Today we somberly remember the terror attacks that took place on August 7, 1998, in Kenya and Tanzania.  Nearly simultaneously, terrorists detonated bombs next to the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.  Their attacks killed 224 men, women, and children, and injured over 4,500 others.  In an awful moment, the lives of so many changed tragically and forever.       

These attacks brought into stark relief the true toll of terrorism, with trauma and tragedy visited upon so many.  In this moment of overwhelming pain, however, the world also witnessed courage, compassion, and selflessness.  So many, including some of the injured, rescued others and saved lives, answering evil with heroism.  The attackers sought but failed to divide us.

Today, we remember and honor all who died and keep the injured in our thoughts.  The United States stands with our African partners and others in the fight against terrorism, bound by our shared humanity and the promise that, together, we can and will build a better future. - ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE, U.S Department of State

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