Mali PM apologises for killing of protesters

Police fired shots and used tear gas to disperse protesters last Friday BAMAKO, July 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mali’s prime minister has apologised for the recent killing of protesters by security forces. In an interview with France 24, Boubou Cissé said an investigation had begun, but he rejected calls for President…

Repentant Nigerian bandits offered cows for AK-47s

Cattle rearing and farming are a way of life in northern Nigeria ABUJA, July 18 (NNN-AGENCIES0 — Repentant bandits in Nigeria’s north-western state of Zamfara are being offered two cows for every AK-47 they surrender.It is an attempt to encourage them to give up a life of crime and live…

Zambia rejects Glencore copper mine’s suspension plan amid low prices, coronavirus pandemic

LUSAKA, July 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Glencore’s Zambia subsidiary Mopani Copper Mines said the country’s mines ministry rejected its proposal to suspend operations because of low copper prices and disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis.Mopani said it would appeal against the decision and will continue mining operations pending the outcome of…

Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot killed in a freak car accident

The young pilot was killed in a car crash Thursday ABUJA, July 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tributes have poured in after Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot was killed in a freak car accident.Tolulope Arotile, 24, died of head injuries sustained after a former school friend accidentally reversed into her while…

Buildings collapse in heavy rain in India’s Mumbai, killing eight

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire brigade personnel look for survivors MUMBAI, July 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Heavy rains lashing India’s financial capital of Mumbai have caused the collapse of a multi-storey building, killing six people and injuring several, authorities said. The dilapidated six-storey structure in the city’s south was…

Covid-19: Pres Putin says Russia overcoming economic crisis caused by virus

MOSCOW, July 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia’s economy is recovering from a severe crisis caused by the coronavirus, President Vladimir Putin said. The pandemic hit Russia shortly after oil prices and its currency the ruble slumped as a result of talks collapsing between Moscow and the OPEC cartel. Putin at a…

Covid-19: EU leaders back together but divided over revival plan

BRUSSELS, July 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The leaders of the European Union hold their first face-to-face summit in five months on Friday, but the reunion seems unlikely to bridge their divide over a post-virus economic rescue plan. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel turns 66 on the day that she and her 26…

6.9-magnitude quake hits Papua New Guinea, tsunami warning issued

98 PORT MORESBY, July 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A warning for “hazardous tsunami waves” was issued briefly for coastal regions within 300 kilometres of Wau in Papua New Guinea after a magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck the region, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says. The quake struck about 12:50pm (local time) at…

US urges ISraeli PM Netanyahu to keep alive chance of Palestinian state

WASHINGTON, July 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States has asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to keep alive the prospect of a Palestinian state as he considers West Bank annexation, a senior official said. Netanyahu’s government had set July 1 as the date when it could begin formally taking over…

Covid-19: States must ensure just pandemic response, vaccines for all – UN rights council

GENEVA, July 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN’s top rights body adopted a resolution Thursday highlighting states’ responsibilities in addressing pandemics, despite criticism the text, backed by China and Russia among others, shied away from addressing civil and political rights. The UN Human Rights Council adopted by consensus the resolution emphasising…