Covid-19: Scepticism as vaccination campaigns begin across Africa

Coronavirus active cases are rising in Africa ADDIS ABABA, Feb 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Conspiracy theories, mistrust and patchy communication have contributed to a flourishing of scepticism about Covid-19 vaccines in African countries, experts say, posing potential dangers to future immunisation campaigns.The anti-vaccine sentiment, often fed by rumours spread on social…

Draghi asked to form new Italian coalition government

Mario Draghi (R) has agreed to put forward a new administration in the hope of fixing a fractured parliament ROME, Feb 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Italy’s president has asked the former head of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, to form a new government after the previous coalition collapsed. President Sergio Mattarella said Italy needed…

Brazil ends Car Wash anti corruption unit, which sent top politicians and business leaders to jail

BRASILIA, Feb 4 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Brazil’s Car Wash anti-corruption unit has officially been disbanded putting an end for a team of prosecutors that sent dozens of Brazilian and regional political and business leaders to jail, including several former presidents. The task force, which stemmed from a routine money-laundering investigation into…

Covid-19: Three variants found in 20 countries in the Americas, PAHO reports

WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (NNN-Xinhua) — Three new coronavirus strains have been detected in 20 countries in the Americas, raising concerns about possible heightened transmission, said Director of the Pan American Health Organization Carissa Etienne on Wednesday. Though the frequency of the new variants is still limited, health experts warned they…

US ‘deeply disturbed’ by reports of systematic rape of Muslims in China camps

Up to a million Uighurs and ethnic minorities are believed to have been detained in Xinjiang’s internment camps WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States is “deeply disturbed” by reports of systematic rape and sexual abuse against women in internment camps for ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims in China’s…

US Pres Biden sees no contact ‘anytime soon’ with Venezuela’s Pres Maduro; says Guaido still interim president

WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US President Joe Biden’s administration said it had no plans to open direct contacts with Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, who has called for improved relations after Donald Trump’s efforts to topple him. “We certainly don’t expect any contact with Maduro anytime soon,” State Department spokesman…

US shooting: 5 children, 1 adult killed in Oklahoma

MUSKOGEE (Oklahoma, US), Feb 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Five young children and one adult were shot to death early on Tuesday morning at a home in Oklahoma. A 25-year-old Oklahoma man is in custody on first-degree murder complaints for the killings, police said. Police in Muskogee said they do not yet…

Ethiopia crisis: UN still hoping for humanitarian access to Tigray

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Every member of theUN Security Council called for increased aid during a closed-door meetingWednesday to discuss the humanitarian situation in the Tigray region ofEthiopia, according to diplomats. The meeting had been requested by Ireland, Estonia, France, Norway, Britain and the United States. “Everyone said…

Covid-19: American Airlines warns of as many as 13,000 layoffs

NEW YORK, Feb 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — American Airlines will notify 13,000workers that they could be laid off due to the prolonged industry downturn if the Covid-19 situation doesn’t improve and US government aid is not extended, the carrier said. The airline expects to fly at least 45 percent less in…

Taiwan opens ‘milestone’ trade office in Guyana

TAIPEI, Feb 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Taiwan has set up a trade office in Guyana, officials announced on Thursday, a step the United States called a “milestone” as the island tries to push back against China’s campaign to keep it isolated. Taipei said it signed an agreement with the South American…