French voters scramble for proxy votes

French voters scramble for proxy votes

More than 550,000 proxy-vote applications have been submitted so far in the build-up to the French general election. The second round of the vote falls at the start of the French school summer holidays. Ross Cullen reports.

June 19, 2024 19

Africa

Deadly fire breaks out at ammunition depot in Chad

People have been killed and injured after a fire broke out at an ammunition depot in Chad, causing major explosions, senior government ministers have said. The BBC reports that Foreign Minister Koulamallah Abderaman said the blaze happened at a military depot in the Goudji area of the capital, N'Djamena. President Mahamat Idriss Déby sent his condolences to the victims and their families, without specifying the number of casualties.

June 19, 2024 14

Health / Medical

New blood tests may spot Parkinson’s before symptoms appear

Researchers have identified a biological signature of Parkinson's disease they hope could lead to a simple blood test for the condition at least seven years before symptoms appear. Scientists have screened blood samples from people with Parkinson's and detected eight key proteins or "biomarkers" common to those with the condition. Based on these proteins in the blood, artificial intelligence could identify potential Parkinson's patients several years in advance. Parkinson's is […]

June 19, 2024 13

Business / Economics

AviaDev Africa Conference explores investment opportunities

Global aviation industry leaders are in Windhoek for the Aviation Development Africa Conference, hosted by the Namibia Airports Company at the Movenpick Hotel. This annual forum brings together influential stakeholders, including airlines, airports, tourism boards, government officials, and industry experts. Here is the CEO of AviaDev Africa Jon Howell. Chairperson of the Namibia Airports Company Dr Leake Hangala says Namibia is looking for investment opportunities in the aviation sector.

June 19, 2024 114

Business / Economics

Bank of Namibia keeps repo rate at 7.75%

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Namibia has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 7.75 percent, with the prime lending rate holding steady at 11.50 percent. Governor of the Bank Johannes !Gawaxab says this policy stance will continue to safeguard the one-to-one link between the Namibia Dollar and the South African Rand and support domestic economic activity. UNAM economics lecturer, Dr. Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, believes that consumers […]

June 19, 2024 75

World

Severe weather close football fan zones in Germany

Severe weather warnings have been issued for Northern Germany, dampening the mood of the European Championship football tournament - with tens of thousands of fans told to avoid gathering outside to watch several key games set to take place Tuesday.

June 18, 2024 82

Africa

Over 6,000 displaced in DRC conflict without aid

More than 6,000 people displaced by conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo are living in difficult conditions without any assistance from the government or aid agencies. Chris Ochamringa reports from Kinshasa.

June 18, 2024 83

Africa

KPMG advises Nigeria to attract mining investment via global alliances

Multinational audit, tax, and advisory firm, KPMG says Nigeria needs to form alliances with relevant international mining organizations to fully attract foreign investment into the country's solid mineral sector.

June 18, 2024 76

Namibia

Minister of Gender Equality calls for action on Ohangwena teen pregnancies

Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka, expressed concern over more than 9,000 pregnancies among school girls under 19 in the Ohangwena region, calling the statistic alarming and in need of immediate action. Gender and Human Rights Activist Charlemaine Husselmann was contacted for her reaction.

June 18, 2024 115