Africa

Malawi’s Agriculture Minister Lobin Lowe wrote a letter to former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson asking him to be the country’s cannabis cultivation ambassador. According to Mr. Lowe, the legalization of cannabis last year in Malawi had created opportunities locally and internationally. The ministry said the United States Cannabis …

Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has declared a state of emergency as the country is experiencing a worsening drought. The declaration came after the prime minister chaired an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Tuesday. He called on the Somali people and the international community to help those affected by the …

Authorities in Burkina Faso said at least 19 people, including 10 civilians and nine members of the security forces, were killed in an attack in the northern town of Foubé. Anger is growing in Burkina Faso over the extremist violence that’s killed thousands and displaced more than a million people …

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that he was setting off, in person, to march on the battlefield, and to lead the defence of his country. His startling announcement came as rebel forces claimed they were advancing on at least four fronts, towards the capital, Addis Ababa. The Ethiopian …

Health officials in Kenya and Rwanda have announced that adolescents are now eligible to receive Pfizer’s anti-Covid vaccines as the two East African countries launch vaccination campaigns. Rwanda will be vaccinating children from the age of 12 and above from Tuesday while Kenya is allowing those from 15 years. The …

The European Investment Bank and the Rwandan Development Bank have launched an initiative to back new investments by companies affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The new targeted financing scheme will include support companies in sectors most impacted by the trade, economic and health challenges triggered by COVID-19 and unlock investment …

The United States says it’s encouraged by Sunday’s deal reinstating the Sudanese prime minister, Abdalla Hamdok – but wants more progress before restoring aid, BBC News reported. The State Department repeated calls for all civilian leaders detained after last month’s coup to be released. Sudan’s governing generals have already released …

The coronavirus pandemic continues wreaking havoc in South Africa as the cases of contamination are on the rise , health authorities have announced. The country has recorded 1,886 new virus cases since Saturday and 22 deaths from coronavirus. Health Minister Joe Phaahla has urged more people to get vaccinated. “We …

Kenya’s health authorities have urged people to use other alternatives as the country experiences a shortage of condoms, local media report. Restaurants, hospitals and public facilities have not had free condoms in their toilets as has been in the past. The shortage has been attributed to high taxes imposed on …

A helicopter carrying Russian instructors crashed into the Oubangui River in the Central African capital Bangui on Monday, local media have reported. “Two people were seriously injured and the aircraft drowned in the river, right next to the Hotel Oubangui”, Central African journalist Fridolin Ngoulou told Anadolu Agency. According to …