World Bank grants Ethiopia $300m for Tigray war recovery

The World Bank says its grant to Ethiopia will go towards helping people begin a new life WASHINGTON, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ethiopia received a massive boost to rebuild from the Tigray war after the World Bank agreed to disburse $300 million targeted at local communities whose lives have been…

Merchant fuel ship sinks off Tunisia, crew rescued: Report

TUNIS, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A merchant fuel ship heading from Equatorial Guinea to Malta sank off the coast of Gabes in Tunisia on Friday, adding that the navy rescued all seven crew members. The ship carried one thousand tons of fuel and sent a distress call seven miles away…

Covid-19: Chileans hesitant to remove facemasks outdoors

SANTIAGO, April 16 (NNN-ANSA) — Despite the Government’s green light to remove facemasks in outdoor settings, Chileans have been reported to be afraid of taking the new step toward the old normal after more than two years of pandemic restrictions. The new measure allows people to walk “bare face” wherever…

Brazilian Pres Bolsonaro warns Argentina may not deliver as much wheat as needed

BRASILIA, April 16 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said his country faced a food security threat as a consequence of the shortage of wheat, which could become scarce due to the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bolsonaro also pointed out that local production of wheat was not enough…

Covid-19: No more PCR tests or vax cards to enter Chile

SANTIAGO, April 16 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Chile has lifted the requirement to submit a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for foreigners wishing to enter the country, effective Thursday, it was announced. Health Undersecretary Cristóbal Cuadrado also explained that unvaccinated travelers will be allowed into the country but…

French presidential elections: Macron clashes with Le Pen over Islamic headscarf ban

Marine Le Pen wants to ban the Muslim headscarf in public areas PARIS, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President Emmanuel Macron has clashed with his rival Marine Le Pen over her plan to ban women from wearing the Islamic headscarf in public, with an eye on the votes of Muslims in…

Nine police injured during protest against planned Koran burning in Sweden

Counter-protesters throw stones in the park Sveaparken in Orebro, south-centre Sweden where Danish far-right party Stram Kurs had permission for a square meeting on Good Friday STOCKHOLM, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Counter-protesters demonstrating against a far-right group’s intention to burn a Koran in Orebro in central Sweden clashed with police…

US: Guilty verdict for Daesh ‘Beatle’ jihadist

RICHMOND (Virginia, US), April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A US federal jury in Virginia has convicted an ex-British jihadist over his involvement with a notorious Daesh terror cell. El Shafee Elsheikh, 33, was linked to the abduction, torture and beheading of several IS hostages in Syria, including journalists and aid workers.…

Mali frees German NGO workers held over ‘terrorism’

BAMAKO, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mali has released three Germans who were arrested by the army on Sunday, and labelled as “terrorism” suspects, Germany’s foreign ministry has said. The three – two men and a woman – were German workers of a non-governmental organisation. They were arrested as part of…

US violence: Protests erupt in Michigan after police officer kills black man – media

Peter Lyoya holds up a picture of his son Patrick Lyoya GRAND RAPIDS (Michigan, US), April 16 (NNN-Xinhua) — The killing of a black man by a white police officer sparks a series of protests during the past three days in Grand Rapids, Michigan, local media reported. The protests first…