DR Congo warned of proxy wars between neighbours

Violence has already been driving people to flee from the area for years KINSHASA, Jan 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — There’s a risk of proxy wars in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned.Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda are suspected of supporting different insurgent groups.Intensifying…

WHO extends emergency talks over coronavirus outbreak in China

GENEVA, Jan 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — The World Health Organization (WHO) extended to Thursday its emergency talks on whether the novel coronavirus outbreak in China constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). “There was an excellent discussion during the meeting today, but it was also clear that to proceed,…

‘Mexico doesn’t want us’: migrants get stuck at Mexico-Guatemala border

Migrants travelling to the U.S. make a line to get breakfast in an improvised shelter in Tecun Uman TECUN UMAN (Guatemala), Jan 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Hundreds of Central Americans trying to reach the United States were stuck at the Mexico-Guatemala border after the Mexican government beefed up security to meet…

Thousands on Greek islands protest against migrant camps

LESBOS ISLAND (Greece), Jan 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of residents on Greek islands hosting large migrant camps on Wednesday kicked off a day of protests, demanding the immediate removal of asylum-seekers. The islands of Lesbos, Samos and Chios staged a general strike, shutting down shops and public services and rallying in…

US confirms first case of Wuhan virus on American soil

Airport health screenings have been stepped up across China and Asia WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States announced its first case of a new virus that has claimed at least 17 lives in China and sickened hundreds, joining countries around the world in ramping up measures to block its spread. The man,…

Brazil: Prosecutors press charges against 2 companies linked to deadly tailing dam disaster

Brumadinho Dam disaster RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — The prosecution office of the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais said it has filed charges against mining giant Vale and consulting company TUV SUD for intentional murder over the collapse of a tailings dam in 2019. The collapse of…

Uganda on high alert as locusts approach common border with Kenya

KAMPALA, Jan 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said the country is on high alert as locusts draw close to the common border with Kenya. All nine ministries have been instructed to work together to collectively heighten the country’s preparedness to prevent or handle the invasion, said Rugunda…

Tunisia, India sign deal to set up ICT center

TUNIS, Jan 23 (NNN-Xinhua) — Tunisia and India on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to set up an information and communications technology (ICT) innovation center. The MoU was signed by acting Tunisian Foreign Minister Sabri Bachtobji and visiting Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The two officials discussed various aspects…

Nearly 7,000 people have fled Niger region hit by Daesh attack: UNHCR

NIAMEY, Jan 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nearly 7,000 people have fled the region in western Niger where militant fighters killed 89 soldiers in a devastating attack earlier this month, the UN refugee agency said. But insecurity in the region is making it difficult for the UNHCR to bring them the help…

Cameroon: Over 20 abducted school children rescued in troubled Anglophone region

YAOUNDE, Jan 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Cameroonian troops rescued 24 school children held hostage by armed separatists in the country’s restive English-speaking region of Meme division, an official said. The children were kidnapped early Tuesday from their school in the southwestern city of Kumba and “taken to the forest where the…