It appears to be spreading rapidly in parts of South Africa and scientists are concerned its unusually high number of mutations could make it more transmissible and result in immune evasion. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said there is a “high to very high” risk the new variant will spread in Europe.… Continue reading Omicron, a new Covid-19 variant with high number of mutations, sparks travel bans and worries scientists
Tag: africa
Somalia: Eight dead and 13 children injured as bomb explodes near school in Somalia
The blast occurred in Mogadishu’s Hodan district, near two schools and the residence of former president Abdikasim Salat Hassan, according to the Somali National News Agency (SNNA). Police say the target was an armored vehicle guarding the United Nations, according to SNNA. The eastern African Somali capital has been rattled by bomb attacks with dozens… Continue reading Somalia: Eight dead and 13 children injured as bomb explodes near school in Somalia
Ethiopian leader heads to war’s front lines as Olympians join the military
Gold medallist Haile Gebreselassie, who set 27 long distance running records, told Reuters he was joining up. So is Olympic silver medalist runner Feyisa Lelisa, local media reported. While Abiy is away, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen would take charge of routine government business in his absence, government spokesman Legesse Tulu told a news… Continue reading Ethiopian leader heads to war’s front lines as Olympians join the military
Lekki toll gate: Nigerian government rejects report on shooting as ‘fake news’
Information Minister Lai Mohammed Tuesday said the panel’s report, which was leaked and widely shared on social media last week, was “nothing but the triumph of fake news.” Speaking at a press conference in the nation’s capital Abuja, Mohammed doubled down on the government’s persistent denial of the Lekki shooting, saying: “That report is nothing… Continue reading Lekki toll gate: Nigerian government rejects report on shooting as ‘fake news’
Ethiopia: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says he will lead troops on front lines against rebels
“Starting tomorrow, I will head to the war front to lead the defense forces in person,” he wrote in a statement on Twitter late Monday, urging citizens to “lead the country with a sacrifice” and join him. “Those of you who aim to be one of Ethiopia’s children who will be celebrated in history, rise… Continue reading Ethiopia: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says he will lead troops on front lines against rebels
Sudan Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok made agreement with military to ‘avoid bloodshed’
Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other ministers were detained during a military coup last month that saw the country’s power-sharing government dissolved; more than 40 people have since been killed in protests. In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Hamdok said he “regretted the bloodshed” that had followed the October 25 coup; he said the… Continue reading Sudan Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok made agreement with military to ‘avoid bloodshed’
Kenya Covid-19 vaccine mandate draws praise and criticism
Only 8.8% of people are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in Kenya so far. Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe made the announcement on Sunday. Public services affected include schools, transport services, immigration and other state offices, and hotels, bars, restaurants, national parks and wildlife reserves. The government will start a 10-day mass vaccination campaign on Friday, Kagwe… Continue reading Kenya Covid-19 vaccine mandate draws praise and criticism
Five Chinese nationals kidnapped in DR Congo after attack near mine
It was not clear who carried out the attack near the village of Mukera in South Kivu province. Relations are already strained between Chinese mining companies and local authorities, who say some firms are operating illegally without licenses. “An armed group exchanged fire with police. Five Chinese nationals were kidnapped,” Major Dieudonne Kasereka, the army… Continue reading Five Chinese nationals kidnapped in DR Congo after attack near mine
Sudan’s military chief reinstates prime minister ousted after last month’s coup
Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan appeared with Hamdok at a signing ceremony in the Presidential Palace, according to a live video broadcast on state television. The deal agreed upon by Hamdok and Al-Burhan also includes the release of political detainees who were jailed following the October 25 coup, according to Mudawi Ibrahim, a prominent official in… Continue reading Sudan’s military chief reinstates prime minister ousted after last month’s coup
Davido, Nigerian musician, says he will give $600,000 to charity after online appeal
“If u know I’ve given you a hit song .. send me money,” the singer wrote on Twitter earlier this week. Known for his songs “Dami Duro” and “Fall,” Davido has been one of Africa’s most prominent artists over the last decade and is the African artist with the highest number of followers on Instagram.… Continue reading Davido, Nigerian musician, says he will give $600,000 to charity after online appeal