The world races to create a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. Madagascar has now come up with a miracle cure, a herbal remedy drink called 'COVID Organics'. Watch this report to know what is this miracle drink.

Africa's miracle cure for COVID-19: Drink called COVID-ORGANICS

Amid coronavirus lockdown in South Africa, thousands of people queued for food parcels amid lockdown in Centurion on Wednesday.

Drone footage showed thousands standing in the queue that stretched for 4 kilometres.&nbsp;

South Africa has spent five weeks under coronavirus restrictions requiring most of the population to stay at home apart from essential trips, leaving many businesses and individuals struggling without income in the recession-hit economy.

The strict lockdown has left many South African kitchens empty and has forced people to defy social distancing rules and the situation has come down to if coronavirus does not kill, then hunger definitely will.

Today, food scarcity is as much a reality as food wastage. The pandemic has forced countries to close their borders and as a result of the isolation, in one part of the world, people are hungry while in another food is being wasted.

In the United States, coronavirus lockdown has left markets ravaged forcing millions of farmers to destroy their own produce.

There are no trucks to ferry farm produce to the cities and due to the demand collapse, farmers aren't left with much choice but to destroy their perishable stock.

Across the Atlantic, Belgian farmers are sitting on a massive pile of potatoes.&nbsp;

Belgium is the world's largest exporter of fries but today, the country has no takers for its frozen products; 125 million euros of income is at stake.

And to avoid food wastage citizens in Belgium are being asked to eat more fries.

"We know that Belgian like their fries, it's intangible heritage, our frying culture. So we ask the Belgians to consume an extra portion of fries now, to allow us to process more potatoes and to avoid food waste," said Romain Cools, Secretary-General of potato industry group Belpom recently. 
&nbsp;

Amid coronavirus lockdown in South Africa, thousands of people queued for food parcels amid lockdown in Centurion on Wednesday. Drone footage showed thousands standing in the queue that stretched for 4 kilometres.

Amid coronavirus lockdown in South Africa, thousands of people queued for food parcels amid lockdown in Centurion on Wednesday. Drone footage showed thousands standing in the queue that stretched for 4 kilometres. South Africa has spent five weeks under coronavirus restrictions requiring most of the population to stay at home apart from essential trips, leaving many businesses and individuals struggling without income in the recession-hit economy. The strict lockdown has left many South African kitchens empty and has forced people to defy social distancing rules and the situation has come down to if coronavirus does not kill, then hunger definitely will. Today, food scarcity is as much a reality as food wastage. The pandemic has forced countries to close their borders and as a result of the isolation, in one part of the world, people are hungry while in another food is being wasted. In the United States, coronavirus lockdown has left markets ravaged forcing millions of farmers to destroy their own produce. There are no trucks to ferry farm produce to the cities and due to the demand collapse, farmers aren't left with much choice but to destroy their perishable stock. Across the Atlantic, Belgian farmers are sitting on a massive pile of potatoes. Belgium is the world's largest exporter of fries but today, the country has no takers for its frozen products; 125 million euros of income is at stake. And to avoid food wastage citizens in Belgium are being asked to eat more fries. "We know that Belgian like their fries, it's intangible heritage, our frying culture. So we ask the Belgians to consume an extra portion of fries now, to allow us to process more potatoes and to avoid food waste," said Romain Cools, Secretary-General of potato industry group Belpom recently.

People stand in 4 km-long queue for food in South Africa amid coronavirus pandemic

Africa is dealing with a health crisis to a food crisis now after the coronavirus has hit the country hard. Watch report.

Coronavirus pandemic: Africa goes hungry due to COVID-19, Health crisis leading to food crisis

Award-winning wildlife conservationists and filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert said lockdowns around the world due to COVID-19 have created a chance to reimagine relations with the natural world and expressed their hopes that young people will continue to push for change.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Wildlife tourism collapses due to lockdown

International financial institutions and African leaders warned on Friday the continent needs tens of billions of dollars in additional money to fight the coronavirus pandemic despite debt freezes and massive pledges of support.

In a joint statement, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund said they had each contributed to the $57 billion mobilized by official creditors to support healthcare and economic recovery on the world's poorest continent, while $13 billion came from private funds.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-offer-930-to-every-household-as-stimulus-payment-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-293156">Japan to offer $930 to every household as stimulus payment amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

"This is an important start, but the continent needs an estimated $114 billion in 2020 in its fight against COVID-19, leaving a financing gap of around $44 billion," the statement said.

The Washington-based institutions finished up their spring meetings this week, rolling out a slate of financing programs directed at combating the pandemic, which World Bank President David Malpass said could undo development in poor countries.

Africa is seen as particularly vulnerable to the disaster, which the IMF has dubbed "The Great Lockdown" as it warns of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Experts fear the continent's notoriously weak health systems may not be able to stop the spread of COVID-19 while the combined effects of a slump in demand for minerals and tourism together with lockdowns to stem the contagion could wallop economies.

"This pandemic has already had a devastating impact on Africa and its effects will deepen as the rate of infection rises," South African president and African Union chairman Cyril Ramaphosa said in the statement.

"It is a setback for the progress we have made to eradicate poverty, inequality and underdevelopment."

Dire forecasts&nbsp;

Deaths from coronavirus hit 1,000 across Africa on Friday, according to an AFP tally, with 19,334 cases recorded.

The IMF expects the continent's gross domestic product to shrink by 1.6 per cent in 2020, "the worst result ever recorded," and the World Bank has warned that the region could slip into its first recession in 25 years.

With many African countries both poor and deeply indebted, the World Bank and IMF this week rolled out new financing tools and beefed up existing ones while also emphasizing debt relief.

The G20 grouping of the world's largest economies agreed on Wednesday to a standstill in debt payments for the world's poorest nations, many of which are in Africa.

Using its redesigned Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT), debuted in 2015 to help west African countries hit by the Ebola epidemic, the IMF approved on Monday a six-month debt payment standstill for 25 countries, with African nations making up the bulk of the relieved.

The World Bank has meanwhile pledged to roll out $160 billion over the next 15 months for health care and economic recovery projects worldwide, while the IMF said 102 countries as of Thursday had asked to tap its $1 trillion lending war chest.

On Friday, the IMF Executive Board announced it had disbursed $886.2 million to Ivory Coast where the economic impact of the coronavirus is expected "to be substantial, with the near-term outlook deteriorating quickly."

The funding is meant to help the country "meet the urgent balance of payment needs stemming from the outbreak."

It similarly rolled out a $111.6 million disbursement to Haiti.

Progress undone&nbsp;

Despite the billions of dollars allocated for the fight in poor countries, Malpass warned "it's clear that it won't be enough."

"If we don't move quickly to strengthen systems and resilience, the development gains of recent years can easily be lost," the World Bank chief said.

For the debtor countries partaking of the bank's $160 billion in financing, "there will be a monitoring of how the governments are using the fiscal space that is created by the debt relief," Malpass said.&nbsp;

The expectation is that such countries would spend their freed-up funds on healthcare, education and bolstering their economy.

"If they're transparent, they're much more attractive to profitable investment coming in from around the world and from private sectors around the world," he said. 
&nbsp;

International financial institutions and African leaders warned on Friday the continent needs tens of billions of dollars in additional money to fight the coronavirus pandemic despite debt freezes and massive pledges of support.

International financial institutions and African leaders warned on Friday the continent needs tens of billions of dollars in additional money to fight the coronavirus pandemic despite debt freezes and massive pledges of support. In a joint statement, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund said they had each contributed to the $57 billion mobilized by official creditors to support healthcare and economic recovery on the world's poorest continent, while $13 billion came from private funds. Also read | Japan to offer $930 to every household as stimulus payment amid coronavirus pandemic "This is an important start, but the continent needs an estimated $114 billion in 2020 in its fight against COVID-19, leaving a financing gap of around $44 billion," the statement said. The Washington-based institutions finished up their spring meetings this week, rolling out a slate of financing programs directed at combating the pandemic, which World Bank President David Malpass said could undo development in poor countries. Africa is seen as particularly vulnerable to the disaster, which the IMF has dubbed "The Great Lockdown" as it warns of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Experts fear the continent's notoriously weak health systems may not be able to stop the spread of COVID-19 while the combined effects of a slump in demand for minerals and tourism together with lockdowns to stem the contagion could wallop economies. "This pandemic has already had a devastating impact on Africa and its effects will deepen as the rate of infection rises," South African president and African Union chairman Cyril Ramaphosa said in the statement. "It is a setback for the progress we have made to eradicate poverty, inequality and underdevelopment." Dire forecasts Deaths from coronavirus hit 1,000 across Africa on Friday, according to an AFP tally, with 19,334 cases recorded. The IMF expects the continent's gross domestic product to shrink by 1.6 per cent in 2020, "the worst result ever recorded," and the World Bank has warned that the region could slip into its first recession in 25 years. With many African countries both poor and deeply indebted, the World Bank and IMF this week rolled out new financing tools and beefed up existing ones while also emphasizing debt relief. The G20 grouping of the world's largest economies agreed on Wednesday to a standstill in debt payments for the world's poorest nations, many of which are in Africa. Using its redesigned Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT), debuted in 2015 to help west African countries hit by the Ebola epidemic, the IMF approved on Monday a six-month debt payment standstill for 25 countries, with African nations making up the bulk of the relieved. The World Bank has meanwhile pledged to roll out $160 billion over the next 15 months for health care and economic recovery projects worldwide, while the IMF said 102 countries as of Thursday had asked to tap its $1 trillion lending war chest. On Friday, the IMF Executive Board announced it had disbursed $886.2 million to Ivory Coast where the economic impact of the coronavirus is expected "to be substantial, with the near-term outlook deteriorating quickly." The funding is meant to help the country "meet the urgent balance of payment needs stemming from the outbreak." It similarly rolled out a $111.6 million disbursement to Haiti. Progress undone Despite the billions of dollars allocated for the fight in poor countries, Malpass warned "it's clear that it won't be enough." "If we don't move quickly to strengthen systems and resilience, the development gains of recent years can easily be lost," the World Bank chief said. For the debtor countries partaking of the bank's $160 billion in financing, "there will be a monitoring of how the governments are using the fiscal space that is created by the debt relief," Malpass said. The expectation is that such countries would spend their freed-up funds on healthcare, education and bolstering their economy. "If they're transparent, they're much more attractive to profitable investment coming in from around the world and from private sectors around the world," he said.

Coronavirus: Leaders warn Africa short of funds to fight pandemic

Pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) may arrives late in Africa, but now slowly taking hold with over 20,000 cases. Watch this complete video to get more details.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Africa to be the next COVID-19 hotspot?

Xenophobia and racism against Africans are on the rise in China. African ambassadors in Beijing wrote to the Chinese foreign minister seeking action. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Africa calls out racism in China | Wuhan Coronavirus

Billions of desert locusts, some in swarms the size of Moscow, have already chomped their way through much of the region, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda.

Africa unable to cope with food crisis

The World Health Organization chief on Mondy slammed recent comments made by scientists suggesting a vaccine for the new coronavirus should be tested in Africa as "racist" and a hangover from the "colonial mentality".

The World Health Organization chief on Mondy slammed recent comments made by scientists suggesting a vaccine for the new coronavirus should be tested in Africa as "racist" and a hangover from the "colonial mentality". "Africa cannot and will not be a testing ground for any vaccine," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference, "We will follow all the rules to test any vaccine or therapeutics all over the world... whether it is in Europe, Africa or wherever," he added. The WHO also voiced concern that the wearing of medical masks by the general public could exacerbate the shortage for health workers who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns in many places are proving effective in dampening spread of the virus, but any lifting of restrictions requires a calibrated, step-wise approach based on data, it said. "Masks alone cannot stop the pandemic, countries must continue to find, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact," Gheybresus told. He announced that Lady Gaga would direct a televised live concert with other top entertainers on April 18 to raise funds to help fight the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO slams 'racist' calls for Africa to be vaccine testing ground

The World Health Organization's regional director for Africa on Friday warned the continent faced a "dramatic evolution" of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Of the 47 countries in the WHO Africa region -- which includes sub-Saharan Africa and Algeria -- 39 nations are now affected, compared with only one a month ago, Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti told French television channel France24.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-coronavirus-outbreak-the-worlds-biggest-intelligence-failure-288994">Is coronavirus outbreak the world’s biggest intelligence failure?</a>

Moeti said there have been about 300 cases per day in recent days, and called for "intensified action by African countries”.

"The situation is very worrying, with a dramatic evolution: an increase geographically in the number of countries and also an increase in the number of infections," Moeti said.

Cases have risen across the world's poorest continent over the past week to a total of nearly 3,500 cases and 94 deaths, according to an AFP tally that covers all of Africa.

African nations have ordered curfews and lockdowns in response to the growing pandemic, amid fears that weak health infrastructure will leave the continent terribly exposed to an outbreak on the scale of virus-stricken Europe.

Moeti acknowledged that measures were being taken to contain the spread of the virus and to isolate suspected cases.

Governments have banned religious gatherings and sporting events, while schools were closed in 25 countries, she said.

She noted that 42 countries are now able to diagnose the disease. "A few weeks ago, only two countries had the diagnostic capacity," she said.

But Moeti stressed that the continent was poorly equipped to deal with a major health crisis.

"It is true that in many African households people live in large families. It's very difficult sometimes for everyone to have their own room," she said.

"There is a very strong community life. We have to find other hygiene methods to minimise the spread of the virus." 
&nbsp;

The World Health Organization's regional director for Africa on Friday warned the continent faced a "dramatic evolution" of the coronavirus pandemic. Of the 47 countries in the WHO Africa region -- which includes sub-Saharan Africa and Algeria -- 39 nations are now affected, compared with only one a month ago, Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti told French television channel France24.

The World Health Organization's regional director for Africa on Friday warned the continent faced a "dramatic evolution" of the coronavirus pandemic. Of the 47 countries in the WHO Africa region -- which includes sub-Saharan Africa and Algeria -- 39 nations are now affected, compared with only one a month ago, Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti told French television channel France24. Also read | Is coronavirus outbreak the world’s biggest intelligence failure? Moeti said there have been about 300 cases per day in recent days, and called for "intensified action by African countries”. "The situation is very worrying, with a dramatic evolution: an increase geographically in the number of countries and also an increase in the number of infections," Moeti said. Cases have risen across the world's poorest continent over the past week to a total of nearly 3,500 cases and 94 deaths, according to an AFP tally that covers all of Africa. African nations have ordered curfews and lockdowns in response to the growing pandemic, amid fears that weak health infrastructure will leave the continent terribly exposed to an outbreak on the scale of virus-stricken Europe. Moeti acknowledged that measures were being taken to contain the spread of the virus and to isolate suspected cases. Governments have banned religious gatherings and sporting events, while schools were closed in 25 countries, she said. She noted that 42 countries are now able to diagnose the disease. "A few weeks ago, only two countries had the diagnostic capacity," she said. But Moeti stressed that the continent was poorly equipped to deal with a major health crisis. "It is true that in many African households people live in large families. It's very difficult sometimes for everyone to have their own room," she said. "There is a very strong community life. We have to find other hygiene methods to minimise the spread of the virus."

WHO warns of 'dramatic evolution' of coronavirus in Africa

64 corpses have been found in a shipping container in the back of a lorry in Mozambique today.

The vehicle had allegedly arrived from Malawi. All the dead are suspected to be Ethiopian, and had died of suffocation, many media reports indicated.

There were also 14 survivors on-board, who were reportedly banging against the container walls, pleading for help.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/remains-of-united-kingdom-lorry-victims-arrive-in-vietnam-264751" hreflang="en">Remains of United Kingdom lorry victims arrive in Vietnam</a>

The route on which the vehicle was found is notoriously famous for trafficking people down into South Africa.

According to Tete provincial director of health, Carla Mosse, the immigration service had halted the lorry in the African town of Moatize, the BBC reported.

Even though a thorough investigation will be conducted to understand what happened to the victims, suffocation is the most likely scenario.

As reported by many media outlets, the driver was hesitant to stop the vehicle. This sentiment was echoed by Amelia Direito, a spokesperson for the National Migration Service in Tete.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/migrants-found-alive-in-refrigerated-lorry-on-dutch-uk-ferry-263266" hreflang="en">Migrants found alive in refrigerated lorry on Dutch-UK ferry</a>

Direito had heard noises coming from inside of the lorry, which raised suspicion. After this, the lorry was stopped and inspected.

According to the information received by a Portuguese newspaper called Observador, the survivors were banging the container and screaming for help when they were found by authorities.

In October 2019, 39 bodies were discovered in a lorry in the United Kingdom. Police in the UK had claimed that the bodies found in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-police-step-up-appeals-over-migrant-lorry-deaths-259320">refrigerated truck</a> in Essex were from Vietnam.

The Essex police worked with Vietnamese police officials to verify the identity of&nbsp; 39 people discovered at Grays in Essex on October 23. The lorry trailer was travelling from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Grays, Essex.

The victims included eight women and 31 men.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/39-bodies-found-in-lorry-in-essex-were-vietnam-nationals-uk-police-260616" hreflang="en">39 bodies found in lorry in Essex were Vietnam nationals: UK Police</a>

64 corpses have been found in a shipping container in the back of a lorry in Mozambique today. The vehicle had allegedly arrived from Malawi. All the dead are suspected to be Ethiopian, and had died of suffocation, many media reports indicated.

64 corpses have been found in a shipping container in the back of a lorry in Mozambique today. The vehicle had allegedly arrived from Malawi. All the dead are suspected to be Ethiopian, and had died of suffocation, many media reports indicated. There were also 14 survivors on-board, who were reportedly banging against the container walls, pleading for help. Also read: Remains of United Kingdom lorry victims arrive in Vietnam The route on which the vehicle was found is notoriously famous for trafficking people down into South Africa. According to Tete provincial director of health, Carla Mosse, the immigration service had halted the lorry in the African town of Moatize, the BBC reported. Even though a thorough investigation will be conducted to understand what happened to the victims, suffocation is the most likely scenario. As reported by many media outlets, the driver was hesitant to stop the vehicle. This sentiment was echoed by Amelia Direito, a spokesperson for the National Migration Service in Tete. Also read: Migrants found alive in refrigerated lorry on Dutch-UK ferry Direito had heard noises coming from inside of the lorry, which raised suspicion. After this, the lorry was stopped and inspected. According to the information received by a Portuguese newspaper called Observador, the survivors were banging the container and screaming for help when they were found by authorities. In October 2019, 39 bodies were discovered in a lorry in the United Kingdom. Police in the UK had claimed that the bodies found in a refrigerated truck in Essex were from Vietnam. The Essex police worked with Vietnamese police officials to verify the identity of 39 people discovered at Grays in Essex on October 23. The lorry trailer was travelling from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Grays, Essex. The victims included eight women and 31 men. Also read: 39 bodies found in lorry in Essex were Vietnam nationals: UK Police

64 corpses found in a lorry in Mozambique, 14 survivors also retrieved

An explosion at a gas processing plant on Sunday killed at least 15 people and destroyed about 50 buildings after a fire broke out in a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, emergency services said.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the explosion was triggered after a truck hit some gas cylinders stacked in a gas processing plant near the corporation's pipeline in Abule Ado area of Lagos state.

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The impact of the explosion led to the collapse of nearby houses, damaged NNPC's pipeline and caused the corporation to halt pumping operations on the Atlas Cove-Mosimi pipeline, the state-owned oil company said in a statement.

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Several people were injured and taken to hospital, according to Ibrahim Farinloye, zonal coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadists-kill-30-people-and-abduct-dozens-in-northeast-nigeria-279878">Jihadists kill 30 people and abduct dozens in northeast Nigeria</a>

Plumes of smoke billowed into the air as people watched, while firefighters tried to quench the flames, a source witness said.

Farinloye told the sources&nbsp;that "the explosion destroyed over 50 residential houses."

Watch:&nbsp;

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Pipeline fires in Nigeria, Africa's biggest crude oil producer, are common and they are mostly caused by theft and sabotage. The methods used to steal oil often result in accidents that cause fires.

"The fire started with smoke," one eyewitness said. "The smoke was coming up and later we heard a sound ... and some houses collapsed even the roofs."

<img alt="Blast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21ce72cb-caad-4c35-99a2-bfd88982d030" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_81.jpg" />

NNPC said that the temporary shutdown of the petroleum products pipeline would not affect the normal supply of products to the Lagos and surrounding towns.&nbsp;

An explosion at a gas processing plant on Sunday killed at least 15 people and destroyed about 50 buildings after a fire broke out in a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, emergency services said.

An explosion at a gas processing plant on Sunday killed at least 15 people and destroyed about 50 buildings after a fire broke out in a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, emergency services said. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the explosion was triggered after a truck hit some gas cylinders stacked in a gas processing plant near the corporation's pipeline in Abule Ado area of Lagos state. Also read: Jihadists kill 10 in northeast Nigerian village The impact of the explosion led to the collapse of nearby houses, damaged NNPC's pipeline and caused the corporation to halt pumping operations on the Atlas Cove-Mosimi pipeline, the state-owned oil company said in a statement. Several people were injured and taken to hospital, according to Ibrahim Farinloye, zonal coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Also see: Jihadists kill 30 people and abduct dozens in northeast Nigeria Plumes of smoke billowed into the air as people watched, while firefighters tried to quench the flames, a source witness said. Farinloye told the sources that "the explosion destroyed over 50 residential houses." Watch: × Pipeline fires in Nigeria, Africa's biggest crude oil producer, are common and they are mostly caused by theft and sabotage. The methods used to steal oil often result in accidents that cause fires. "The fire started with smoke," one eyewitness said. "The smoke was coming up and later we heard a sound ... and some houses collapsed even the roofs." NNPC said that the temporary shutdown of the petroleum products pipeline would not affect the normal supply of products to the Lagos and surrounding towns.

Lagos gas blast kills 15, destroys several buildings: Nigerian officials

Wildlife experts have warned that giraffes are now extinct in at least seven countries.&nbsp;

According to a report, there are only 100,000 of these beautiful creatures left on the African continent.&nbsp;

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed giraffes under the 'vulnerable' species category.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-steps-into-to-save-two-endangered-bird-species-281647">Supreme Court steps into to save two endangered bird species</a>

In the last 30 years, the species has seen a decline of a whopping 40 per cent in its population.&nbsp;

While the Nubian and the Kordofan species of giraffes are listed as "Critically Endangered", the reticulated and the Masai giraffe are ''Endangered''.

Giraffes are usually around six-metre tall on average and are herbivores. These were originally found in over 20 African nations but are now extinct in seven nations - &nbsp;Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria and Senegal.

Some of the prime factors contributing to the decline of the giraffe population include poaching, trade for meat, skins, tails, illegal encroachment and habitat loss and degradation fuelled by wildfire.&nbsp;

Wildlife experts have warned that giraffes are now extinct in at least seven countries. According to a report, there are only 100,000 of these beautiful creatures left on the African continent.

Wildlife experts have warned that giraffes are now extinct in at least seven countries. According to a report, there are only 100,000 of these beautiful creatures left on the African continent. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed giraffes under the 'vulnerable' species category. Also read: Supreme Court steps into to save two endangered bird species In the last 30 years, the species has seen a decline of a whopping 40 per cent in its population. While the Nubian and the Kordofan species of giraffes are listed as "Critically Endangered", the reticulated and the Masai giraffe are ''Endangered''. Giraffes are usually around six-metre tall on average and are herbivores. These were originally found in over 20 African nations but are now extinct in seven nations - Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria and Senegal. Some of the prime factors contributing to the decline of the giraffe population include poaching, trade for meat, skins, tails, illegal encroachment and habitat loss and degradation fuelled by wildfire.

Giraffes extinct in at least 7 African countries, listed as 'vulnerable' 

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">Mike Pompeo</a> on Wednesday closed a three-nation Africa tour with a thinly-veiled swipe at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">China </a>as he talked up Washington's ability to stimulate growth and entrepreneurship on the continent.

"Countries should be wary of authoritarian regimes with empty promises. They breed corruption, dependency," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">Pompeo </a>said in a speech to diplomats and business leaders at the United Nation's Economic Commission for Africa in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

"They run the risk that the prosperity and sovereignty and progress that Africa so needs and desperately wants won't happen."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">Pompeo&nbsp;calls China's treatment of Uighurs 'stain of the century'</a>

Pompeo in his remarks did not explicitly mention <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">China </a>Africa's largest trading partner&nbsp;but analysts predicted ahead of his trip that he would attempt to pitch the US as an alternative source of investment. &nbsp;

On Wednesday Pompeo name-checked US companies operating in all three countries on his Africa tour, the first by a US cabinet-level official in 19 months: Bechtel in Senegal, Chevron in Angola and Coca-Cola in Ethiopia.

He also hailed the free market generally, blasting "failed socialist experiments of years past" in places like Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

And he criticised a proposed constitutional amendment in South Africa that would allow private property to be expropriated without compensation -- a plan that seeks to overcome inequalities set down in the apartheid era.

The amendment would be "disastrous for that economy and most importantly for the South African people," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-us-must-confront-chinas-communist-party-259032">Pompeo says US must confront China's Communist Party</a>

Pompeo left later for Riyadh.

Pompeo's attempt to lay out a positive vision for US cooperation with Africa has been undermined by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">Donald Trump</a>'s Africa policy so far, analysts say.

Critics are quick to cite Trump's widely-reported remarks in 2018 when he used a profanity to describe African and poorer Western Hemisphere nations whose citizens migrate to the United States.

Washington is currently discussing military cuts in Africa, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">US </a>recently announced tightened visa rules targeting Africa's most populous country, Nigeria, as well as Tanzania, Sudan and Eritrea.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-west-is-winning-us-tells-china-france-wary-280845">'The West is winning,' US tells China</a>

"Pompeo is unlikely to undo the damage from the Trump administration's travel bans, the proposed budget cuts, or the president's disparaging comments about the region," said Judd Devermont, Africa director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank in Washington.

But African leaders would nonetheless "welcome his long-overdue engagement and focus on the positives as much as possible," Devermont said.

Even so, countries like Ethiopia have benefitted from Chinese engagement, rendering Pompeo's message less effective, said Abel Abate Demissie, an Ethiopian political analyst.

''It is undeniable that Chinese investment was quite crucial in keeping Ethiopia on track as one of the world's fastest-growing economies for many years," Abel said.

He added that much Chinese money has gone toward tangible projects like roads and buildings, while American money is more often funnelled to "less visible" fields like education and health.

"The fact that Chinese loans and sometimes grants have less bureaucracy also makes it quite convenient for Ethiopia and Africa at large," Abel said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">China </a>has funnelled cash and loans into infrastructure projects across the continent.

However, Beijing has faced accusations, which it denies, of saddling poor nations with debt, siphoning off mineral resources and leaving environmental damage. &nbsp;

Pompeo insisted Wednesday that Trump was eager to play a bigger role on the continent.

"If there's one thing you should know about our president my boss you should know that he loves deals," he said, drawing laughs from the audience.

"He wants more to happen between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-west-is-winning-us-tells-china-france-wary-280845">United States</a> and nations all across Africa."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday closed a three-nation Africa tour with a thinly-veiled swipe at China as he talked up Washington's ability to stimulate growth and entrepreneurship on the continent.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday closed a three-nation Africa tour with a thinly-veiled swipe at China as he talked up Washington's ability to stimulate growth and entrepreneurship on the continent. "Countries should be wary of authoritarian regimes with empty promises. They breed corruption, dependency," Pompeo said in a speech to diplomats and business leaders at the United Nation's Economic Commission for Africa in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. "They run the risk that the prosperity and sovereignty and progress that Africa so needs and desperately wants won't happen." Also read: Pompeo calls China's treatment of Uighurs 'stain of the century' Pompeo in his remarks did not explicitly mention China Africa's largest trading partner but analysts predicted ahead of his trip that he would attempt to pitch the US as an alternative source of investment. On Wednesday Pompeo name-checked US companies operating in all three countries on his Africa tour, the first by a US cabinet-level official in 19 months: Bechtel in Senegal, Chevron in Angola and Coca-Cola in Ethiopia. He also hailed the free market generally, blasting "failed socialist experiments of years past" in places like Zimbabwe and Tanzania. And he criticised a proposed constitutional amendment in South Africa that would allow private property to be expropriated without compensation -- a plan that seeks to overcome inequalities set down in the apartheid era. The amendment would be "disastrous for that economy and most importantly for the South African people," he said. Also read: Pompeo says US must confront China's Communist Party Pompeo left later for Riyadh. Pompeo's attempt to lay out a positive vision for US cooperation with Africa has been undermined by President Donald Trump's Africa policy so far, analysts say. Critics are quick to cite Trump's widely-reported remarks in 2018 when he used a profanity to describe African and poorer Western Hemisphere nations whose citizens migrate to the United States. Washington is currently discussing military cuts in Africa, and the US recently announced tightened visa rules targeting Africa's most populous country, Nigeria, as well as Tanzania, Sudan and Eritrea. Also read: 'The West is winning,' US tells China "Pompeo is unlikely to undo the damage from the Trump administration's travel bans, the proposed budget cuts, or the president's disparaging comments about the region," said Judd Devermont, Africa director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank in Washington. But African leaders would nonetheless "welcome his long-overdue engagement and focus on the positives as much as possible," Devermont said. Even so, countries like Ethiopia have benefitted from Chinese engagement, rendering Pompeo's message less effective, said Abel Abate Demissie, an Ethiopian political analyst. ''It is undeniable that Chinese investment was quite crucial in keeping Ethiopia on track as one of the world's fastest-growing economies for many years," Abel said. He added that much Chinese money has gone toward tangible projects like roads and buildings, while American money is more often funnelled to "less visible" fields like education and health. "The fact that Chinese loans and sometimes grants have less bureaucracy also makes it quite convenient for Ethiopia and Africa at large," Abel said. China has funnelled cash and loans into infrastructure projects across the continent. However, Beijing has faced accusations, which it denies, of saddling poor nations with debt, siphoning off mineral resources and leaving environmental damage. Pompeo insisted Wednesday that Trump was eager to play a bigger role on the continent. "If there's one thing you should know about our president my boss you should know that he loves deals," he said, drawing laughs from the audience. "He wants more to happen between the United States and nations all across Africa."

Mike Pompeo closes Africa tour with warning about China's 'empty promises'

Heads of state and government officials from across Africa have gathered in Ethiopia's capital for talks primarily focused on ways to end to regional violence, including the conflicts in South Sudan and Libya. The 33rd African Union (AU) summit, which opened on Sunday in Addis Ababa, is being held under the theme "Silencing the Guns: Creating conducive conditions for Africa's development".

WION Dispatch: AU leaders seek end to regional conflicts at 33rd African Union

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday.

Measles cases have risen dramatically in all parts of the world in recent years. The World Health Organization said in December that measles had infected nearly 10 million people in 2018 and killed 140,000, mostly children, in what it described as "an outrage."

"While the headlines might focus on rising cases in Europe and the United States, it is sadly still the case that the vast majority of measles deaths are happening in the world’s poorest countries," said Seth Berkley, GAVI's chief executive, who gave a briefing to reporters in London.

The campaigns will be carried out by governments in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia and South Sudan and funded by partners including GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-online-anti-vaxxers-fuelling-samoa-measles-deaths-266415">U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths</a>

The aim is to reach some 45 million children in six months.

Provisional data for 2019 up to November showed a three-fold increase in case numbers compared with the same period in 2018, the WHO said.

"Measles cases rose alarmingly in 2019, affecting hundreds of thousands of children and claiming many young lives," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director. "These measles outbreaks have taught us that we need to stay vigilant. We can't afford to wait and watch."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-vaccine-now-mandatory-to-limit-deadly-outbreak-262803">Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak</a>

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday.

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday. Measles cases have risen dramatically in all parts of the world in recent years. The World Health Organization said in December that measles had infected nearly 10 million people in 2018 and killed 140,000, mostly children, in what it described as "an outrage." "While the headlines might focus on rising cases in Europe and the United States, it is sadly still the case that the vast majority of measles deaths are happening in the world’s poorest countries," said Seth Berkley, GAVI's chief executive, who gave a briefing to reporters in London. The campaigns will be carried out by governments in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia and South Sudan and funded by partners including GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF. Also read: U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths The aim is to reach some 45 million children in six months. Provisional data for 2019 up to November showed a three-fold increase in case numbers compared with the same period in 2018, the WHO said. "Measles cases rose alarmingly in 2019, affecting hundreds of thousands of children and claiming many young lives," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director. "These measles outbreaks have taught us that we need to stay vigilant. We can't afford to wait and watch." Also read: Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak

Measles vaccine drive aims to protect 45 million children in Africa, Asia

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Kenya,&nbsp;</a>according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un-resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">United Nations </a>(UN).

According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across e<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">ast Africa</a>.

Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa</a>

Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa.&nbsp;Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the country&nbsp;to counter the problem.

As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and die&nbsp;just hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts</a>

Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem.

The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan.

The locusts had swept into the country&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Somalia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Ethiopia </a>after unusually heavy rains in the past few months.

Watch:&nbsp;Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/somalia-hit-by-worst-locust-invasion-in-25-years-269582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit by&nbsp;a hunger crisis.

Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations (UN).

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations (UN). According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across east Africa. Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June. Also read: Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa. Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the country to counter the problem. As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and die just hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem. The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan. The locusts had swept into the country from Somalia and Ethiopia after unusually heavy rains in the past few months. Watch: Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit by a hunger crisis. Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.

Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations

As it turns out, we all have a bit of Neanderthal in our DNA, CNN reported.

According to a new study, even Africans, who were perceived as having no links to our extinct human relative.

In 2010, evidence proved that our ancestors copulated with Neanderthals. This was done based on data from the bones of the Stone Age, dating back to 40,000 years.

The research found that modern Asians, Europeans, and Americans inherited about 2 per cent of Neanderthal genes. This did not include Africans.&nbsp;

As research becomes more detailed, more information continues to drop in. Researchers at Princeton University claim that Africans indeed have Neanderthal DNA.

"This is the first time we can detect the actual signal of Neanderthal ancestry in Africans," said Lu Chen, a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton's Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics (LSI) to CNN.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6ad2d3a-e378-460c-a401-749a33fcee81" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_41.jpg" /> 
A picture taken on March 26, 2018 shows a moulding of a Neanderthal man face displayed for the Neanderthal exhibition at the Musee de l'Homme in Paris | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Joshua Akey, another professor at LSI, challenged the idea of a single dispersal originating from Africa 60,000-80,000 years ago.

"Our results show this history was much more interesting and there were many waves of dispersal out of Africa, some of which led to admixture between modern humans and Neanderthals that we see in the genomes of all living individuals today", Akey told CNN.

According to them, modern humans left Africa about 200,000 years ago and bred with the Neanderthals.

Over time, this group then moved back to Africa, introducing the Neanderthal ancestry to Africa.

The researchers claim that the assumption that Neanderthals and ancient African populations lived in isolation from each other had created roadblocks in the field.

Based on the findings of the team, humans&nbsp;on different continents possessed Neanderthal ancestry ''surprisingly similar to each other''. 
&nbsp;

As it turns out, we all have a bit of Neanderthal in our DNA, CNN reported. According to a new study, even Africans, who were perceived as having no links to our extinct human relative.

As it turns out, we all have a bit of Neanderthal in our DNA, CNN reported. According to a new study, even Africans, who were perceived as having no links to our extinct human relative. In 2010, evidence proved that our ancestors copulated with Neanderthals. This was done based on data from the bones of the Stone Age, dating back to 40,000 years. The research found that modern Asians, Europeans, and Americans inherited about 2 per cent of Neanderthal genes. This did not include Africans. As research becomes more detailed, more information continues to drop in. Researchers at Princeton University claim that Africans indeed have Neanderthal DNA. "This is the first time we can detect the actual signal of Neanderthal ancestry in Africans," said Lu Chen, a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton's Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics (LSI) to CNN. A picture taken on March 26, 2018 shows a moulding of a Neanderthal man face displayed for the Neanderthal exhibition at the Musee de l'Homme in Paris | AFP Joshua Akey, another professor at LSI, challenged the idea of a single dispersal originating from Africa 60,000-80,000 years ago. "Our results show this history was much more interesting and there were many waves of dispersal out of Africa, some of which led to admixture between modern humans and Neanderthals that we see in the genomes of all living individuals today", Akey told CNN. According to them, modern humans left Africa about 200,000 years ago and bred with the Neanderthals. Over time, this group then moved back to Africa, introducing the Neanderthal ancestry to Africa. The researchers claim that the assumption that Neanderthals and ancient African populations lived in isolation from each other had created roadblocks in the field. Based on the findings of the team, humans on different continents possessed Neanderthal ancestry ''surprisingly similar to each other''.

All modern humans possess Neanderthal DNA: Study

Three pygmy chameleons, among Africa’s smallest reptiles, have hatched at Britain's Chester Zoo. British Chester Zoo released the footage of the new clutch.

‘Pencil tip-sized’ chameleons hatch at British zoo

Swarms of desert locusts are wreaking havoc across the Horn of Africa, having <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-invasion-in-somalia-threatens-livelihoods-of-farmers-270049">damaged tens of thousands of hectares</a> so far, according to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization. Bukar Tijani, &nbsp;Assistant Director-General of the FAO called the swarms "vast and unprecedented", adding that “These infestations represent a major threat to food security in Kenya and across the entire Horn of Africa, which is already reeling from floods and droughts.”

According to the FAO, breedings of these insects is a practice continued on both sides of the Red Sea, in places such as Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea and Sudan. Last week, the swarms were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-desert-locust-swarms-in-ethiopia-kenya-and-somalia-threaten-to-ravage-east-africa-275577">reported to have spread</a> into northern and eastern Kenya from Ethiopia and Somalia. Kenya's former Agricultural Minister stated that the invasion was a major threat to their food production and economy.

<img alt="A Samburu man attempts to fend-off a swarm of desert locusts" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab1d855b-701b-4ed4-8f19-5474822ca36d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2886%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A Samburu man attempts to fend-off a swarm of desert locusts flying over a grazing land in Lemasulani village, Samburu (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/somalia-hit-by-worst-locust-invasion-in-25-years-269582">Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years</a>

Aerial spraying to head off the invasion was initiated by Kenya on January 4, while police officers shot bullets and teargas at the oncoming swarm as shown on Kenyan media. Residents attempted to aid law enforcement by trying to frighten the insects with loud noises such as car horns and banging on buckets.

FAO estimates one swarm in Kenya to be 40 kilometres wide by 60 kilometres long, and a farmers' association in the northern Laikipia area said that it has planned aerial spraying of pesticides to combat it, the worst locust plague since 1954.

Swarms of desert locusts are wreaking havoc across the Horn of Africa, having damaged tens of thousands of hectares so far, according to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Swarms of desert locusts are wreaking havoc across the Horn of Africa, having damaged tens of thousands of hectares so far, according to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization. Bukar Tijani, Assistant Director-General of the FAO called the swarms "vast and unprecedented", adding that “These infestations represent a major threat to food security in Kenya and across the entire Horn of Africa, which is already reeling from floods and droughts.” According to the FAO, breedings of these insects is a practice continued on both sides of the Red Sea, in places such as Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea and Sudan. Last week, the swarms were reported to have spread into northern and eastern Kenya from Ethiopia and Somalia. Kenya's former Agricultural Minister stated that the invasion was a major threat to their food production and economy. [ A Samburu man attempts to fend-off a swarm of desert locusts flying over a grazing land in Lemasulani village, Samburu (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years Aerial spraying to head off the invasion was initiated by Kenya on January 4, while police officers shot bullets and teargas at the oncoming swarm as shown on Kenyan media. Residents attempted to aid law enforcement by trying to frighten the insects with loud noises such as car horns and banging on buckets. FAO estimates one swarm in Kenya to be 40 kilometres wide by 60 kilometres long, and a farmers' association in the northern Laikipia area said that it has planned aerial spraying of pesticides to combat it, the worst locust plague since 1954.

Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa

Heartbreaking photographs of starving lions in Sudan has kicked off a global campaign to save them. @palkisu tells you how the economic crisis in Sudan is endangering the lions.

Gravitas: Viral photos of starving lions kicks off global campaign

A fire on a pipeline owned by Nigeria's state oil company in the commercial capital Lagos killed three people on January 19. A witness said that the blaze broke out in the Abule-Egba district of the southwestern megacity and it started shortly before 8 PM (1900 GMT). The fire has burned nearby houses and vehicles. Many fires on pipelines in Nigeria, Africa's biggest crude oil producer, are caused by theft and sabotage. The methods used to steal oil often result in accidents that cause fires.

Three reported dead in Nigeria pipeline explosion, Over 200 building gutted by fire

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/tanzania-to-free-5500-inmates-from-overcrowded-prisons-267277">Tanzania</a> will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock.

To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/arizona-three-mountain-lions-killed-after-they-were-found-eating-human-remains-271665">Lions</a> are an endangered species, but they have been affected by the activities of human beings which are intruding their personal space.

<img alt="lions" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a65a05e-76c0-4774-8c18-3884697be579" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-19T123905.184_0.jpg" />

Also read:&nbsp;Arizona: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/arizona-three-mountain-lions-killed-after-they-were-found-eating-human-remains-271665">Three mountain lions killed after they were found eating human remains</a>

According to Simon Mduma, director-general of the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-decries-conflicts-extremist-attacks-in-africa-amid-burkina-faso-mourning-270228">East African</a> country’s Wildlife Research Institute, ''11 out of the 36 lions have already been caught and will be moved to the Burigi Chato national park, located in the country’s north-west''.

Nine&nbsp;more lions will be rehoused at this national park. A venue is yet to be found for the remaining 16.

''Earlier, a lion used to be killed if it attacked any person. But since this is a huge group the same action cannot be taken,'' he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN</a>

It is necessary that action is taken for the sustenance of lions as they have become extremely vulnerable.

As per an estimate of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global lion population has subsided 43 per cent in the last twenty years to around 20,000.

<img alt="lions in Africa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93b61c5c-1464-4c20-a45e-0c6159867f7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1KQ8H3_0.jpg" />

After an assessment of the land dispute, the Tanzanian government had quashed the special status of seven&nbsp;wildlife and forest reserves and 12 protected zones in September last year.

It had allocated approximately 700,000 hectares of land for farming and livestock.

(With inputs from AFP)

Tanzania will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock. To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park.

Tanzania will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock. To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park. Lions are an endangered species, but they have been affected by the activities of human beings which are intruding their personal space. Also read: Arizona: Three mountain lions killed after they were found eating human remains According to Simon Mduma, director-general of the East African country’s Wildlife Research Institute, ''11 out of the 36 lions have already been caught and will be moved to the Burigi Chato national park, located in the country’s north-west''. Nine more lions will be rehoused at this national park. A venue is yet to be found for the remaining 16. ''Earlier, a lion used to be killed if it attacked any person. But since this is a huge group the same action cannot be taken,'' he added. Also read: Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN It is necessary that action is taken for the sustenance of lions as they have become extremely vulnerable. As per an estimate of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global lion population has subsided 43 per cent in the last twenty years to around 20,000. After an assessment of the land dispute, the Tanzanian government had quashed the special status of seven wildlife and forest reserves and 12 protected zones in September last year. It had allocated approximately 700,000 hectares of land for farming and livestock. (With inputs from AFP)

After attacks on people and livestock, Tanzania to relocate 36 Serengeti lions

An Angolan court has ordered assets of Isabel dos Santos, daughter of the country’s former leader José Eduardo dos Santos, to be frozen in the highest-profile move of an anti-corruption drive launched by President João Lourenço. #AngolanCourt #IsabelDosSantos #AfricaRichestWomen

Fineprint: Angolan court freezes assets of Africa's richest woman

Over the next six months, more than 100 000 hectares of land will require direct control interventions in Somalia. #Somalia #Locust #Africa

Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years

Climate change fears exacerbated as Victoria Falls shrink to trickle

Johnson & Johnson, the producer of a new vaccine aimed at protecting people against the Ebola virus, announced on Sunday it would be providing 200,000 Ebola vaccines to Rwanda to stop the virus spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Vaccination programme begins to stop Ebola spread

The number of people requiring urgent food aid in 16 countries across Africa's Sahel region more than doubled this year to some 9.4 million amid an increase in violence and insecurity, officials and experts said Monday.

Three countries, Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso, are facing crisis conditions, at phase three of five on the scale used by the Food Crisis Prevention Network, which includes government and United Nations representatives as well as NGOs.

Some 9.4 million people are estimated to be in immediate need of assistance in October-December 2019 in the 16 countries analysed (excluding Liberia), including 4 million in Nigeria, 1.5 million in Niger and 1.2 million in Burkina Faso.

"By&nbsp;June-August 2020, 14.4 million people are projected to be in a crisis situation or worse, including 1.2 million in an emergency situation (phase 4)," the network said in a statement issued during its annual meeting in Paris.

"Civil insecurity has deteriorated this year in Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria," said Mahalmoudou Hamadoun of the Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel.

"So these mainly rural populations cannot ensure their means of subsistence, agriculture or animal raising, even as they continue to be affected by climate change," he said.

The vast expanse of the Sahel along the southern rim of the Sahara is extremely vulnerable to drought, even as birthrates surge across the region.

Attacks by jihadist insurgents against police and other government targets, along with inter-ethnic fighting, are also adding to the strains on local populations.

"Entire villages have been displaced in Burkina Faso, schools and health clinics are closed,&nbsp;people don't have the possibility of staying in their homes," said Sibiri Jean Zoundi, head of the Sahel Club at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The number of people requiring urgent food aid in 16 countries across Africa's Sahel region more than doubled this year to some 9.4 million amid an increase in violence and insecurity, officials and experts said Monday.

The number of people requiring urgent food aid in 16 countries across Africa's Sahel region more than doubled this year to some 9.4 million amid an increase in violence and insecurity, officials and experts said Monday. Three countries, Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso, are facing crisis conditions, at phase three of five on the scale used by the Food Crisis Prevention Network, which includes government and United Nations representatives as well as NGOs. Some 9.4 million people are estimated to be in immediate need of assistance in October-December 2019 in the 16 countries analysed (excluding Liberia), including 4 million in Nigeria, 1.5 million in Niger and 1.2 million in Burkina Faso. "By June-August 2020, 14.4 million people are projected to be in a crisis situation or worse, including 1.2 million in an emergency situation (phase 4)," the network said in a statement issued during its annual meeting in Paris. "Civil insecurity has deteriorated this year in Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria," said Mahalmoudou Hamadoun of the Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel. "So these mainly rural populations cannot ensure their means of subsistence, agriculture or animal raising, even as they continue to be affected by climate change," he said. The vast expanse of the Sahel along the southern rim of the Sahara is extremely vulnerable to drought, even as birthrates surge across the region. Attacks by jihadist insurgents against police and other government targets, along with inter-ethnic fighting, are also adding to the strains on local populations. "Entire villages have been displaced in Burkina Faso, schools and health clinics are closed, people don't have the possibility of staying in their homes," said Sibiri Jean Zoundi, head of the Sahel Club at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel: Sources

Fulani tribe from west Africa leads a pastoral life due to climate change, livestock suffer water shortage across the region.

African Fulani tribe fights with climate change

Africa hit by cyclones, floods and drought, the effect of climate change causes chaos in Africa, millions starve in Africa due to climate change

Climate change causes chaos in Africa

India has welcomed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which came into force this year and said it will help increase trade between India and Africa.

Speaking at United Nations General Assembly, India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Nagaraj Naidu said, "African Continental Free Trade Area, which came to force this year, has made Africa the world's largest free trade area... India views this development as yet another opportunity to boost trade and economic ties with Africa". The FTA has 1.2 billion consumers and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The AfCFTA was signed in Kigali, Rwanda last year.

Naidu highlighted the trilateral partnership which New Delhi is working out in the continent like collaborating with Japan in the health sector and with the UAE in the IT sector in the continent.&nbsp;

Naidu said, "India’s partnership with Africa is based on a model of cooperation which is responsive to the needs of African countries. It is demand-driven and free of conditionalities. It is based on our history of friendship, historical ties, and a sense of deep solidarity. African priorities are our priorities."

India is increasing its engagement with Africa. Since 2014, there have been 32 outgoing high-level visits from India to Africa.

India has emerged as a major development partner of the continent and is implementing 181 lines of credit worth $11 billion in 41 African countries. India is also providing 50,000 scholarships to African students.

Interestingly, the statement came on a day when Russia hosted its first summit with Africa. The 4th India-Africa summit will take place in 2020.

India has welcomed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which came into force this year and said it will help increase trade between India and Africa.

India has welcomed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which came into force this year and said it will help increase trade between India and Africa. Speaking at United Nations General Assembly, India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Nagaraj Naidu said, "African Continental Free Trade Area, which came to force this year, has made Africa the world's largest free trade area... India views this development as yet another opportunity to boost trade and economic ties with Africa". The FTA has 1.2 billion consumers and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The AfCFTA was signed in Kigali, Rwanda last year. Naidu highlighted the trilateral partnership which New Delhi is working out in the continent like collaborating with Japan in the health sector and with the UAE in the IT sector in the continent. Naidu said, "India’s partnership with Africa is based on a model of cooperation which is responsive to the needs of African countries. It is demand-driven and free of conditionalities. It is based on our history of friendship, historical ties, and a sense of deep solidarity. African priorities are our priorities." India is increasing its engagement with Africa. Since 2014, there have been 32 outgoing high-level visits from India to Africa. India has emerged as a major development partner of the continent and is implementing 181 lines of credit worth $11 billion in 41 African countries. India is also providing 50,000 scholarships to African students. Interestingly, the statement came on a day when Russia hosted its first summit with Africa. The 4th India-Africa summit will take place in 2020.

India says African Continental Free Trade Area will help enhance trade ties 

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