Sierra Leone’s president accuses main opposition party of inciting violence

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio FREETOWN, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Sierra Leone’s president Julius Maada Bio has accused the main opposition party of orchestrating a spate of violent incidents, deepening a political standoff that risks undermining the country’s efforts to contain a coronavirus outbreak. At least 18 people have died…

Portugal to take up to 60 unaccompanied migrant children from Greek camps

A girl stands next to the fence of the Moria camp for refugees and migrants LISBON, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Portugal is to take up to 60 unaccompanied children from Greek refugee camps as concern mounts over the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the vulnerable group. The children are…

Hospitals treating COVID-19 in Mexican capital quickly filling up

MEXICO CITY, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Coronavirus patients were being turned away from hospitals in the Mexican capital as both public and private medical facilities quickly fill up and the number of new infections continues to rise. Of the 64 public hospitals in the capital’s sprawling metro area designated to…

Rare syndrome tied to COVID-19 kills three children in New York, Cuomo says

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo NEW YORK, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three children in New York have died from a rare inflammatory syndrome believed to be linked to the novel coronavirus, Governor Andrew Cuomo said. Both Cuomo and his counterpart in the neighbouring state of New Jersey also spoke on Saturday…

Argentina misses deadline on international debt agreement

BUENOS AIRES, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Argentina missed a Friday deadline to reach an agreement with international creditors to restructure its massive debt, but negotiations will continue, its minister for the economy said. The two sides have been deadlocked over Argentina’s $65 billion debt, with the three main bondholder groups…

Covid-19: Benin tests teachers for virus ahead of school restart

COTONOU, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Benin was conducting mass coronavirus testing of teachers ahead of the reopening of schools as part of a plan to loosen measures against the pandemic. The West African nation of 11 million is set to end six weeks of travel restrictions to key cities and…

Covid-19 has unleashed “tsunami of hate and xenophobia” across the world – UN chief

UN SECRETARY GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) –The coronavirus pandemic has brought on a “tsunami of hate and xenophobia” internationally, according to the United Nations secretary general. Antonio Guterres said anti-foreigner sentiment has been on the rise as Covid-19 has spread around the globe. “We must act now…

Malawi court upholds ruling annulling Mutharika’s election win; new election on July 2

Mutharika had appealed a landmark decision by the Constitutional Court to nullify the results of the disputed May 21 election LILONGWE, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Malawi Supreme Court in a unanimous decision upheld an earlier court ruling that annulled President Peter Mutharika’s narrow election victory last year. A new election…

Covid-19: South Africa to parole 19,000 prisoners to curb virus

South Africa’s correctional facilities currently hold about 155,000 people for various crimes PRETORIA, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said thousands of low-risk prisoners would be granted parole to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in correctional facilities. Around 19,000 people would be freed in response…

Covid-19: Fire at Moscow coronavirus hospital kills one

MOSCOW, May 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — One person died after a fire broke out in a hospital treating coronavirus patients in northern Moscow, forcing an evacuation, emergencies officials said. The Spasokukotsky hospital No. 50 was treating nearly 700 patients infected with the coronavirus as of Friday. It was not clear what…