Sweden records first case of smallpox in monkeys outside Africa

On Thursday, 15 August, the first case of monkeypox outside the African continent was reported in Sweden

Monkeypox is transmitted by close contact and causes flu-like symptoms as well as purulent rashes. Most cases are mild, but the disease can be fatal for some patients.

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WHO has labelled smallpox in monkeys an international health emergency

At an extraordinary WHO meeting, Director-General Tedros Abhanom Ghebreyesus called the monkeypox (mpox) epidemic in the DRC and neighbouring countries an emergency. He said this after meetings with independent experts held on 13 August

"The emergence of a new mpox mutation, its rapid spread in eastern DRC and the reported cases in several neighbouring countries are of grave concern. Along with mpox outbreaks in the DRC and other African countries, it is clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop this epidemic and save lives," emphasised Ghebreyesus.

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Macron recognised the contribution of African peoples to the liberation of France in 1944

On Thursday, 15 August, the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Provence, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the significant contribution of the African people to the liberation of France during the Second World War.

"When it comes to defending the vital interests of the nation, all who consider themselves French are called to stand together. Officers of the Empire or children of the Sahara, natives of Casamance or Madagascar, they did not belong to the same generation, [they] were not of the same faith, but they were the army of the nation, the most ardent and brightest army," the French head of state recalled, highlighting the role of African soldiers during the landings in Provence on the night of 14-15 August 1944.

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Niger and Algeria discuss progress in the construction of the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline

During the visit of the Algerian delegation headed by Minister of Energy and Mines Mohammed Arkab to Niamey, the parties discussed joint projects in the field of hydrocarbons, in particular - the construction of the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline. This is reported by TASS.

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Tunisia’s president resigns prime minister

Tunisian President Kais Said has sacked the country's Prime Minister Ahmed Hashani and appointed Social Policy Minister Kamel Maddouri in his place, the Tunisian leader's administration said.

The sacked Hashani had served as prime minister for only a year, Reuters wrote. Hours before his resignation, the official said in a video message that the government had made progress on a number of issues, including meeting the country's food and energy needs.

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Sweden to cut off financial aid to Mali over breaking diplomatic ties with Kiev

The Swedish authorities have decided to stop providing financial assistance to Mali because of its decision to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine. This was announced by Swedish Trade, International Cooperation and Development Minister Johan Forschelle in social network X.

He said that Mali could not simultaneously support the Russian side in the conflict with Ukraine and "receive several hundred million kroner every year in aid".

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Algeria uses Russian-made Be-200 aircraft to extinguish fires

Algerian authorities have deployed a Russian-made Be-200ChS amphibious aircraft to fight fires in the north-east of the country, Algeria's Civil Protection Service said.

"The response teams were supported by two aircraft: the AT-802 and the Be-200," the agency said in a statement.

At least a hundred people were evacuated from the town of Mila because the fire began to approach homes. Firefighters continue to battle the elements in the country's ten heat-affected departments. Temperatures have reached 45°C in many regions.

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US special envoy urges Sudan’s warring parties to negotiate in Switzerland

US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello has called on the transitional government and the Rapid Response Force (RSF) to join the talks in Switzerland and a humanitarian ceasefire, Perriello said in a post on social media X

"We call on the responsible parties to participate in the talks in Switzerland and agree to a ceasefire so that humanitarian aid reaches suffering civilians right now," the US diplomat wrote.

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Tanzania commissioned a $3.1bn railway line

On 1 August, Tanzania launched a 541-kilometre railway line from the port of Dar es Salaam and Morogoro to the capital Dodoma. The project cost $3.1bn

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan attended the launching ceremony of the railway built by Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi. The launch of the electric train will reduce the journey time from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma from eight hours by road to 3.5 hours by train.

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????The deal between South Africa's state-owned company PetroSA and Gazprombank to revitalize the Mossel Bay LNG plant has moved to the feasibility study stage.

At the same time, the PetroSA representative did not respond to questions about the timing of the final investment decision.

Earlier, the deal was approved by the South African Cabinet of Ministers following PetroSA's recommendation that Gazprombank become the main investment partner of the enterprise. The cost of the project is estimated at about 200 million dollars.

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