Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ukraine President speaks to African Union chair, set to address bloc

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky KIEV, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been granted leave to address the African Union as he seeks the continental bloc’s support against Russian aggression in the ongoing war.Zelensky spoke to the AU Chairperson and Senegalese President Macky Sall on Monday with reports…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: France expels six suspected Russian spies – official

PARIS, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — France is expelling six Russians suspected of working as spies under diplomatic cover after the French intelligence services uncovered a clandestine operation on its territory, the foreign ministry said. “Six Russian agents operating under diplomatic cover whose activities were found to be contrary to our…

Russian firm shuts major Burkina gold mine for security reasons – currently under terrorist threat

OUAGADOUGOU, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russian gold producer Nordgold has announced the shutdown for “security reasons” of the Taparko mine in northern Burkina Faso which has been plagued by deadly jihadist violence. “We hereby come to advise you of the cessation of our mining activities at the Taparko Mining Company…

Colombian researcher killed by elephant in Uganda

Colombian researcher Sabastian Amaya was killed by elephants in Kibale National Park KAMPALA, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Colombian researcher has been trampled to death by an elephant in Kibale National Park in western Uganda, the country’s national parks authority said. Ramirez Amaya Sebastian, based at Arizona State University in…

Britain: Dozens of flights axed due to staff shortages

British Airways axed at least 64 domestic or European flights LONDON, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Dozens of flights were cancelled in Britain on Monday as airlines continue to struggle with staff shortages.British Airways axed at least 64 domestic or European flights to or from London’s Heathrow.Affected UK routes were between…

Covid-19: 20 countries still below 10pc jab rate – WHO

GENEVA, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Twenty mostly African countries have still not vaccinated even 10 percent of their population against Covid-19, the World Health Organisation’s vaccine advisers lamented Monday. The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) said the speed of the Covid jab rollout had been “unprecedented”. However,…

Colombian police rescue 1,000 animals in anti-smuggling operation

The 1,004 animals – including turtles, starfish and tarantulas – are now in the care of environmental authorities BOGOTA, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Colombia’s national police rescued over 1,000 ocelots, snakes, birds and other animals valued at more than US$1 million on the black market, authorities said. The nationwide operation,…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Repeated UN Security Council meetings on Ukraine keep up pressure on Russia

 UNITED NATIONS, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN Security Council — which on Monday held a session on the plight of women and children in Ukraine — will hold another meeting next week on the humanitarian situation there, in a bid to keep pressure on Russia despite its veto power…

Bilharzia outbreak reported in southern Zambia

Daily water contact on the Lake Malawi shoreline LUSAKA, April 12 (NNN-Xinhua) — Zambia reported on Monday an outbreak of Schistosomiasis, also known as Bilharzia, in Chirundu district in the southern part of the country. Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said the disease broke out last week at one of…

Italy signs energy deal with Algeria

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi ALGIERS, April 12 (NNN-Xinhua) — Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced Monday in Algiers that Italy signed an energy cooperation deal with Algeria to reduce its dependence on natural gas from Russia. Before the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia supplied Italy with 29 billion…