Namibian authorities have issued a stern warning against holding social gatherings in cemeteries following a controversial incident at Gammams cemetery in Windhoek last weekend. The event, which featured seating arrangements, cooler boxes, and alcohol, has been widely condemned as disrespectful and inappropriate. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with car boots open, people drinking, and litter scattered across the sacred grounds. One resident expressed her dismay on Facebook, stating that the cemetery resembled a shebeen (informal drinking establishment) rather than a place of rest. In response, the City of Windhoek released a statement on Thursday, labeling the behavior ‘unacceptable’ and emphasizing that it ‘disrespects the dignity of the deceased and disturbs other grieving families.’ The authorities reminded the public that littering in cemeteries is a criminal offense and announced plans for ‘strict monitoring and enforcement’ to preserve the sanctity of burial sites. This incident is not the first time Gammams cemetery has been in the spotlight; in 2021, a man was arrested for firing shots during a funeral, and cars were reportedly spun in the parking area nearby. The Namibian government has reiterated that cemeteries are sacred spaces reserved solely for burials and remembrance, prohibiting social gatherings, alcohol consumption, and littering.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Huge sting operation across Africa sees 260 arrested for sextortion and romance scams
In a sweeping international effort, Interpol has spearheaded a major operation targeting cybercriminals across 14 African nations, resulting in the arrest of 260 suspects. The initiative, funded by the UK, focused on dismantling criminal networks exploiting social media and digital platforms to perpetrate romance scams and sextortion schemes. These scams involve blackmailing victims using explicit imagery, causing both financial and psychological harm. Over 1,400 victims were identified across countries including Ghana, Kenya, and Angola, with estimated losses nearing $2.8 million. The operation, conducted between July and August, led to the seizure of critical digital evidence, including USB drives, Sim cards, and forged documents, as well as the takedown of 81 cybercrime infrastructures. Cyril Gout, Interpol’s acting executive director of police services, highlighted the alarming rise in digital-enabled crimes across Africa, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. In Ghana alone, 68 suspects were arrested, and $70,000 was recovered from an estimated $450,000 in losses. Similar successes were reported in Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Angola, where scammers used fake profiles and fraudulent documents to deceive victims. The operation, part of the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime project, underscores the global police network’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals online.
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Interpol says 260 suspects in online romance scams have been arrested in Africa
In a sweeping operation coordinated by Interpol, 260 individuals suspected of involvement in online romance and extortion scams have been arrested across 14 African countries. The crackdown, conducted in July and August, targeted schemes where perpetrators manipulated victims into financial exploitation or blackmail using explicit images. According to Interpol, these scams affected over 1,400 victims, resulting in losses nearing $2.8 million. Cyril Gout, acting executive director of police services at Interpol, highlighted the surge in digital-enabled crimes, emphasizing the dual impact of financial and psychological harm on victims. Among the arrests, Ghanaian authorities detained 68 suspects accused of using fake identities to deceive victims into paying fraudulent fees and recording explicit videos for blackmail. In Senegal, 22 individuals were apprehended for impersonating celebrities on social media and dating platforms, scamming over 100 people out of approximately $34,000. Similarly, Ivory Coast authorities arrested 24 suspects for exploiting fake profiles to blackmail victims with intimate images. Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, France, serves as the world’s largest international police network, facilitating collaboration among 196 member countries to combat crimes ranging from cybercrime to organized crime. The organization continues to address emerging challenges, including the escalating caseload of cybercrime and child sex abuse, amid growing divisions among its members.
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Pride and excitement as Africa hosts road cycling world championships for the first time
In a groundbreaking moment for African sports, Rwanda is hosting the Road Cycling World Championships for the first time in the event’s 104-year history. The championships, held in Kigali, have drawn elite cyclists from around the globe, including Uganda’s Ronald Yiga, who sees this as a pivotal opportunity to elevate cycling’s profile across the continent. Yiga, a 32-year-old cellphone repairer turned cyclist, began riding during the COVID-19 pandemic and now dreams of racing alongside his idol, Tadej Pogačar, the reigning world champion and Tour de France winner. For Yiga and his teammates from the Fun Cycling Club, this event is more than a competition—it’s a chance to showcase African talent and inspire a new generation of riders. Despite racing on vintage bikes compared to the high-end equipment of professionals, African cyclists remain undeterred, driven by the hope of attracting sponsors and advancing their careers. Jacques Landry, director of the World Cycling Center, believes the championships could mark a turning point for cycling in Africa, igniting interest and investment in the sport. Rwanda’s investment in cycling infrastructure and its ambition to become a global sports hub have been met with enthusiasm, though critics accuse the government of using high-profile events to divert attention from human rights concerns. Nonetheless, the event has united communities, with thousands of fans lining the hills of Kigali to cheer on riders, symbolizing a shared pride in Africa’s sporting potential.
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Why a tiny island’s fate could decide Seychelles’ next president
Assumption Island, a remote and seemingly unremarkable island in the Indian Ocean, has unexpectedly become a focal point in Seychelles’ ongoing elections. Located over 1,000 kilometers from the nation’s main hub, this barren island is now at the center of a heated debate involving geopolitics, environmental conservation, and national sovereignty. The island’s strategic location near key shipping lanes has attracted international interest, particularly from India, which sought to establish a military base there. However, public pressure has so far prevented such developments. The recent lease of part of the island to the Qatari royal family for a luxury resort has further stirred controversy, raising concerns about environmental degradation and lack of transparency. Conservationists warn that the island’s ecological significance, particularly its role as a nesting site for green turtles and its proximity to the UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll, is at risk. As Seychelles heads to the polls, the future of Assumption Island has become a key electoral issue, with President Wavel Ramkalawan defending the Qatari deal as essential for economic survival, while opposition leader Dr. Patrick Herminie criticizes the government’s handling of the situation. The election outcome could determine the island’s fate, balancing economic interests against environmental preservation and national pride.
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Stockholm marathon winner Alene dies aged 30
The world of athletics is mourning the untimely death of Ethiopian marathon star Shewarge Alene, who passed away at the age of 30. The tragic news was confirmed by the organizers of the Stockholm Marathon, where Alene had claimed victory in May 2025, marking her most recent competitive triumph. Alene, who had been a professional marathon runner since 2011, participated in 27 marathons over her illustrious career, securing an impressive 12 wins. Her personal best time of 2:27:26 was achieved in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2023. The Stockholm Marathon team expressed their grief on Instagram, stating, ‘It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025. Shewarge Alene became unwell during a training session and was taken to hospital, where sadly, her life could not be saved. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.’ Alene’s sudden demise has left the global running community in shock, as they remember her remarkable contributions to the sport.
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French navy seizes nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine off West African coast
In a significant blow to international drug trafficking, the French navy has seized nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine, valued at $610 million, from an unflagged fishing vessel off the Gulf of Guinea. The operation, conducted on Monday, was part of France’s long-standing Corymbe naval mission, which has been active in the region since 1990 to combat piracy and ensure maritime security. The interception was made possible through coordinated efforts involving maritime intelligence, anti-drug authorities, and the British National Crime Agency. This latest seizure adds to the 54 tonnes of drugs intercepted by the French navy in the area since the beginning of the year. The Gulf of Guinea, a notorious hotspot for piracy and drug trafficking, has seen multiple significant drug busts in recent months. The region serves as a critical transit point for cocaine shipments from South America to Europe. France’s Atlantic Maritime Prefecture highlighted the ‘seamless cooperation by national and international actors’ that led to this ‘remarkable seizure.’ This operation underscores the ongoing challenges and successes in combating drug trafficking in one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions.
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The professor who beat fraud allegations to become Malawi’s president…again
In a stunning political resurgence, Peter Mutharika, Malawi’s former president, has reclaimed the nation’s highest office, marking a dramatic return to power just five years after being ousted by a court ruling. Mutharika, who previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, secured victory in last week’s general election, defeating his long-time rival, President Lazarus Chakwera. His campaign centered on promises to restore economic stability, citing Malawi’s severe downturn under Chakwera’s leadership. However, Mutharika’s own tenure was marred by corruption allegations and governance challenges, raising questions about his ability to lead effectively at 85 years old. Born in 1940 in Thyolo, Mutharika’s journey from academia to politics began in 2004 when his brother, Bingu, became president. Despite controversies, including a treason charge in 2012, Mutharika’s supporters credit his first presidency with infrastructure development and reduced inflation. As he steps back into the presidential role, Malawians await tangible improvements amidst soaring inflation and widespread poverty.
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Malawi’s ex-president wins election in comeback at age 85
In a remarkable political turnaround, Malawi’s former President Peter Mutharika, aged 85, has been declared the winner of the recent presidential election, marking a significant comeback in his political career. Official results reveal that Mutharika secured 57% of the vote, decisively defeating incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, who garnered 33%. Chakwera, a former pastor, conceded defeat and congratulated Mutharika on his ‘historic win’ ahead of the final announcement. Mutharika, a former law professor, previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, when he lost to Chakwera by a wide margin. His return to power comes at a critical juncture for Malawi, as the nation grapples with severe economic challenges, including skyrocketing inflation, fuel shortages, and a lack of foreign currency. The official inflation rate stands at nearly 30%, with basic necessities like frozen chicken costing $20 in a country where most citizens survive on less than $2 a day. The election commission emphasized that the eight-day delay in announcing the results was necessary to address complaints and ensure accuracy. This election marks the fourth electoral contest between Mutharika and Chakwera, with Mutharika’s 2019 victory annulled due to widespread irregularities. Chakwera won the subsequent rerun in 2020 but faced mounting criticism during his tenure for issues such as corruption, economic mismanagement, and frequent power outages. Mutharika’s campaign, centered on the promise of ‘proven leadership,’ resonated with voters disillusioned by Chakwera’s administration. However, questions linger about Mutharika’s health and ability to lead at 85, given his limited public appearances during the campaign. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place within the next 30 days, as Malawi looks to Mutharika to address its pressing economic woes and restore stability.
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Landmark deal paves way for cheaper HIV protection jab
In a groundbreaking development for global health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed Lenacapavir, a revolutionary HIV prevention drug, marking a significant step toward combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This long-acting injectable, administered twice annually, offers six months of protection against HIV infection and has shown remarkable efficacy in clinical trials.