Elections: Congo-Brazzaville readies for March 21 presidential vote amid main opposition boycott

Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso wants more after 36 years in charge BRAZZAVILLE, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso will face seven challengers in a March 21 election, the interior ministry said, though the main opposition has said it plans to boycott the vote.Sassou Nguesso,…

Elections: Ivory Coast votes in a parliamentary poll amid political turmoil

President Ouattara votes during 2020 presidential polls ABIDJAN, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Saturday’s voting in Ivory Coast’s legislative election has ended with President Alassane Ouattara’s allies facing a combined challenge from opposition parties led by two of his predecessors. Polls close at 18:00 GMT. The poll comes only months after…

Senegal protests after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko arrested

Police and protesters clashed in unrest across Senegal DAKAR, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Violent protests have hit Senegal for a third day as demonstrators burnt cars and clashed with police after the arrest of an opposition leader on Wednesday. Four people have died in the rare unrest, the interior minister…

Covid-19: Cyprus and Portugal want to welcome vaccinated UK tourists from May

 LONDON, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Cyprus and Portugal say they hope to welcome vaccinated British tourists from May – the month when travel restrictions may be lifted in the UK. The Cypriot government said those who had two Covid jabs could travel, while Portugal said those who tested negative or were “immune” could…

Covid-19: Growing confidence in US in vaccine – survey

WASHINGTON, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A growing number of Americans plan to get vaccinated against Covid-19 with confidence increasing particularly among African Americans, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Sixty-nine percent of the adults polled last month by Pew said they havealready been vaccinated or plan to get dosed,…

Covid-19: US Pres Biden’s $1.9 trillion rescue plan clears crucial Senate hurdle

WASHINGTON, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US Senate voted to approve a $1.9 trillion relief package that President Joe Biden vows will revive the country’s pandemic-stricken economy, capping hours of debate, frenzied negotiations and a marathon overnight voting session. Passed by 50 votes to 49 in a party line vote,…

Covid-19: Fire, smoke, gunshots in Paraguay capital as pandemic response ignites protests

Paraguayans protest against lack of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines in Asuncion ASUNCION, March 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Protesters clashed with police in Paraguay´s capital, Asuncion, as anger over the government´s handling of the coronavirus crisis boiled onto the streets and forced the resignation of the country´s health minister. Security forces fired…

Six people killed in Ukrainian bus crash in Poland

A photograph taken with a drone shows the Ukrainian bus that fell into a ditch in Kaszyce, Poland killing 6 people and injuring 40 WARSAW, March 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Six people were killed and 40 others injured on Friday night when a Ukrainian bus broke through highway barriers and crashed…

Uganda on alert as desert locusts remain active in neighboring Kenya

A swarm of desert locusts in Kipsing, near Oldonyiro, in Isiolo county, Kenya KAMPALA, March 6 (NNN-Xinhua) — Uganda remains on high alert as neighboring Kenya has turned into a breeding ground for the marauding desert locusts, officials said. Pius Wakabi Kasajja, Ugandan’s permanent secretary at the agriculture ministry, said…

South Africa’s Chief Justice ordered to apologise over pro-Israel comments

South African Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng PRETORIA, March 6 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — South Africa’s Constitutional Court called on its president to apologise and withdraw pro-Israeli statements made in June, which had caused an outcry in a country strongly committed to the Palestinian cause.Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng, a devout Christian, again caused a…