High respiratory deaths in South Sudan camp – WHO

Conditions in the camp were already difficult JUBA, June 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is an increase in respiratory-related deaths amongst displaced people living in Bentiu camp in South Sudan’s oil-rich Unity State. The camp is managed by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan…

Covid-19: 43 African countries under border closure as cases top 252,544 continent-wide

John Nkengasong, Head, Africa CDC ADDIS ABABA, June 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — As COVID-19 caseload surpassed 252,544 across the African continent, 43 African countries are now under full border closure due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus. The death toll from the pandemic has reached 6,779, while some 114,897 people have recovered, according…

Racism/US unrest: African nations seek UN inquiry into US racism, ‘police brutality’

Their aim is to defend the rights of people of African descent GENEVA, June 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — African countries are lobbying to set up a UN inquiry into “systemic racism” and “police brutality” in the United States and elsewhere, aiming to defend the rights of people of African descent. The…

Russia supports black community’s struggle for equal rights: Pres Putin

MOSCOW, June 15 (NNN-Xinhua) — Russia has always supported the black community’s struggle for equal rights but is against violent demonstrations, President Vladimir Putin has said. Russia now has, and the Soviet Union in the past had, always backed “the fight of African Americans” for their rights, Putin said in…

Argentine president “concerned” by rise in COVID-19 cases; urges return of stricter restrictions

President Alberto Fernandez looks at Argentine newspaper covers, in Buenos Aires BUENOS AIRES, June 15 (NNN-Xinhua) — Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez said he was “concerned” by the rapid spread of COVID-19. Fernandez called for a return to stricter social distancing measures in public transit and recreational activities in the Buenos…

Covid-19: Africa’s confirmed cases pass 230,000 mark – Africa CDC

Passengers wearing face masks are seen on a bus in Nairobi, capital of Kenya ADDIS ABABA, June 15 (NNN-Xinhua) — The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the African continent surpassed 232,815 as of Sunday morning, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said. The Africa CDC…

British PM to join Monday Brexit talks, EU officials expect little breakthrough

LONDON, June 15 (NNN-Xinhua) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will join a video conference with European Union (EU) leaders on Monday to push for progress in determining post-Brexit relations with the bloc, while officials in Brussels expect little breakthrough, media reported. Johnson, his chief Brexit negotiator David Frost, and…

Pope Francis appeals for end to Libyan civil war

VATICAN CITY, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Head of the Roman Catholic church, Pope Francis appealed for an end to the civil war taking place in Libya. Warring factions continue to battle for control of the country since the overthrow and death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Pope Francis…

Covid-19: Tear gas fired as crowd seizes Kenya pop star’s body to halt hasty funeral

KISUMU (Kenya), June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Hundreds of Kenyans defied tear gas and riot police to carry off the body of a popular singer, trying to prevent a swift burial under rules for suspected coronavirus cases which the crowd said would be disrespectful. The region has a tradition of lavish,…

‘Trumptillas,’ or pro-Trump flotillas, celebrate president’s birthday in Florida

MIAMI, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Hundreds of President Donald Trump fans across Florida paraded their yachts in flotillas — or “Trumptillas” — on Sunday to celebrate his 74th birthday. The boats set sail from the Sunshine State’s major marinas. They flew American flags, and some had Trump’s “MAGA” slogan emblazoned…