AFRICA

Ghana’s government praised for tackling coronavirus pandemic at TANG conference

Despite the challenges it’s facing, the government of Ghana is handling the coronavirus pandemic in the country effectively. That is the unanimous verdict of journalists who participated at a video conference, organised by The African Network of Germany, on the global health crisis on Thursday. — Washing hands, social distancing and wearing face masks are also the order of the …

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Zimbabwe celebrates 40 years of independence

Four decades after liberation from British rule and following many years of Robert Mugabe’s repression, a growing number of Zimbabweans don’t believe they have much to celebrate. For many, it’s a conflict of generations. A special report on Zimbabwe at 40 by Privilege Musvanhiri of DW from Harare Tens of thousands of people traditionally flock to independence day festivities around …

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Facebook launches Coronavirus Information Centre in 17 African countries

Facebook users can opt in to follow the centre to get notifications and see updates in their News Feed from official government health authorities JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 9, 2020/ — Facebook is expanding its Coronavirus Information Centre to 17 more countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The Information Centres form part of Facebook’s effort to help the global fight against COVID-19 …

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Coronavirus: Facebook launches tools for religious groups in Africa

Facebook launches tools to keep faith-based communities connected during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The tools are part of Facebook’s ongoing efforts in keeping communities safe, connected and informed during this pandemic JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 9, 2020/ — Facebook has launched key resources to help faith groups stay connected and engaged during the current COVID-19 outbreak. The resources include the “Faith …

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Africa needs $100 billion in aid over coronavirus pandemic – AU finance ministers

African Ministers of Finance met in an online conference over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on 31 March 2020, following the first meeting on 19 March 2020. The meeting, moderated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, discussed the impact of the global health crisis on the continent, especially the social and economic impact of social contact restriction measures on …

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Sowore raises alarm over plot to arrest and infect him with coronavirus

Rights activist Omoyele Sowore has cried out over an alleged plot to arrest and detain him. In a statement published on his Facebook page, the publisher of the online news platform SaharaReporters accused the presidency of working with the Nigerian army and the judiciary to obtain an unjustifiable court order for his renewed detention over the revelation of SaharaReporters that …

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Coronavirus: BBC launches daily one-minute bulletins in West African languages

BBC News Africa has launched daily one minute video Coronavirus (Covid -19) stories in Afrique, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin and Yoruba. Delivered by 6pm GMT each video will showcase the two top stories with one being a fact-check video. They will give valuable tips and also dispel disinformation about Covid -19. The first videos include: · What is the relationship between …

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Coronavirus: Here are the 7 African countries spared so far

With about three billion people worldwide having to stay at home in order to avoid further spreading of the coronavirus, Africa has also been adversely affected. Forty-six African countries have officially recorded cases (2,819 as at 26 March) and they have adopted various measures, ranging from compulsory quarantine and border closures to strong recommendations to stay at home. The pandemic …

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Coronavirus: Chinese billionaire Jack Ma donates medical supplies to African countries

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Government of Ethiopia have received a consignment of medical equipment for distribution to African countries for their fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The donated consignment includes 1.5 million testing kits, 6 million medical masks and 60,000 protective suits to be distributed throughout Africa. ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 23, 2020/ — Africa’s …

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Coronavirus: Nigeria, Ghana, other African countries impose travel bans

To prevent a widespread infection of their populations, African countries are increasingly imposing travel restrictions to keep out people from countries that have a high number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Nigeria is the latest country to take the drastic step of imposing entry bans as part drastic measures to stop the spread of the virus in the country. “The Federal …

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Kenyan Doctor honoured by Queen Elizabeth II

Dr Stella Bosire awarded the Commonwealth Point of Light award for her tireless championing of rights and mentorship of some of society’s most vulnerable people Dr Stella Bosire was awarded the Commonwealth Point of Light award, on 6 March at an event hosted by the British High Commission in Nairobi, focussed on empowering women. Cabinet Secretary Amb Amina Mohammed attended …

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Nigeria confirms first case of coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, confirmed the country’s first case of coronavirus in a statement issued in the early hours of Friday, 28 February. It’s also the first case of the disease registered in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the statement, the case involves an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and just returned from Milan, Italy on 25 …

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Togo’s president wins re-election amid opposition’s claims of vote rigging

Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé has won a fourth term in power, the national electoral commission declared on Monday. According to preliminary results, he received 72% of the vote, defeating six other candidates. Gnassingbé’s closest rival and main opposition leader, Agbéyomé Kodjo, clinched only 18% of the popular vote cast in the election. The final results are expected to be announced …

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Why Nigerians in the Diaspora should be allowed to vote by Prince Ade Omole (UK)

A one-day Workshop christened Diaspora Voting Initiative held in Abuja on Monday, 17 February. Organised by the UK-based Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council, the event was attended by Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President who represented Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives: Hon. Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO …

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