US imposes sanctions on Zimbabwe’s state security minister

WASHINGTON, Oct 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe’s state security minister, Owen Ncube, over what it says is credible information of his involvement in “gross violations of human rights,” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Pompeo said in a statement that Washington was troubled…

Tanzania state carrier aims to double fleet to 14 planes by 2022: official

DAR ES SALAAM, Oct 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tanzania’s state carrier plans to double the size of its fleet to 14 aircraft by 2022 and is exploring new routes and code-sharing agreements with other airlines, a senior government official said. The plans were announced by Tanzanian transport ministry permanent secretary Leonard…

Four Burundian journalists charged with undermining state security

Local journalists stand with black tape covering their mouths to mark World Press Freedom Day at the offices of the Iwacu media group in Bujumbura BUJUMBURA, Oct 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Four Burundian journalists arrested last week were charged with undermining state security, an editor at their newspaper tweeted, as Burundi’s…

Non-Aligned Movement Baku Summit emphasizes stronger multilateral cooperation

BAKU (Azerbaijan), Oct 28 (NNN-XINHUA) —The 18th Summit of the heads of state and government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) concluded here on Saturday, with member states calling for strengthening multilateralism with the United Nations (UN) at the core. In the final Baku Declaration, the group stressed the need to revitalize the UN General Assembly…

Pres Trump confirms death of Daesh chief Baghdadi in US raid

WASHINGTON, Oct 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President Donald Trump said that elusive Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed, dying “like a dog,” in a daring, nighttime raid by US special forces deep in northwest Syria. Trump told the nation in a televised address from the White House that US forces…

Families searching for missing relatives find 13 bodies in Mexico

MEXICO CITY, Oct 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Families searching for theirdisappeared relatives in Mexico have found 13 bodies in a mass grave,authorities said, the latest such discovery in a country with nearly 50,000missing persons. Authorities said the bodies were found in a hole in the town of PuertoPenasco, in the northwestern…

Bolivian leader says no ‘political negotiation’ with challenger

LA PAZ, Oct 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Bolivia leader Evo Morales vowedthere would be no “political negotiation” following the country’spresidential election whose disputed results have triggered violent protestsacross the country. Morales was declared the outright winner of the Oct 20 vote, after asudden change in the ballot count extended his margin…

Powerful winds fan flames as ‘historic’ California blaze spreads

HEALDSBURG (United States), Oct 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Powerful winds were fanning wildfires in northern California in “potentially historic fire”conditions, authorities said, as tens of thousands of people wereordered to evacuate and sweeping power cuts began in the US state. Gusts of 130 kph were fueling the Kincade blaze — which…

First woman named as Belgian prime minister

237 BRUSSELS, Oct 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country’s new caretaker prime minister — a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said. The 44-year-old still has to be sworn in by King Philippe, who is expectedto announce the nomination…

Botswana elections: Mokgweetsi Masisi retains presidency

President Mokgweetsi Masisi GABORONE, Oct 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mokgweetsi Masisi has officially been declared the winner and president of Botswana. Masisi’s victory was announced on Friday morning by the country’s chief justice, who is also the convener of elections according to the Constitution. Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) attained the…