Greek and Turkish warships in ‘mini collision’ – defence source

Greek and Turkish warships in ‘mini collision,’ says defense source The Greek frigate manoeuvred to avoid a head-on collision and in the process its bow touched the rear of the Turkish frigate ATHENS, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Greek and a Turkish warship were involved in a mini-collision on Wednesday…

Nigeria says reversing U.S. visa ban will take ‘enormous resources’

ABUJA, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Overturning a US ban on Nigerians seeking immigrant visas will take ‘enormous resources’, but the nation is making progress, President Muhammadu Buhari said. Nigeria was among six countries in an expanded version of US President Donald Trump’s travel ban, announced in January, which blocked their…

Plane carrying four passengers crashes in dense forest in eastern Congo

The plane went down during a flight from Kalima in Maniema province to Bukavu in South Kivu province KINSHASA, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A plane carrying four passengers crashed in dense forest in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities said. The plane, thought to be one of two small cargo…

Covid-19: South Africa eases lockdown as ‘outbreak reaches peak’, says Pres Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa warned against complacency despite “signs of hope”  PRETORIA, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) —South Africa’s president has said coronavirus infections appear to have peaked in the country, as he announced a sweeping relaxation of lockdown measures. President Cyril Ramaphosa said nearly all restrictions on the country’s economy will be eased…

UN Chief calls for restraint, calm in Belarus

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint and calm in Belarus as the country is engulfed in protests following Aug 9’s presidential poll, said his spokesman. The secretary-general is closely following developments in Belarus, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement. The UN…

Covid-19: UK officially in recession for first time in 11 years

Boris Johnson LONDON, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UK economy suffered its biggest slump on record between April and June as Coronavirus lockdown measures pushed the country officially into recession. The economy shrank 20.4% compared with the first three months of the year. Household spending plunged as shops were ordered to close,…

Covid-19: South Africa crime rate plummets during lockdown

Police minister said most types of crimes went down between April and June PRETORIA, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Crime in South Africa dropped by up to 40% during the first three months of its lockdown, official figures show. The police minister said most types of crimes went down between April…

Mozambique president visits embattled region beset by Daesh insurgencies

President Filipe Nyusi MAPUTO, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi is visiting the northern province of Cabo Delgado where the army is fighting insurgents. The military insists it is now in control of the key port of Mocimboa da Praia, which was reportedly taken by the militants earlier…

Ugandan 19-year-old teenager joins presidential race

Hillary Humphrey Kaweesa, 19 KAMPALA, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A 19-year-old Ugandan has picked nomination papers to vie for the presidency in the upcoming general elections.Hillary Humphrey Kaweesa said he had always been a leader and was qualified to lead the country.He said he would fund-raise for the 20m Ugandan…

Covid-19: African countries to begin antibody testing next week – Africa CDC

A positive antibody test shows that a person has had coronavirus ADDIS ABABA, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Seven African countries will begin administering coronavirus antibody tests next week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has said. The testing is part of an effort to understand how widespread the…