Voters in Burundi waited in long lines on May 20 to mark their ballots to replace the country’s long-reigning, autocratic president. Watch report.

Burundi prepares for general elections amid COVID-19 Pandemic

India's envoy to Morocco Shambhu S Kumaran has said that the coronavirus pandemic reinforced India's image as a responsible international stakeholder, and corroborated its ability to support African countries.

India's envoy to Morocco Shambhu S Kumaran has said that the coronavirus pandemic reinforced India's image as a responsible international stakeholder, and corroborated its ability to support African countries. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Rabat, Ambassador Kumaran said India has sent 6 million units of HCQ to the North African country and has offered training of Morrocans under its eITEC programme. As many as 140 Indians have registered for repatriation from the country. WION: How are both countries cooperating to deal with COVID? Shambhu S Kumaran: We had received a request for HCQ from Morocco -- 6 million units. These have now been delivered and an export licence was issued about two weeks ago. Delivery has been completed. That is one significant manifestation of our support to Morocco in the current crisis. We are trying to deliver our eITEC courses, our capacity building courses. One of the representatives of Morocco's ministry of health had attended the course that was recently offered. We want to expand telemedicine cooperation, for which we signed MoU in 2017 and we trying to develop avenues of cooperation. WION: How is the mission reaching out to the stranded Indians? Shambhu S Kumaran: There are two kinds groups in the Indian community. One is a community that has been settled in Morocco for a very long time. The number of community members have dwindled with years. But we have a few hundred families, who are still in Morocco and continue to contribute to the society and the economy. We have a class of Indian businessmen, tourist and professionals and unfortunately -- they have been stranded here. We had open registration for a potential repatriation flight and received 140 registration and that is the kind of numbers we are looking at. WION: Any Indian infected with COVID-19? When does mission plan to start repatriation? Shambhu S Kumaran: Thankfully, at the moment we have no infection amongst the Indians and that includes, embassy personnel and families and the ones I mentioned. With regard to the repatriation and evacuation flight, we are strongly engaged with the authorities in India, with the MEA and all the other colleagues from the government and exploring best possible. There are some constraints in terms of limited numbers. Indians here are from different states, so we do not have numbers to operate point to point flight which was done at first. But hopeful incoming phases we will be able to accommodate a flight here and I am strongly engaged with my colleagues in India to try and materialise that flight. WION: How has the situation been in the country? Any models we can follow? Shambhu S Kumaran: The situation in Morocco is reasonably under control. The numbers are not insignificant, however a decline in trend in new infections. The recovery rate is very good. The mortality rate is declining to close to zero. So positive signs, however, they had lockdown for two months and just a day before yesterday they decided to extend the lockdown for three weeks till June 10. The containment strategy is similar to the ones that India has followed. We are monitoring any innovative methods they have but at the moment nothing specific. WION: How has the condition of the Indian diplomats been? Shambhu S Kumaran: We try to prioritise interface with Indians. Indian diplomats in the mission have been in constant and regular touch, we try to keep morale high. They are in a difficult situation as you understand -- as they are separated from families and trying to survive in a situation under the lockdown. With regard to work, a lot of the work has shifted online, communicated a lot through email. We have a video conference and other such methods which has been used increasingly. I think the intensity of work has declined a bit but hopeful of more and more interaction coming ahead. WION: How has India been reaching to Africa and that part of Africa? How it has been received? Shambhu S Kumaran: Pandemic has reinforced India's image as a very responsible international stakeholder. We have been able to convey our ability to support other countries in Africa who are in need, despite the fact we have great need of our own and that has contrasted very well with some of the other countries approach the problem. So think, we reinvigorated India's role in Africa and it has given us further strength as we move ahead.

New Delhi is supporting African countries during coronavirus pandemic, says India's envoy to Morocco

The new coronavirus could kill 150,000 people in Africa in a year unless urgent action is taken, according to a WHO modeling study.

Virus could infect more than 200 million in Africa

COVID-19 exposes gaping holes in Africa's health care system. Watch this video to get more details.

COVID-19 exposes gaping holes in Africa's health care system

African nations are facing a surge of COVID-19 cases with less than one intensive care bed and one ventilator per 100,000 people, a Reuters survey has found.

W.H.O. projects up to 44 million could be infected in Africa with COVID-19

A senator in Nigeria has introduced a motion - accusing China of institutional discrimination against Nigerians in China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how African nations are calling out China.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus | African nations unite against China

South African health workers were given a tuberculosis vaccine on Monday to check if it protects against coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-74-coronavirus-death-as-mosques-due-to-reopen-296599" hreflang="en">Iran reports 74 coronavirus death as mosques due to reopen</a>

The Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine is a century-old and was created France's Pasteur Institute and it is one of the world's oldest immunisations.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-in-a-travel-bubble-between-new-zealand-and-australia-amid-coronavirus-lockdown-296595" hreflang="en">Just in! A 'travel bubble' between New Zealand and Australia amid coronavirus lockdown</a>

Around 250 health workers were given the shots as a trial to immunisation whereas others got 250 received a dummy formula.

TASK founder professor Andreas Diacon said: &nbsp;TASK founder professor Andreas Diacon said: "There are observations that this BCG vaccine does something to the immune system that we don't understand."

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 300,000 people catch TB in South Africa each year, it is one of the highest rates of infection in the world where nearly&nbsp;63,000 people die every year.

"It makes the immune system cope better with respiratory retract infections," said Diacon. "No one actually really understands why it works".&nbsp;

"If you can reduce the (COVID-19) symptoms just a little, you will probably get people to survive this better or not even have to go to the hospital or not even becoming ill," said Diacon.

Tygerberg Hospital and a Stellenbosch University's professor Diacon said the trials focussed on health care workers as "we believe that they will be exposed most".

Trials are expected to take place with 3,000 health care workers situated in Cape Town. Similar trials are being conducted in the Netherlands, Australia and France. These participants in the country will be giving the vaccines for the first time as there is no policy for the BCG vaccines in the countries.&nbsp;

(Inputs from AFP)

South African health workers were given a tuberculosis vaccine on Monday to check if it protects against coronavirus. Also read: Iran reports 74 coronavirus death as mosques due to reopen The Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine is a century-old and was created France's Pasteur Institute and it is one of the world's oldest immunisations.

South African health workers were given a tuberculosis vaccine on Monday to check if it protects against coronavirus. Also read: Iran reports 74 coronavirus death as mosques due to reopen The Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine is a century-old and was created France's Pasteur Institute and it is one of the world's oldest immunisations. Also read: Just in! A 'travel bubble' between New Zealand and Australia amid coronavirus lockdown Around 250 health workers were given the shots as a trial to immunisation whereas others got 250 received a dummy formula. TASK founder professor Andreas Diacon said: TASK founder professor Andreas Diacon said: "There are observations that this BCG vaccine does something to the immune system that we don't understand." According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 300,000 people catch TB in South Africa each year, it is one of the highest rates of infection in the world where nearly 63,000 people die every year. "It makes the immune system cope better with respiratory retract infections," said Diacon. "No one actually really understands why it works". "If you can reduce the (COVID-19) symptoms just a little, you will probably get people to survive this better or not even have to go to the hospital or not even becoming ill," said Diacon. Tygerberg Hospital and a Stellenbosch University's professor Diacon said the trials focussed on health care workers as "we believe that they will be exposed most". Trials are expected to take place with 3,000 health care workers situated in Cape Town. Similar trials are being conducted in the Netherlands, Australia and France. These participants in the country will be giving the vaccines for the first time as there is no policy for the BCG vaccines in the countries. (Inputs from AFP)

South Africa commence COVID-19 trials by providing TB shots to health workers

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;

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"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.

<img alt="Blast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f91311af-5cf3-41d5-b077-cab0c9aac63e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_101.jpg" />

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

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