US: Pres Trump backers look to last-stand protest on Jan 6 to overturn election results

WASHINGTON, Dec 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President Donald Trump is urging supporters to amass in Washington on Jan 6 for a last-ditch rally to pressure Congress to not certify Joe Biden’s election victory. Thousands of supporters from around the country, from the Women for America First group, to StoptheSteal, to the…

Covid-19: Russia admits to world’s third-worst coronavirus death toll

MOSCOW, Dec 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia said its coronavirus death toll was more than three times higher than it had previously reported, making it the country with the third-largest number of fatalities. For months President Vladimir Putin has boasted about Russia’s low fatality rate from the virus, saying earlier this…

At least 40 loggers feared abducted by Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria

Boko Haram earlier claimed responsibility for kidnapping more than 300 schoolboys in Nigeria ABUJA, Dec 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three loggers have been found dead and at least 40 more feared abducted by Boko Haram fighters in northeastern Nigeria.Sources and residents said that the loggers were rounded up by the fighters…

Central African Republic election: Counting of votes amid sporadic violence; results by weekend

BANGUI, Dec 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Central African Republic residents turned out in significant numbers for presidential and legislative elections on Sunday, the head of the United Nations mission said, despite rebels opening fire in some areas to try to scare away voters. Armed groups hostile to President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who…

Libya conflict: Turkish defence chief warns Khalifa Haftar during visit to Tripoli

Turkey’s Defense Minister, Hulusi Akar TRIPOLI, Dec 29 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that all elements of Libya’s east-based commander Khalifa Hiftar would be considered “legitimate targets” if there are any attacks against Turkish forces.Speaking at a news conference in Tripoli, Akar said that the main problem…

Niger election: Vote counting continues, results expected in a few days

The counting process went on smoothly and no reports of widespread disruptions NIAMEY, Dec 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Niger continues counting the votes from Sunday election that is expected to lead to the West African nation’s first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents.The voting process went on smoothly on…

Sudan deploys army to South Darfur over deadly tribal clashes; 15 dead, 34 injured

The peace mission has nearly 8,000 military, police and civilians in western Sudan KHARTOUM, Dec 29 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Sudanese authorities have announced the deployment of a large military contingent to South Darfur, following tribal clashes that left 15 people dead.A verbal altercation between members of the Massalit and Falata tribes…

Brexit: Britons warned to prepare for ‘some disruption’

 LONDON, Dec 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Businesses and travellers should get ready for “substantial” change from New Year’s Eve, when the UK leaves the EU, the government has said. Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said there would be “some disruption” and “practical and procedural changes”. He encouraged people travelling to the EU to take…

Covid-19 pandemic will not be the last: WHO chief

GENEVA, Dec 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The coronavirus crisis will not be the last pandemic, and attempts to improve human health are “doomed” without tackling climate change and animal welfare, the World Health Organization’s chief said. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also condemned the “dangerously short-sighted” cycle of throwing cash at outbreaks but…

Guinea communal clashes leave at least 11 dead

CONAKRY, Dec 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Two days of communal clashes in southeast Guinea have left at least 11 people dead and more than 40 wounded, officials said. The violence between mostly Muslim Tomas Mania and mostly animist Tomas was sparked Saturday by the unveiling of a new house for the…