Eritrea celebrated its 29th independence anniversary on the same day the Muslim faithful are observed the post-Ramadan Eid festivities.
President Isaias Afwerki addressed the nation touching on a myriad of issues from COVID-19 to the struggle of independence and the journey ahead in terms of nation building.
“… we must realise that we are grappling with a complex situation. The mystery of this pandemic – which does not know borders or other limiting parameters – cannot be deciphered and conclusively inferred on the basis of brief observation,” he said.
South Africa to lift ban on alcohol sales from June
South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa Sunday, said a controversial ban on the sale of alcohol would be lifted for home consumption when the country moves into level three of a five-tier coronavirus lockdown next month.
“Alcohol would be sold for home consumption only under strict conditions on specified days and for limited hours. The sale of tobacco products will remain prohibited in alert Level-3 due to the health risks associated with smoking,” he said.
Ghana’s Akufo-Addo wants restrictions lifted
Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo has cited normalcy as the yardstick to lifted restrictions due to COVID-19.
The president said consultations would be concluded this week and he would subsequently announce a roadmap for easing the restrictions.
“We cannot be under these restrictions forever,” he said on Sunday during an address on Eid celebrations.
Ivorian, Burkinabe troops kill eight jihadists near border
Soldiers from Ivory Coast have for the first time carried out a joint operation with troops from Burkina Faso against jihadists near their common border.
The Ivorian army said eight suspected militants had been killed and more than 30 others were captured.
Meanwhile, security sources in Burkina Faso say troops have killed 13 jihadists in a separate battle in the province of Soum, in the north of the country.
Data collection is Botswana’s main tool against COVID-19
The Botswana government is emphasizing data collection at public and private business places as a key plank in the fight against the pandemic.
An advisory posted on Twitter over the weekend reminded outfits of their data collection responsibilities. Titled “Advisory on registration details required across all business sector entry points,” it said all organisations must: “… ensure and safeguard personal visitors / customers information in COVID-19 registers for purpose of contact tracing.”
