Photo Courtesy Independent IE

CNN has dismissed three employees who violated company policy by coming to work unvaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.

The company's president Jeff Zucker told staff members of the firing in a memo sent on Thursday that reminded them vaccines were mandatory if they report to the office or out in the field where they come into contact with other employees.

He added: "Let me be clear - we have a zero tolerance policy on this."

The memo was obtained by The Associated Press after its contents were first tweeted by CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy.

CNN offered no details on the firings, or where the employees were based.

Most of CNN's offices are already open on a voluntary basis, and Mr Zucker said more than a third of news staff members have returned.

Proof of vaccination has been left to an honour system, he said, but that may change in coming weeks.

The CNN leader said that masks will be required in Atlanta, Washington and Los Angeles offices when people are not eating, drinking or in an enclosed private space.

Even in offices where mask-wearing is not mandated, people should do what feels comfortable to them "without any fear of retaliation or judgment from co-workers," he said. The CNN memo also said a planned company-wide return to the office on September 7 will be delayed until at least early to mid-October.

Other media companies have been making similar decisions because of the rise in Covid cases. By David Bauder, Independent.IE

The Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Photo Ludovic MARIN via CFP

Central African Republic (C.A.R) President Faustin-Archange Touadéra arrived in Kigali on Thursday to begin a four-day visit of Rwanda.

Touadéra's visit comes at the invitation of Rwanda President Paul Kagame, and is his first visit to the East African nation since he was sworn in for his second term in March.

The two leaders are expected to hold talks on various issues culminating in the signing of several bilateral agreements.

An itinerary shared by the Rwandan presidential office showed that the C.A.R. President will visit the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, Gasabo district, before being hosted at a state banquet.

During Touadéra's stay, he will also visit the Kinigi Integrated Development Program Model Village in Musanze District.

Rwanda and the C.A.R have enjoyed strong relations for years.

Rwanda is among a number of nations that have contributed peacekeeping troops to the C.A.R. to tackle armed militias. - CGTN

Photo UNITED NATIONS

The UN peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) welcomed 300 Rwandan peacekeepers on 3 August 2021. Deployment of the additional boots on the ground is aimed at strengthening the Mission’s capacity.

The reinforcements were authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2566 on increasing the size of the Mission, adopted on 12 March 2021, with the aim of “enhancing MINUSCA’s ability to perform its priority mandated tasks in the current evolving context”, especially the protection of civilians and easing humanitarian access.

Determining that the situation in the Central African Republic continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region, the Security Council voted to increase the size of the Mission’s military component by 2,750 and its police component by 940 peacekeepers.

On hand to welcome the new blue helmets at Bangui M’Poko Airport were the MINUSCA Force Commander Lieutenant General Daniel Sidiki Traoré and the Director of Mission Support Emmanuel Agawu as well as the Chief of Defence Staff of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), Major General Mamadou Zéphirin.

General Traoré noted that the Mission’s success required “determined, motivated troops” while evoking the unrest that gripped the country late last year when a coalition of armed groups attempted to destabilize the Central African Republic. Their blockade of the country's main economic line – the Bangui-Garoua-Boulai corridor – had serious consequences for the country’s economy. The additional troops will be tasked with securing this main supply route, among others. 

“The securing of this axis is essential for the economy of this country, and subsequently for peace and stability. By securing it, you will contribute to the well-being of the Central African people,” said General Traore.

The FACA Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Zéphirin, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the national forces and MINUSCA peacekeepers, describing the Central African and Rwandan forces as “brothers in arms”.

For his part, Rwanda Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Gasana Rugomba cited his troops’ previous UN peacekeeping experience from Juba and Darfur in his introductory speech: “This contingent is battle tested. We are ready to give our all for this country’s security under the Mission’s leadership.”

Force Commander Sidiki Traoré urged the new arrivals to march in the footsteps of their counterparts who have distinguished themselves by their commitment and remarkable professionalism. He further called on the peacekeepers to “defend the principles and ideals of the United Nations so that peace and stability may return to this country”. 

It is hoped that the additional troops will boost MINUSCA’s capacity to prevent the deterioration of the security situation in the Central African Republic and create space for the political process to move forward. - MARIA KABATANYA, UNITED NATIONS