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Lesotho’s Thomas Thabane to be charged with murdering his wife
Lesotho’s Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, 80, is to be charged with the murder of his estranged wife Lipolelo Thabane, police have said.
Mr Thabane announced he would be stepping down in July because of old age, without commenting about the case.
His current wife Maesaiah Thabane has already been charged with the murder.
He would be the first leader in southern Africa to be charged with murder while in office, in a case that has shocked the tiny mountain kingdom.
Lipolelo, 58, was shot dead two days before Mr Thabane became prime minister in 2017.
At the time, he described her killing as “senseless” but police now accuse him of being involved in her killing.
“The prime minister is going to be charged with the murder,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Paseka Mokete was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.
“The police are preparing directives and he will probably be charged tomorrow [Friday],” he added.
Lipolelo was gunned down at close range on the side of a dirt road while returning to her home in a small village on the outskirts of the capital, Maseru.,
She was involved in bitter divorce proceedings with Mr Thabane when she was killed.
At the time, the prime minister was living with Maesaiah, 42, as if she was his wife.
But Lipolelo had already won a separate legal battle to be recognised as first lady, as opposed to Maesaiah.
Maesaiah accompanied Mr Thabane to his inauguration, following his estranged wife’s death.
Two months later she and Mr Thabane got married in a Catholic ceremony held at a packed stadium in Maseru.
Maesaiah was charged with her rival’s murder on 5 February, and is out on bail.
She has not yet been asked to plead to the charge.
FROM BBC NEWS
Gambia: President Barrow’s Speech At Gambia 55th Independence Anniversary
Afrinity TV attends the 55th Independence of The Gambia, held on Tuesday 18th February, 2020 at The McCarty Square at Banjul.
In attendance were; The Current Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia H.E Madam Isatou Touray, H.E First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, H.E Madam Sarjo Barrow, Former Vice presidents, The Chief Justice, The Hon. Deputy Speaker, The Hon. Members of Cabinet of the National Assembly, Hon. Ministers like Hon. Ahmat Bah Minister of Tourism & Culture. Mayors of Banjul City Counsel and Kanifing Municipal Counsel, Gambia Arm Forces, Gambia Police Force, Religious Leaders, Schools, cultural groups, NGOs, Private Institutes, etc.
The event began with attendance of Guest, Schools, Institutions and cultural groups. The President arrives later on. Continues with an opening prayers by the Religious Leaders both Christians and Muslim prayers. Then the president inspects the Parade before the march pass began. After the inspection began the March Pass led by the Scout Band Music. The the event continued with President’s speech.
His Excellency Adam Barrow’s speech at 55th Independence of the Gambia.
Her Excellency The vice President, Your excellencies First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow and Madam Sarjo Barrow. Former Vice Presidents present, my lord The Chief Justice, Hon. Deputy Speaker, Hon. Members of cabinet of the National Assembly, Lord Mayors of Banjul, and Kanifing Municipality, Distinguish guest, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls.
He begin his speech by recognizing the guest present.
”
The Gambia clocks fifty-five years today as an Independent Sovereign State responsible for managing its affairs without any external interference. Celebrating the anniversary of this historic event should trigger thoughts to guide us redefine our individual roles as citizens of this nation in order to situate and reposition our motherland better on the global stage.
As this is our National Day, it is a moment to unite and deliberate on national issues, and not on partisan conflicts and interests. As true sons and daughters of The Gambia, this is a moment to reflect on the implications of Independence; not only political independence, but also social and economic independence.
Having emerged from decades of under-development, slowed progress, retarded growth and dictatorship, the time has come for us to reflect objectively and selflessly on what needs to be done differently for better results. Thus, we should ask ourselves: What does putting the national interest first really imply? How can we work together to address all the development deficits that continue to affect every Gambian, directly or indirectly?
As we mark the last Independence Anniversary of this decade, the opportunity has come for us to turn a new leaf by beginning the next decade much better, with renewed patriotic zeal in the Third Republic. As we prepare for the next series of national elections, now is the time to demonstrate what Independence means to us.
Let us demonstrate that we are capable of managing our affairs by accommodating our differences, celebrating our successes, providing feedback with discipline, and expressing our opinions with respect and dignity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This day is important because it also reminds us of our pledge in the National Anthem, and underscores the need “to live in unity, freedom and peace each day…” Therefore, we must be aware of all divisive speeches, actions, sentiments and concepts that may lead to social divisions in our communities.
Whilst ethnicity contributes significantly to our richly blended culture, and stands out as a diverse source of strength, if weaponised for selfish reasons, ethnicity has devastating consequences. It has plunged many nations into protracted unrest, destruction and great instability. Party politics, which is often at the root of most deadly ethnic clashes, must not be based on ethnicity. Instead, politics should be driven by a sound vision, appropriate programmes and dedicated service in the best interest of one’s nation.
The electorate should affiliate with the party that represents the national interest, and ensure that we continue to live in peace and harmony in a cohesive, democratic society where our collective development aspirations can be fulfilled.
Our National Anthem has summed up the message perfectly for us. It brings our attention to doing the right thing, and emphasises, I quote, “Let justice guide our actions towards the common good, And join our diverse peoples to prove man’s brotherhood.”
Ethnic rivalry is dreadful. Accordingly, I urge all of us to renew our commitment and “pledge our firm allegiance,” to the nation, because The Gambia belongs to all of us.
Politics is not about the language we speak or the ethnic group we identify with. It is about the nation and its development and future.
We all have the moral and civic obligation of safeguarding the future of this country and remember, in the process, that history will judge us, sooner or later.
This should compel us maintain peace and stability by respecting the rule of law, and allowing justice to take its course.
Today, we can all look back and, with relief, celebrate and embrace democracy, good governance and the rule of law. This is highlighted by the political excitement that has gripped the nation, resulting in a series of useful dialogue, across-party discussions, and bipartisan solidarity and collaboration.
The nationwide consultations on crucial national structures, policies and instruments continue to open new avenues, and widen the options for choice, diversity and scope. This is unprecedented in The Gambia!
Never have Gambians been given the space to participate so genuinely and passionately as witnessed recently on the draft Constitution, the Commissions, the Presidency, the economy and various other aspects of governance.
Never has the Legislature been as independent, as open, as free and as lively as it is today. This is progress, and it is political development!
As free citizens in an Independent State, information is accessed readily on radio, television and other media outlets without censure. Indeed, Gambians are truly enjoying political independence!
Socially, cultural freedom continues to enable us to showcase our diversity and tolerance for one another. These are aspects of my Government’s achievements, which we have registered collectively with all Gambians. Government will continue to ensure that such freedoms are guaranteed and sustained.
Economic freedom is ideal, but we live in an interdependent world where nations and organisations must depend on one another. This is the essence of diplomacy and international relations. However, it is incumbent upon us to exploit our talents and abilities to be innovative and productive, and to initiate or contribute to value addition processes. It is up to us to examine our circumstances, expose our shortcomings and challenges, with a view to resolving them.
The responsibility is collective for us to create jobs, create opportunities, create income for economic development and generate capacity to develop holistically.
The key challenges that continue to affect this nation can be solved only if we reconcile our differences, maintain peace and stability, law and order, progress and development. Fundamentally, we must avoid acting against the national interest.
As Gambians, every one of us has citizenship rights. With consistency, I reassure you all of my resolve to perform my functions to the fullest. As President, I have legal authority to act justly; as a leader, I owe it to the people to keep the nation together and safe; and, as a parent, I have the moral duty to preserve the nation for the younger generation and those unborn, whose rights we must recognise now.
Our oaths of office bind us to God and the Constitution, and our mandates and rules of engagement bind us ethically and professionally to the people and the State. This applies to all public officials and across all state institutions.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The major stumbling block to development is the bulk and mix of resources at our disposal. The options to address the inadequacies centre on innovation, industry, productivity and partnering with others, internally and externally.
We must all strive to fend for ourselves, feed ourselves, and muster courage to entrench independence and cooperation in our sub-cultures; whether at home, in the community or in our institutions.
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Lessons learnt from the “Meet the People’s Tour” have strengthened me to strive harder to accelerate the pace of our development. However, every one of us has a stake, a role and the responsibility to act as a constructive agent of change and development. We have to utilise our abilities and potential constructively, apply ourselves to the tasks of nation building, and avoid indifference and dependency.
Up to 2021, my Government will continue to implement the National Development Plan vigorously. We will introduce new projects, and attend to the people’s needs. Roads, energy, water, sanitation, infrastructure and technology for production will attract top priority. Employment, youth and gender issues will be closely linked to such priorities. In all of these, the private sector and non-state operatives have an equal or complementary role to play.
This year marks the forerunner of the 2021 Presidential Election. While gearing up for this, it is most necessary that we exercise restraint, remain disciplined and maintain the peace. Let us not plunge the nation into chaos and disorder. We must remember what we have gone through and, therefore, be steadfast in upholding the values and practices that encourage positive thought and action. The surest way to success is unity, resisting the temptation to ignore our noble values and warding off agitation, no matter where it comes from.
We should also be firm and resolute whenever we take a decision on something, but should be prepared to shift our positions whenever there are better alternatives.
I urge you, the schoolchildren and students, to focus on your education. Education and skills unlock the doors to development and good citizenship. Work hard today, and reap the benefits tomorrow. Do not allow yourselves to be distracted; instead, strive hard for your future well-being.
Remember that children are more vulnerable to different forms of violence. They are trafficked, abused and even used as child soldiers to fight and kill in unjust civil wars, or serve as suicide bombers. Do not allow anyone to use you for such deadly, cowardly and evil acts.
I commend all parents and teachers for guiding and taking care of the children. Government appreciates your efforts, and we will continue to invest in education to ensure that the youth realise their full potential to serve their families, nation and themselves when they grow up.
Teachers have an honourable job to do; thus, they should work honourably and effectively, and maximise the time they spend on task. Finance is not the only motivation in this noble job.
Teachers have the responsibility of preparing a whole generation of learners, who look up to them for values of integrity, discipline, trustworthiness and patriotism. Children learn to respect rules and regulations at school; hence, teachers have the burden of doing the right thing for the children to emulate early in their lives.
While we appreciate the efforts of the Education Ministries, we encourage them to support both the teaching and administrative staff in the system for better performance.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Turning to the Security Services, I thank and commend them, as the pride of the nation, for their impressive outfit and remarkable performance.
We salute them for their impeccable parades, commendable peace keeping missions, humble and generous community service, as well as their acute alertness and sacrifice to keep the peace.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
To all those present, I express deep gratitude for the turnout, and for making the occasion so colourful. I am thankful also to the entire nation for keeping the peace and their cooperation with my government.
We are grateful too to the international community for their support – financially, technically and morally. The list includes all friendly nations, partners and organisations that continue to supplement or complement our development efforts.
I wish you all a very joyful Fifty-fifth Independence Anniversary Celebration.
God bless us all, and Long Live The Gambian Nation!”
He close his Speech.
Coronavirus: Largest study suggests elderly and sick are most at risk
Health officials in China have published the first details of more than 44,000 cases of Covid-19, in the biggest study since the outbreak began.
Data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) finds that more than 80% of the cases have been mild, with the sick and elderly most at risk.
The research also points to the high risk to medical staff.
A hospital director in the city of Wuhan died from the virus on Tuesday.
Liu Zhiming, 51, was the director of the Wuchang Hospital in Wuhan – one of the leading hospitals in the virus epicentre. He is one of the most senior health officials to die so far.
Hubei, whose capital is Wuhan, is the worst affected province in the country.
The report by the CCDC shows the province’s death rate is 2.9% compared with 0.4% in the rest of the country.
The findings put the overall death rate of the Covid-19 virus at 2.3%.
China’s latest official figures released on Tuesday put the overall death toll at 1,868 and 72,436 infections.
Officials reported 98 new deaths and 1,886 new cases in the past day, with 93 of those deaths and 1,807 infections in Hubei province – the epicentre of the outbreak.
More than 12,000 people have recovered, according to Chinese authorities.
What does the study tell us?
The paper by the CCDC, released on Monday and published in the Chinese Journal of Epidemiology, looked at more than 44,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in China as of 11 February.
While the results largely confirm previous descriptions of the virus and patterns of infection, the study includes a detailed breakdown of the 44,672 confirmed cases across all of China.
It finds that 80.9% of infections are classified as mild, 13.8% as severe and only 4.7% as critical. The number of deaths among those infected, known as the fatality rate, remains low but rises among those over 80 years old.
Looking at the sex ratio, men are more likely to die (2.8%) than women (1.7%).
The study also identifies which existing illnesses put patients at risk. It puts cardiovascular disease at number one, followed by diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and hypertension.
Pointing out the risk to medical staff, the paper says that a total of 3,019 health workers have been infected, 1,716 of which were confirmed cases. Five had died by 11 February, which was the last day of data included in the research.
On 13 February, China broadened its definition of how to diagnose people, including “clinically diagnosed cases” which previously were counted separate from “confirmed cases”.
What does it say about the future?
Looking forward, the paper finds that “the epidemic curve of onset of symptoms” peaked around 23-26 January before declining up to 11 February.
The study suggests that the downward trend in the overall epidemic curve could mean that “isolation of whole cities, broadcast of critical information (e.g., promoting hand washing, mask wearing, and care seeking) with high frequency through multiple channels, and mobilization of a multi-sector rapid response teams is helping to curb the epidemic”.
But the authors also warn that with many people returning from a long holiday, the country “needs to prepare for the possible rebound of the epidemic”.
China’s response to the virus has seen the lockdown of Wuhan – the largest city in Hubei – and the rest of the province as well as severe travel restrictions on movements across the country.
FROM BBC NEWS
Chinese Embassy joins hands with WHO assisting Gambia in preventing COVID-19
His Excellency Ma Jianchun, the Chinese ambassador on 12 February 2020, met with WHO Representative Dr. Desta Alamerew Tiruneh, who called on him at the Chinese Embassy premise.
The WHO rep. and Chinese diplomat had a discussion centering on the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, which was officially named “COVID-19” by the WHO on 11 February.
Ambassador Ma updated Dr. Desta on the latest development of the outbreak in China, pointing out that although the situation was still serious, positive changes were taking place; the number of daily new confirmed cases had seen a significant decrease in the past week, and more than 5,000 patients had recovered after receiving proper treatment. Ambassador Ma also briefed Dr. Desta on newly-adopted measures by China to curb the outbreak, including concentrating more medical resources to the epicenter region, rigorously preventing the outbreak from spreading, and conducting further international cooperation. Ambassador Ma appreciated WHO for its valuable support and consistent assistance in helping strengthen The Gambia’s disease control capacity, and expressed readiness of the Chinese Embassy in coordinating with the WHO office to assist The Gambia in better preventing the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dr. Desta commended China’s thorough measures in containing the outbreak at home and in controlling it from spreading to other countries. He said that it was due to these efforts that the number of infection cases outside China remained small, and that “what China did was not only helping itself, but also helping the whole world”. Dr. Desta elaborated on how the WHO had been collaborating with The Gambia in forming comprehensive preventive measures to keep the country free from the COVID-19 outbreak. He mentioned that while much work need to be done to get people prepared for the epidemic, panic should be avoided.
Ambassador Ma and Dr. Desta both agreed that the measures taken to prevent and control COVID-19 and other epidemics should be based on scientific evaluation and professional assessment, thus it is advisable for countries to follow WHO’s advice. Just like WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus put it, “This is the time for facts, not fear; this is the time for science, not rumors; this is the time for solidarity, not stigma.” Ambassador Ma and Dr. Destaalso decided to keep in close contact to further assist The Gambia in improving its capabilities of responding to health emergencies.
Gambia should learn from Nigeria’s success in democracy
State House, Banjul, February 12, 2020 – His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has said that The Gambia should learn from Nigeria’s success in transitioning from military rule to a vibrant democracy through building of strong institutions and depoliticising the military.
The President made these remarks at the State House on Monday, when participants from Course 28 at the National Defence College in Abuja, Nigeria, paid a courtesy call on him.
The Course 28 group is on a research based mission in Banjul, on the theme: Tourism and National Development – Experiences of The Gambia.
“Africa should learn from Nigeria and The Gambia should learn from Nigeria’s success in transitioning from military rule to democracy. Nigeria has succeeded in building a great democracy through building strong institutions and depoliticising the military,” President Barrow told the delegation, citing the mutual experience sharing in the trip.
For The Gambia, the Barrow government’s pursuit of the security sector reform includes the establishment of Ministry of Defence, which for the first time is operating independent of the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Gambian Leader said the diversity of the corps of participants in this apex military training institution for the Nigerian Armed Forces, reflects a steady approach to integration of the continent.
The Gambia’s Minister of Defence, Sheikh Omar Faye said the military support from Nigeria to The Gambia dates a long time. He lauded the recent intervention of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in resolving the Gambia’s political crisis in December 2016.
`Minister Faye said it is not just a policy of the government but also a personal principle of President Barrow to put peace and stability at the heart of Gambia’s national development endeavours.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Massaneh Kinteh reiterated that Nigeria’s transitioning from military rule to a vibrant democracy has become a reference point for governance. Such a lesson formed the basis for The Gambia Armed Forces’ policy of “keeping the Army out of politics and politics out of the Army.”
As a Centre of Excellence, the National Defence College brings together representatives from countries in the West, East, North and Southern Africa.
India Supreme Court makes landmark ruling on women in army
India’s top court has ruled that all women army officers are now eligible for permanent commissions, allowing them to be in commanding roles.
The ruling means that all women officers will now be on par with men when it comes to promotions, ranks, benefits and pensions.
The Supreme Court rejected the government’s plea to overturn the Delhi high court’s order on the same matter.
The ruling has been hailed as a “great leap” towards equality in the army.
Many serving and retired officers had been campaigning for this. Women at the moment are inducted into the army through the Short Service Commission (SSC) and don’t qualify for a permanent commission – which allows an officer to serve a full tenure.
So women are initially meant to serve for five years, but have the option of extending their tenure. However, they don’t get the same benefits as their male counterparts.
The only exceptions are the army’s legal and education wings, where women officers have been eligible for permanent commissions since 2008.
The government last year agreed to give permanent commissions to women but said this would only apply to those officers who had served less than 14 years, citing physical limitations of older women officers.
“The contentions of centre [the federal government] regarding the issue of physiological limitations and social norms to deny opportunity to women officers is disturbing and cannot be accepted,” Justice DY Chandrachud said while reading out the court verdict.
‘Clear discrimination’
The government had also argued against appointing women in commanding roles.
“The composition of rank and file being male, and predominantly drawn from rural background, with prevailing societal norms, the troops are not yet mentally schooled to accept women officers in command,” it said.
But the court rejected the argument, saying the “right to equality is a right to rationality”.
Lawyer Aishwarya Bhati, who represented women officers in court, said it was a landmark judgement.
“There was clear discrimination in the army. One officer had served for 26 years without getting the same benefits as men. Now the wrong has been corrected,” she told the BBC.
Lieutenant Colonel Poonam told the BBC that the court’s ruling was “historic”.
“The Indian constitution is based on equality. Denying opportunities to women was against the ethos of the constitution. Now the army will have to frame guidelines that are equal for men and women,” she said.
BBC NEWS
Harry Gregg: Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper dies aged 87
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg, who survived the 1958 Munich air crash, has died aged 87.
Gregg was often referred to as the ‘Hero of Munich’ after pulling passengers free from the burning wreckage.
The Northern Irishman had signed for United just two months before the tragedy, in which 23 people died.
“Harry passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving family,” his foundation said on Monday.
Gregg was a member of Sir Matt Busby’s team of talented young players, who were nicknamed the Busby Babes.
He was signed by United in December 1957 for £23,000 – a then world record fee for a goalkeeper.
On 6 February 1958, the plane carrying the team back from Belgrade crashed in a blizzard after refuelling at Munich airport.
Twenty-three people died – eight players, eight newspaper journalists and seven members of backroom staff.
Two weeks later, Gregg kept a clean sheet as Manchester United put Sheffield Wednesday out of the FA Cup.
The goalkeeper was determined that the tragic event would not define his career, or indeed his life.
Gregg was born on 27 October 1932 in the County Londonderry village of Tobermore.
His family moved to Coleraine and he excelled with his hometown club after starting his career at Windsor Park Swifts, the reserve team of Linfield.
Gregg secured a cross-channel move to Doncaster Rovers at the age of 18 before joining Manchester United in December 1957 for £23,000, at the time a world record fee for a goalkeeper.
The ‘Busby Babes’ were returning from a European Cup game when the airplane they were travelling crashed while attempting to take off on the slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport on 6 February 1958.
“There was a sudden crash and debris began bombarding me on all sides,” said Gregg.
“One second it was light, the next dark. There were no screams, no human sounds, only the terrible tearing of metal. Sparks burst all around.”
Gregg escaped from the burning wreckage but went back in and brought Vera Lukic, the pregnant wife of a Yugoslav diplomat, and her young daughter, Vesna, to safety.
He returned to the plane and dragged out injured United pair Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet, and came to the aid of manager Matt Busby and fellow Northern Ireland international Jackie Blanchflower.
Eight players were killed, including Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman and Duncan Edwards – who died of his injuries a fortnight later – while Blanchflower and Johnny Berry’s injuries were so severe that they never played again.
Two weeks later, Gregg kept a clean sheet as Manchester United put Sheffield Wednesday out of the FA Cup.
The goalkeeper was determined that the tragic event would not define his career, or indeed his life.
Later in the year Gregg starred for Northern Ireland at the World Cup finals in Sweden.
The Red Devils player, who won 25 international caps, helped Northern Ireland reach the quarter-finals and he was named goalkeeper of the tournament.
Gregg was to experience personal tragedy in 1961 when his wife, Mavis, died from breast cancer, leaving him to care for their two daughters.
He married Carolyn Maunders four years later and they had four children together.
Gregg’s time at Manchester United was blighted by injuries and he made 247 appearances for the team.
“He will always be remembered for what he did at Munich, but on top of that he was a really great goalkeeper,” said Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
Gregg moved to Stoke City in December 1966, but made only two appearances before retiring at the end of the season.
He moved into management, starting with Shrewsbury Town in 1968 followed by spells with Swansea City and Crewe Alexander.
Gregg returned to Old Trafford as a goalkeeping coach before becoming assistant manager at Swindon Town and finally manager with Carlisle United.
Following his career in the game he returned to Northern Ireland and ran a hotel in Portstewart.
When he was awarded the MBE in 1995, Gregg dedicated it to those who lost their lives at Munich and Peter Doherty, his manager at Doncaster Rovers and Northern Ireland.
The 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster was an emotional trip back in time for Gregg, who returned to the old airport building and runway in the city for the first time since the disaster.
There was also a first meeting with Vera Lukic’s son, Zoran, with whom she was pregnant when Gregg rescued her in 1958.
The death of his daughter, Karen, in 2009 from cancer at the age of 50, brought more personal grief.
A testimonial for Gregg, between Manchester United and Irish League Select, was played at Windsor Park in 2009.
In 2015, the Harry Gregg Foundation was launched with the aim of encouraging young people’s participation in football and other health, lifestyle, educational, heritage and social inclusion activities.
He made his final trip to Old Trafford in 2018, before being named OBE in the Queen’s 2019 New Year’s Honours.
“He is part of the rich history of our club and we should never forget that,” said former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
It was his career as a player, and not for heroic actions at Munich, which Gregg wished to be remembered.
“I’m Henry Gregg, 34 Windsor Avenue, who played football. Who was useful at it on good days and rubbish at it on bad days,” he said in 2008.
“That’s what I want to be remembered for – not something that happened on the spur of the moment.”
FROM BBC SPORTS NEWS
First African to contract Cornavirus and his recovery
When Kem Senou Pavel Daryl, a 21-year-old Cameroonian student living in the Chinese city of Jingzhou, contracted the coronavirus he had no intention of leaving China, even if that were possible.
“No matter what happens I don’t want to take the sickness back to Africa,” he said from his university dormitory, where he is now under a 14-day quarantine.
He was suffering from a fever, a dry cough, and flu-like symptoms.
When he became ill he thought of his time as a child in Cameroon when he contracted malaria. He feared the worse.
“When I was going to the hospital for the first time I was thinking about my death and how I thought it was going to happen,” he said.
For 13 days he remained in isolation in a local Chinese hospital. He was treated with antibiotics and drugs typically used to treat HIV patients. After two weeks of care he began to show signs of recovery.
The CT scan showed no trace of the illness. He became the first African person known to be infected with the deadly coronavirus and the first to recover. His medical care was
Egypt has become the first country in Africa to confirm a case of the coronavirus. Health professionals warn that countries with weaker health systems may struggle to cope with a potential outbreak of the illness, which has led to more than 1,770 deaths and infected more than 72,000 people, mostly in China.
“I don’t want to go home before finishing studying. I think there is no need to return home because all hospital fees were taken care of by the Chinese government,” says Mr Senoua.
To evacuate or not?
Since late January governments around the world, led by the US, began evacuating their citizens out of Wuhan and neighbouring cities.
But thousands of African students, workers and families, remain in lockdown across the central Hubei province – the outbreak began in the provincial capital Wuhan – and some think their governments should do more to help them.
“We are sons and daughters of Africa but Africa is not willing to come to our rescue when we need it the most,” says Tisiliyani Salima, a medical student at Tongji Medical University and president of the Zambian Wuhan student association.
For close to a month Ms Salima has been living in self-quarantine.
Time has begun to lose meaning for the 24-year old student. She spends her days sleeping and checking updates on Chinese social media apps.
She acts as the liaison between her embassy and the 186 Zambian students living under quarantine in Wuhan. Many worry about food safety, supplies, and lack information in a city that this week has seen an average of 100 deaths a day.
She watched other international classmates evacuated from the city while her countrymen and women were left behind.
“South of the Sahara most African countries have had a similar response,” says one student who agreed to talk under the condition of anonymity.
“Publicly or privately African countries say that China can handle the situation. But the situation is not under control. When you listen to the official response it tells you that the African countries do not want to offend China. We don’t have the bargaining power,” the student says.
China is currently Africa’s largest trading partner and the ties between the two have blossomed in recent years.
In the process China has become home to 80,000 African students, many attracted to the middle kingdom by scholarship programmes. But community leaders say families, young and old are stranded in Hubei province with little aid or assistance from their governments.
“People are saying: ‘Don’t bring us back because Nigeria can’t handle us.’ I feel conflicted but at the end of the day I am also human,” says Angela, a recent graduate from Nigeria, who only gave her first name.
“I would appreciate if they would recognise that there are Nigerians here but we don’t seem to be a priority. We didn’t get any response from our government,” she says.
Last week, for the first time in 22 days in lockdown, dwindling supplies forced Angela to venture out of her apartment to buy some essentials.
“The city is like a ghost town. When I left my complex I didn’t know if I would even be allowed back in. People are checking temperatures outside the gate,” she says in a phone interview from her apartment.
On 30 January the Cameroonian community penned an open letter to the president urging their government to evacuate citizens stuck in the epicentre of the outbreak.
Weeks on Dr Pisso Scott Nseke, a community leader in Wuhan, says Cameroonians are still waiting for a response.
He accepts that the community is not united in the desire to be evacuated but says they are disappointed by the lack of assistance from the government.
As of mid-February, Egypt, Algeria, Mauritius, Morocco and Seychelles had moved their citizens out of Hubei province.
Other nations such as Ghana and Kenya are reportedly considering evacuating.
FROM BBC NEWS
Nikita Pearl Waligwa: Queen of Katwe stars pay tribute
Stars of the film Queen of Katwe have paid tribute to actress Nikita Pearl Waligwa who has died at the age of 15.
Waligwa had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and died in hospital in Kampala on Sunday.
She starred in the 2016 film which was based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a chess prodigy from a Ugandan slum.
Her co-star David Oyelowo wrote on Instagram: “She was a ball of light in Queen of Katwa and in life.”
He played the role of Phiona Mutesi’s chess teacher while Lupita Nyong’o played her mother.
Waligwa featured as the character Gloria, a friend of Phiona who explained the rules of chess to her.
Ms Nyong’o said on Instagram: “She played Gloria with such vibrancy. In her real life she had the enormous challenge of battling brain cancer.”
Waligwa was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 and Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair reportedly mobilised people to help fund her treatment in India, with Ugandan doctors reportedly saying they did not have the necessary equipment.
In Uganda, only a fraction of patients with such serious conditions get the medical help they need due to costs.
She was given the all-clear in 2017 and went back to secondary school. However, last year, she was found to have another tumour.
“You were a darling to many and we have lost you to a brain tumour at such a tender age,” Gayaza High School said.
SOURCE BBC NEWS
GM scraps historic Holden car brand in Australia
General Motors has said it will retire the iconic Australian car brand Holden as it leaves more markets.
The American car giant said it will wind down Holden sales, design and engineering operations in Australia and New Zealand by next year.
It also said China’s Great Wall Motors had agreed to buy its manufacturing plant in Thailand.
The announcement comes three years after GM ended manufacturing in Australia.
In a statement posted on GM’s website, chief executive Mary Barra said: “I’ve often said that we will do the right thing, even when it’s hard, and this is one of those times.”
The statement did not say how many jobs would be lost as a result of the move but reports suggest it will mean up to 600 layoffs.
GM President Mark Reuss said the company had explored ways to keep the Holden brand but had decided that it would cost too much to remain in the “highly fragmented right-hand-drive market”.
It comes as GM is accelerating its exit from unprofitable markets as it focuses on the US, China, Latin America and South Korea.
The move will end 160 years of the Holden name’s association with Australia. The company was founded as a saddle maker in South Australia in 1856 before it started building vehicles in 1908.
Holden was bought by GM in 1931, beginning their 89-year history as a combined entity.
In response to the news Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “I am disappointed but not surprised. But I am angry, like I think many Australians would be.
“Australian taxpayers put millions into this multinational company. They let the brand just wither away on their watch. Now they are leaving it behind,” he added.
The hashtag #RIPHolden is trending on Twitter as people post pictures and memories of the much-loved Australian brand.
Late last year the company also said it would stop selling its most iconic model the Commodore after more than four decades.
At the end of 2013 Holden announced that it would halt production in Australia and start importing vehicles from its overseas plants. GM said a strong Australian currency, high manufacturing costs and a small domestic market were among the reasons behind its decision.
The ending of Australian production of Holden’s in 2017 resulted in nearly 2,900 job losses.
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