Covid-19: UK has ‘no plans’ to stop funding WHO – PM Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister LONDON, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — UK has ‘no plans’ to follow the US and stop funding the World Health Organization, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. His spokesman said the WHO had “an important role to play in leading the global health response” adding that the…

Covid-19: Pres Trump says peak is passed and US to reopen soon

President Donald Trump WASHINGTON, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President Donald Trump says the US has “passed the peak” of new COVID-19 cases and predicted some states would reopen this month.At the daily White House virus briefing, Trump said new reopening guidelines would be announced on Thursday after he speaks to governors.“We’ll be…

UN alarmed by intensification of fighting in Libya

Members of the Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Khalifa Haftar TRIPOLI, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Fighting in Libya continues to escalate this week amid calls from the United Nations mission and other NGOs to the country for an urgent need for a humanitarian pause. Attacks on civilians, residential areas…

Covid-19: UN warns millions in Sudan and Egypt can’t wash their hands

KHARTOUM, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations has warned that around 41 million people in Sudan and Egypt don’t have access to basic hand-washing facilities, increasing their risk of catching coronavirus. A UN report said that 31 million people in Sudan and 10 million people in Egypt lack the…

South African govt cuts off funding to airline, faces possible liquidation

The airline has not turned a profit for almost a decade PRETORIA, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The South African government has refused a request from the beleaguered national carrier for $500m worth of emergency funding.South African Airways now faces liquidation, with the possible loss of 5,000 jobs.The airline has not…

Covid-19: Kenyan governor offers free alcohol in food pack to poor families; says alcohol kill virus

Governor Mike Sonko NAIROBI, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The governor of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, has sparked controversy after announcing that he will distribute alcohol as part of food packs for poor families who are missing work because of coronavirus pandemic. Governor Mike Sonko made the announcement at a media briefing…

Covid-19: Independence day celebrations among major African events cancelled by coronavirus pandemic

DAR ES SALAAM, April 16 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — National celebrations are elaborately planned events that all countries the world over have for one reason or the other. Key fixtures on national calendars across Africa are independence day celebrations. Enter coronavirus, the global disruptor that has affected everyday actions from education to…

At least 19 dead over fish pond dispute in Nigeria

In Nigeria many rely on small scale fishing to earn a living ABUJA, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Police have been deployed to a remote area in Nigeria’s north-eastern state of Taraba following deadly ethnic clashes over a disputed fishing pond.At least 19 people have been killed in the violence, according…

Covid-19: African Union slams Trump decision to stop WHO funding

Head of the African Union Commission ADDIS ABABA, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The head of the African Union Commission condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend funding to the World Health Organization (WHO). Moussa Faki Mahamat termed the decision “deeply regrettable” and said the world had a “collective responsibility”…

Covid-19: EU chief calls May 4 donor conference on vaccine

BRUSSELS, April 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called a donors conference for May 4 to fund the creation and global deployment of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus. A vaccine “is our collective best shot at beating the virus. To support this global initiative, funding…