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Former Zambian 1st lady arrested on money laundering charges

Africa /

 Zambia’s former first lady Esther Lungu was arrested and charged with possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and money laundering offences Wednesday by the country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). DEC spokesman Allan Tamba said this is in relation to ongoing investigations into her ownership of several properties. “Mrs. Esther Lungu has since been released on police bond pending court proceedings,” Tamba said in a statement issued in the capital, Lusaka. Her lawyer, Charles Changano, also confirmed the arrest to Anadolu. On the property-related charge, Changano said this was in relation to a property his client possesses in a Lusaka suburb. He said the second charge was that of money laundering for hiring a third party and that she had denied both charges. ”So she has been granted extended bond and we have been told that we may be called again, as this matter is under ongoing investigation,” Changano said after his client underwent questioning in Lusaka.

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Botswana awaits election results

Africa /

Botswana awaits election results that could extend the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 58-year rule. Duma Boko, leader of the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, suggesting the Independent Electoral Commission is undermining fair elections. Ballot counting began shortly after polls closed at 17:00 GMT, though some stations remained open late to accommodate voters in line. This election will shape the parliament of the diamond-rich nation, with lawmakers later selecting the president. In the previous 2019 election, the ruling party secured 38 of 57 contested seats. President Mokgweetsi Masisi, a former high school teacher, is vying for a second and final term, with a party needing at least 31 seats to claim victory.

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Tuberculosis leading infectious killer, WHO warns

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The World Health Organization (WHO) released alarming new data Tuesday showing tuberculosis (TB) once again ranking as the world’s deadliest infectious disease. According to the latest WHO report, approximately 8.2 million people were diagnosed with TB in 2023. “This represents a notable increase from 7.5 million reported in 2022, placing TB again as the leading infectious disease killer in 2023, surpassing COVID-19,” a statement by the organization noted. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed “outrage “over the continued toll of the disease. “The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage, when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it, and treat it,” he said. He urged nations to fulfill their commitments to effectively combat TB. The report highlights the alarming disparities, with 30 high-burden countries — primarily India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines and Pakistan –accounting for 56% of the global TB burden. It also emphasized funding a crisis for TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which bear 98% of the global TB burden. Noting that only 26% of the $22 billion target for annual global TB funding was reached in 2023, Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Program, said: “We are confronted with formidable challenges: funding shortfalls, catastrophic costs to affected households, and drug-resistant tuberculosis.” While the report warned that treatment success rates for multidrug-resistant TB remain low, WHO urged the international community to fulfill their commitments from the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB, with a renewed push for funding research into new TB vaccines.

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Zambia good partner in many areas, says Turkey

Africa /

Turkey’s Ambassador to Zambia said Tuesday that the southern African nation was a good partner in many areas. “We are working together in every field, from trade to business, from Turkey scholarships to other exchanges, as we strive to build a better future together,” Istem Circiroglu told guests during an event marking the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in the capital, Lusaka. Circiroglu said she was pleased to note that Turkish development assistance in Zambia had exceeded $2 million, with the figure surpassing $5 million with the addition of scholarships so far provided to Zambian students. “The Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), Diyanet Foundation and others are also engaged in Zambia. This year is also my farewell to beautiful Zambia and my friends here. I promise I will always remember and keep a place for all of you in my heart,” she added. Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata was elated that the occasion was held only days after the commemoration of Zambia’s 60th independence anniversary, adding the country would continue consolidating bilateral ties with Türkiye. A Zambian independence celebration was also held in the Turkish capital Ankara, punctuated with a performance by Zambian and Turkish musicians.

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Botswana votes to decide fate of ruling party’s 58-year reign

Africa /

Botswana heads to the polls on Wednesday, facing a pivotal election that will decide whether the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) can maintain its 58-year grip on power. Analysts suggest this election is particularly unpredictable, as the country grapples with an economic downturn due to declining demand for diamonds, a crucial resource. The opposition criticizes the BDP for its lengthy tenure, accusing it of economic mismanagement and corruption—claims the party denies. Many young voters in the capital, Gaborone, hope for change that will bring employment opportunities. While Botswana is generally regarded as having low corruption and good governance, public confidence in the government is waning. “I’m a graduate but still unemployed. I hope this election will lead to a brighter future,” said resident Maitshwarelo Ditsebe. With unemployment exceeding 27% and youth unemployment over 45%, there is a strong desire for change. “I hope the party I vote for will create jobs for young women,” added Gaborone resident Boago Sentsho. President Mokgweetsi Masisi of the BDP is seeking a second and final term, competing against three challengers, including Duma Boko from the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change, who has promised to significantly raise the minimum wage and enhance social grants. The election will determine the composition of parliament, with voters casting ballots for 61 National Assembly seats and 609 local council seats. Polling stations open at 6 AM on Wednesday.

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IUCN: Over one-third of global trees at risk of extinction

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More than one in three trees globally is at risk of extinction, according to a new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This alarming trend threatens life on Earth as we know it, with endangered trees outnumbering threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined. In South America, where the majority of the world’s trees are found, 25% face extinction, while Africa, despite having fewer trees, sees 45% at risk. Hilton-Taylor highlights that the primary threats include deforestation, habitat loss due to expanding agriculture, invasive species, and climate change. Trees now represent over a quarter of the species listed in the IUCN Red List, emphasizing the urgency for action. Hilton-Taylor stresses, “Species are declining. Unless we act now, we risk losing them forever.” Kevin Martin from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew points out that rapid climate change poses significant challenges for trees, which struggle to adapt quickly. The IUCN advocates for forest protection and restoration, including tree planting and conservation efforts via seed banks and botanical gardens. Their first Global Tree Assessment coincides with the UN’s COP16 biodiversity summit in Colombia. Craig Hilton-Taylor, head of the IUCN’s Red List Unit, states that out of approximately 47,000 tree species assessed, 38% are threatened. He emphasizes the vital role trees play in global biodiversity, livelihoods, and essential ecological cycles.

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Turkey condemns terror attack in Chad, offers condolences

Africa, Turkey /

Türkiye on Monday expressed condolences with the people of Chad over a terrorist attack in the Central African country. A statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed sadness over the killing of nearly 40 Chadian soldiers and many others injured by a “terrorist attack on a military base in the Lake Chad province” on Sunday. The ministry statement also wished a swift recovery to the wounded and wished Allah’s mercy on those who lost their lives.

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Macron in Morocco to boost trade and immigration ties

Africa /

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Morocco on Monday for a three-day visit focused on enhancing trade, climate change, and immigration partnerships. In Rabat, he will meet with King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and address the Moroccan parliament. The visit aims to repair relations between the two countries, strained in recent years, particularly over France’s position on Western Sahara. In July, Macron shifted France’s long-standing stance, supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for the region, which has been welcomed by Rabat, especially after it gained U.S. recognition for its claim in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel in 2020. Morocco is the largest destination for French investment in Africa, hosting over 900 French subsidiaries, and is also France’s top trading partner in the region. Macron’s visit may pave the way for future economic agreements and address ongoing immigration and visa policy issues.

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