Nigeria Buries President Buhari's Top Aide, Who Died of Coronavirus

The chief of staff to Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, was buried, Saturday, April 18, having died after contracting the coronavirus.
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READ MORE: Kyari, whose exact age has never been officially confirmed but who was believed to be in his 70s, is the highest-profile person in Nigeria to be killed by COVID-19, which has led to 542 confirmed infections in the country and 19 deaths.

The influential technocrat, who was reported to have suffered from underlying health issues, was seen as one of the dominant figures in the tight-knit group of advisers around Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

There has been no official confirmation on whether Buhari has taken a test, but the president has since made repeated televised speeches imposing restrictions to curb the spread the virus.

The central government has imposed a lockdown on Nigeria's economic hub, Lagos, and capital, Abuja, while state governors have ordered a raft of measures in other regions.

Experts say the country of 200 million is highly vulnerable to the spread of the disease given its weak health care system and high population density.
Global agencies have been warning that the coronavirus pandemic may result in worldwide food shortages, and leaders warn African nations – already struggling from the effects of natural disasters and conflicts - could be among the worst hit.

Even before COVID-19 hit, 113 million people on the planet were already struggling with severe acute food insecurity due to pre-existing shocks from natural disasters or crises. (VOA/AFP)
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LINK: https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/africa-coronavirus-adds-stress-food-shortages