UK quits Treaty that lets oil firms sue Government

LONDON, Feb 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UK has withdrawn from an international treaty that lets fossil-fuel companies sue governments pursuing climate policies for billions in compensation for lost profits. The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is meant to make it easier and cheaper to trade energy between countries. But signatories have…

IMF approves $880 million for Ukraine

WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The International Monetary Fund said it will disburse $880 million to Ukraine in the third phase of a $15.6 billion aid package approved last year as Kyiv fights the Russian invasion. The aid, announced almost two years to the day after Russian forces poured across…

UK police make record drugs seizure

LONDON, Feb 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — British police said Friday that they had made what is believed to be its biggest ever seizure of serious drugs. The National Crime Agency said that 5.7 tonnes (5,700 kg) of cocaine were found in a container at the port of Southampton on England’s south…

Cyber-attack hits Malawi’s immigration service

Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera LILONGWE, Feb 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Malawi has suspended the issuing of passports following a cyber-attack on the computer system at the country’s immigration service.President Lazarus Chakwera told MPs that the targeting of the government department amounted to a “serious national security breach”.He revealed that the hackers…

Ethiopian army drone kills dozens, witnesses say

ADDIS ABABA, Feb 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An Ethiopian army drone strike has killed dozens in the Amhara region, according to witnesses and hospital sources.The attack reportedly occurred on Monday near a small town called Sasit in the central part of the country while a truck was dropping off passengers .The…

Somalia approves major defence deal with Turkey

The 10 year defence deal will see Somalia’s army get training from Turkey MOGADISHU, Feb 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Parliament in Somalia has approved a major defence agreement with Turkey.Under the ten-year deal, Turkey will arm and train Somali navy forces and deploy its own ships in Somali waters.Analysts say it’s…

Ghana, China Southern Airlines in advanced talks to start direct Accra-Guangzhou flights

ACCRA, Feb 23 (NNN-GNA) — The government of Ghana have entered advanced engagements with China Southern Airlines towards the exploration and potential commencement of direct flight operations from Accra to Guangzhou, and vice versa.The move is aimed at deepening bilateral trade ties and facilitating mobility from Ghana to other parts…

Ghana, Bahamas sign visa-free agreement

NASSAU, Feb 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tourists and visitors who intend to travel from Ghana to the Bahamas and vice versa will no longer require a visa upon entry as the two countries have signed the visa waiver agreement.The government of the Bahamas, in a circular, notified all relevant stakeholders that…

South Africa: Foreign Minister Pandor calls on the G20 to help resolve global tensions

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 23 (NNN-SANEWS) — International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has challenged G20 nations to address ongoing global tensions, which have been fueled by a variety of developments in recent years. Speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brazil, she drew attention to a…

South Africa: Pres Ramaphosa condemns the killing of traditional leaders

CAPE TOWN, Feb 23 (NNN-SANEWS) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned in the strongest terms the rise in the killing of traditional leaders, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.  The President delivered the keynote address at the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at…