Pope goes on Roman walkabout, prays for end to pandemic
AP, Vatican City
Pope Francis left the Vatican to make a surprise visit Sunday to two churches in Rome to pray for the end of the coronavirus pandemic – a move that came even as Italian health authorities insisted people stay home as much as possible to limit contagion in the heart of Europe’s outbreak.
Francis who recently had a cold, headed first to a Rome basilica, St. Mary Major, where he often stops to give thanks after returning from trips abroad. There he prayed before an icon of the Virgin Mary dedicated to the “salvation of the Roman people.”
Sudan will mediate Egypt-Ethiopia dam dispute
AP, Cairo
A top Sudanese general on Sunday said his country would mediate a deal on an escalating dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over Ethiopia’s controversial dam on the Nile River.
The deputy head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, said his country would work to bridge the gap and “reach an agreement” in the years-long dispute.
Oman bans single-use plastic bags from Jan 1
AFP, Muscat
Oman will ban single-use plastic bags starting next year as part of efforts to reduce pollution and protect the environment, Muscat announced on Sunday.
Located in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman stands out among its Gulf neighbours for its exceptional natural mountainous landscapes and rich marine life.
Nigeria gas explosion kills at least 15
AFP, Lagos
A gas explosion in Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos on Sunday killed at least 15 people, injured many more and destroyed around 50 buildings, emergency services said. Houses, lorries, cars and motorbikes were torched in the blast.
“15 bodies have been recovered now. So many people have been injured,” national emergency services spokesman Ibrahim Farinloye told AFP, adding that around 50 buildings were also destroyed in the explosion which was followed by a fire.
The blast happened at around 8:00 am (0700 GMT) destroyed around 50 buildings in the residential district of Abule Ado.
