Tanzania to use planes to put out Kilimanjaro fire

The fires have been raging since Sunday DAR ES SALAAM, Oct 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tanzania says more helicopters and planes will be deployed to put out the fires on Mount Kilimanjaro, which have been raging for five days.Firemen and volunteers are “struggling”, according to Tourism Minister Hamisi Kigwangalla, as efforts…

Kenya: MP to face murder charge over election chaos

Aisha Jumwa NAIROBI, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Kenya’s public prosecutor has approved murder and assault charges against MP Aisha Jumwa following the fatal shooting of a person during a by-election in October last year in the coastal region.Several others were also injured.She will be charged alongside her aide Geoffrey Okuto…

Sudan: At least six killed in port city protests after governor sacked amid ethnic tensions

The violence broke out following the sacking of the governor of neighbouring Kassala State KHARTOUM, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Doctors in Sudan say at least six people have been killed and more than 20 injured in protests in the port town of Suakin. The violence broke out following the sacking…

Nigeria: Army says it is ready to step in to bring ‘law and order’ amid continued protests against police brutality

Protests in major cities in Nigeria have been going on for more than a week ABUJA, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigeria‘s army is ready to effectively bring “law and order and deal with any situation decisively” if called upon amid protests against police brutality in major cities, according to army…

US unrest: George Floyd mural unveiled as family celebrate his 47th birthday

Floyd died from suffocation after a police officer kneeled on his neck HOUSTON (Texas, US), Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — They celebrated George Floyd on what would have been his 47th birthday.In Houston where George Floyd grew up, friends and family gathered on Wednesday to pay hommage to the late George…

Covid-19: Syria government ‘prepares for virus second wave’

 DAMASCUS, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Syrian government has set up a temporary hospital for Covid-19 patients at a Damascus sports complex in preparation for what an official said was a possible second wave. The facility at Al-Faiha Stadium will operate 120 beds for people requiring oxygen, but has capacity…

Lebanon and Israel hold talks on disputed sea border despite state of war

The talks in Naqoura were held under UN auspices and mediated by the US NAQOURA (Lebanon), Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Lebanon and Israel, which remain formally at war, have held a first round of talks to settle a long-running dispute over their maritime border. US officials mediated in the negotiations, which took place at…

Covid-19: US Pres Trump’s son Barron had coronavirus, but now negative, says First Lady

 WASHINGTON, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US President Donald Trump’s 14-year-old son Barron contracted coronavirus but has since tested negative, First Lady Melania Trump revealed. Melania said her “fear came true” when Barron tested positive for Covid-19. But, she said, “luckily he is a strong teenager and exhibited no symptoms”. Both…

Thailand issues emergency decree in crackdown on swelling protests

BANGKOK, Oct 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thailand issued an emergency decreebanning gatherings of more than four people as it launched acrackdown on escalating pro-democracy demonstrations that have also targeted the unassailable monarchy. More than 20 people were arrested under the sweeping powers of the decree, which is aimed at halting months…

Chile’s Oct 25 plebiscite: Feminist group ‘Las Tesis’ lead protest over constitution

SANTIAGO, Oct 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A crowd of women dressed in mourning marched in the Chilean port city of Valparaiso for a symbolicfuneral for the country’s constitution – a bit of political theater led bythe female theater troupe “Las Tesis.” With 11 days to go before a referendum on whether…