ECOWAS endorses AfDB President for second term in office

Dr Adesina Akinwumi ABUJA, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has endorsed the candidacy of African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina for a second term in office. The decision was taken at the 56th ordinary sessions of the Authority of Heads of State and…

Uganda among worst in human development globally – UN report

KAMPALA, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Human Development Report 2019, conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a United Nations (UN) agency has rated Uganda, among the worst performing countries in terms of human development globally. Conducted and released under the theme, “Beyond income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities…

Kenya, Somalia to hold cross-border meetings over increased attacks

NAIROBI, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Kenya and Somalia are expected to hold a cross-border meeting following the increased terror attacks in Wajir County in the past three months. According to Wajir County Commissioner Jacob Narengo, the county security team will revive joint cross-border meetings between the communities living in Kenya…

UN, Pope voice solidarity with Burkina Faso after jihadist attack

OUAGADOUGOU, Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A jihadist attack that left 42 dead in the north of Burkina Faso, the worst assault in the country for five years, plunged the nation into mourning over Christmas and sparked messages of solidarity from the United Nations and Pope Francis. Thirty-five civilians, including 31…

Families homeless over Christmas after forest fire in Chilean port

VALPARAISO (Chile), Dec 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Dozens of families found themselves homeless on Christmas after a forest fire in the Chilean tourist port city of Valparaiso burned through two hillside neighborhoods. The blaze broke out Tuesday, blazing across Rocuant and San Roque hills and continued to burn on Wednesday, though…

At least 13 people reported dead during Christmas celebrations in Honduras

190 TEGUCIGALPA, Dec 27 (NNN-XINHUA) — At least 13 people died fromTuesday to Wednesday morning during the course of Christmas celebrations in Honduras, the majority from traffic accidents, local authorities said. The deputy inspector of the National Directorate of Roads andTransportation, Jose Carlos Lagos, told journalists that eight of thereported…

Brazil: Pres Bolsonaro hospitalized after he slipped in bathroom

BRASILIA, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro was hospitalized after suffering a fall at his official residence in Brasilia, the latest health scare for the 64-year-old, his office said. Local media reported that Bolsonaro hit his head when he slipped in a bathroom at the Alvorada Palace. He…

Protesting Indian Muslims wave national flag to show they are not anti-India

NEW DELHI, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Indian Muslims protesting against a citizenship law which they say is discriminatory are carrying national flags and copies of the constitution, aiming to prevent supporters of the Hindu nationalist government from painting them as anti-India. The protesters wear Muslim caps and many of the…

Iraq: Protesters block roads, bridges as crisis deepens

DIWANIYAH (Iraq), Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of protesters blocked roads and bridges in southern Iraq on Monday, condemning Iranian influence and political leaders who have missed another deadline to agree on a new prime minister. Anti-government demonstrators burned tyres in major cities across the south, forcing the closure of…

Vietnam seizes two tonnes of ivory, pangolin scales from Africa

Vietnamese authorities seized more than two tonnes of pangolin scales and ivory from Africa HANOI, Dec 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Vietnamese authorities have seized more than two tonnes of pangolin scales and ivory from Africa, state media reported. Trade in ivory and pangolin is illegal in Vietnam but wildlife trafficking remains…