The Polish government says a citizen of Poland is being held in Tehran, confirming the detention after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard accused several Europeans of spying on military sites as tensions remain high between Tehran and the West.
Poland’s Foreign Ministry said that Iran had arrested a “highly reputed scientist” last September, adding that the government was providing consular assistance to the detainee and working to secure his release. The government provided no other details, citing privacy requirements.
Iran on Wednesday named a Polish scientist as being among of a group of diplomats and foreigners accused of spying and taking soil samples from prohibited military zones in Iran’s desert while the Guard was carrying out missile tests.
Iranian media identified the detainee as Maciej Walczak, a scientist at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland.
The Revolutionary Guard also alleged that it had detained the deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom, Giles Whitaker, on the same espionage charges — a claim dismissed out of hand by the U.K. Foreign Office.
British Ambassador to Iran Simon Shercliff described the Iranian media reports about Whitaker’s detention as “very interesting,” noting on Twitter Thursday that Whitaker “actually left Iran last December, at the end of his posting.”
Iran also claimed the Guard had arrested the husband of Austria’s cultural attaché — an allegation denied by Austria on Thursday. The Austrian government said that none of its staff or their family members had been detained.
Tensions have spiked between Iran and the West after former President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal and re-imposed punishing sanctions four years ago.
A court in Kenya has frozen over $40 million in accounts belonging to Africa-focused payments giant Flutterwave under the country’s anti-money laundering laws.
The court order, which is dated July 1, stops Flutterwave from any transactions from more than a dozen accounts with three banks, which held $43 million in dollars, sterling, euro and Kenyan shillings.
Founded in 2016 in Nigeria, the San Francisco-headquartered firm, specialises in individual and consumer transfers, one of several fintech firms facilitating and capitalising on Africa’s booming payments market.
Earlier this year, the firm raised $250 million, valuing the startup at more than $3 billion.
Kenya’s Assets Recovery Agency sought and was granted a High Court order to freeze several accounts with three banks belonging to Kenyan-registered Flutterwave Payment Technology Ltd.
Judge Esther Maina said in a ruling pending a full hearing and final order at a later date, “These orders shall subsist for a period of 90 days as provided in section 84 of Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.”
Flutterwave said its operations were regularly audited and it continuously engaged regulatory agencies to stay compliant.
Senegal’s President Macky Sall says there is growing international support for developing gas resources in Africa as part of the continent’s energy transition.
In a speech at a World Bank-sponsored conference in the capital Dakar Sall said, “We need to salute the positive evolution of partner countries and institutions on the financing of gas projects.”
African leaders have bristled at pledges by Western countries to eliminate or reduce development financing in Africa for gas projects in the name of fighting climate change, even as those same countries tout gas as a “transition fuel” at home.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament backed EU rules labelling investments in gas and nuclear power plants as climate-friendly. Gas is a fossil fuel that produces planet-warming emissions, but far less than coal.
Western development finance institutions have in recent years announced measures to restrict financing to gas projects. The European Investment Bank has ended financing to gas projects entirely.
But the war in Ukraine and efforts by developed economies to reduce their reliance on Russia have led to renewed interest in African gas. The German government, for example, said in May that it might help explore a gas field in Senegal.
The extent to which that interest in African gas for export could translate into support for domestic gas-fired power production is not yet clear, and donor countries have not reversed previously-announced policies on development financing.
Nevertheless, World Bank Managing Director for Operations, Axel van Trotsenburg, said there was mounting recognition of gas’ role as a transition fuel in Africa.
Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara is expected to meet his two predecessors, Laurent Gbagbo and Henri Konan Bédié on July 14, according to an announcement by government spokesman Amadou Coulibaly.
Speaking after the council of ministers Coulibaly said the head of state spoke regularly with the two former presidents by phone but it was also important that this meeting took place.
The idea of a meeting between the three men was one of the recommendations of the political dialogue between the government and the opposition-held earlier this year to calm the political climate in Côte d’Ivoire.
The country has experienced several political crises in recent years involving these three men, who have been at the forefront of the political scene for decades.
In 2010, the presidential duel between Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara led to a post-election crisis that left some 3,000 people dead and led to Gbagbo’s arrest in April 2011.
In 2020, electoral violence during the presidential elections left 85 people dead and 500 injured. The election, boycotted by Mr Bédié, saw the re-election of President Alassane Ouattara for a third controversial term, deemed unconstitutional by the opposition.
Acquitted by international justice, Laurent Gbagbo, president from 2000 to 2011, made his return in June 2021 in Abidjan.He met a month later with Alassane Ouattara before launching the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), a new opposition formation.
Henri Konan Bédié, who led Côte d’Ivoire from 1993 to 1999 and is the leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), met with Ouattara in late 2020.
High court has frozen more than sh6.2 billion spread in 62 bank accounts belonging to fintech company Flutterwave and four Kenyans on fears they are proceeds of card fraud and money laundering.
The billions in Guaranty trust bank (GTB), equity, Ecobank, KCB and co-operative bank accounts were frozen after the assets recovery agency (ARA) applied to block the transfer or withdrawal, pending the filing of a petition to have the money forfeited to the government.
The agency said in court filings that their investigations revealed the cash was wired in the guise of payments for goods and services.
“That the 1st respondent’s bank accounts received billions in a suspected scheme of money laundering and the same deposited in different bank accounts in an attempt to conceal or disguise the nature, source, location, disposition or movement of the said funds,” said ARA.
“The transactions were done using cards issued by the same bank, at the same point, on the same day, raising suspicion of card fraud.” The money was allegedly banked in Kenya shillings, US dollars, Euros and Pounds.
Clashes have broken out in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between its military and M23 rebels, just a day after a bilateral agreement to de-escalate diplomatic tensions over the rebellion.
Willy Ngoma, spokesman for the M23, a movement whose resurgence in eastern DRC has led to current tensions between the DRC and Rwanda said, “We are Congolese, not Rwandans. If there is a ceasefire, it can only be between us and the Congolese government.”
According to sources interviewed from Goma, the capital of North Kivu, new clashes on Thursday morning pitted the DRC armed forces (FARDC) against M23 rebels, who seized a town in Rutshuru territory, Kanyabusoro.
A FARDC commander accused the rebels of attacking the soldiers there, violating the ceasefire announced the day before, which the M23 denied, accusing the army of shooting it in return.
A mediation meeting between the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC was held on Wednesday in Luanda under Angolan President Joao Lourenço who at the end of the meeting announced that a ceasefire has been agreed upon.
Just before, the DRC presidency had announced that Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame had agreed on a “de-escalation process”, adding that a “roadmap” had been adopted, including “the immediate cessation of hostilities” and “the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of M23 from its positions in the DRC”.
The M23, for “March 23 Movement”, is a former Tutsi-dominated rebellion that was defeated in 2013 and took up arms again late last year, blaming Kinshasa for not respecting agreements on the demobilisation and reintegration of its fighters.
Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting this rebellion, which Rwanda disputes.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned as head of the Conservative Party, saying in an address to the nation that the process of choosing a new prime minister would begin immediately.
The move ends unprecedented political crisis that has roiled the United Kingdom which climaxed in a massive walk out of members of his cabinet
Two of Johnson’s top Cabinet ministers quit earlier this week, followed by more than 30 others who said they could no longer serve under his leadership and who urged him to step down.
In an address outside his office at 10 Downing St. in London, Johnson said, “It is clearly now the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of that party and therefore a new prime minister.”
Johnson said the process to select his successor would begin immediately and a timetable for the change in leadership would be announced next week.
He said it was “painful” for him to leave office but conceded he had failed to push back against an onslaught of opposition from his own party ministers urging him to resign.
Johnson said he tried to convince his colleagues over the past few days that it would be “eccentric” to change governments when his administration is delivering and his party is just a few points behind in the polls.
Johnson’s departure will end his three-year turn as the British leader.
Johnson’s hold on power has been weakening for months amid a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by Britain’s departure from the European Union, known as “Brexit,” which Johnson championed.
Even as he rebuffed calls to quit, his leadership was further shaken in recent days by the resignations of his Treasury chief, Rishi Sunak, and his Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
A Professor of Medicine at the College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Prof. Anthonia Ogbera, has said that it is necessary to screen every pregnant woman for diabetes during their first antenatal visit, noting that it is crucial to the early detection of the disease.
Prof. Ogbera, who is also a Consultant Physician/Endocrinologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, warned that if gestational diabetes is not detected on time, it could lead to complications in pregnancy, including the pregnant woman’s risk of stroke and kidney problem.
Speaking in an interview, the endocrinologist noted that many women in Nigeria are not aware of gestational diabetes and its associated risks.
Experts say gestational diabetes refers to diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy.
According to experts, gestational diabetes can pose serious health problems including pregnancy and delivery complications as well as increased future risk for diabetes in both mother and child.
Prof. Ogbera explained, “Four to 14 per cent of women in Nigeria have diabetes in pregnancy.
“Women at risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy are those that are obese, women with a family history of diabetes, and women living with hypertension.
“Others are women with diabetes in previous pregnancy and women who are getting pregnant above the age of 25.
“So, we advise that women who come for antenatal for the first time be screened for diabetes.”
Self gestational diabetes test
The professor also urged pregnant women to embrace healthy living, while appealing to those with risk factors like hypertension to modify their lifestyle.
“Research has shown that with a healthy lifestyle, the risk of developing diabetes is lower. People should be physically active. Washing plates and cleaning the house do not translate to being physically active.
“Pregnant women should watch what they eat and consume more of the traditional foods.
“Healthy lifestyle is the way to go,” she said.
In a 2021 study published by ScienceDirect titled, “Knowledge of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women in a semiurban hospital – A cross -sectional study”, the authors said awareness about the effect of gestational diabetes on the neonate and the mother should be created to improve gestational diabetes screening, especially in non-graduates and those residing in rural areas.
Grass root level workers, the authors said, should be more involved in spreading awareness to all antenatal mothers from rural areas.
They said, “Abnormal levels of blood glucose in pregnant women can affect the immediate and long-term health of both mother and baby. Gestational diabetes affects two generations both the present and the next generation.
“Gestational diabetes is associated with increased risk of maternal and neonatal complications like preeclampsia, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, birth injuries, increased risk of caesarean delivery, hypoglycemia, neonatal jaundice respiratory distress syndrome, polycythemia and hypocalcemia in newborn.
“Both gestational diabetes mother and her offspring are at risk of Type 2 Diabetes and obesity in future.
“There is a 50 percent risk of gestational diabetic mothers to develop overt diabetes within 20 years.”
They noted, “Thus, gestational diabetes screening will provide a perfect window of opportunity for the prevention of diabetes in two generations.
“Knowledge about gestational diabetes among antenatal women will facilitate implementation of a healthy lifestyle, better healthcare-seeking behaviour and thus prevention and early diagnosis of disease”
The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance has urged the Federal Government, and all stakeholders to intensify enforcement of the ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship in the country.
The group said tobacco advertisement persists in Nigerian movies and digital spaces, despite the ban placed by the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015.
In a press statement signed by its Programme Officer, Chubuike Nwokorie and made available to Newsmen on Wednesday, the group also called on the National Broadcasting Commission to prohibit smoking in the upcoming Big Brother Naija Season 7.
“One of the most notorious violators of the TAPS ban is Smoke Box NG, a tobacco vendor that advertises tobacco products on social media with impunity.
“In 2021, Big Brother Naija, a popular reality TV programme, hosted on the GOTV and DSTV platforms, sparked public outrage when its participants flagrantly smoked on live TV. This depiction of smoking as glamorous challenged the provisions of the NTC Act, 2015 on on-screen smoking, it also threatened the gains made on the ban on TAPS in Nigeria. When it happened, the tobacco control community called on the National Broadcasting Commission to act immediately.
Tobacco Smoker
“This year, as the program is about to begin its 7th season, we are drawing the attention of the NBC to proactively engage the organizers of the show to ensure that there is no repeat of last year’s violations. We wish to make it clear that should there be a reluctance on the part of the regulators or the organizers to ensure a smoke-free programme, we will explore every available option in the interest of public health. It is important to note that entertainment products set the agenda for many young people because they are the eyes through which they see the world,” the statement read in part.
The group also called on the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria to caution its members from flouting tobacco control laws and ensure that they abide by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria including the NTC Act.
“We sound a note of caution to the organizers of BBN and a reminder of their responsibility towards the Nigerian population. At this time when Nigerians are hungry for quality leadership, a programme with such national reach must be used to portray high-standing role models for the Nigerian people.
“At this critical time of our nationhood journey, we cannot afford to have entertainment for mere entertainment’s sake, and young and impressionable Nigerians must not be manipulated into thinking that smoking is good.
“The National Film and Video Sensors Board must live up to its responsibility of ensuring that all videos made and consumed in Nigeria strictly abide by the provisions of the NTC Act as it applies to the regulation of on-screen smoking and must see to the inclusion of text warnings or outright removal of needless on-screen smoking depictions.
“The National Communications Commission and the National Information Technology Development Agency must monitor, and sanction violators of the TAPS ban in the digital space.
“Finally, we charge all agencies of government tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the NTC Act and its Regulations to work together and ensure that the ban on direct and indirect tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorship is comprehensively implemented in Nigeria in line with Article 13 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control,” it noted.
Ons Jabeur became the first African woman in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam singles final on Thursday when she defeated close friend Tatjana Maria in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
The 27-year-old world number two from Tunisia triumphed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 and will face either 2019 champion Simona Halep or Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s championship match.
“I’m a proud Tunisian woman standing here,” said Jabeur, who was the first Arab player to make a Slam semi-final.
Before Thursday, South Africans Irene Bowder Peacock, at the 1927 French Open, and Renee Schuurman, in the 1959 Australian Open, were the only African women to have reached a Slam singles final.
“It’s a dream come true from years of work and sacrifice. I’m happy that’s paid off and I’ll continue for one more match,” said Jabeur.
“Physically, Tatjana is a beast, she doesn’t give up, I thought she would give up — her touch, her serve and everything on the court is impressive. I hope she continues this way. Let’s not play again I’m good for now.
“I know in Tunisia they are going crazy right now. I want to see more Arab and African players on the tour. I love the game and I want to share the experience with them.”
Jabeur coasted through the first set against mother-of-two Maria with breaks in the third and seventh games.
The Tunisian fired 15 winners to her opponent’s six in the first set while not facing a single break point.
However, Maria, described by Jabeur as her “barbecue buddy”, did manage to finally break through for 3-1 in the second set off the back of a series of delicate slices.
Jabeur’s 17 unforced errors in the second set compared to the six of the more accurate German, who levelled the contest.
But there was to be no upset win as the 103rd-ranked Maria’s challenge was quashed.
Jabeur secured a double break for a 5-0 advantage before securing her place in history on a second match point.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
