The UN-backed government in Libya says it has gained significant territory in fighting west of the capital, Tripoli.
A government spokesman said its forces had re-taken the coastal towns of Sabratha and Sorman from forces loyal to Gen Khalifa Haftar.
His fighters have been trying to capture Tripoli and its surrounding areas for more than a year.
Gen Haftar’s side has not yet commented on the reports of the latest clashes.
The Ethiopian Herald April15/2020
Nigeria extends coronavirus lockdown
in main cities
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has announced an extension of the lockdown in the capital Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states in order to sustain the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
The initial 14-day lockdown was due to end Monday night but has now been extended by 14 days.
Essential workers, food shops and pharmacies will, however, be allowed to operate during the lockdown.
In a televised national address on Monday, President Buhari said the fight against coronavirus is a matter of life and death.
He said although the lockdown has put Nigerians in a difficult situation, it was necessary to save lives.
Mr Buhari said the initial two weeks of the restriction order had helped the authorities to trace people who had contacted those already infected.
He thanked Nigerians for their sacrifice and for complying with the government’s guidelines in fighting the pandemic.
So far Nigeria has confirmed 343 cases of the virus with 10 fatalities.
Apart from the federal government’s lockdown of the capital Abuja, as well as Lagos and Ogun states, a number of state governments across the country have also imposed restrictions as more people test positive for the virus.
Many Nigerians continue to complain that they have not benefited from relief food and cash allocated to poor families by the government.
Mr Buhari said the relief food programme will be extended to an additional one million families in the next two weeks.
(Source: BBC)
The Ethiopian Herald April15/2020
Sudan to impose full lockdown in Khartoum
Sudan’s capital Khartoum will from Saturday go on a three-week lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Government spokesman Faisal Salih said the lockdown would also cover Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum.
The country over the weekend reported 10 new cases of coronavirus bringing the total to 29 including four deaths.
During the three-week lockdown, grocery stores and pharmacies will be opened for a limited time that the government is yet to specify.
Employees will be granted paid leave for the three weeks except those offering essential services.
The government plans to announce how poor families will be supported during the full lockdown.
Sudan imposed a nighttime curfew last month.
(Source: BBC)
