This Week Around the World
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May 17 Gujarat, India: Cyclone Tauktae, the most powerful storm to hit India’s west coast in two decades made landfall on Monday, according to
The Guardian. Over 200,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas in preparation for the impact of the cyclone on Sunday, which had already killed six people before making landfall in India. On May 19, the Indian navy issued a statement announcing they found 26 bodies after searching for a barge that sank in the storm, increasing the number of fatalities to at least 91. The storm comes as India grapples with a second wave of COVID-19 infections. “Our priority is to clear the roads, so there is no impact on oxygen movement,” said Gaurang Makwana, the top official of Bhavnagar district in Gujarat. According to Vijay Rupani, Gujarat’s chief minister, 160 state roads were destroyed in the storm and 40,000 trees were uprooted.
Views: Visits 4 France is due to hold a summit for selected African heads of state to spur economic growth in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts differ on the guest list and conference expectations citing reality on the ground. On May 18, 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron will play host to several African leaders. Amongst them is the chairperson of the African Union Commission and the head of the African Development Bank. Also expected to be in attendance will be some European leaders, G7, G20, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other financial institutions. COVID-19 is the topic of the moment, but when it comes to French-Africa relations, the waters are easily muddled by other issues such as colonial legacies, FrancAfrique, aid, and the use of the Franc CFA currency. There is already contention regarding the criteria used for inviting attendees to the summit. Roland Marchal, a leading expert on French African relations at the University Science Po in
France-Africa summit aims to counter COVID s economic impact
France is due to hold a summit for selected African heads of state to spur economic growth in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Citing reality on the ground, experts differ on conference expectations.
President Macron is seeking to bring together African leaders to discuss economic recovery
French President Emmanuel Macron on May 18 plays host to several African leaders, among them the chairperson of the African Union Commission and the head of the African Development Bank. Some European leaders as well as representatives from the G7, G20, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other financial institutions are also expected to attend.