Africa

Scientists in South Africa have detected a new COVID-19 variant and are working to understand its potential implications, they said on Thursday. The variant called B.1.1.529 has a “very unusual constellation” of mutations, which are concerning because they could help it evade the body’s immune response and make it more …

The World Bank has welcomed the decision by Tanzanian government to remove a nearly two-decade-long ban on pregnant students from attending school. Tanzania’s Education Minister Joyce Ndalichako on Wednesday announced the government’s decision to lift the ban on pregnant students from attending schools The World Bank says the move will …

The UK has suspended Covid-19 rules for travellers from Ethiopia to allow British citizens to leave the country as the war between the government and northern Tigray rebels and their allies intensifies. “In the coming days we may see the fighting move closer to Addis Ababa, which could severely limit …

Police in Somalia confirmed that eight civilians were killed and 17 other wounded in a car bombing in the capital Mogadishu, state television has reported. An al-Shabab suicide bomber driving an explosives-laden vehicle targeted a convoy of a private security firm, Duguf, which is contracted to protect the UN. The …

Authorities in Ethiopia have expelled four Irish diplomats because of Ireland’s stance on the ongoing conflict in the nation and humanitarian crisis that has left millions in urgent need of food assistance A statement from the Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the four have been given a week to …

Ugandan Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has raised a red flag over the increasing cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) during the Covid-19 pandemic. The revelation comes two days ahead of the 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) . Addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre …

Twenty-four people, including students and travelers, who had been kidnapped from different parts of Zamfara state were rescued, police said. Commissioner Ayuba Elkanah said that some of the victims spent more than 60 days in captivity before they were freed. He added that they were rescued unconditionally. Zamfara is regarded …

The Ugandan Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, yesterday abruptly called off her scheduled meeting with MPs on reopening of schools, Dailymonitor reported. The cancellation came hours amid protests by a section of MPs, especially from the Opposition who said Ms Museveni should meet them at Parliament on …

Sudan has launched investigations into violations against protesters since the 25 October military coup, reinstated Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok says. Mr Hamdok said this on Tuesday after meeting members of the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), the former ruling civilian coalition that has been opposing military rule. State-owned Sudan …

The United Nations has declared that July 7 of each year will henceforth be dedicated to the celebration of Swahili language. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) headquarters in France. It is the first African language to be recognised by the …