Family dynasties fuel conflict across Africa
The sudden death of Chadian president Idriss Déby Itno on April 19 sent shockwaves throughout the region. Déby, who succumbed to injuries sustained while visiting Chadian forces battling against the Front for Change and Concord rebel group had ruled Chad with an iron fist since 1990, and had been re-elected for a sixth presidential term the day before he was killed.
In the immediate aftermath of his death, his 37-year-old son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, was appointed head of state by the Transitional Military Council that he himself chairs. This directive was in contravention of the constitution, which stipulates that the president of the national assembly should have been the one to take power.
Developing countries racing for coronavirus vaccines now have another dependable option, according to the World Health Organization. And China’s reputation as a rising scientific superpower just got a big boost.
On Friday, the global health agency declared a vaccine made by a Chinese company, Sinopharm, to be a safe and reliable way to fight the virus. The declaration marks a significant step toward clearing up doubts about the vaccine, after little late-phase clinical trial data was disclosed by the Chinese government and the company.
The W.H.O. emergency use approval allows the Sinopharm vaccine to be included in Covax, a global initiative to provide free vaccines to poor countries. The possible inclusion in Covax raises hopes that more people especially those in developing nations will get access to shots at a crucial moment.
Which version of Egan Bernal will show up at the Giro d'Italia? The Ineos Grenadiers star packs plenty of question marks and expectation into the season's first grand tour.
Chad dictator's death spells chaos in Islamist terror's new ground zero msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.