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.
标签： Africa
非洲
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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.
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Six West Africans deported from US sent to Togo despite legal fight
Ghana has become a focal point in the ongoing US immigration crackdown, as President John Mahama confirmed the country’s agreement to accept deportees from West Africa. This development has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges. At least six of the 11 West Africans deported to Ghana have already been transferred to Togo, according to their legal representatives. The group had initially filed a lawsuit against the Ghanaian government to halt further deportations, citing safety concerns. However, the case was withdrawn as events unfolded, though a separate legal action alleging human rights violations continues. Lead lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor expressed disappointment with Ghana’s justice system, arguing that the court failed to intervene to prevent the deportations. The deportees, who include nationals from Nigeria, Togo, Liberia, and The Gambia, were previously held in US detention facilities before being sent to Ghana on a US military plane. The agreement, announced by President Mahama, allows Ghana to accept nationals from various West African countries, citing the principle of free movement within the region. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, clarified that the country is not receiving financial compensation for this arrangement. Opposition MPs have called for the suspension of the US-Ghana agreement until it is legally ratified, demanding transparency and accountability. This situation is part of the broader US immigration policy under President Donald Trump, which has seen record-level deportations, often to countries where deportees have no ties.
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Tourism is helping Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas make a comeback
In the misty highlands of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the fate of the endangered mountain gorillas has become a shared concern for local communities. These majestic primates, many of whom have been given names, are not just symbols of biodiversity but also pillars of a thriving tourism economy. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with former poachers now leading conservation efforts and local women taking on roles as porters and guides. This shift underscores the profound economic and cultural impact of gorilla tourism on the region. Joyleen Tugume, a ranger-guide, reflects on the community’s emotional connection to the gorillas: ‘When a gorilla falls ill, everyone is concerned. It’s as if one of our own is suffering.’ This sentiment is echoed by Philemon Mujuni, a reformed poacher who now advocates for the protection of the species. Mujuni, once a hunter who viewed gorillas as threats, now leads a group of former poachers dedicated to safeguarding the primates. Their efforts, combined with the vigilance of armed rangers, have significantly reduced poaching and habitat encroachment. The economic benefits of gorilla tourism are undeniable. Tourists pay $800 per permit to observe these animals in their natural habitat, with $10 from each fee reinvested into local communities. This revenue has funded essential projects, from healthcare to water provision, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents. The mountain gorilla population, once teetering on the brink of extinction, has seen a remarkable recovery, with numbers exceeding 1,000 in recent years. This success story is a testament to the power of community-driven conservation and the transformative potential of sustainable tourism. As Tugume aptly puts it, ‘We are all working together to ensure conservation succeeds because we all benefit.’
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More than 80 buffaloes drown in Namibia after falling off cliff
In a tragic wildlife incident, more than 80 buffaloes lost their lives after stampeding and drowning in the Chobe River, according to Namibia’s environment and tourism department. The calamity unfolded when the buffaloes, being pursued by lions from neighboring Botswana, plunged off a steep cliff into the river on the Namibian side of the border. This is not an isolated event; similar incidents have claimed the lives of hundreds of buffaloes in the past. Notably, around 400 buffaloes died in 2018 under comparable circumstances in the same river, which flows through Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park, a hotspot for elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. Mbeha Tadeus, an official from Namibia’s Kabulabula Conservancy, explained that buffaloes often flee into Namibia when chased by lions, leading to chaotic stampedes. Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, a spokesperson for Namibia’s Environment, Forestry and Tourism Ministry, confirmed the buffaloes originated from Botswana but could not specify if they were from Chobe National Park. The carcasses are being distributed to local communities, as seen in a video shared by Namibia’s public broadcaster, NBC, which reported the incident occurred around 05:00 local time (07:00 GMT).
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Eswatini says it has repatriated US deportee to Jamaica
Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, has come under scrutiny following the deportation of a Jamaican man under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies. Orville Isaac Etoria, 62, who had lived in the U.S. for decades as a lawful permanent resident, was deported to Eswatini in July alongside four other individuals from Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen. The U.S. government labeled them as ‘depraved monsters.’ After being held in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison in Mbabane, Etoria was voluntarily repatriated to Jamaica over the weekend and was warmly received by his family. However, his treatment has drawn condemnation from the Legal Aid Society of New York, which highlighted his reintegration into American society after serving a 25-year prison sentence for murder. Activists in Eswatini have denounced the deportation deal as ‘unconstitutional,’ staging protests outside the U.S. embassy. Rights groups have initiated legal action, arguing that the government lacked parliamentary approval for the agreement. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small, landlocked nation bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. The case underscores the controversial nature of Trump’s mass deportation policies, which often sent individuals to countries with no personal ties.