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Showing posts with label Egypt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Egypt. Show all posts

AFCON DRAWS: Nigeria in group D with Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau

AFCON DRAWS: Nigeria in group D with Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau


NIGERIA'S Supper Eagles have been drawn in group D of the competition along Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

As no team can be underrated any longer in football competitions, Egypt, the seven times champions and Nigeria, the three times winners are still the favorites in the group.

The AFCON 2022 draw takes place Tuesday evening in Yaoundé.

Cameroon will host the COVID-19 pandemic-postponed tournament from January 9 to February 6, 2022. The 33rd edition of the Cup of Nations will be played in Cameroon (five cities, six venues)

Cameroon's Indomitable Lions are in group A with Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cape Verde.
Cameroon were selected to stage the 2019 tournament, but fell behind with their preparation and Egypt had to take over at short notice.

Below is the full draw of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Group A

Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cape Verde

Group B

Senegal, Guinea Zimbabwe, Malawi

Group C

Morocco, Ghana, Comoros, Gabon

Group D

Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Guinea Bissau

Group E

Algeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea

Group F

Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Gambia

NIGERIA'S Supper Eagles have been drawn in group D of the competition along Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

As no team can be underrated any longer in football competitions, Egypt, the seven times champions and Nigeria, the three times winners are still the favorites in the group.

The AFCON 2022 draw takes place Tuesday evening in Yaoundé.

Cameroon will host the COVID-19 pandemic-postponed tournament from January 9 to February 6, 2022. The 33rd edition of the Cup of Nations will be played in Cameroon (five cities, six venues)

Cameroon's Indomitable Lions are in group A with Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cape Verde.
Cameroon were selected to stage the 2019 tournament, but fell behind with their preparation and Egypt had to take over at short notice.

Below is the full draw of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Group A

Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cape Verde

Group B

Senegal, Guinea Zimbabwe, Malawi

Group C

Morocco, Ghana, Comoros, Gabon

Group D

Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Guinea Bissau

Group E

Algeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea

Group F

Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Gambia

LIBYA WAR: Greece, Egypt strengthen ties amid Mediterranean tension with Turkey

LIBYA WAR: Greece, Egypt strengthen ties amid Mediterranean tension with Turkey

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received on Thursday evening, a phone call from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss several issues, including the ongoing conflict with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean

According to a statement of the official spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency , published on Facebook, the contact dealt with some regional files, particularly the developments of the Libyan issue and Turkish drilling in the eastern Mediterranean.

The statement said: “The president reviewed the constants and limitations of the Egyptian position towards the crisis in Libya, especially with regard to undermining illegal foreign interventions in the Libyan issue, which further exacerbate the security situation in a way that affects the stability of the entire region.”

He continued: “The Greek Prime Minister praised the sincere Egyptian efforts and tireless efforts aimed at settling the conflict and restoring peace in all Libyan lands.”

Mitsotakis stressed the importance of working to return to the political track as an original solution to the Libyan crisis, in line with the relevant UN resolutions and the outputs of the Berlin Conference, while rejecting any external interference in this regard.

The two sides also discussed the recent seismic surveys Turkey has been conducting in the eastern Mediterranean, which Greek has condemned due to territorial disputes with Ankara.


AMN
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received on Thursday evening, a phone call from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss several issues, including the ongoing conflict with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean

According to a statement of the official spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency , published on Facebook, the contact dealt with some regional files, particularly the developments of the Libyan issue and Turkish drilling in the eastern Mediterranean.

The statement said: “The president reviewed the constants and limitations of the Egyptian position towards the crisis in Libya, especially with regard to undermining illegal foreign interventions in the Libyan issue, which further exacerbate the security situation in a way that affects the stability of the entire region.”

He continued: “The Greek Prime Minister praised the sincere Egyptian efforts and tireless efforts aimed at settling the conflict and restoring peace in all Libyan lands.”

Mitsotakis stressed the importance of working to return to the political track as an original solution to the Libyan crisis, in line with the relevant UN resolutions and the outputs of the Berlin Conference, while rejecting any external interference in this regard.

The two sides also discussed the recent seismic surveys Turkey has been conducting in the eastern Mediterranean, which Greek has condemned due to territorial disputes with Ankara.


AMN

Military expert says ‘mother of all battles’ in Libya is close

Military expert says ‘mother of all battles’ in Libya is close

Egyptian military expert Major General Samir Ragheb has said ‘mother of all battles’ in Libya is close.

His Commenting cameas the  Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and his chief of staff made a surprise visit to the Libyan capital, Tripoli, Ragheb said that the matter suggests that the battle in Sirte is approaching.

Ragheb said in statements to the RT Arabic that there are several indicators that suggest that the battle for Sirte is approaching. According to him, the upcoming Turkish-backed operation is one the most important battles in the Libyan conflict, as he called it “the mother of all battles”.

He added that the nature of international reactions against the Turkish military presence in Libya increased significantly during the past week, especially the French response to withdraw from the NATO mission in the eastern Mediterranean, which perhaps reflects the presence of French intelligence information about a possible clash with the Turkish side as a result of a military escalation along the southern Mediterranean, especially in Sirte.

He continued: “The Qatari-Turkish media coverage of the Libyan National Army’s military buildup on the front lines west of Sirte, and anonymous and false conversations about Egyptian military movements, sends a message that the military build-up of Al-Wefaq militias comes in response to the mobilization of the other side.”

He said: “The movement of the C-130 Turkish aircraft tracking sites and ships in the direction of the Al-Wefaq airports and air bases coming from Turkish airports reflects a crowd of mercenaries in the thousands, in addition to the numbers that have participated in the operations around Tripoli last month.”

Ragheb added that the Turkish Defense Minister’s visit reveals preparations have been made for the Sirte offensive.

The upcoming battle for Sirte is considered incredibly important because of the foreign players involved.

Egypt has warned that should Sirte and nearby Al-Jafra fall to the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, then Cairo has the “international legitimacy” to intervene in Libya.


Egyptian military expert Major General Samir Ragheb has said ‘mother of all battles’ in Libya is close.

His Commenting cameas the  Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and his chief of staff made a surprise visit to the Libyan capital, Tripoli, Ragheb said that the matter suggests that the battle in Sirte is approaching.

Ragheb said in statements to the RT Arabic that there are several indicators that suggest that the battle for Sirte is approaching. According to him, the upcoming Turkish-backed operation is one the most important battles in the Libyan conflict, as he called it “the mother of all battles”.

He added that the nature of international reactions against the Turkish military presence in Libya increased significantly during the past week, especially the French response to withdraw from the NATO mission in the eastern Mediterranean, which perhaps reflects the presence of French intelligence information about a possible clash with the Turkish side as a result of a military escalation along the southern Mediterranean, especially in Sirte.

He continued: “The Qatari-Turkish media coverage of the Libyan National Army’s military buildup on the front lines west of Sirte, and anonymous and false conversations about Egyptian military movements, sends a message that the military build-up of Al-Wefaq militias comes in response to the mobilization of the other side.”

He said: “The movement of the C-130 Turkish aircraft tracking sites and ships in the direction of the Al-Wefaq airports and air bases coming from Turkish airports reflects a crowd of mercenaries in the thousands, in addition to the numbers that have participated in the operations around Tripoli last month.”

Ragheb added that the Turkish Defense Minister’s visit reveals preparations have been made for the Sirte offensive.

The upcoming battle for Sirte is considered incredibly important because of the foreign players involved.

Egypt has warned that should Sirte and nearby Al-Jafra fall to the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, then Cairo has the “international legitimacy” to intervene in Libya.


#Libyanwar: We try to protect our national security and not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries says Egyptian President El-Sisi

#Libyanwar: We try to protect our national security and not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries says Egyptian President El-Sisi



#COVID19: IMF approves $5.2 bn, 1-year loan program for Egypt

#COVID19: IMF approves $5.2 bn, 1-year loan program for Egypt



The board of the International Monetary Fund on Friday approved a one-year, $5.2 billion financing package for Egypt to help the country alleviate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new funding under a standby arrangement comes on top of $2.8 billion the IMF board approved a month ago, although at the time officials acknowledged that more help would be needed.

According to IMF, executive board approved a new $5.2 billion, 12-month Stand-By Arrangement that aims to help the country cope with the coronavirus pandemic and plug budget and balance-of-payments shortfalls.

In a statement, the IMF said the program "would also help the authorities preserve the achievements made over the past four years, support health and social spending to protect vulnerable groups, and advance a set of key structural reforms."


The board of the International Monetary Fund on Friday approved a one-year, $5.2 billion financing package for Egypt to help the country alleviate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new funding under a standby arrangement comes on top of $2.8 billion the IMF board approved a month ago, although at the time officials acknowledged that more help would be needed.

According to IMF, executive board approved a new $5.2 billion, 12-month Stand-By Arrangement that aims to help the country cope with the coronavirus pandemic and plug budget and balance-of-payments shortfalls.

In a statement, the IMF said the program "would also help the authorities preserve the achievements made over the past four years, support health and social spending to protect vulnerable groups, and advance a set of key structural reforms."

Egypt won’t allow Libya to fall to terrorist militias, FM Sameh Shoukry says

Egypt won’t allow Libya to fall to terrorist militias, FM Sameh Shoukry says

Libya may become direct battle ground between Egypt and Turkey - Ex-Turkish minister Yasar Yakesh


Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry
Egypt will not stand idly by as Libya falls to “terrorist militias", Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in an interview with Al-Arabiya TV on Tuesday.

“We have repeatedly warned about the danger of the spread of terrorism in Libya,” Shukri added in the interview saying “Libya and its people will not be controlled by terrorist militias.”

 Shukri pointed out that “the transfer of mercenaries and terrorists destabilizes Libya,” while not directing blame to any country but it globally known that Turkey, aside weapons and fighter jets, mobilised more than 10,000 jihadists fighters from Syria to the North African Nation in support of the Tripoli government.

During the emergency foreign ministers meeting on Tuesday on Libya, he stated that the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said that the Arab League “aims to stop the fighting and reduce the military escalation in Libya.”

Aboul Gheit condemned during the meeting “all forms of foreign military intervention in Libya.”

The Egyptian Al-Ahram News site quoted Aboul Gheit as saying: “There is no way but a comprehensive political solution to settle the Libyan crisis in all its aspects.”

The Secretary-General added: “We reject any plans to divide Libya into spheres of influence and create a permanent rift in the Libyan social fabric.”

Earlier on Sunday, Shoukry told Saudi Al-Arabiya that any threat to the Egyptian and Arab security will have an appropriate response, a day after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said "any direct intervention by Egypt in Libya has become legitimate in line with UNSC resolutions, and upon the call of the legitimate authority in Libya."

Shoukry said Egypt seeks to enhance the political solution in Libya and calls for self-restraint, adding that Libya’s Government of National Accord, which Egypt does not back, has not correctly assessed President Sisi’s stance.

Shoukry affirmed that Egypt considers the military solution as the last resort.

He denounced Turkey’s “expansion” in Libya, saying that it violates international legitimacy.

Meanwhile, Former Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakesh considered that Libya might turn into a direct battle grond between Turkey and Egypt, stressing the need to stop the tension and give priority to diplomacy.

Yakesh who assumed the position of Ankara’s ambassador to Cairo between 1995 and 1998, and the Turkish Foreign Minister in 2002-2003, pointed out  in an interview with the Turkish newspaper, Cumhuriyet, the visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the western region in Egypt, during which he announced the possibility of sending military forces to Libya, in the presence of tribal leaders on the Egyptian and Libyan sides might lead to direct confrontation between the two nations.

According to him, “the border between Egypt and Libya is mixed, as part of the tribes in the region are on the Egyptian side and the other part is on the Libyan side. Egypt’s intervention in Libya and the movement of the army there will be easy because there are no natural barriers. The presence of the tribes on both sides of the border facilitates the mission of Egypt.” .

Yakesh emphasized that the Egyptian administration, led by Sisi, considered the “Muslim Brotherhood” the greatest threat to it, and that Libya, under the leadership of the Al-Wefaq government, which it considered linked to the group, constituted a threat to Egypt similar to the threat posed by the PKK to Turkey.

He pointed out that if Turkey continues to strengthen its presence in Libya and its inability to create common ground, the matter may reach a “violent clash” between the Turkish and Egyptian sides.

He considered that it is currently possible to reach a compromise in the event that an opportunity for diplomacy is given, saying: “In the event of diplomatic contacts, diplomats may be able to find solutions that will reduce the losses of both parties. So Turkey should give priority to this matter but it does not do so at the present time.” .

He explained that the agreement to demarcate the maritime borders signed by Turkey with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) came as a “window of opportunity” for Turkey, adding: “But in diplomacy, we cannot achieve everything we want.”

Libya may become direct battle ground between Egypt and Turkey - Ex-Turkish minister Yasar Yakesh


Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry
Egypt will not stand idly by as Libya falls to “terrorist militias", Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in an interview with Al-Arabiya TV on Tuesday.

“We have repeatedly warned about the danger of the spread of terrorism in Libya,” Shukri added in the interview saying “Libya and its people will not be controlled by terrorist militias.”

 Shukri pointed out that “the transfer of mercenaries and terrorists destabilizes Libya,” while not directing blame to any country but it globally known that Turkey, aside weapons and fighter jets, mobilised more than 10,000 jihadists fighters from Syria to the North African Nation in support of the Tripoli government.

During the emergency foreign ministers meeting on Tuesday on Libya, he stated that the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said that the Arab League “aims to stop the fighting and reduce the military escalation in Libya.”

Aboul Gheit condemned during the meeting “all forms of foreign military intervention in Libya.”

The Egyptian Al-Ahram News site quoted Aboul Gheit as saying: “There is no way but a comprehensive political solution to settle the Libyan crisis in all its aspects.”

The Secretary-General added: “We reject any plans to divide Libya into spheres of influence and create a permanent rift in the Libyan social fabric.”

Earlier on Sunday, Shoukry told Saudi Al-Arabiya that any threat to the Egyptian and Arab security will have an appropriate response, a day after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said "any direct intervention by Egypt in Libya has become legitimate in line with UNSC resolutions, and upon the call of the legitimate authority in Libya."

Shoukry said Egypt seeks to enhance the political solution in Libya and calls for self-restraint, adding that Libya’s Government of National Accord, which Egypt does not back, has not correctly assessed President Sisi’s stance.

Shoukry affirmed that Egypt considers the military solution as the last resort.

He denounced Turkey’s “expansion” in Libya, saying that it violates international legitimacy.

Meanwhile, Former Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakesh considered that Libya might turn into a direct battle grond between Turkey and Egypt, stressing the need to stop the tension and give priority to diplomacy.

Yakesh who assumed the position of Ankara’s ambassador to Cairo between 1995 and 1998, and the Turkish Foreign Minister in 2002-2003, pointed out  in an interview with the Turkish newspaper, Cumhuriyet, the visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the western region in Egypt, during which he announced the possibility of sending military forces to Libya, in the presence of tribal leaders on the Egyptian and Libyan sides might lead to direct confrontation between the two nations.

According to him, “the border between Egypt and Libya is mixed, as part of the tribes in the region are on the Egyptian side and the other part is on the Libyan side. Egypt’s intervention in Libya and the movement of the army there will be easy because there are no natural barriers. The presence of the tribes on both sides of the border facilitates the mission of Egypt.” .

Yakesh emphasized that the Egyptian administration, led by Sisi, considered the “Muslim Brotherhood” the greatest threat to it, and that Libya, under the leadership of the Al-Wefaq government, which it considered linked to the group, constituted a threat to Egypt similar to the threat posed by the PKK to Turkey.

He pointed out that if Turkey continues to strengthen its presence in Libya and its inability to create common ground, the matter may reach a “violent clash” between the Turkish and Egyptian sides.

He considered that it is currently possible to reach a compromise in the event that an opportunity for diplomacy is given, saying: “In the event of diplomatic contacts, diplomats may be able to find solutions that will reduce the losses of both parties. So Turkey should give priority to this matter but it does not do so at the present time.” .

He explained that the agreement to demarcate the maritime borders signed by Turkey with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) came as a “window of opportunity” for Turkey, adding: “But in diplomacy, we cannot achieve everything we want.”

Egypt says Turkish and Iranian military operations in Iraq contravene international conventions

Egypt says Turkish and Iranian military operations in Iraq contravene international conventions

Turkish air strikes in Iraq Against Kurdistan Workers Party
Egypt on Thursday condemned the “Turkish and Iranian military interventions” in northern Iraq, says their activities represent “a continuation of the series of repeated violations against brotherly Iraq.

According to a statement issued by Foreign Ministry, Egypt considered that these “interventions and hostilities” represent “a continuation of the series of repeated violations against brotherly Iraq, in violation of all international conventions and covenants that provide for respect for the sovereignty of states and the adoption of principles of good neighborliness.”

The stance by Egypt came against the background of Turkey launching a new military operation against the “Kurdistan Workers Party” in northern Iraq, in a move that Baghdad protested.

The statement stressed, “Egypt totally rejects any interference affecting the sovereignty of any of the brotherly Arab countries, taking into account the consequences of those actions in deepening the instability in the region.”

“Egypt calls on all parties to respect the sovereignty of Iraq, and to distance it from any international or regional conflicts that prevent the realization of the aspirations of the brotherly government and people of Iraq in stability and development.”
Turkish air strikes in Iraq Against Kurdistan Workers Party
Egypt on Thursday condemned the “Turkish and Iranian military interventions” in northern Iraq, says their activities represent “a continuation of the series of repeated violations against brotherly Iraq.

According to a statement issued by Foreign Ministry, Egypt considered that these “interventions and hostilities” represent “a continuation of the series of repeated violations against brotherly Iraq, in violation of all international conventions and covenants that provide for respect for the sovereignty of states and the adoption of principles of good neighborliness.”

The stance by Egypt came against the background of Turkey launching a new military operation against the “Kurdistan Workers Party” in northern Iraq, in a move that Baghdad protested.

The statement stressed, “Egypt totally rejects any interference affecting the sovereignty of any of the brotherly Arab countries, taking into account the consequences of those actions in deepening the instability in the region.”

“Egypt calls on all parties to respect the sovereignty of Iraq, and to distance it from any international or regional conflicts that prevent the realization of the aspirations of the brotherly government and people of Iraq in stability and development.”

Tensions Soar over Libya as Egyptian Sisi warns Turkish Erdogan to review his movements in north African nation

Tensions Soar over Libya as Egyptian Sisi warns Turkish Erdogan to review his movements in north African nation

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has warns Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to review his movements in Libya, adding that the stability of Libya is one of the determinants of Egyptian national security, and that Egypt “has not and will not compromise with terrorist groups and those who support them.”

Sisi said Erdogan should review his movements in Libya and know his footprints well, adding: “He should not be reassured by a group of traitors and mercenaries next to him, because Egypt’s security is a red line and it should never cross its borders,” as he put it.

Adding to the President Sisi meassage, Egyptian Minister of Parliament, Atef Nasser, head of the Parliamentary Committee of the Future Party, attacked Turkish President, stressing that his interfering in Libya must not be to exporting terrorism in the region to the neighbouring nations .

The Egyptian parliamentarian affirmed the decisive position on the situation in Libya after the fall of the Al-Watiya Airbase in the hands of the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, saying that Egypt fully believes in a political solution in Libya, and considers the need to preserve the unity and sovereignty of Libyan lands.

Nasser indicated that the statements of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi “are a clear message to Erdogan so that he does not consider using Libya as a platform to export terrorists again to Egypt and neighboring countries,” he said.


Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has warns Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to review his movements in Libya, adding that the stability of Libya is one of the determinants of Egyptian national security, and that Egypt “has not and will not compromise with terrorist groups and those who support them.”

Sisi said Erdogan should review his movements in Libya and know his footprints well, adding: “He should not be reassured by a group of traitors and mercenaries next to him, because Egypt’s security is a red line and it should never cross its borders,” as he put it.

Adding to the President Sisi meassage, Egyptian Minister of Parliament, Atef Nasser, head of the Parliamentary Committee of the Future Party, attacked Turkish President, stressing that his interfering in Libya must not be to exporting terrorism in the region to the neighbouring nations .

The Egyptian parliamentarian affirmed the decisive position on the situation in Libya after the fall of the Al-Watiya Airbase in the hands of the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, saying that Egypt fully believes in a political solution in Libya, and considers the need to preserve the unity and sovereignty of Libyan lands.

Nasser indicated that the statements of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi “are a clear message to Erdogan so that he does not consider using Libya as a platform to export terrorists again to Egypt and neighboring countries,” he said.


Egypt to become 1st Arab country to operate Russia’s latest generation of Su-35 jet

Egypt to become 1st Arab country to operate Russia’s latest generation of Su-35 jet

The Russia's news agency TASS on Saturday quoted a military source as saying that Russia had begun production of the latest generation of Su-35 jets for Egypt, under a signed contract with Cairo.

“At the Gagarin Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant, production of the Su-35 has begun, which is to be delivered to the Egyptian Air Force under a contract which concluded in 2018.” The agency said, citing the military source

“The timing of delivery of the first batch of aircraft to the Egyptian side and for a reason related to the special restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic has not been determined yet.”

Egypt will be one of the few countries in the world and the first Arab nation that will operate the Su-35 jet.

As a result of Russia intervention in Syrian war, especially since last year, the Russian Air Force has repeatedly used their Su-35 in the Mediterranean region, with reports of the jet intercepting U.S. military aircraft off the coast of Syria.

It was reported in March 2019 that Egypt would procure over a two dozen of these Sukhoi jets.
The Russia's news agency TASS on Saturday quoted a military source as saying that Russia had begun production of the latest generation of Su-35 jets for Egypt, under a signed contract with Cairo.

“At the Gagarin Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant, production of the Su-35 has begun, which is to be delivered to the Egyptian Air Force under a contract which concluded in 2018.” The agency said, citing the military source

“The timing of delivery of the first batch of aircraft to the Egyptian side and for a reason related to the special restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic has not been determined yet.”

Egypt will be one of the few countries in the world and the first Arab nation that will operate the Su-35 jet.

As a result of Russia intervention in Syrian war, especially since last year, the Russian Air Force has repeatedly used their Su-35 in the Mediterranean region, with reports of the jet intercepting U.S. military aircraft off the coast of Syria.

It was reported in March 2019 that Egypt would procure over a two dozen of these Sukhoi jets.

Ankara accuses 5 countries of forming ‘alliance of evil’

Ankara accuses 5 countries of forming ‘alliance of evil’

Turkish Erdogan
Ankara has alleged five countries of creating “regional chaos” in the eastern Mediterranean, saying they are trying to  form the “alliance of evil”, Sputnik reported.


Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy accused five countries, Greece, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and France, of creating “regional chaos” in the eastern Mediterranean, while trying to form the “alliance of evil”, after the foreign ministers of these states jointly slammed Turkey’s activities in the region, Associated Press reported.

“We call on these countries to act in line with common sense, international laws and practices”, the spokesman said on Tuesday, as quoted by AP. “Peace and stability in the region can be established with sincere and genuine dialogue, not through alliances of evil”.

Aksoy also accused France of “patronising” the purported alliance, while slamming the UAE for “hostility” against Turkey and insisting that both Greece and Cyprus were undermining Ankara’s attempts to have a constructive dialogue.

The spokesman’s comments came following the teleconference between the foreign ministers of five states on Monday, during which they discussed Turkey’s drilling activities in the disputed offshore area near Cyprus, as well as its military activities in Libya.

Ankara does not recognise the government of the Republic of Cyprus and is the only state in the world to recognise the existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, following the island’s split in 1974.

Last year, it signed a deal on maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea and agreement on military cooperation with the internationally-recognised and UN-backed Libyan government.

The border delineation agreement was deemed “illegal” by some nations, including Egypt, as Turkey moved forward with gas drilling activities in the disputed zone of eastern Mediterranean, something which is strongly objected to by Greece and Cyprus, as the latter argues that it has exclusive economic rights in the area.

(Sputnik) 
Turkish Erdogan
Ankara has alleged five countries of creating “regional chaos” in the eastern Mediterranean, saying they are trying to  form the “alliance of evil”, Sputnik reported.


Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy accused five countries, Greece, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and France, of creating “regional chaos” in the eastern Mediterranean, while trying to form the “alliance of evil”, after the foreign ministers of these states jointly slammed Turkey’s activities in the region, Associated Press reported.

“We call on these countries to act in line with common sense, international laws and practices”, the spokesman said on Tuesday, as quoted by AP. “Peace and stability in the region can be established with sincere and genuine dialogue, not through alliances of evil”.

Aksoy also accused France of “patronising” the purported alliance, while slamming the UAE for “hostility” against Turkey and insisting that both Greece and Cyprus were undermining Ankara’s attempts to have a constructive dialogue.

The spokesman’s comments came following the teleconference between the foreign ministers of five states on Monday, during which they discussed Turkey’s drilling activities in the disputed offshore area near Cyprus, as well as its military activities in Libya.

Ankara does not recognise the government of the Republic of Cyprus and is the only state in the world to recognise the existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, following the island’s split in 1974.

Last year, it signed a deal on maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea and agreement on military cooperation with the internationally-recognised and UN-backed Libyan government.

The border delineation agreement was deemed “illegal” by some nations, including Egypt, as Turkey moved forward with gas drilling activities in the disputed zone of eastern Mediterranean, something which is strongly objected to by Greece and Cyprus, as the latter argues that it has exclusive economic rights in the area.

(Sputnik) 

5 countries slam Turkey’s ‘illegal’ military intervention in Libya, movements in the Mediterranean

5 countries slam Turkey’s ‘illegal’ military intervention in Libya, movements in the Mediterranean

Five Nations comprising Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, France, and the United Arab Emirates in a joint statement have strongly condemned what they described as “Turkey’s military intervention in Libya” and Turkey’s ‘illegal’ movements in the Mediterranean.

According to the report, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus and France held on Monday the building of prior consultations and periodic coordination within the framework of the “3 + 1” formula, a remote meeting joined by their counterparts from the Emirates, to “discuss the latest developments of concern in the Eastern Mediterranean, in addition to a number of regional crises that threaten peace and stability in that region. ”

According to a joint statement issued after the meeting and published on the Egyptian Foreign Ministry website, They stressed that, “the strategic importance of strengthening and intensifying their political consultations, and praised the results of the Cairo meeting on January 8, 2020, to enhance security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and expressed their deep concern over the current escalation and provocative moves.” Continuing in the Eastern Mediterranean. ”

The five ministers condemned the “illegal Turkish moves taking place in the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus and its territorial waters, for the apparent violation of international law in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” considering that it represented “the sixth attempt by Turkey, in less than a year, to conduct illegal excavations inside the maritime areas of Cyprus.”

The ministers also condemned “the escalation of violations by Turkey of the Greek airspace, including the flight over populated areas and territorial waters in violation of international law,” in addition to “the systematic exploitation of civilians by Turkey and the endeavor to push them towards crossing the Greek land and sea borders illegally.”

They demanded that Turkey “fully respect the sovereignty of all countries and their sovereign rights in their maritime areas in the eastern Mediterranean.”

They considered that the Memorandum of Understanding on the delineation of maritime borders in the Mediterranean and the Memorandum of Understanding on security and military cooperation between Ankara and Tripoli contravened international law and the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations on Libya, and also undermined regional stability.

The ministers also strongly condemned Turkish military intervention in Libya, and urged Turkey to fully respect the UN arms embargo and stop the flow of foreign fighters from Syria to Libya, as this poses a threat to the stability of neighboring countries in Africa as well as in Europe.
Five Nations comprising Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, France, and the United Arab Emirates in a joint statement have strongly condemned what they described as “Turkey’s military intervention in Libya” and Turkey’s ‘illegal’ movements in the Mediterranean.

According to the report, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus and France held on Monday the building of prior consultations and periodic coordination within the framework of the “3 + 1” formula, a remote meeting joined by their counterparts from the Emirates, to “discuss the latest developments of concern in the Eastern Mediterranean, in addition to a number of regional crises that threaten peace and stability in that region. ”

According to a joint statement issued after the meeting and published on the Egyptian Foreign Ministry website, They stressed that, “the strategic importance of strengthening and intensifying their political consultations, and praised the results of the Cairo meeting on January 8, 2020, to enhance security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and expressed their deep concern over the current escalation and provocative moves.” Continuing in the Eastern Mediterranean. ”

The five ministers condemned the “illegal Turkish moves taking place in the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus and its territorial waters, for the apparent violation of international law in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” considering that it represented “the sixth attempt by Turkey, in less than a year, to conduct illegal excavations inside the maritime areas of Cyprus.”

The ministers also condemned “the escalation of violations by Turkey of the Greek airspace, including the flight over populated areas and territorial waters in violation of international law,” in addition to “the systematic exploitation of civilians by Turkey and the endeavor to push them towards crossing the Greek land and sea borders illegally.”

They demanded that Turkey “fully respect the sovereignty of all countries and their sovereign rights in their maritime areas in the eastern Mediterranean.”

They considered that the Memorandum of Understanding on the delineation of maritime borders in the Mediterranean and the Memorandum of Understanding on security and military cooperation between Ankara and Tripoli contravened international law and the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations on Libya, and also undermined regional stability.

The ministers also strongly condemned Turkish military intervention in Libya, and urged Turkey to fully respect the UN arms embargo and stop the flow of foreign fighters from Syria to Libya, as this poses a threat to the stability of neighboring countries in Africa as well as in Europe.

COVID-19 Deaths in Africa rise by 55 to 1,080

COVID-19 Deaths in Africa rise by 55 to 1,080

The number of COVID-19 deaths in Africa rose by 55 in the last 24 hours, with the total toll at 1,080, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (Africa CDC).

According to the data compiled by the Africa CDC, total cases had reached 21,317 after 1,047 additional cases.

North Africa has been the hardest hit on the continent followed by its western, southern central and eastern regions.

Algeria registered the most deaths at 367 with 2,534 cases, while Egypt counted 224 deaths with 3,032 cases.

Morocco has reported 138 deaths out of 2,820 total cases.

South Africa registered 52 deaths with 3,034 cases.


Nigeria recorded at least 493 with 17 deaths. Prominent Nigerian politician, Abba Kyari who was the Chief of Staff to the Nigerian President, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was among the COVID-19 deaths recorded in the African most populous nation.

The novel coronavirus has spread to 185 countries and regions since emerging in China last December, with the U.S. and Europe now the hardest-hit areas in the world.

More than 2.38 million cases have been reported worldwide, with the death toll exceeding 165,600 and recoveries over 611,700, according to data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.
The number of COVID-19 deaths in Africa rose by 55 in the last 24 hours, with the total toll at 1,080, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (Africa CDC).

According to the data compiled by the Africa CDC, total cases had reached 21,317 after 1,047 additional cases.

North Africa has been the hardest hit on the continent followed by its western, southern central and eastern regions.

Algeria registered the most deaths at 367 with 2,534 cases, while Egypt counted 224 deaths with 3,032 cases.

Morocco has reported 138 deaths out of 2,820 total cases.

South Africa registered 52 deaths with 3,034 cases.


Nigeria recorded at least 493 with 17 deaths. Prominent Nigerian politician, Abba Kyari who was the Chief of Staff to the Nigerian President, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was among the COVID-19 deaths recorded in the African most populous nation.

The novel coronavirus has spread to 185 countries and regions since emerging in China last December, with the U.S. and Europe now the hardest-hit areas in the world.

More than 2.38 million cases have been reported worldwide, with the death toll exceeding 165,600 and recoveries over 611,700, according to data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

How Four African countries, including Nigeria are ‘particularly vulnerable’ to COVID-19 - Report

How Four African countries, including Nigeria are ‘particularly vulnerable’ to COVID-19 - Report

Cape Town — South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19, says a new survey of factors contributing to the risks which the pandemic poses to African nations.

The seven countries of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Chad, Somalia, Uganda, Egypt and the Central African Republic are the next most vulnerable, according to research done by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, DC, a research institution within the United States Department of Defense.

It is worth noting that the top four countries named by the survey as most vulnerable to COVID-19 are all dealing with intransigent conflicts, as are most of the next seven most vulnerable. For years, African scholars and peace advocates have been calling attention to the link between violent conflict and social inequities, and the same combination of factors favors the spread of diseases.

Paralleling the conclusions of African peacebuilding researchers, the survey says that one of nine risk factors – conflict magnitude – magnifies the other risks:

Armed conflict disrupts public health systems in affected areas and limits access to basic goods like food, water, and medical supplies.

The degree of intensity and geographic spread of conflict shapes the level of disruption caused for a society.

Conflict-affected populations are also often starting from higher levels of vulnerability with fewer resource buffers than other populations, making the impact of exposure to an infectious disease all the more severe.

The center’s study evaluates the vulnerability of each of the continent’s nations in nine risk categories: international exposure, the strength of their public health systems, the density of their urban areas, the total population in urban areas, the age of the population, the transparency of their governments, the press freedom they enjoy, levels of conflict and the numbers of displaced people.The other eight risks identified are international exposures, health system weaknesses, urban density, size of urban populations, population age, transparency of governance, press freedom and numbers of displaced peoples.

The risks which the most vulnerable countries face highlights “the importance of trying to identify and limit the spread of the SARS-CoV2 (corona) virus at the early stages, before it becomes entrenched in the high density urban or displaced person areas”, the center says.

Three of the most vulnerable countries – Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and South Sudan – have made potentially significant progress at conflict resolution, or have had successes despite ongoing conflict. The victory against an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo this year, despite militia activity that killed both United Nations peacekeepers and health workers, was regarded as remarkable among both political and medical analysts. South Sudan negotiated peace between competing armies for control of the government, and ‘people power’ in Sudan toppled a long-lived despotic ruler who had been convicted of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

The survey says that the limited exposure of the three countries to international travellers gives them “a brief window to ramp up containment measures”. The hope of reformers and peace activists is that the same popular determination and courageous actions by Africans in each of those nations can be brought to the efforts against COVID-19. Only Nigeria – of the most at-risk countries – has had high rates of international travel. The majority of Nigeria’s identified cases so far were brought across borders by international travelers or Nigerians returning from abroad, or were among people who were exposed to them, who were found through contact tracing.

Key to efforts at containment, says the survey, “will be enhanced and transparent public communications regarding COVID-19, public health guidance, and candid information about what the government is doing and what individuals should do if they exhibit symptoms. For some of these countries, given their constricted space for sharing information, this will require significantly improved levels of transparency and space for independent media.”

Turning to the seven countries next most vulnerable, the center says they, also, among the African countries with less international exposure. But they need to mitigate areas of risk and draw on areas of strength.

The study says that, initially, international exposure, the size of urban populations and a nation’s capacity to test for the virus will determine the number of cases which are reported. It adds that “subsequent stages [in the spread of the virus] are likely to also exploit other vulnerabilities such as weak health systems, densities of urban populations, conflict, size of displaced populations, trust in government, and openness of communications channels”.

The center points to the fact that the number of cases reported, as opposed to the actual numbers of people infected, will depend on the strength of a country’s public health system. “In fact,” it says, “cases of the coronavirus may be widespread elsewhere, though they are not identified and reported.”

Looking beyond nations with relatively higher numbers of reported cases, it says that despite not having Africa’s largest urban populations, countries in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions “appear to be at high risk for severe outbreaks”. It urges that attention be given in those countries to densely- populated cities and towns, to supporting public health systems and being transparent with the public.

” However, each country faces a unique mix of vulnerabilities that will require a customized response.”

” Much remains unknown about the trajectory of the transmission of COVID-19 in Africa. Many fear that with its high levels of poverty, weak health systems, and crowded urban areas, the virus could be particularly devastating. Others hope that with its warmer climate, youthful population, and experience fighting infectious disease, that Africa will be able to avoid the worst of the pandemic.”

” African urban areas are often remarkably densely populated, creating conditions where viruses can spread quickly and undetected in crowded informal settlements. Urban density is characteristic even of relatively sparsely populated countries in the Sahel, where the concentration of human settlements in capital cities creates high levels of vulnerability. A similar pattern is seen in South Sudan, where inhabited areas average 8,730 people per square kilometer. Urban layouts and architectures in these locations are similar to the compacted towns of Spain and Italy, where the virus has hit Europe the hardest to date.”

” Built-up areas across much of Africa have higher population densities than those in Europe and the United States. Influenza transmission rates in India have been found to increase above a population density of 282 people per square kilometer. The density of many built-up areas in Africa is over five times this threshold.”

” Stay-at-home orders will be particularly difficult to maintain in African cities where many residents lack adequate shelter, sanitation, and the monetary means to stock up on supplies and to stop work.”

” Approximately 80 percent of COVID-19 fatalities have been among people over the age of 60. With 70 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 30, Africa’s youth bulge may be a buffer against the most devastating human costs of the disease on the continent.”
” The benefits of a more youthful population, however, will need to be balanced against other underlying health factors facing many African populations such as malaria, malnutrition, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.”

” Refugees and internally displaced populations may be congregated in large camps with inadequate access to water, soap, or sanitation. Health services are often overstretched and inaccessible. The close quarters typical of such settlements greatly facilitates the spread of any infection once it is introduced. Eighty-five percent of Africa’s 25 million forcibly displaced persons are concentrated in 8 countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Cameroon.”

Cape Town — South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19, says a new survey of factors contributing to the risks which the pandemic poses to African nations.

The seven countries of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Chad, Somalia, Uganda, Egypt and the Central African Republic are the next most vulnerable, according to research done by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, DC, a research institution within the United States Department of Defense.

It is worth noting that the top four countries named by the survey as most vulnerable to COVID-19 are all dealing with intransigent conflicts, as are most of the next seven most vulnerable. For years, African scholars and peace advocates have been calling attention to the link between violent conflict and social inequities, and the same combination of factors favors the spread of diseases.

Paralleling the conclusions of African peacebuilding researchers, the survey says that one of nine risk factors – conflict magnitude – magnifies the other risks:

Armed conflict disrupts public health systems in affected areas and limits access to basic goods like food, water, and medical supplies.

The degree of intensity and geographic spread of conflict shapes the level of disruption caused for a society.

Conflict-affected populations are also often starting from higher levels of vulnerability with fewer resource buffers than other populations, making the impact of exposure to an infectious disease all the more severe.

The center’s study evaluates the vulnerability of each of the continent’s nations in nine risk categories: international exposure, the strength of their public health systems, the density of their urban areas, the total population in urban areas, the age of the population, the transparency of their governments, the press freedom they enjoy, levels of conflict and the numbers of displaced people.The other eight risks identified are international exposures, health system weaknesses, urban density, size of urban populations, population age, transparency of governance, press freedom and numbers of displaced peoples.

The risks which the most vulnerable countries face highlights “the importance of trying to identify and limit the spread of the SARS-CoV2 (corona) virus at the early stages, before it becomes entrenched in the high density urban or displaced person areas”, the center says.

Three of the most vulnerable countries – Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and South Sudan – have made potentially significant progress at conflict resolution, or have had successes despite ongoing conflict. The victory against an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo this year, despite militia activity that killed both United Nations peacekeepers and health workers, was regarded as remarkable among both political and medical analysts. South Sudan negotiated peace between competing armies for control of the government, and ‘people power’ in Sudan toppled a long-lived despotic ruler who had been convicted of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

The survey says that the limited exposure of the three countries to international travellers gives them “a brief window to ramp up containment measures”. The hope of reformers and peace activists is that the same popular determination and courageous actions by Africans in each of those nations can be brought to the efforts against COVID-19. Only Nigeria – of the most at-risk countries – has had high rates of international travel. The majority of Nigeria’s identified cases so far were brought across borders by international travelers or Nigerians returning from abroad, or were among people who were exposed to them, who were found through contact tracing.

Key to efforts at containment, says the survey, “will be enhanced and transparent public communications regarding COVID-19, public health guidance, and candid information about what the government is doing and what individuals should do if they exhibit symptoms. For some of these countries, given their constricted space for sharing information, this will require significantly improved levels of transparency and space for independent media.”

Turning to the seven countries next most vulnerable, the center says they, also, among the African countries with less international exposure. But they need to mitigate areas of risk and draw on areas of strength.

The study says that, initially, international exposure, the size of urban populations and a nation’s capacity to test for the virus will determine the number of cases which are reported. It adds that “subsequent stages [in the spread of the virus] are likely to also exploit other vulnerabilities such as weak health systems, densities of urban populations, conflict, size of displaced populations, trust in government, and openness of communications channels”.

The center points to the fact that the number of cases reported, as opposed to the actual numbers of people infected, will depend on the strength of a country’s public health system. “In fact,” it says, “cases of the coronavirus may be widespread elsewhere, though they are not identified and reported.”

Looking beyond nations with relatively higher numbers of reported cases, it says that despite not having Africa’s largest urban populations, countries in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions “appear to be at high risk for severe outbreaks”. It urges that attention be given in those countries to densely- populated cities and towns, to supporting public health systems and being transparent with the public.

” However, each country faces a unique mix of vulnerabilities that will require a customized response.”

” Much remains unknown about the trajectory of the transmission of COVID-19 in Africa. Many fear that with its high levels of poverty, weak health systems, and crowded urban areas, the virus could be particularly devastating. Others hope that with its warmer climate, youthful population, and experience fighting infectious disease, that Africa will be able to avoid the worst of the pandemic.”

” African urban areas are often remarkably densely populated, creating conditions where viruses can spread quickly and undetected in crowded informal settlements. Urban density is characteristic even of relatively sparsely populated countries in the Sahel, where the concentration of human settlements in capital cities creates high levels of vulnerability. A similar pattern is seen in South Sudan, where inhabited areas average 8,730 people per square kilometer. Urban layouts and architectures in these locations are similar to the compacted towns of Spain and Italy, where the virus has hit Europe the hardest to date.”

” Built-up areas across much of Africa have higher population densities than those in Europe and the United States. Influenza transmission rates in India have been found to increase above a population density of 282 people per square kilometer. The density of many built-up areas in Africa is over five times this threshold.”

” Stay-at-home orders will be particularly difficult to maintain in African cities where many residents lack adequate shelter, sanitation, and the monetary means to stock up on supplies and to stop work.”

” Approximately 80 percent of COVID-19 fatalities have been among people over the age of 60. With 70 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 30, Africa’s youth bulge may be a buffer against the most devastating human costs of the disease on the continent.”
” The benefits of a more youthful population, however, will need to be balanced against other underlying health factors facing many African populations such as malaria, malnutrition, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.”

” Refugees and internally displaced populations may be congregated in large camps with inadequate access to water, soap, or sanitation. Health services are often overstretched and inaccessible. The close quarters typical of such settlements greatly facilitates the spread of any infection once it is introduced. Eighty-five percent of Africa’s 25 million forcibly displaced persons are concentrated in 8 countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Cameroon.”

COVID-19: Death toll in Africa reaches 17 in 24 hours – WHO

COVID-19: Death toll in Africa reaches 17 in 24 hours – WHO

The UN health agency has said on Wednesday that there 633 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 33 African countries with 17 death toll so far.

In the past 24 hours, Africa has recorded 17 deaths from the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa region has said. While Africa was among the last continent to report cases of the virus, cases are beginning to spread throughout the continent as 33 countries have reported at least a case of the disease.

Also in the past 24 hours, the Gambia, Mauritius and Zambia have announced first cases, but these cases in Africa have remained low compared to other continents.

Egypt still tops the chart of countries with the most cases in Africa with 210 cases. This is followed by South Africa with 116 and Algeria with 75 confirmed cases while the number of confirmed cases in Nigeria has increased to eight.

As for Nigeria, more cases might be expected from the country as contact tracing has been intensified to get the people who have been in contact with the confirmed cases.

As African countries are bracing up to tackle the rising cases, WHO said it is supporting countries with surveillance, diagnostics and treatment.

Globally, cases have continued to soar as Europe is now the epicenter for the outbreak while cases have slowed down in China where the virus originated from as the country records lower index cases.

The total fatalities recorded in Europe has surpassed that of Asia while China still tops the chart of countries with the most infected cases and deaths globally with over 80,500 infected people and over 3,000 deaths.

This is followed closely with Italy which has so far reported over 35,000 cases and 2, 978 deaths.

As at Thursday, 6:51 GMT, a total of 219,385 confirmed cases have been reported in 176 countries with 8,749 deaths globally.

Iran, South Korea and Spain are also in the worst hit list of the global pandemic.

Testing and isolation

Despite the grim, people have been recovering from the virus. Over 85,000 people have been treated, recovered and discharged from the hospital.

In all these, WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has insisted that the pandemic can still be controlled if governments show more dedication.

He said the first vaccine trial has begun just 60 days after the genetic sequence of the coronavirus was shared, but countries should not relent in isolation and treatment of confirmed cases.

He said “WHO continues to recommend that isolating, testing and treating every suspected Covid-19 case, and tracing every contact, must be the backbone of the response in every country.

He said that is the best hope of preventing widespread community transmission.

Mr Ghebreyesus also recommended that wherever possible, confirmed mild Covid-19 cases should be isolated in health facilities, where trained professionals can provide good medical care, and prevent clinical progression and onward transmission.

“If that’s not possible, countries can use community facilities to isolate and care for mild Covid-19 cases and refer them for specialized care quickly if needed”, he said.
The UN health agency has said on Wednesday that there 633 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 33 African countries with 17 death toll so far.

In the past 24 hours, Africa has recorded 17 deaths from the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa region has said. While Africa was among the last continent to report cases of the virus, cases are beginning to spread throughout the continent as 33 countries have reported at least a case of the disease.

Also in the past 24 hours, the Gambia, Mauritius and Zambia have announced first cases, but these cases in Africa have remained low compared to other continents.

Egypt still tops the chart of countries with the most cases in Africa with 210 cases. This is followed by South Africa with 116 and Algeria with 75 confirmed cases while the number of confirmed cases in Nigeria has increased to eight.

As for Nigeria, more cases might be expected from the country as contact tracing has been intensified to get the people who have been in contact with the confirmed cases.

As African countries are bracing up to tackle the rising cases, WHO said it is supporting countries with surveillance, diagnostics and treatment.

Globally, cases have continued to soar as Europe is now the epicenter for the outbreak while cases have slowed down in China where the virus originated from as the country records lower index cases.

The total fatalities recorded in Europe has surpassed that of Asia while China still tops the chart of countries with the most infected cases and deaths globally with over 80,500 infected people and over 3,000 deaths.

This is followed closely with Italy which has so far reported over 35,000 cases and 2, 978 deaths.

As at Thursday, 6:51 GMT, a total of 219,385 confirmed cases have been reported in 176 countries with 8,749 deaths globally.

Iran, South Korea and Spain are also in the worst hit list of the global pandemic.

Testing and isolation

Despite the grim, people have been recovering from the virus. Over 85,000 people have been treated, recovered and discharged from the hospital.

In all these, WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has insisted that the pandemic can still be controlled if governments show more dedication.

He said the first vaccine trial has begun just 60 days after the genetic sequence of the coronavirus was shared, but countries should not relent in isolation and treatment of confirmed cases.

He said “WHO continues to recommend that isolating, testing and treating every suspected Covid-19 case, and tracing every contact, must be the backbone of the response in every country.

He said that is the best hope of preventing widespread community transmission.

Mr Ghebreyesus also recommended that wherever possible, confirmed mild Covid-19 cases should be isolated in health facilities, where trained professionals can provide good medical care, and prevent clinical progression and onward transmission.

“If that’s not possible, countries can use community facilities to isolate and care for mild Covid-19 cases and refer them for specialized care quickly if needed”, he said.

Quarantine lifted off cruise ship in Egypt with 45 confirmed coronavirus cases

Quarantine lifted off cruise ship in Egypt with 45 confirmed coronavirus cases

Quarantine lifted off a cruise ship on the Nile in Egypt that had 45 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Quarantine lifted off a cruise ship on the Nile in Egypt that had 45 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Egypt executes top Islamist militant Ashmawy: army

Egypt executes top Islamist militant Ashmawy: army

Cairo (AFP) - Egypt executed an ex-special forces officer turned top Islamist militant, Hisham Ashmawy, on Wednesday over involvement in several high-profile attacks, said the army.

"The execution by hanging was carried out based on a decision by the military court ... and after taking all the relevant judicial procedures," said army spokesman Tamer al-Rifai.

Ashmawy -- dubbed Egypt's "most wanted man" by local media -- was a former officer with Egypt's special forces who went on to fight with Al-Qaeda linked groups.

On Monday, a Cairo court sentenced Ashmawy to death along with 36 others over 54 crimes including killing police officers and blowing up several security installations.

Born in 1978 or 1979, Ashwamy joined the Egyptian Armed Forces as a young man and rose to join the elite unit, but was dismissed in 2012 over his hardening religious views.

Ashmawy was convicted last November by a military court over his role in 14 crimes including the 2014 killing of 22 soldiers in a border post attack, and a 2013 assassination attempt on a former interior minister, who survived the attack.

He was also found guilty of having led the Ansar Beit al-Maqdis Islamist militant group in the turbulent Sinai region.

Ashmawy broke with the organisation after it pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in November 2014.

Other charges against him included infiltrating to Libyan territories and forming an Al-Qaeda aligned militant group, al-Mourabitoun, there.

In October 2018, the self-styled Libyan National Army under strongman Khalifa Haftar captured Ashmawy in the eastern city of Derna. He was extradited to Egypt in May.

Egypt has for years been fighting a hardened insurgency in North Sinai that escalated after the army's 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

In February 2018, the army and police launched a nationwide operation against militants focused on North Sinai that is ongoing.

Cairo (AFP) - Egypt executed an ex-special forces officer turned top Islamist militant, Hisham Ashmawy, on Wednesday over involvement in several high-profile attacks, said the army.

"The execution by hanging was carried out based on a decision by the military court ... and after taking all the relevant judicial procedures," said army spokesman Tamer al-Rifai.

Ashmawy -- dubbed Egypt's "most wanted man" by local media -- was a former officer with Egypt's special forces who went on to fight with Al-Qaeda linked groups.

On Monday, a Cairo court sentenced Ashmawy to death along with 36 others over 54 crimes including killing police officers and blowing up several security installations.

Born in 1978 or 1979, Ashwamy joined the Egyptian Armed Forces as a young man and rose to join the elite unit, but was dismissed in 2012 over his hardening religious views.

Ashmawy was convicted last November by a military court over his role in 14 crimes including the 2014 killing of 22 soldiers in a border post attack, and a 2013 assassination attempt on a former interior minister, who survived the attack.

He was also found guilty of having led the Ansar Beit al-Maqdis Islamist militant group in the turbulent Sinai region.

Ashmawy broke with the organisation after it pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in November 2014.

Other charges against him included infiltrating to Libyan territories and forming an Al-Qaeda aligned militant group, al-Mourabitoun, there.

In October 2018, the self-styled Libyan National Army under strongman Khalifa Haftar captured Ashmawy in the eastern city of Derna. He was extradited to Egypt in May.

Egypt has for years been fighting a hardened insurgency in North Sinai that escalated after the army's 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

In February 2018, the army and police launched a nationwide operation against militants focused on North Sinai that is ongoing.

Israeli Netanyahu praises Mubarak's commitment to 'peace and security'

Israeli Netanyahu praises Mubarak's commitment to 'peace and security'

Jerusalem, (AFP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, who died on Tuesday aged 91, for delivering "peace and security" to his people and for achieving "peace with Israel".

"In the name of Israel''s citizens and government, I''d like to express deep sorrow over the passing of president Hosni Mubarak," Netanyahu said, calling the long-serving Egyptian leader "a personal friend.. who brought his people to peace and security (and) to peace with Israel." (AFP)
Jerusalem, (AFP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, who died on Tuesday aged 91, for delivering "peace and security" to his people and for achieving "peace with Israel".

"In the name of Israel''s citizens and government, I''d like to express deep sorrow over the passing of president Hosni Mubarak," Netanyahu said, calling the long-serving Egyptian leader "a personal friend.. who brought his people to peace and security (and) to peace with Israel." (AFP)

COVID-19: Outbreak has infected more than 80,000 globally

COVID-19: Outbreak has infected more than 80,000 globally

A viral outbreak of coronavirus, that began in China in December, has infected more than 80,000 people globally, according to the WHO's most recent figures.

The vast majority of cases have been reported in mainland China, followed by Japan, where 691 cases have been confirmed on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, and South Korea, which raised its tally to 977 confirmed cases on Tuesday.

hina reported 508 new cases and 71 news deaths on Tuesday in an outbreak of the coronavirus that has spread to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Europe, infecting more than 80,000 globally.

The updates bring mainland China's totals to 77,658 cases and 2,663 deaths.

Clusters continue to grow in South Korea, which reported 144 more cases of the new virus, bringing its total to 977 with ten deaths. Meanwhile, Iran's death toll has risen to 15 among 64 reported cases.
A viral outbreak of coronavirus, that began in China in December, has infected more than 80,000 people globally, according to the WHO's most recent figures.

The vast majority of cases have been reported in mainland China, followed by Japan, where 691 cases have been confirmed on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, and South Korea, which raised its tally to 977 confirmed cases on Tuesday.

hina reported 508 new cases and 71 news deaths on Tuesday in an outbreak of the coronavirus that has spread to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Europe, infecting more than 80,000 globally.

The updates bring mainland China's totals to 77,658 cases and 2,663 deaths.

Clusters continue to grow in South Korea, which reported 144 more cases of the new virus, bringing its total to 977 with ten deaths. Meanwhile, Iran's death toll has risen to 15 among 64 reported cases.

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak died

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak died


Al-Miyadin announces the death of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at the age of 91, Fars news agency reported

Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's president for almost 30 years who stepped down after a popular revolution in 2011, has died. He was 91.

Mubarak served as Egypt's fourth president starting in 1981 until his ouster in what became known as the Arab Spring revolution.

According to Aljazeera reports, Mubarak, who died on Tuesday, left behind a complicated legacy. Mubarak's rule was partly characterised by corruption, police brutality, political repression, and entrenched economic problems.

Al-Miyadin announces the death of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at the age of 91, Fars news agency reported

Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's president for almost 30 years who stepped down after a popular revolution in 2011, has died. He was 91.

Mubarak served as Egypt's fourth president starting in 1981 until his ouster in what became known as the Arab Spring revolution.

According to Aljazeera reports, Mubarak, who died on Tuesday, left behind a complicated legacy. Mubarak's rule was partly characterised by corruption, police brutality, political repression, and entrenched economic problems.

COVID-19: Egypt Records First Coronavirus Case In Africa

COVID-19: Egypt Records First Coronavirus Case In Africa

Egypt’s health ministry on Friday confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, making it the first in Africa.

Authorities have notified the World Health Organization and the patient has been placed in isolation in a hospital for treatment and monitoring.

According to the source, the coronavirus recorded on Friday was a foreigner who had been put in isolation at a hospital in Egypt tested positive for the disease.

It did not give the nationality of the affected person or any other details.

The death toll of the disease which broke out in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province in China, late last year, has exceeded 1,350. 

According to the Chinese health authorities, a total of 1,716 health workers are among the 60,000 persons infected with the virus.

A total of 17 African countries, including Nigeria, have confirmed having facilities where the disease can be detected.

Apart from Egypt, other countries where the virus has been confirmed are Singapore, UK, Malaysia, Taiwan, Spain, Vietnam, Germany, UAE, France and Japan.

Other countries where cases of the disease have been reported are Thailand, Canada, Australia, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Cambodia, and the United States.

WHO said it could take 18 months for the first vaccine for coronavirus to be ready.
More

COVID-19: Nigeria Will Give $98.3 Thousand To Any Nigerian Who Finds Coronavirus And Lassa Fever Cures
Egypt’s health ministry on Friday confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, making it the first in Africa.

Authorities have notified the World Health Organization and the patient has been placed in isolation in a hospital for treatment and monitoring.

According to the source, the coronavirus recorded on Friday was a foreigner who had been put in isolation at a hospital in Egypt tested positive for the disease.

It did not give the nationality of the affected person or any other details.

The death toll of the disease which broke out in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province in China, late last year, has exceeded 1,350. 

According to the Chinese health authorities, a total of 1,716 health workers are among the 60,000 persons infected with the virus.

A total of 17 African countries, including Nigeria, have confirmed having facilities where the disease can be detected.

Apart from Egypt, other countries where the virus has been confirmed are Singapore, UK, Malaysia, Taiwan, Spain, Vietnam, Germany, UAE, France and Japan.

Other countries where cases of the disease have been reported are Thailand, Canada, Australia, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Cambodia, and the United States.

WHO said it could take 18 months for the first vaccine for coronavirus to be ready.
More

COVID-19: Nigeria Will Give $98.3 Thousand To Any Nigerian Who Finds Coronavirus And Lassa Fever Cures

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