China’s President Xi pledges $50B funding to Africa

China’s President Xi Jinping Thursday pledged more than 50 billion US dollar in funding to the African continent, and announced elevating ties with all member nations to `strategic level.`

A devastating fire in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, has claimed the lives of at least 70 individuals, with more than 40 others receiving medical treatment for injuries, according to reports from local media and statements made by an emergency services representative.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the expansion of the BRICS alliance, which comprises emerging economies, to foster a more equitable and just international order. 

Leaders from the BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are convening for a summit in Johannesburg, where discussions will center on the potential expansion of the bloc. 

A convoy of United States embassy staff has come under fire in southeast Nigeria, an attack that killed 2 employees and 2 police officers.

The sounds of gunfire and heavy artillery reverberate across Sudan`s capital, Khartoum, for a second day as doctors say at least 56 civilians have been killed in fighting between the army and a powerful paramilitary force. 

An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck New Guinea, Papua New Guinea region early Monday, according to the US Geological Survey.