Covid-19: France sees slowdown in new cases, rise in hospitalization

A man wearing a face mask walks on the street in Paris PARIS, Dec 14 (NNN-Xinhua) — Another 11,533 people in France tested positive for COVID-19 in a 24-hour span, the lowest daily tally this week, while more patients were admitted to hospital, ending a week-long decline in coronavirus-related hospitalization,…

Celebration in Laayoune after US adopts map of Morocco that includes Western Sahara

RABAT, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States adopted a “new official” map of Morocco that includes the disputed territory of Western Sahara, the ambassador to Rabat said.“This map is a tangible representation of President Trump’s bold proclamation two days ago — recognising Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara,” Ambassador David…

Nigeria: Pres Buhari condemns attack on Katsina school, students abducted

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari ABUJA, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the bandits’ attack at the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara in Katsina State, where students were reportedly abducted.He has also directed men of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police Force to go after the attackers…

African Union sides with Western Sahara on autonomy despite US decision

A man poses with a Western Saharan flag as he takes part in a demonstration in support of the Sahraw ADDIS ABABA, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The African Union has maintained that the fate of Western Sahara must be decided by a referendum, even after the US endorsed Morocco’s control…

Covid-19 roundup: US to start vaccinating as Germany returns to partial lockdown

WASHINGTON, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States prepared to start its Covid-19 vaccination program on Monday as the nation’s death toll edged towards 300,000, while Germany announced a partial lockdown over the holidays due to an explosion of cases. Delivery trucks with special refrigeration equipment rolled out of a…

US shooting: Man shot dead by New York police after Christmas concert gunfire

NEW YORK, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A man was fatally shot by police on the steps of a landmark New York City cathedral Sunday after he began firing two semiautomatic handguns at the end of a Christmas choral concert, police said. The gunfire began just before 4 p.m. at the…

Update: Death toll in DR Congo attack rises to 12

BENI (DR Congo), Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The death toll from an attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo blamed on the notorious ADF militia on Sunday doubled to 12, the Congolese army said. Six people died from machete wounds and the bodies of six others who were kidnapped were…

14 dead in migrant shipwreck between Venezuela and Trinidad

CARACAS, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Venezuelan government said it had found 14 bodies after a ship carrying migrants bound for Trinidad and Tobago was wrecked en route. The government said in a statement that 11 bodies were found by a Coast Guard patrol on Saturday afternoon, and “today, following…

Covid-19: Eswatini PM dies in hospital with coronavirus

MBABANE, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The prime minister of Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, died in a South African hospital on Sunday, the government said in a statement without announcing a cause of death. Ambrose Dlamini, 52, had been hospitalised in neighbouring South Africa in early December, two weeks after…

Brexit: UK and EU extend talks after ditching deadline

BRUSSELS, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The European Union and Britain will return to the negotiating table on Monday after agreeing to abandon a supposed make-or-break deadline for a post-Brexit trade pact. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said last week they would decide whether…