The most important in this week’s headlines out of and concerning Africa, for those who need help catching up.
[/media-credit] Washington-based Burkina Faso citizens and friends of Burkina Faso demonstrate in front of the White House, Sept. 20, 2015.
1. Protesters demand end to military rule In Burkina Faso
At least three people are reported killed and more than 60 injured by troops in the African nation of Burkina Faso, according to the Reuters News Agency. This happened following demonstrations after a transitional government and its leaders were removed from office just weeks before scheduled elections on October 11.
“The protesters were demanding the release of the interim president and members of his government detained by the presidential guard…,” Reuters tells us.
The African Union(AU) has placed sanctions on Burkina Faso, banning travel for coup leaders. The AU has given the coup leaders until September 22 to restore the government or face the penalty of travel bans and assets freezes.
The country is currently in a frenzy as regional leaders work to resolve the situation.
2. A tanker explosion injures 170 in South Susan
South Sudan is dealing with the devastation caused after an oil tanker explosion which killed 170 people. According to the BBC, the tanker had deviated off the road in the town of Madiri in the Western Equatorial state.
As local citizens were helping to clean up the mess, the explosion happened. An overwhelming ordeal, state officials have asked for help from the Red Cross and the United Nations.
There is still no clear idea as to why there the explosion happened. International aid and support from doctors and other medical staff has been called in to deal with the situation.
3. U.S. ends Ebola screening of passengers from Liberia
Starting September 20 the United States will stop Ebola screening for travelers from Liberia, according to Time magazine. The special measure was instituted when the deadly virus began to spread across international borders in 2014. This would be the second time that Liberia has been declared Ebola-free, after a re-occurrence this summer.
On September 3 the World Health Organization(WHO) declared Liberia an Ebola free country. However, screening will still continue for countries Sierra Leone and Guinea who are still facing challengers posed by the epidemic.
