Africa News of Monday, 30 March 2020

Source: bbc.com

African governments increase help to poor

Kenya is to distribute cereals to the poor (file photo) Kenya is to distribute cereals to the poor (file photo)

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in Africa, governments in some countries are taking measures to help poor people affected by lockdowns and other restrictions.

In Rwanda, which has the highest number of confirmed cases in East Africa, President Paul Kagame says food is being distributed to the most vulnerable, although thousands of families say they are being left out.

In Kenya, the ministry of agriculture says it will distribute cereals to the poor, while religious organisations and businesses are calling for food donations.

In some countries, harsh measures have been used against those ignoring restrictions. In Ethiopia, police shot dead a man who failed to abide by a ban on visiting bars.