UN ‘appalled’ by twin jihadist attacks in Nigeria

 ABUJA, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Dozens of soldiers and civilians are reported to have been killed in twin attacks by militants in north-eastern Nigeria’s Borno state. Fighters attacked Monguno, a garrison town where UN and other aid workers are based, and a village in Nganzai. The UN said it was “appalled” by…

Racism: UK’s PM Johnson announces body to probe inequality amid race protests

LONDON, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was setting up a commission to look at “all aspects of inequality” following race protests across Britain. Writing in the Telegraph newspaper on Monday, Johnson said there was “much more that we need to do” to tackle racism despite…

EU ministers hold video talks with US Sec of State Pompeo as rifts fester

BRUSSELS, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — EU foreign ministers will hold video talks with their US counterpart Mike Pompeo on Monday as transatlantic rifts widen over Israel, international organisations and how to deal with China. The meeting kicks off a crunch week for US-Europe ties, with a virtual meeting of NATO…

Covid-19: Britain records lowest daily toll since March

LONDON, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Britain recorded 36 new deaths of people testing positive for the new coronavirus, the lowest daily toll since March 21, two days before the country went into lockdown, the government announced on Sunday. “Yesterday, across the UK, only 36 deaths were recorded with coronavirus —…

Covid-19: France announces significant lifting of restrictions

 PARIS, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a number of coronavirus restrictions are being lifted. From Monday cafes and restaurants can open across France and travel to other European countries will be allowed. People will also be able to visit family members in retirement homes, which have been…

US records 382 virus deaths in 24 hours, lowest in weeks: monitor

WASHINGTON, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States has recorded 382 coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing its death toll to 115,729, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. This was the lowest 24-hour toll in the US since it peaked in mid-April. It has been averaging…

Covid-19: Botswana reinstates strict lockdown in capital city as Sierra Leone reopen schools for exams

GABORONE/FREETOWN, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — BOTSWANA brought back a strict Coronavirus lockdown in its capital city, Gaborone, and surrounding areas after the southern African country recorded 12 new cases of the virus, a senior health official said. Diamond-rich Botswana ended a 48-day national coronavirus lockdown late last month, allowing businesses and schools…

Africa free trade zone could launch on Jan 1, says official

ABIDJAN, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could begin operating on Jan 1 next year, after the COVID-19 pandemic made its original launch date untenable, the official charged with overseeing the bloc’s establishment said.But speaking during a webinar organised by the Africa CEO Forum, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele…

South African president’s shame over surge in murders of women

President Cyril Ramaphosa PRETORIA, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — South Africa’s president says it has been a “dark and shameful week” for his country following a surge in violence against women. Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks come after several femicides, including one woman who was eight months pregnant and found stabbed and hanging…

Covid-19: Ghana’s Health Minister coronavirus positive status as Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis dies of the virus

play videoKwaku Agyemang Manu, Health Minister ACCRA, June 15 (NNN-GNA) — President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has confirmed the health status of the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, who has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. According to him, the hardworking Health Minister contracted the Coronavirus in the line of duty. In his 11th televised address…