Monkeypox: Colombia’s confirmed cases rise to 273

BOGOTA, Aug 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — Colombia’s confirmed cases of monkeypox have risen to 273, with most cases (227) detected in the capital Bogota, the National Institute of Health (INS) said. Since June, Colombian authorities have analyzed 699 suspected cases and ruled out 242, with 184 still being monitored as potential…

Eight African countries set to start trading using AfCFTA

Africa Trade House, the AfCFTA HQ in Accra ACCRA, Aug 23 (NNN-GNA) — Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, has announced that Ghana, together with seven other countries are set to commence trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).So far, 54 African countries have signed the…

World Bank signs off $300m grant to Mozambique after scandal

MAPUTO, Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The World Bank signed off Monday on a $300 million grant to Mozambique, marking its return to the country six years after it suspended aid over a hidden debt scandal. Mozambique’s Finance Minister Max Tonela said the money will be used to finance infrastructure projects…

Peru: Four tourists die, 16 injured in bus crash after Machu Picchu visit

LIMA, Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Four tourists were killed and 16 injured after visiting Peru’s world-famous Machu Picchu site when the minibus they were traveling in crashed into a ravine, authorities said Monday. Two of the dead tourists were Colombians, while the other two have yet to be identified, said…

US ‘deeply concerned’ about violence on Syria-Turkey border

WASHINGTON, Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Washington is “deeply concerned” about a recent flare-up of violence along Syria’s northern border with Turkey, a State Department spokesman said. “The United States is deeply concerned about recent attacks along Syria’s northern border and urges all parties to maintain ceasefire lines,” said spokesman Ned…

Mexican journalist killed hours after posting about disappeared students

MEXICO CITY, Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A journalist was shot dead Monday afternoon in southern Mexico, authorities said, shortly after posting online about the disappearance eight years ago of 43 students from a nearby area. Fredid Roman, who published his work on various social media pages and contributed to a…

Kenya Election: Raila Odinga challenges William Ruto win in Supreme Court

Supporters of Raila Odinga gathered outside the court ahead of the legal petition being filed  NAIROBI, Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Raila Odinga, who came second in Kenya’s presidential election, has gone to court to challenge the result, describing it as “fraudulent”. In a scathing 70-page legal argument, he alleges there…

Cancelled Europe’s biggest fireworks display: Hungary’s Weather Chief, Deputy Chief sacked over wrong forecast

Budapest: Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Hungary’s top two weather experts have been fired over a mistaken weather forecast that sparked political uproar. What had been billed “Europe’s biggest fireworks display” had been organised for Saturday evening to celebrate St Stephen’s Day – the national holiday, But seven hours before the…

US: Flash flooding hits parks, southern states in latest weather disasters

 LOS ANGELES, Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A hiker swept away in flash floods and torrential rain was still missing Monday as a weekend of storms forced hundreds to evacuate in the latest weather disasters to hit national parks inthe United States. Heavy rains were also causing havoc in parts of…

US says it is not delaying Iran nuclear talks

WASHINGTON, Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US denied suggestions it is stalling a potential agreement to resurrect the Iran nuclear deal after a “final” draft was circulated, but said outstanding questions remain. “The notion that we have delayed this negotiation in any way is just not true,” said State Department…