Covid-19: 43 African countries under border closure as cases top 252,544 continent-wide

John Nkengasong, Head, Africa CDC ADDIS ABABA, June 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — As COVID-19 caseload surpassed 252,544 across the African continent, 43 African countries are now under full border closure due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus. The death toll from the pandemic has reached 6,779, while some 114,897 people have recovered, according…

Racism/US unrest: African nations seek UN inquiry into US racism, ‘police brutality’

Their aim is to defend the rights of people of African descent GENEVA, June 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — African countries are lobbying to set up a UN inquiry into “systemic racism” and “police brutality” in the United States and elsewhere, aiming to defend the rights of people of African descent. The…

Kenya confident of Malaysia’s support of its UNSC candidacy – Envoy

By V.Sankara KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia has given positive consideration to Kenya’s candidature for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2021-22 term, says Kenya’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Francis Ndegwa Muhoro. Muhoro said Malaysia and the East African country enjoys friendly and cordial…

Covid-19: Africa’s confirmed cases pass 230,000 mark – Africa CDC

Passengers wearing face masks are seen on a bus in Nairobi, capital of Kenya ADDIS ABABA, June 15 (NNN-Xinhua) — The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the African continent surpassed 232,815 as of Sunday morning, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said. The Africa CDC…

Pope Francis appeals for end to Libyan civil war

VATICAN CITY, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Head of the Roman Catholic church, Pope Francis appealed for an end to the civil war taking place in Libya. Warring factions continue to battle for control of the country since the overthrow and death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Pope Francis…

Covid-19: Tear gas fired as crowd seizes Kenya pop star’s body to halt hasty funeral

KISUMU (Kenya), June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Hundreds of Kenyans defied tear gas and riot police to carry off the body of a popular singer, trying to prevent a swift burial under rules for suspected coronavirus cases which the crowd said would be disrespectful. The region has a tradition of lavish,…

UN ‘appalled’ by twin jihadist attacks in Nigeria

 ABUJA, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Dozens of soldiers and civilians are reported to have been killed in twin attacks by militants in north-eastern Nigeria’s Borno state. Fighters attacked Monguno, a garrison town where UN and other aid workers are based, and a village in Nganzai. The UN said it was “appalled” by…

Covid-19: Botswana reinstates strict lockdown in capital city as Sierra Leone reopen schools for exams

GABORONE/FREETOWN, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — BOTSWANA brought back a strict Coronavirus lockdown in its capital city, Gaborone, and surrounding areas after the southern African country recorded 12 new cases of the virus, a senior health official said. Diamond-rich Botswana ended a 48-day national coronavirus lockdown late last month, allowing businesses and schools…

Africa free trade zone could launch on Jan 1, says official

ABIDJAN, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could begin operating on Jan 1 next year, after the COVID-19 pandemic made its original launch date untenable, the official charged with overseeing the bloc’s establishment said.But speaking during a webinar organised by the Africa CEO Forum, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele…

South African president’s shame over surge in murders of women

President Cyril Ramaphosa PRETORIA, June 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — South Africa’s president says it has been a “dark and shameful week” for his country following a surge in violence against women. Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks come after several femicides, including one woman who was eight months pregnant and found stabbed and hanging…
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