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Africa’s top virus deaths: Ex-Nigerian governor dies

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The demise toll from the COVID-19 pandemic throughout Africa is heading is gone previous the 1,00Zero mark as of April 18, 2020. The casualties reduce throughout age teams. From the demise of a 6 year-old in Kenya, older sufferers in most situations and individuals within the youth bracket.

Whereas every demise is reported with a sombre temper and with condolences to affected households, a number of the casualties have united a rustic in grief, in different instances united the continent and folks past Africa’s borders.

From prime politicians – former presidents, prime ministers and lawmakers, to leisure icons and prime sportsmen, the virus has left in its wake outstanding casualties who may hardly get the send-off they’d have been accorded in “regular occasions.”

This text briefly profiles as many casualties as doable:

June 25: Ex-Nigerian governor succumbs

Abiola Ajimobi, a two-term governor in Nigeria’s southwestern Oyo State, was reported useless right now with studies saying he had died from underlying well being circumstances after contracting coronavirus.

He handed away in Lagos on the age of 70. His demise had been dispelled by the household final week when his state of affairs reportedly intensified though some journalists reported that he had died. On the time of his demise, he was a deputy nationwide chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

The present governor of Oyo, Seyi Makinde contracted the virus and recovered. Different sitting governors to have recovered embrace Kaduna State’s Ahmed El-Rufai and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. Nigeria’s COVID-19 stats per John Hopkins Uni tallies as of June 24, 2020 had been:

  • Confirmed instances = 22,020
  • Lively instances = 13,865
  • Recoveries = 7,613
  • Variety of deaths = 542

June 21: Veteran AP video, photo-journalist in Congo dies of COVID-19

John Bompengo, who coated Congo’s political turmoil as a contract photographer and video journalist for The Related Press over the course of 16 years has died, relations mentioned Sunday. He was 52.

The reason for demise was problems because of the coronavirus. Bompengo had been hospitalized for a few week however his situation quickly deteriorated Friday and he died the next day.

Bompengo had contributed to AP since 2004, together with protection of the Ebola outbreak in northern Congo, in 2018. He additionally labored for the U.N.-backed information service, Radio Okapi.

Andrew Drake, the AP’s Africa information director remembered Bompengo as a “stalwart colleague and a powerful storyteller.” “John may discuss his means out and in of locations the place others couldn’t to get putting photos,” Drake mentioned.

“He had nice contacts and pals throughout the complete nation. Whether or not information was breaking in Kinshasa or throughout the river in Brazzaville, John was at all times up to the mark, quick to reach on the scene and with a plan to get the very best footage.

“He was dedicated to masking the stream of Congo’s someday violent politics, at all times to be discovered on the coronary heart of the motion on the streets taking photographs and video, however quickly after he can be again in his swimsuit masking the president.”

Amongst his memorable assignments was masking Congo’s 2006 election, the nation’s first multiparty vote in additional than 40 years — held 9 years after the demise of Mobutu Sese Seko.

When harmful clashes broke out after one opposition occasion determined to boycott, Bompengo went out into the streets to movie them even when different journalists stayed again.

“There have been indignant protesters throwing stones at automobiles, clashing with police and attacking journalists,” recalled Khaled Kazziha, now AP’s senior producer for East Africa. “That afternoon John arrived with unimaginable video of the clashes.”

“He had an unimaginable knack at navigating across the typically chaotic streets of Kinshasa on the worst of occasions, and to pacify essentially the most indignant crowds, guaranteeing our security.”

Jerome Delay, AP Chief Africa photographer, mentioned Bompengo was a valued colleague. “I’ve recognized and labored with John for the previous 15 years.

“I’ve not often seen such a devoted area journalist. … John was a one man band worldwide multi-format information company — TV, radio, print and photographs — he would excel in all fields. We have now misplaced a brother.” The deceased is survived by his spouse and 9 kids.

AP

Might 13: Eritrean freedom fighter, ex-diplomat dies in UK

Former Eritrean diplomat and freedom fighter has died within the UK after contracting coronavirus. The household of Afwerki Abraha confirmed his demise to the BBC. He had been in intensive care in London for a month, and didn’t have any underlying well being points.

“Afwerki Abraha was a person who simply made the transition from a fighter to an expert and a loyal particular person,” his colleague and senior diplomat Haile Menkerios advised the BBC.

In keeping with the BBC, after Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia, Abraha turned the primary Eritrean diplomat to be posted to Ethiopia. He was a chemist by occupation having acquired coaching in Russia.

From his ambassadorial position, he moved on to London, the place he was formally based mostly from 1996 till 2001. Alongside together with his ailing spouse Fatina Ahmedin, herself a former fighter, the couple opted to remain within the UK.

A relative advised the BBC that the deceased was dedicated to his spouse’s look after 20 years “by no means leaving her alone.”

Photograph credit score BBC

Might 10: Somali envoy to Egypt, Arab League dies

The Somali authorities on Monday confirmed the demise of its ambassador to Egypt, Abdikani Mohamed Wa’ays. The Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the diplomat for his service to the nation. The affirmation was mute on reason behind demise.

A privately-owned portal, Garowe Online, disclosed that the ambassador had succumbed to COVID-19 in Kuwait after he was admitted to a well being facility for every week. He examined optimistic for the virus on the facility, Garowe’s sources confirmed.

He doubled as Somalia’s envoy to the Arab League which relies within the Egyptian capital, Cairo. He had served in several portfolios earlier than his final deployment. The diplomat is alleged to have been affected by diabetes.

He joins an inventory of Somalis who’ve been misplaced to the virus; amongst them are Khalif Mumin Tohow, a regional state official who died in Mogadishu; ex-Prime Minister Nur Adde and music icon Ahmed Ismail Hussein – each of whom died within the UK.

Somalia COVID-19 stats: Might 11 at 7:00 GMT:

  • Confirmed instances = 1054
  • Variety of deaths = 51
  • Recoveries = 118

Might 2: Nigerien minister succumbs to virus

Coronavirus triggered the demise of Niger’s minister of employment and labour, Mohamed Ben Omar, public tv introduced Monday after a number of media retailers had linked his demise to the virus.

The Social Democratic Occasion (PSD) which he belonged to confirmed that Ben Omar, 55, had died on Sunday on the important hospital within the capital Niamey however didn’t listing the trigger.

“Alas, it’s this horrible illness which took the lifetime of minister Mohamed Ben Omar,” public tv Tele Sahel reported. Earlier than asserting the information, the channel broadcast a current message from the minister urging employees to guard themselves from the coronavirus.

“COVID-19 is a actuality, it’s not a way of thinking. It’s lethal. It kills. It spreads on the velocity of sunshine,” Mohamed Ben Omar advised the station.

“We should get a grip of ourselves with a purpose to say ‘cease this virus.’ It’s self-discipline alone that would be the weapon to destroy this virus,” he mentioned.

READ MORE – Niger Labour Minister dies from virus

April 28: Revered Kenyan Bishop dies in Italy

Media in Kenya earlier this week reported the demise of a former Catholic Bishop who died of COVID-19 within the Italian metropolis of Turin.

In keeping with studies Bishop Silas Njiru succumbed to the illness whereas present process remedy on the Rivoli Hospital. He was 92 years previous.

Njiru was bishop of Meru county in central Kenya over a interval of 28 years (from 1976 till 2004).
Bishop Salesius Mugambi, who took over from him advised an area newspaper that Njiru lived in an retirement residence the place two different aged monks had contracted the virus.

Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto in paying tribute to the retired Bishop referred to him as a “tender-hearted and gracious man with steadfast non secular credence, which he instilled to many.”

Kenya’s COVID-19 file as of Might 1 is as follows: 396 instances, 17 deaths and 144 recoveries.

Main African stats: Might 1 at 7:00 GMT:

  • Confirmed instances = 38,825
  • Variety of deaths = 1,634
  • Recoveries = 12,543
  • Contaminated nations = 51
  • Virus-free nations = 1 (Lesotho)

April 18: Sékou Kourouma: Guinea’s chief of workers succumbs

Guinea recorded a second high-profile demise from COVID-19 inside a 24-hour interval after that of elections physique head Amadou Salif Kebe was introduced on Friday, April 17.

The brand new demise was of Sékou Kourouma, the secretary common of the federal government and a relative of President Alpha Condé. He died on Saturday after contracting the COVID-19 illness, the Guinean authorities introduced on Sunday (April 19) in a press release.

“A number of senior state officers (have died) from problems from Covid-19,” the federal government assertion confirmed. Earlier than Kourouma and Kebe, Victor Traoré, a former director of Interpol in Guinea had additionally succumbed to the pandemic.

As of April 20, Guinea has formally reported 579 instances of coronavirus. 5 folks died whiles 87 others have recovered from the illness, in accordance with the Nationwide Company for Well being Safety, the official physique managing the pandemic.

A presidential order that made face masks obligatory within the West African nation got here into impact from April 18 as a part of measures to assist curb the development of the virus.

This measure is along with others already taken, such because the institution of an evening curfew, the closing of colleges, borders and locations of worship in addition to restrictions on gatherings.

April 17: Nigeria president’s prime aide succumbs

Chief of Workers to Nigeria president Muhammadu Buhari died on Friday April 17, the presidency confirmed in a press release posted by Buhari’s spokespersons on early Saturday.

Spokesman Garba Shehu posted on social media: “The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Workers to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari. The deceased had examined optimistic to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving remedy. However he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.”

Kyari who was in his 70s was an influential determine within the Buhari administration. It was reported that the operating of presidency enterprise largely revolved round him. He has been within the position for so long as Buhari has been president, since 2015.

He had been recognized with coronavirus which he’s believed to have contracted whiles on official obligation in Germany. He was transferred from the capital Abuja to Lagos for medical care.

Reviews point out that Kyari had a historical past of medical problems, together with diabetes. He’s tagged because the gatekeeper to the president. Many who want to cope with Buhari should undergo Kyari, together with Nigeria’s prime politicians and enterprise homeowners.

April 17: Amadou Salif Kebe: Guinea elections boss dies

Amadou Salif Kebe chairperson of Guinea’s elections physique has died of the coronavirus in accordance with French on-line information portal, Jeune Afrique.

The Unbiased Electoral Fee, CENI, in a press release confirmed that Kebe had died on Friday April 17, 2020; it didn’t point out the reason for demise.

The Jeune Afrique report, nevertheless, cites individuals near the deceased confirming that he died on the virus which he’s believed to have contracted over the past elections held within the West African nation.

The polls of March 22 concerned a controversial referendum staunchly resisted by the oppostion and a partial parliamentary election. It was met with violence that resulted within the lack of lives. As of April 18, Guinea’s file had 477 confirmed instances with 59 recoveries and three deaths.

Benedict Somi Vilakazi: South Africa mourns celebrant of historical past

Benedict Somi Vilakazi had been surrounded by historical past. His grandfather was South Africa’s first black lecturer at Witswatersrand College and produced an English/Zulu dictionary, monumental achievements in a rustic then divided sharply by race.

Probably the most well-known avenue in Soweto shares his identify, and two Nobel Peace Prize winners — Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu — lived alongside it.

Vilakazi was pleased with that previous and put a mural about his grandfather in his espresso store that was common with vacationers and locals alike.

A few of them gathered, fastidiously, maintaining a distance and plenty of carrying facemasks, on Thursday to mourn the 57-year-old Vilakazi, who died of COVID-19. The pallbearers wore full protecting fits.

READ MORE: AP photo report

Emeka Chugbo: Nigerian physician contaminated on obligation, dies

A Nigerian physician, Emeka Chugbo, succumbed to COVID-19 after contracting the virus whereas managing an contaminated affected person at his non-public clinic.

The physician was admitted to Lagos College Educating Hospital on Monday, April 13 and died on Wednesday, in accordance with the hospital’s director Chris Bode.

Mr Bode mentioned the physician was dropped at the hospital with extreme signs. The Nigerian Medical Affiliation (NMA) mentioned the deceased was uncovered whereas managing a affected person who died final Friday.

The affiliation is quoted by the Vanguard newspaper as saying that the 51-year-old physician was asthmatic. The NMA has up to now urged the state governments to offer sufficient protecting gear to all well being employees.

The affiliation urged sufferers to be trustworthy about their medical, journey and phone historical past to assist medical doctors rapidly determine a possible coronavirus case.

BBC report

April 12: Khalif Mumin: Prime Somalia regional official

Somalia misplaced a regional official to COVID-19 on Sunday, April 12. The demise of Khalif Mumin was the second within the Horn of Africa nation. He died at a hospital within the capital Mogadishu. The Maritini Hospital is Somalia’s solely coronavirus remedy middle.

The deceased was a prime official of the Hirshabelle area of Somalia. He served as Minister of State for Justice. News of his infection was reported two days earlier. He’s the primary serving Somali minister to succumb to the illness.

Earlier this month, a former Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein also referred to as “Nur Adde” died of COVID-19 in the UK. Somalia additionally misplaced an iconic of its trendy music, Ahmed Ismail Hussein Hudeydi, who additionally died within the UK.

The coronavirus file for Somalia as of April 12 stood at 21 instances, 2 deaths and a couple of recoveries. The nation solely not too long ago achieved testing capacity on condition that samples was once despatched to Nairobi, Kenya.

April 10: Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule: Ghana loses famend doctor

A famend Ghanaian doctor has been misplaced to COVID-19, native media portals reported on Saturday. The demise of Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule, occurred within the early hours of Friday (April 10) within the capital Accra particularly on the College of Ghana Medical Centre, the place he had been on a quick admission.

He was the Rector of the Ghana Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons, regardless of succumbing to COVID-19 a senior member of the Ghana Medical Affiliation, (GMA) who confirmed the demise careworn that Prof Plange-Rhule had an underlying medical situation.

Justice Blankson, GMA Basic-Secretary, mentioned it was too early to inform whether or not the deceased obtained contaminated within the line of obligation or not. For a person who devoted the higher a part of his life to curing the sick, his demise has been described as an incalculable loss by individuals inside and outdoors the medical fraternity.

Prof. Plange-Rhule was a former President of the GMA in addition to the Ghana Kidney Affiliation. He not too long ago served as Head of the Division of Physiology of the College of Medical Sciences, Kumasi and a Guide Doctor within the Division of Medication, Komfo Anokye Educating Hospital (KATH) the place he began the Hypertension and Renal Clinic and oversaw its operations for the previous 20 years, native information portal Myjoyonline said in a report

Photograph credit score: LM Pictures, Fb

Ahmed Ismail Hussein Hudeydi: Father of contemporary Somali music

The second Somali in days to die of the COVID-19 pandemic is Ahmed Ismail Hussein Hudeydi, reputed as one of many founders of contemporary Somali music. He died in London on the age of 92, studies famous.

Referred to as “the King of Oud” – the instrument that he performed – Hudeydi turned a key determine “through the anti-colonial motion and decolonisation interval” in Somalia, in accordance with Hanna Ali, director of the London-based Kayd Somali arts organisation.

“In brief, his music embodied the sound of the lengthy battle to freedom and independence,” she added in a press release.

He was born within the port metropolis of Berbera in 1928, grew up in Yemen however returned to Somalia as a younger grownup, Ms Ali mentioned. Apparently he found the Oud as a boy rising up in Yemen. He moved to London within the 1990s through the civil conflict in Somalia.

Somalis took to social media platform Twitter to ship their condolence to household and pals and to have a good time the reminiscence of the late musician.

Ex-Libyan PM who served after Gaddafi ouster

Mahmud Jibril was a former head of the insurgent authorities that overthrew Libyan chief Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. He died of the coronavirus in an Egyptian hospital, his occasion confirmed on April 5.

The 68-year-old former Prime Minister was in Cairo the place he had been hospitalised for 2 weeks, mentioned Khaled al-Mrimi, secretary of the Alliance of Nationwide Forces occasion based by Jibril in 2012.

Reviews point out he was admitted to the hospital on March 21 after struggling a coronary heart assault, earlier than testing optimistic for the brand new coronavirus and being quarantined. He served as head of the interim authorities in March 2011, a number of weeks after the outbreak of the Arab Spring rebellion in Libya.

Ex-Somali Prime Minister “Nur Adde”

Final week, Somalis united on Twitter to pay tribute to a former Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein, also referred to as “Nur Adde,” who died of coronavirus in London.

The 82-year-old, was prime minister between November 2007 and February 2009. He was a one-time lawyer common underneath the tenure of President Siad Barre who was overthrown in 1991.

He was a police officer who educated as a lawyer, acquaintances hailed him for his hands-on management.

“We lengthen our most profound condolences to the Somali folks, pals and bereaved household of Somalia’s former Prime Minister, HE Nur Hassan Hussein who handed away in London, UK,” Somali PM posted on Twitter.

Senegalese journalist, sports activities administrator – Pape Diouf

Senegal mourned its first coronavirus demise which got here with additional ache as a result of it concerned an illustrious son of the land, journalist and sports activities administrator, Pape Diouf. The 68-year-old was a former president of French soccer membership Marseille between 2005-09.

Authorities confirmed that he had been in intensive care in Dakar. Senegal President Macky Sall wrote on his official Twitter account that he had adopted Diouf’s well being intently after he was admitted for remedy.

“I pay tribute to this nice determine in sport,” Sall wrote. “I pay tribute to the medical workers at Fann Hospital who spared no effort to avoid wasting him.” Family mentioned Diouf was meant to be moved to France. He had not too long ago traveled to a number of nations within the West Africa area.

Diouf was a charismatic and common chief who was near the followers and gamers at Marseille, the one French crew to win the European membership title. “Pape will eternally stay within the hearts of Marseille folks and (is) one of many nice architects of the membership,” Marseille wrote underneath a photograph of Diouf.

Prime Zimbabwean broadcaster turns into first COVID-19 casualty

A outstanding broadcaster Zororo Makamba (30 years) turned the primary particular person to die of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. The deceased was the son of enterprise mogul and ruling Zanu PF politician James Makamba and had been admitted to hospital after his situation deteriorated.

The Ministry of Well being and Baby Care by way of Twitter confirmed the demise of Zororo Makamba, the second particular person to check optimistic in Zimbabwe. He had underlying medical circumstances, making him extra susceptible to problems arising from the virus.

He had travelled to New York in February 2020 and returned residence on March 9, transiting by means of Johannesburg in neighbouring South Africa. Authorities mentioned he begun displaying gentle flu-like signs on March 12 that progressively worsened. He consulted a health care provider and was instructed to self-quarantine.

He launched his media profession at native radio station ZiFM Stereo, the place he hosted present affairs programmes. He moved to tv the place one among his hottest exhibits was “Tonight with Zororo”, which aired on MNet’s Zambezi Magic.

He received a number of accolades together with a Nationwide Arts and Advantage Award and Finest Male Achiever on the Zimbabwe Youth Achievers Awards.

Aurlus Mabele – Congolese ‘King of Soukous’

Over in Central Africa, coronavirus claimed a music star from Congo reputed by his followers as ‘King of soukous’ – a excessive tempo dance music loved throughout the continent.

Aurlus Mabélé actual identify is Aurélien Miatsonama, was from Congo-Brazzaville and moved to France within the 1980s. He died in a Parisian hospital, aged 67. The announcement of his demise in accordance with Congolese native information website IciBrazza was first posted by his compatriot Mav Cacharel on Fb.

“Good night everybody, I’ve unhappy information to announce the demise of my well-known pal, brother and collaborator Aurlus Mabélé, which occurred this Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 14 pm, within the Paris area, from the follow-up of (a) coronavirus (case),” Cacharel’s put up learn partially.

The deceased’s daughter, singer Liza Monet, additionally tweeted on Thursday that her father had died of coronavirus. “Thanks for honoring his reminiscence. It’s a nice legend of the Soukouss that the Congolese folks have misplaced right now. I’m inconsolable and collapsed,” a translation of her tweet learn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjztU76-HoI

Ex-Congolese president Yhombi-Opango

In late March, a former president of the Republic of Congo died after contracting coronavirus. Jacques Joaquim Yhombi-Opango breathed his final on the age of 81 in a Paris hospital.

His household confirmed that he had underlying well being circumstances earlier than contracting the virus. Yhombi-Opango was president of Congo-Brazzaville from April 1977 till he was toppled in February 1979 by the present president Denis Sassou Nguesso.

He spent years in jail until the nation launched multi-party democracy in 1991. He served as Prime Minister underneath the federal government of Pascal Lissouba between 1992 and 1997, till a civil conflict broke out in 1997. He went into exile in France, earlier than being allowed to return residence 10 years later.

African music icon, Cameroon’s Manu Dibango

Cameroonian Afro-jazz legend, Manu Dibango’s demise is one which hit the continent and past. The ‘Soul Makossa’ writer died on the age of 86. His household disclosed in a Fb put up that the singer and celebrated saxophonist’s demise was on account of the brand new coronavirus.

Dibango is well known for one of many greatest planetary hits in world music, “Soul Makossa” (launched in 1972). he was mentioned to be the primary world celeb to die from the virus. He died in a Parisian hospital, supervisor of his music publishing enterprise, Thierry Durepaire advised AFP.

An announcement launched by the household learn: “It’s with deep disappointment that we announce to you the lack of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove, who handed away on 24th of March 2020, at 86 years previous, as a consequence of covid-19.”

  • Born in 1933 within the metropolis of Douala, he attended church from the place he honed his music expertise.
  • Celebrated for a novel mix of jazz, funk and conventional Cameroonian music.
  • Influenced bands from Kool and the Gang within the 1970s to hip-hop within the 1990s.
  • Finest recognized for his hit Soul Makossa.
  • He served because the pioneer chairman of the Cameroon Music Company.
  • UNESCO appointed him Artist for Peace in 2004
  • Collaborated with a number of artists together with Nigeria’s Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and US pianist Herbie Hancock.
  • On document to have sued Michael Jackson and Rihanna in 2009, accusing the duo of unlawfully adopting a few of his lyrics. He finally settled out of court docket.

Mukendi wa Mulumba – prime authorized aide to DRC president

Nonetheless in Central Africa, within the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi misplaced a prime authorized aide to the virus. Jean-Joseph Mukendi wa Mulumba was the appearing head of the president’s authorized advisory council. He’s believed to have contracted the coronavirus whiles in France for a medical check-up.

Mr Mulumba was a celebrated persona within the nation’s harsh opposition terrain. As a reputed lawyer he additionally championed quite a few human rights causes. He was an aide to the president’s father and veteran opposition determine, the late Etienne Tshisekedi.

He additionally represented opposition politician Moïse Katumbi and others who opposed former President Joseph Kabila’s try to increase his time period in workplace. Katumbi in a press release mentioned he was inconsolable on the lack of a greater than a lawyer and pal; a giant brother and father.

Many in DR Congo have described Mr Mukendi wa Mulumba’s demise as an enormous loss. Rights activist Anneke Van Woudenberg wrote on Twitter: “He was one of many greats. His nation, and the human rights motion, will miss him.”

Ms Rose Marie Compaore: Prime lawmaker turns into Burkina Faso’s first COVID-19 casualty

On March 17 March Burkina Faso recorded its first coronavirus demise. The authorities confirmed that the affected person was Ms Rose Marie Compaore, who was the first-vice president of the parliament. She died aged 62 and was mentioned to have diabetes, an underlying well being situation.

President Marc Roch Kabore and Speaker of the Nationwide Meeting, Alassane Bala Sakande, had been amongst people who despatched condolences to the household by way of social media platform Twitter.

“This tragic occasion calls us all to recognise the dimensions and seriousness of the issue which confronts us all,” mentioned Martial Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso’s COVID-19 response coordinator. “It is a very contagious sickness that’s probably deadly and that for now has no remedy other than prevention,” he careworn.

Shaban Abdur Rahman Alfa
Digital journalist
alfa.shaban@africanews.com



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