Leprosy still endemic in 18 states in Nigeria – Govt

ABUJA, Jan 31 (NNN-ALLAFRICA) — The Nigerian federal government has said that 18 states are currently leprosy endemic, with few cases of the disease also being reported in others. It said Nigeria was among the few countries in the world still reporting above 1000 new cases annually, adding that in…

Zimbabwe govt, EU launch €10m project

HARARE, Jan 31 (NNN-ALLAFRICA) — Zimbabwean Government and the European Union officially launched the €10 million Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement Support Project that is expected to boost small to medium scale enterprises. The ZEPA project was officially launched by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister David Musabayana who was…

Coronavirus declared global health emergency by WHO

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus GENEVA, Jan 31 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The new coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China.“The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening…

Nigeria to announce reopening of its border on Friday

The blockade has had a ripple effect on trade in the West African sub-region ABUJA, Jan 31 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Nigerian government is expected to announce the reopening of its border with Benin after months of closure.According to Citi FM’s report, the Nigerian government in a memo signed by the…

Mali plans to increase the size of its army to rein in jihadists

Malian Armed Forces soldiers are pictured during anti-insurgent operation BAMAKO, Jan 31 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mali will increase the size of its army by about 50% in a recruitment drive this year aimed at uprooting jihadist groups, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse said. The plan is to hire 10,000 new soldiers in…

Portuguese president wants EU unity in talks with UK over future relationship

 Boris Johnson has said he will not extend the transition period beyond 31 December 2020 LISBON, Jan 31 (NNN-Xinhua) — Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that he hopes there will be unity among the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) in the negotiations of the future…

UN welcomes constructive dialogue between ASEAN, China: Sec-Gen Guterres

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 31 (NNN-Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the UN welcomes the constructive dialogue between the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, while noting that ASEAN plays a key role in the regional peace and security architecture. “The United Nations also welcomes…

Peru: Death toll rises to 20 in gas truck blast

A fireman walks past the tanker truck that exploded in a Lima neighborhood LIMA, Jan 31 (NNN-Xinhua) — The death toll from last week’s gas tanker truck explosion in Peru’s capital Lima climbed to 20, after four more victims succumbed to their injuries, the Health Ministry said. Among the deceased…

UN Security Council concerned over escalation of violence in Yemen

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 31 (NNN-Xinhua) — The Security Council on Thursday voiced serious concern over the significant escalation of violence in Nehm and Jawf, Yemen, and its impact on civilians, thousands of whom have been displaced in recent days. In a press statement, the council members underlined their disappointment at…

Egypt says tripartite US-hosted Nile dam talks still ongoing

CAIRO, Jan 31 (NNN-Xinhua) — Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that the tripartite US-mediated talks over the disputed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River are still ongoing. The current meetings, kicked off on Jan 28, were scheduled to conclude on Jan 29 with a comprehensive agreement. Egypt’s foreign…