for the presidency announced. Ahmed Attaf was named to replace Ramtane Lamamra as the foreign minister, said the spokesman in a statement. Attaf…

Malawi fears major outbreaks of waterborne diseases after cyclone Freddy

BLANTYRE, March 17 (NNN-XINHUA) — Malawi is facing a potential outbreak of waterborne diseases following Cyclone Freddy, which was “the worst natural disaster in decades,” Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said. At least 326 people were killed, and the number of people displaced has more than doubled to 183,159, the president…