South Africa asks ICJ to weigh Israel’s Rafah offensive

Palestinians carry belongings at the site of an Israeli strike on a house PRETORIA, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — South Africa said it had asked the world’s top court to consider whether Israel’s plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect…

France to host aid summit for Sudan

French President Emmanuel Macron and Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok PARIS, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — France says it will host a conference in Paris in April to raise aid for war-torn Sudan.The French Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne, said the dramatic humanitarian situation there should not be forgotten.Thousands of people have…

Nigeria’s president to meet governors over food crisis

President Bola Tinubu ABUJA, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is meeting state governors to discuss the crippling cost of living crisis.One of Nigeria’s most influential traditional rulers, the Sultan of Sokoto, said the country was at a tipping point, because of the increasing struggle many Nigerians faced…

Greece becomes first Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage

Opponents of the legislature held a protest rally in front of the parliament building in Athens ATHENS, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Greece has become the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to legalise same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples will now also be legally allowed to adopt children after Thursday’s 176-76 vote in parliament.…

Senegal’s Constitutional Council overturns delay of Feb 25 presidential poll

Senegal’s President Macky Sall (centre) sparked uproar when he called off a planned Feb 25 presidential election DAKAR, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Senegal‘s Constitutional Council cancelled the decree signed by President Macky Sall that postponed the election, according to a judgement approved by seven members of the body. The National Assembly’s move…

Challenges remain, but South African lives have been improved during democracy, says Pres Ramaphosa

CAPE TOWN, Feb 16 (NNN-SANEWS) — President Cyril Ramaphosa says despite challenges, the lives of millions of South Africans have been transformed since the dawn of democracy in 1994. The President was delivering his reply to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate held at the Cape Town City…

UK economy shrunk after people cut back on spending

 LONDON, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — People spending less, doctors’ strikes and a fall in school attendance dragged the UK into recession at the end of last year, official figures show. The economy shrunk by a larger than expected 0.3% between October and December, after it had already contracted between July…

Ethiopia crisis: Ethiopians massacred in their Amhara homes by government troops, alleged Human Rights Commission

 ADDIS ABABA, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 45 civilians were killed in door-to-door raids by Ethiopian troops last month in the northern town of Merawi, the country’s human rights watchdog says. The Ethiopian government has not commented on the killings. Both the US and EU are calling for an…

Nigerian ex-president Muhammadu Buhari’s signature forged to withdraw $6m, Court hears

Nigeria’s former central bank chief Godwin Emefiele charged with the crime ABUJA, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigeria is seeking Interpol’s help to arrest three suspects who allegedly stole $6.2m (£4.9m) from the central bank, using the forged signature of then President Muhammadu Buhari. Authorities believe that the suspects conspired with Nigeria’s…

South African troops killed in DR Congo mortar attack

South Africa contributed 2,900 troops in total to a new regional force in DR Congo KINSHASA, Feb 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — South African troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo have suffered their first fatalities since their recent deployment to quell a rebellion. Two soldiers were killed and three were injured after…