Update: Calls to protect civilians in Ethiopia as decisive battle looms

GONDAR (Ethiopia), Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — International pressure mounted on Ethiopia’s warring parties to cease fighting and protect civilians in Tigray, where the army says it has encircled the capital ahead of a threatened bombardment. Forces loyal to Tigray’s ruling party have been battling Ethiopian soldiersin the northern region for…

Covid-19: Renewed lockdowns threaten European refineries

Gasoline demand in Europe is expected to be between 15 and 20 percent PARIS, Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) –More refineries in Europe are at risk of permanent closures, with fuel demand on the continent falling again as major economies re-imposed lockdowns to fight the spike in coronavirus cases.Gasoline demand in Europe…

US imposes $15,000 visa bond on some African tourists, to prevent overstaying

US President Donald Trump WASHINGTON, Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US government has imposed a new temporary travel rule that will see citizens of some African countries post bonds of up to $15,000 to visit the US.The pilot program, which will come into effect on Dec 24, seeks to prevent…

Nigeria approves promotion of 82,779 police to boost morale as protest against police brutalities continue

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu ABUJA, Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigeria’s inspector general of police approved the promotion of 82,779 junior officers to higher rank.The promotion includes 56,779 sergeants to inspector, 17, 569 corporals to sergeants and 8,431 constables to corporal.The inspector general said the promotion was aimed…

UN welcomed Congolese ex-warlord ‘Sheka’ sentenced to life in prison for war crimes

Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka was convicted of ‘murder, rape, sexual slavery KINSHASA, Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A former militia leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo was sentenced to life in prison for war crimes and mass rape, a decision hailed by the United Nations as a blow against the “impunity”…

Covid-18: WHO urges Africa to remain alert over coronavirus into holiday season

Many people in Africa spend the December holidays with their loved ones and often travel upcountry ADDIS ABABA, Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nearly 20 African countries have reported a 20 per cent increase in new cases in the past one month according to the World Health Organisation. The agency issued…

UK parliament favours sanctions for Nigeria in the wake of #EndSARS deaths

Protests in major cities in Nigeria went on for more than two weeks LONDON, Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The parliament in the United Kingdom has voted for its government to begin consideration of sanctions to be brought against Nigerian officials involved in the use of deadly force against protesters decrying…

Ethiopia unrest: Government forces readied for Tigray clash as 72-hour ultimatum winds down

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressing army officers ADDIS ABABA, Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The government in Addis Ababa has sent out the clearest warning yet to regional forces of the beleaguered Tigray government to lay down their weapons or face Ethiopia‘s army in the regional capital Mekelle when a…

Covid-19: Sputnik V vaccine 95% effective – Russia’s Health Ministry

MOSCOW, Nov 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine is 95 percent effective according to a second interim analysis of clinical trial data, its developers said. The two-dose vaccine will be available on international markets for less than $10 (8.40 euros) per dose, they said, and will be free…

Kenya: Government sets aside Ksh 3.2B to fight second wave of locust invasion

NAIROBI, Nov 24 (NNN-KBC) — The Government of Kenya in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have set aside Ksh 3.2 billion to deal with the second wave invasion of the desert locust in the country. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya while speaking in Naivasha during a consultative…