UN rights envoy says Zimbabwe political, economic situation deteriorating

HARARE, Sept 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Zimbabwe’s political and economic environment is deteriorating, causing anxiety as hopes fade for a long-awaited improvement in people’s living conditions, a United Nations human rights envoy said. Many Zimbabweans are frustrated that the departure in November 2017 of longtime ruler Robert Mugabe, who died on…

Top security adviser of Ukraine leader quits

Ukrainian top security adviser Oleksandr Danylyuk announced his resignation Friday KIEV, Sept 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ukrainian top security adviser Oleksandr Danylyuk announced his resignation Friday in a new setback for President Volodymyr Zelensky, caught in a global scandal after a controversial phone call with Donald Trump. The surprise move by…

Huge crowds for inauguration of Senegal’s mega-mosque

DAKAR, Sept 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tens of thousands of people from across Senegal converged on the capital Dakar on Friday for the inauguration of a huge mosque, claimed to be the largest in West Africa. Muslim faithful arrived by bus, car or on foot in the poor district of Bopp, home…

Protest in Argentina turns creative with Evitas, flash-mobs and fruit

BUENOS AIRES, Sept 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) –Women dressed as Eva Peron, old political anthems blaring in the streets, flash-mobs with step-perfect choreography – it’s all part of the present day cut and thrust of politics in Buenos Aires. Protesters in crisis-wracked Argentina are showcasing new and creative ways to vent their anger…

More Brussels talks as time runs out for Brexit deal

BRUSSELS, Sept 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Hopes for a negotiated Brexit deal were fading on Friday as EU negotiator Michel Barnier separately met senior British and Irish ministers for another round of inconclusive talks. Britain is due to leave the European Union in less than five weeks. Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants…

UN launches probe into Venezuela rights abuses

Protesters carrying a national flag outside Supreme Court of Justice building against the absence of the rule of law in Venezuela GENEVA, Sept 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked…

Central African Republic: 3 Senegalese UN peacekeepers killed, 1 injured in helicopter crash

A United Nations helicopter UNITED NATIONS, Sept 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three Senegalese UN peacekeeping crew members were killed and another injured in the crash of an Mi-24 helicopter in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday, a UN spokesman said. They were attempting an emergency landing due to bad weather…

Libya: UN-backed government condemns eastern-based army’s targeting of Tripoli vital sites

Forces loyal to Haftar TRIPOLI, Sept 28 (NNN-Xinhua) — Libya’s UN-backed government on Friday condemned attacks on vital sites in the capital Tripoli by the rival eastern-based army. “The Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord condemns in the strongest terms the continued bombing of vital and civilian sites…

US airstrike kills 17 Daesh militants in southwestern Libya

TRIPOLI, Sept 28 (NNN-Xinhua) — The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Friday said it carried out an airstrike that killed Daesh militants in southwestern Libya, in coordination with the UN-backed government. “In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting Daesh-Libya terrorists…

Brazilian Congress passes bill allowing large auction of pre-salt oil fields

BRASILIA, Sept 28 (NNN-Xinhua) — The Brazilian Congress passed a constitutional amendment bill on Thursday, authorizing the government to hold a large auction for the concession of large pre-salt oil exploration areas. “The approval of this measure is essential for Brazil’s development,” said Davi Alcolumbre, president of the Senate. The…