ICC prosecutors cite grave errors in Gbagbo acquittal at start of appeal

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo THE HAGUE, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) said “grave errors” were made in acquittal last year of former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo, as they began their bid to overturn the decision at an appeals hearing on Monday.…

African Union suspends South Sudan over $9m membership debt

ADDIS ABABA, June 24 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — The African Union (AU) has suspended South Sudan from the continental body over failure to honour its financial obligations over the past three years. A letter from the country’s mission in Ethiopia to the Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the development saying the amount in…

UN agrees to send fact-finding mission to probe violations in Libya since 2016

Since 2015, a power struggle has pitted the UN-recognised Tripoli government against eastern commander Khalifa Haftar with both sides backed by rival foreign powers GENEVA, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution asking the High Commissioner to send a fact-finding mission to Libya…

European MPs reject Israel West Bank annexation plan

BRUSSELS, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) —More than 1,000 parliamentarians from across Europe have signed a letter strongly opposing plans by Israel to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. The letter raises “serious concerns” about the proposals and calls for “commensurate consequences”. More than 240 signatories are legislators in Britain. The publication…

Covid-19: Top US health official Fauci warns of ‘disturbing’ new US surge

 WASHINGTON, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — America’s top infectious disease expert has told lawmakers that the nation is seeing a “disturbing surge” in coronavirus infections in some states. A panel of health officials, including Dr Anthony Fauci, said the next few days will be crucial to stem the new outbreaks. Cases…

Covid-19: Pubs, restaurants and hotels to reopen as England eases social distancing

Pubs have remained shut in the UK since the coronavirus lockdown began on March 23 LONDON, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Prime Minister Boris Johnson said pubs, restaurants and hotels could reopen in England early next month, easing the coronavirus lockdown that has all but shut the economy. In other signs…

Covid-19: Portugal tightens Lisbon lockdown with fines on illegal gatherings

Lisbon lockdown tightening with fines on illegal gatherings LISBON, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Portugal’s government has tightened the lockdown in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area in an effort to bring a series of coronavirus outbreaks under control. From today the limit on outdoor gatherings is back down to 10, from the…

Nigeria police rescue 300 workers from rice factory, forced to work during lockdown

The men slept inside the warehouse for about three months and were not allowed out KANO (Nigeria), June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Police in Nigeria have rescued 300 people they say were locked in a rice-processing factory and forced to work throughout a coronavirus lockdown. From the end of March, the…

Burundi restores role of PM as parliament approves Bunyoni, the first person to take on the role in 22 years

Alain Guillaume Bunyoni has been security minister since 2015 BUJUMBURA, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Burundi’s parliament has approved Alain Guillaume Bunyoni as prime minister, the first person to take on the role in 22 years. The position has been restored by newly elected President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who was sworn into…

South Africa receives unsolicited proposals for new national airline

SAA has been under a form of bankruptcy protection since December PRETORIA, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The South African government said it had received unsolicited proposals from private sector funders, private equity investors and potential partners for a new national airline based on struggling South African Airways (SAA). State-owned SAA…