Big drug bust in Senegal, foreign couple detained

Senegal seizes 798 kg of cocaine hidden in cars on a ship DAKAR, July 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Senegalese customs authorities have seized nearly 800kg of cocaine on a ship, officials say. The cocaine was packed in travel bags, hidden inside 15 new cars that arrived in Dakar from Brazil. It…

US says Iran ‘playing with fire’ after nuclear deal limit breached

WASHINGTON, July 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US President Donald Trump warned that Iran is “playing with fire” after Tehran said it exceeded a limit on enriched uranium reserves under a 2015 nuclear deal abandoned by Washington. Israel urged European states to sanction Iran, while Russia voiced regret but said the move…

Brazil Pres Bolsonaro: EU/Mercosur agreement will take at least three years to come into force

BRASILIA, July 1 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said that it could take up to three years for the free-trade deal agreed by the European Union and Mercosur to come into force, as it depends on approvals by lawmakers of all countries involved.  On Friday, EU and Mercosur concluded…

Bolivia continues to demand Chile for a sovereign sea exit

LA PAZ, July 1 (NNN-Prensa Latina) — Bolivia is insisting on seeking a solution with Chile for a sovereign sea exit, in tribute to peace and justice, according to the Bolivian Foreign Minister, Diego Pary. Diego Pary referred to this maritime conflict during his speech at the 49th regular session…

Cameroon opposition leader released after abduction in restive Anglophone region

John Fru Ndi BAMENDA (Cameroon), July 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The leader of one of Cameroon’s main opposition parties was released by his captors after being abducted by unidentified gunmen in the country’s restive Anglophone region, his party said.Separatist rebels have been battling government forces for nearly two years over perceived…

UN Security Council extends peacekeeping mission in Mali

UNITED NATIONS, July 1 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution to extend peacekeeping mission in Mali.The council also discussed addressing the escalating violence in the centre of the country.“Resolution 2480 also addresses the degrading situation in the center of Mali. It calls upon the…

Libyan fighters seize U.S. and Chinese missiles from Haftar’s forces

TRIPOLI, July 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Forces allied to Libya’s internationally recognized government based in Tripoli captured sophisticated U.S. and Chinese rockets as well as drones when they seized a town from eastern forces last week, officials said.On Wednesday, Tripoli’s forces took Gharyan, south of the capital, which eastern forces loyal…

West Africa: ECOWAS finally adopts ECO as single currency

ECOWAS leaders took the decision at a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria ABUJA, July 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Beginning in January 2020, countries within the West African sub-region will be able to use a single currency called ECO. The currency was adopted by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government…

Cooler temps for parts of Europe as Germany, Italy bake some more

PARIS, July 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A welcome temperature drop came to western parts of Europe, bringing relief to areas that have sweltered through a widespread, deadly heatwave for almost a week. But the reprieve was not universal, with Germany measuring a record high temperature for June and Spanish firefighters battling…

Six Turks held in Libya by forces linked to strongman Haftar

ANKARA/TRIPOLI, July 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Turkey said six of its nationals were being held by forces of Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar after earlier warning Ankara was ready to retaliate against attacks. Haftar has ordered attacks on Turkish ships and interests after he recently lost ground to the UN-recognised Libyan government…