AFRICA

Blantyre, Malawi | AFP |  While much of the world labours under strict coronavirus lockdowns, Malawi has bucked the trend after a court blocked attempts to restrict its population’s movements — much to the relief of some residents. “Had the lockdown been implemented, we would certainly have died of hunger and …

Cairo, Egypt | AFP |  After showing symptoms similar to those of the coronavirus, Egyptian doctor Ahmed Negm went into self-isolation in an old apartment, but before long he was hounded out by fearful neighbours. While health workers in many countries are getting cheers and applause for risking their lives in …

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso | AFP |  It was back to business at the sprawling central market of Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, on Monday after a closure of nearly a month in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s a joy to see the market reopen its doors,” said fabric dealer …

Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | A black market in coronavirus test kits is flourishing in Nigeria, spurred in part by negligible faith in the country’s health system to defeat an emerging threat. Testing is a crucial weapon in combatting COVID-19. It not only identifies where the stealthy virus has invaded — …

Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | Displaced women and girls are facing a heightened risk of gender-based violence during the coronavirus crisis, the UN Refugee Agency said Monday. The UNHCR said they may be forced into “survival sex” or child marriages. Lockdowns imposed to control the spread of COVID-19 have restricted movement and led to the …

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | AFP | Tanzanian President John Magufuli has called on citizens to turn to God and to keep the economy turning, but as coronavirus cases creep up, calls are rising for the country to take stronger action. While countries across Africa have imposed curfews, partial and full …

Maseru, Lesotho | AFP |  Lesotho troops deployed by Prime Minister Thomas Thabane withdrew from the capital’s streets on Sunday in a showdown between the octogenerian leader and opponents demanding his resignation. Thabane faces mounting calls to step down from rivals within his ruling party and opposition groups over suspicions he …

Tripoli, Libya | AFP |  Already tired of the tribulations of war, Libyans in the capital Tripoli are reluctant to respect intensified lockdown measures introduced on Friday to forestall coronavirus. The round-the-clock curfew was flagged by the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) on Wednesday night and will apply for 10 …

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP |  South African novelist Deon Meyer wished the deadly virus wrecking havoc in his 2016 thriller “Fever” had not turned into an eerily accurate depiction of the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world. “I find no pleasure in it,” said the crime fiction author and screenwriter. “I …

Cape Town, South Africa | AFP | “Mr President we are in the middle of a food crisis. It’s war out here,” warned Joanie Fredericks, a community leader in Mitchells Plain township in Cape Town. The desperate plea was made in a video posted on social media to South African President …