Somali government troops face off with forces loyal to sacked police boss

Some Somali solders watching how things are unfolding MOGADISHU, April 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Gunshots rang out in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu when government troops approached the home of the city’s former police commander who was sacked for opposing a move by the president to extend his term.The stand-off reveals splits within…

Cape Verde parliamentary elections: Prime Minister Correia e Silva runs for re-election

The campaign has been dominated by the Covid pandemic and its impact on a tourism-dependent economy PRAIA, April 18 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Voters in Cape Verde, a bastion of democracy in Africa, go to the polls Sunday after a campaign dominated by the Covid pandemic and its impact on an economy…

Patients evacuated after fire at South Africa hospital

Hospital staff prepare to evacuate patients on stretchers at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital JOHANNESBURG, April 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A fire has forced hundreds of patients to be evacuated from a hospital in South Africa’s Johannesburg.No injuries or casualties have been reported and patients are being moved to other hospitals.The fire…

Food prices soar in West Africa amid conflicts and COVID – WFP

Soaring prices are pushing a basic meal beyond the reach of millions families ABUJA, April 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Food prices in West Africa have jumped more than 30% since last year to their highest levels in nearly a decade due to coronavirus lockdowns and a decline in cereal production, the…

Covid-19: Zimbabwe prisoners released amid overcrowding during pandemic

Prisoners await their early release from Chikurubi Maximum Prison in Harare HARARE, April 18 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Zimbabwe has begun releasing about 3,000 prisoners under a presidential amnesty aimed at easing congestion to reduce the threat of COVID-19 in the country’s overcrowded jails.About 400 prisoners were released from Chikurubi prison and other jails…

Covid-19: Canada sounds the alarm as cases overtake US

Vaccination rollout in Canada got off to a slow start but is now picking up  OTTAWA, April 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) —The rate of coronavirus infections in Canada’s biggest province has reached an all-time high as hospitals warn they are close to being overwhelmed. A panel of experts say infections in Ontario could increase…

Prince Philip laid to rest in Royal Vault at Windsor Castle

WINDSOR (UK), April 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday laid to rest her late husband, Prince Philip, in a royal funeral like no other, curtailed by coronavirus restrictions but reflecting his long life of military and public service. Philip, who died on April 9 aged 99, was interred…

Russia, Ukraine expel diplomats as tensions soar

SAINT PETERSBURG, April 17, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Russia on Saturday said it would expel a Ukrainian diplomat, prompting an immediate pledge of retaliation from Kiev, further escalating tensions over Moscow’s troop build-up on Ukraine’s eastern flank. The detention of a Ukrainian consul in the second city Saint Petersburg comes at…

Eritrea admits presence in Ethiopia’s Tigray, tells UN withdrawing

It is the first time Eritrea is officially admitting its soldiers are in Ethiopia UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Eritrea told the United Nations Security Council that it has agreed to start withdrawing its troops from Ethiopia’s Tigray region, acknowledging publicly for the first time the country’s involvement in…

At least 40 migrants drown in shipwreck off Tunisia

TUNIS, April 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 40 migrants drowned in a shipwreck off Tunisia as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, United Nations and Tunisian officials said.The Tunisian coastguard had so far recovered 21 bodies, all African migrants, and rescued three people, Tunisian officials said. The dead…