Covid-19: Botswana removes outdoor face mask mandate as cases declined

GABORONE, Aug 3 (NNN-Xinhua) — As the number of reported cases of COVID-19 has decreased in recent months, the government of Botswana announced on Tuesday that wearing face masks outdoor will no longer be required. Having reviewed the disease burden in the country and most importantly, the high numbers of…

Kenya commences shipment of fresh avocados to Chinese market

NAIROBI, Aug 3 (NNN-Xinhua) — The first batch of fresh avocados grown in Kenya and destined for the Chinese market was flagged off Tuesday at a ceremony attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and industry executives. Kenya became the first African country to export fresh avocados to China in a…

Tanzanian, Zambian leaders agree to revive TAZARA railway

DAR ES SALAAM, Aug 3 (NNN-Xinhua) — Tanzania and Zambia agreed to mobilize resources to revive the TAZARA railway to make it modern and vibrant. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the agreement to revive TAZARA was reached when she held talks with visiting Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at State…

UN provides more details on peacekeeper violence in DR Congo

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 3 (NNN-Xinhua) — The United Nations provided more details on a fatal incident on Sunday that involved UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The peacekeepers returning from leave to the DRC killed two civilians after initially being refused DRC entry, said Stephane Dujarric,…

King of Morocco marks 23rd anniversary, promises more women empowerment

The King of Morocco, His Majesty King Mohammed VI RABAT, Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI, has marked 23 years on the throne with a solemn promise to continue to promote and empower women to have their rightful place in society.King Mohammed VI noted that…

President Buhari blames Libya for insecurity in Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria ABUJA, Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed the instability in Libya as the main cause of insecurity in Nigeria and the Sahel region.Receiving Letters of Credence of Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador James Kingston Christoff and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Juan Alfred…

Nigeria: Terrorists release 5 more Abuja-Kaduna train hostages, including one shot during captivity

The men who were released by the terrorists ABUJA, Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Terrorists who attacked a Kaduna-bound train on March 28 have released five more kidnap victims.Those freed include one who was shot in the kidnappers’ den during a friendly fire, identified as Mukthar Shu’aibu.The names of the five…

Race to be next UK prime minister closer than thought, poll shows

Liz Truss (left) is backed by 48 per cent of Conservative Party members compared with 43 per cent for Rishi Sunak LONDON, Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Foreign minister Liz Truss, the frontrunner to replace British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has a smaller lead over her rival Rishi Sunak than previously…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia accuses US of direct Ukraine war role, grain ship anchors off Turkish coast

MOSCOW/ISTANBUL, Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia accused the United States of direct involvement in the Ukraine war while the first ship carrying Ukrainian grain to world markets since Moscow’s invasion anchored safely off Turkiye’s coast after a problem-free journey. Russia said it was responding to comments by Vadym Skibitsky, Ukraine’s deputy head…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: US targets former Olympic gymnast, steel producer with fresh sanctions

WASHINGTON, Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, targeting Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast the US Treasury described as having a close relationship with President Vladimir Putin, and Russian companies as part of Washington’s latest response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The Treasury said in…