Across the 54 Countries in Africa, these are the 5 top stories you may have missed:
Chad: Rebels vow to take over capital after president’s death
The rebel group claiming responsibility for President Idriss Deby’s death has vowed to take over the capital after the military quickly named Idriss’ son as the country’s interim leader – Africa News reports
According to the group, “Chad is not a monarchy.” And “There can be no dynastic devolution of power in our country.” “The forces of the Front for Change and Concord are heading toward N’Djaména at this very moment. With confidence, but above all with courage and determination,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday, 20th April.
Zimbabwe: Parliament votes to remove presidential running mate rule
Members of Zimbabwe’s parliament approved legislation on Tuesday, 20th April, removing a part in the constitution on electing vice presidents – Reuters Africa reports
According to reports, the opposition says this move is intended by the serving President Emmerson Mnangagwa to concentrate power in the presidency.
In the sitting, the parliament also extended the service duration of senior judges, who will now be appointed by the president in consultation with the judicial service commission, instead of being subjected to public interviews as is the present situation.
Morocco seeks to legalise Cannabis sale
The government of the world’s top hashish producing nation ratified a draft bill to legalise its medical use last month and parliament is expected to debate the legislation of hashish later this week – eNCA reports
According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Morocco is the world’s biggest producer of cannabis resin or hashish.
Uganda: Coach Mckinstry fired right after AFCON failure
Jonathan Mckinstry has been dismissed as the Head Coach of Uganda Men’s National Football Team – News Central Africa reports
The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) announced in a statement saying ”the Head Coach of the Uganda Men’s National team, Jonathan McKinstry, has today reached an agreement with FUFA to bring an end to his 18 months at the helm of the Uganda Cranes …”
McKinstry is stepping aside following the team’s poor show at the AFCON.
COVID-19 updates
As of April 20, confirmed cases of Covid-19 from 55 African countries reached 4,440,393 while over 9,263,298 vaccinations have been administered across the continent – All Africa reports
Reported deaths in Africa reached 118,197 and 3,953,994 people have recovered. South Africa has the most reported cases – 1,567,513 – and 53,757 people died. Other most-affected countries are Morocco ( 505,949), Tunisia ( 287,061), Ethiopia ( 243,631), Egypt ( 217,186), Libya (172,464) and Nigeria (164,303).
