Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed Awarded the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize

PARIS, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The prime minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, has been awarded a prestigious international prize for his successful peacemaking efforts in his region. Abiy Ahmed has been named the 2019 laureate of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize for his role in bringing about a peace agreement…

Nigeria: Nearly 900 Children Released from Armed Group in North-East

MAIDUGURI (Nigeria), May 11 (NNN-ALLAFRICA) — A total of 894 children, including 106 girls, were released from the ranks of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria, as part of its commitment to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children. The CJTF is a local…

Namibia: N$573 Million Drought War Chest Announced

WINDHOEK, May 11 (NNN-ALLAFRICA) — Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila announced a N$573 million drought package aimed at helping farmers and families currently gripped by severe drought. The package was welcomed with open arms by almost all MPs – including opposition benches – when the PM made the announcement in the…

Morocco claims success in reducing illegal migration to Spain

RABAT, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Moroccan authorities have succeeded in slowing the rate of illegal migration into Spain in recent months after a crackdown on smuggling networks, Morocco’s migration and border control chief said. So far 7,202 people have successfully reached Spain from Morocco this year, around 2,000 more than…

Argentina mafia members arrested after Congress shooting

BUENOS AIRES, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Argentine authorities have arrested members of mafia gang after a rare gun attack outside Congress in Buenos Aires left one official dead and a senior lawmaker fighting for his life. The country’s security minister Patricia Bullrich said that all members of the group had…

U.N. Security Council calls for ceasefire in Libya

UNITED NATIONS, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations Security Council called on all parties to the Libya conflict to commit to a ceasefire and return to U.N.-led mediation, said Indonesian U.N. Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, president of the 15-member body for May. The latest flare-up of violence in Libya,…

Pentagon to transfer $1.5 billion to border wall from Afghan forces, other areas

WASHINGTON, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has approved the transfer of $1.5 billion to build more than 130 km of barriers on the border with Mexico, including taking about $600 million from an account meant for Afghan security forces. The latest move was opposed by…

Colombia will not allow Venezuela border to be rebel sanctuary – Duque

BOGOTA, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Colombia will not allow its border with Venezuela to become a sanctuary for the leftist ELN rebel group, President Ivan Duque said on Friday, after local media published documents said to show Venezuela has given weapons to the group. Local media Red+ Noticias, which published…

Peru to limit Machu Picchu access to prevent deterioration

LIMA, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Peru announced a two-week restriction to three important areas at Machu Picchu to prevent greater degradation to the iconic Inca citadel. From May 15-28, access to the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor and Intihuatana Stone will be strictly controlled at the UNESCO…

Peru: 16 mothers become citizens ahead of Mother’s Day

LIMA, May 11 (NNN-ANDINA) — Sixteen mothers from 10 countries in the Americas were sworn in as Peruvian citizens in a special ceremony at the National Superintendence of Migrations facilities. The ex-foreigners swore to observe the Inca country’s laws and sang the national anthem for their first time as Peruvians. It must…