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Election fever has hit Benin. In the economic capital, Cotonou, more and more posters advertising the April 11 presidential election appear daily. One image, though, dominates: that of the current president, Patrice Talon. Against a blue background, he and running mate Mariam Chabi Talata are visible to every one of Cotonou's 800,000 residents. Like the United States, the West African country nominates pairs to run for the presidency, and if Talon is reelected, Chabi Talata will be vice president. "We have come a long way, we will go far" is the pitch by Talon and his running mate For Flora Agoudavi, this is a foregone conclusion. She and hundreds of other supporters have come to a campaign rally in front of the congress buildings on the coastal road Boulevarde de la Marina. They wave flags bearing their candidate's face, and wait patiently for his address. "When the president kicks off his campaign, I have to be there," she said. For Talon's next term, Agoudavi hopes … [Read more...] about Benin’s democracy hangs in the balance on election weekend

The husband of British Queen Elizabeth II was admitted into the private King Edward VII Hospital in London on Tuesday evening. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said his admission was "a precautionary measure" taken on the advice of Philip's doctor. Also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, the senior royal is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of "observation and rest." His illness is not related to COVID-19 and he was said to be in "good spirits" after arriving by private transport and not an ambulance. Both he and the 94-year old queen were vaccinated against the coronavirus in early January. During England's current coronavirus lockdown, the prince has been staying at Windsor Castle, west of London, with the queen since their age puts them at high risk. Within an hour of his arrival, camera crews and photographers from Britain, Australia, France and Germany began gathering outside the hospital where police stood guard. "Really sorry to hear that His Royal … [Read more...] about UK’s Prince Philip in London hospital as non-COVID precaution

Hairdressers are reportedly planning to stay open for 18 hour days as they battle the huge demand when they are allowed to welcome back customers from April 12. Whether a trip to the barbers or a stylish salon, people are desperate to have their hair cut after waiting patiently during the Covid lockdown. Now finally with an end in sight, hairdressers are rapidly getting fully booked up. From Monday, the UK is easing its virus restrictions which means that pubs and shops can reopen, as well as hairdressers. It will be three months since people could last get a professional cut. Joanna Hansford, who owns an exclusive Mayfair salon with her mum Jo, said they will be open from 5am to 10.30pm next week and aim to have 2,000 customers during April. “We’re very excited, it’s been a long lockdown and it has been a lot tougher,” she told The Sun. “The closure of salons has a huge impact on people not being able to look after themselves, especially when you’re looking in the … [Read more...] about Hair salons opening for ’18-hour days’ to cope with demand as Covid rules ease

A petition calling for a statue to Prince Philip following his death yesterday aged 99 has already been signed by thousands of people. Save Our Statues launched a change.org campaign calling on Boris Johnson to erect a monument to the Duke of Edinburgh in London . The page has been signed more than 4,000 times since it was set up last night and heartbroken signatories left tributes to the Queen's husband. Prince Philip died yesterday morning - with the Queen reportedly at his bedside - following nearly eight decades of public service. Thousands of people have signed the petition for a permanent memorial to the Duke of Edinburgh, who died yesterday at 99 He was the nation's longest serving consort and passed away in his private apartment just two months and a day before his 100th birthday. The Save Our Statues petition said: 'The Duke of Edinburgh served our country for 78 years, serving 13 in the Royal Navy and then 65 as Britain's longest serving consort, … [Read more...] about A statue for Prince Philip: Thousands sign petition calling for a monument to be built in tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh

The government gave British holidaymakers a glimmer of hope today after it was revealed that Brits will be able to go on summer holidays abroad. Unsurprisingly, Brits have been eagerly awaiting to find out if holidays could be on the cards. Even just last week when the government announced it would use a 'traffic light' system with countries placed on green, amber or red lists, searches for holidays spiked. For example, holiday comparison website Kayak saw searches for international flights increase by 73% for travel after May 17, and searches for travel overall up by 70% for travel after June 21. But with some ongoing uncertainty around global restrictions, and new requirements such as PCR tests to return to the UK, is it possible to book a cheap European getaway right now? The good news is that there are plenty of deals to be found right now if you are thinking of booking. Travel firms have been pulling out all the stops to entice holidaymakers back. For example, … [Read more...] about All you need to know about booking a cheap European getaway this summer