On a small island where the Senegal River meets the sea, hundreds of mask-wearing jazz enthusiasts listened to French-Senegalse vocalist Awa Ly sing a blues for uncertain times. Last year COVID-19 halted Saint Louis' jazz festival for the first time in its 29-year history. This year it was back, bringing much needed life to the Island of Saint Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses.

Jazz is back in Senegal's St Louis

At the Keur Moussa abbey near Senegal's capital, the kora has replaced the organ and accompanies all the religious services of the Benedictine monks who live there. The friars fabricate themselves the instruments in their atelier, to the point where the Keur Moussa's kora has acquired the likes of professional Griots, well beyond the Catholic world.

Senegalese monks seek God through kora music

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said. 
 
As wealthy countries begin to reopen after securing vaccine supplies early, African nations are still struggling to acquire shots. On a continent of 1.3 billion, only about 7 million have been fully vaccinated. 
 
The collaboration highlights the opportunities created by a global push to channel money and technology towards production on a continent that makes only 1% of the vaccines it requires. 
 
Univercells announced the signing of a letter of intent for collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Senegal's capital Dakar in April. The source shared details of the proposal, which were not made public. 
 
Under the agreement, the Institut Pasteur would use vaccine production technology developed by Univercells to supply COVID-19 vaccine shots to countries across West Africa. 
 
The institute would initially begin packaging and distributing vaccines produced by Univercells in Belgium early next year, the source involved in securing financing for the collaboration said. 
 
Univercells would transfer its full production line to Senegal in the second half of 2022, the source said, adding that the company would train local staff so they could eventually run the operation. 
 
Univercells chief investment officer Kate Antrobus, when asked about the timeframe for the project, confirmed that it could send vaccine doses to Senegal early next year. 
 
She declined to comment on the exact date for a full vaccine production line in Senegal but of the timelines referenced she said: "I do not think they are unreasonable." 
 
Timing depends on Univercells securing regulatory approval for a vaccine production site in Belgium. Antrobus said that was expected "any day now". 
 
Institut Pasteur director Amadou Sall declined to comment on the timeline or size of the project but said the facility was working with donors to secure financial backing. 
 
"There is a lot of political will, I am optimistic. But it is not about momentum, it is about creating a real opportunity," he said. 
 
It is not clear yet what vaccine will be supplied to Senegal, but Antrobus said the site in Belgium would be able to manufacture a class of so-called viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, such as those developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson, AstraZeneca, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Cansino. 
 
"If COVID-19 amazingly subsides over the next year....that same capacity could be used for other viruses," Antrobus said. 
 
Univercells also has its own COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed with Germany's Leukocare and Italian firm ReiThera, which has completed Phase II trials. It is seeking financing to carry out Phase III, which the Italian government said it is ready to fund.

(With inputs from agencies)

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said.

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said. As wealthy countries begin to reopen after securing vaccine supplies early, African nations are still struggling to acquire shots. On a continent of 1.3 billion, only about 7 million have been fully vaccinated. The collaboration highlights the opportunities created by a global push to channel money and technology towards production on a continent that makes only 1% of the vaccines it requires. Univercells announced the signing of a letter of intent for collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Senegal's capital Dakar in April. The source shared details of the proposal, which were not made public. Under the agreement, the Institut Pasteur would use vaccine production technology developed by Univercells to supply COVID-19 vaccine shots to countries across West Africa. The institute would initially begin packaging and distributing vaccines produced by Univercells in Belgium early next year, the source involved in securing financing for the collaboration said. Univercells would transfer its full production line to Senegal in the second half of 2022, the source said, adding that the company would train local staff so they could eventually run the operation. Univercells chief investment officer Kate Antrobus, when asked about the timeframe for the project, confirmed that it could send vaccine doses to Senegal early next year. She declined to comment on the exact date for a full vaccine production line in Senegal but of the timelines referenced she said: "I do not think they are unreasonable." Timing depends on Univercells securing regulatory approval for a vaccine production site in Belgium. Antrobus said that was expected "any day now". Institut Pasteur director Amadou Sall declined to comment on the timeline or size of the project but said the facility was working with donors to secure financial backing. "There is a lot of political will, I am optimistic. But it is not about momentum, it is about creating a real opportunity," he said. It is not clear yet what vaccine will be supplied to Senegal, but Antrobus said the site in Belgium would be able to manufacture a class of so-called viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, such as those developed by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Cansino. "If COVID-19 amazingly subsides over the next year....that same capacity could be used for other viruses," Antrobus said. Univercells also has its own COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed with Germany's Leukocare and Italian firm ReiThera, which has completed Phase II trials. It is seeking financing to carry out Phase III, which the Italian government said it is ready to fund. (With inputs from agencies)

In boost for Africa, Senegal aims to make COVID-19 shots next year

Senegal's football federation has called on its French-based players to be released for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, calling the league's ban on internationals travelling outside the European Union "discriminatory".

The French football league (LFP) announced this week that its clubs will bar non-European players for playing for their country later this month to avoid possible quarantine on their return.

In a letter sent Thursday to the French Football Federation (FFF), the Senegalese FA said the West African state's national squad could be deprived of 12 players currently at French clubs.

Senegal are due to face the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville on March 26, and Eswatini in the Senegalese city of Thies on March 30.

"It seems appropriate to us to highlight the totally discriminatory nature of this measure," the letter said, referring to the ban, highlighting FIFA rules as well as EU labour law.&nbsp;

FIFA loosened rules obliging clubs to release players for international matches after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Under these relaxed rules, France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs banned players from leaving to play outside the European Union and European Economic Area (EAA), which also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.&nbsp;

France's trip to Kazakhstan for a World Cup qualifier is not affected by the decision.

However, the Senegalese federation said that it is "by no means established" that French clubs had tried to obtain exemptions that could have spared players from being forced to quarantine on their return from international duty.

It said that French federation should take "all appropriate measures" to release players needed for Senegal's national team.&nbsp;

Among the players named in Aliou Cisse's 26-man squad were Rennes goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, Monaco's Fode Ballo-Toure and Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo.

Senegal finished runners-up to Algeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and have already qualified for next year's finals, delayed by a year due to the pandemic.

Senegal's football federation has called on its French-based players to be released for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, calling the league's ban on internationals travelling outside the European Union "discriminatory".

Senegal's football federation has called on its French-based players to be released for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, calling the league's ban on internationals travelling outside the European Union "discriminatory". The French football league (LFP) announced this week that its clubs will bar non-European players for playing for their country later this month to avoid possible quarantine on their return. In a letter sent Thursday to the French Football Federation (FFF), the Senegalese FA said the West African state's national squad could be deprived of 12 players currently at French clubs. Senegal are due to face the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville on March 26, and Eswatini in the Senegalese city of Thies on March 30. "It seems appropriate to us to highlight the totally discriminatory nature of this measure," the letter said, referring to the ban, highlighting FIFA rules as well as EU labour law. FIFA loosened rules obliging clubs to release players for international matches after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under these relaxed rules, France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs banned players from leaving to play outside the European Union and European Economic Area (EAA), which also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. France's trip to Kazakhstan for a World Cup qualifier is not affected by the decision. However, the Senegalese federation said that it is "by no means established" that French clubs had tried to obtain exemptions that could have spared players from being forced to quarantine on their return from international duty. It said that French federation should take "all appropriate measures" to release players needed for Senegal's national team. Among the players named in Aliou Cisse's 26-man squad were Rennes goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, Monaco's Fode Ballo-Toure and Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo. Senegal finished runners-up to Algeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and have already qualified for next year's finals, delayed by a year due to the pandemic.

Senegalese FA protests French travel ban for players

Do you know what's happening in #Senegal? It is witnessing the worst unrest in a decade. 5 people have died, foreign businesses are being ransacked & the capital city has been paralysed. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Why are people in Senegal protesting?

At least five people have died in demonstrations sparked by the arrest of Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s most prominent opposition leader. It is the worst political unrest in years in a country widely seen as one of West Africa’s most stable.

Situated in the western-most part of Africa, Senegal is a majority-Muslim nation with relatively low human development. It is witnessing the worst unrest in nearly a decade.&nbsp;

Sonko, who enjoys strong support among the young, was arrested after an employee of a beauty salon accused him of raping her. Sonko denies the allegation and says it is politically motivated.

His supporters say — the charges are politically motivated. They accuse Senegal’s president Macky Sall of trying to sideline and kill the political prospects of this leader in the 2024 general election.

The opposition Movement to Defend Democracy coalition, which called three days of nationwide protest starting from Monday, said the charges were politically motivated. It called on the Senegalese people “to pursue its mobilization and peaceful struggle by using all of its constitutional rights to reject the dictatorship of Macky Sall,” the country’s president.

Following his release, Sonko said at a news conference that the street protests would continue and state authorities must pay compensation to the families of those killed during the protests and the assailants had to be brought to justice.

Sonko said that "This mobilization must be maintained. It must even be much larger, but it must above all be peaceful. It must be peaceful. Today, the people have regained the right that Macky Sall confiscated nine years ago at the demonstration. The people have taken it back by force; we must not lose this right."

Political pressure has mounted on President Sall, whose presidency has been plagued by accusations that he unjustly torpedoes political rivals and worries that he may seek to extend his rule beyond his allotted two-term limit.

The economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a nightly curfew to contain its spread have only stoked frustrations.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least five people have died in demonstrations sparked by the arrest of Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s most prominent opposition leader. It is the worst political unrest in years in a country widely seen as one of West Africa’s most stable.

At least five people have died in demonstrations sparked by the arrest of Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s most prominent opposition leader. It is the worst political unrest in years in a country widely seen as one of West Africa’s most stable. Situated in the western-most part of Africa, Senegal is a majority-Muslim nation with relatively low human development. It is witnessing the worst unrest in nearly a decade. Sonko, who enjoys strong support among the young, was arrested after an employee of a beauty salon accused him of raping her. Sonko denies the allegation and says it is politically motivated. His supporters say — the charges are politically motivated. They accuse Senegal’s president Macky Sall of trying to sideline and kill the political prospects of this leader in the 2024 general election. The opposition Movement to Defend Democracy coalition, which called three days of nationwide protest starting from Monday, said the charges were politically motivated. It called on the Senegalese people “to pursue its mobilization and peaceful struggle by using all of its constitutional rights to reject the dictatorship of Macky Sall,” the country’s president. Following his release, Sonko said at a news conference that the street protests would continue and state authorities must pay compensation to the families of those killed during the protests and the assailants had to be brought to justice. Sonko said that "This mobilization must be maintained. It must even be much larger, but it must above all be peaceful. It must be peaceful. Today, the people have regained the right that Macky Sall confiscated nine years ago at the demonstration. The people have taken it back by force; we must not lose this right." Political pressure has mounted on President Sall, whose presidency has been plagued by accusations that he unjustly torpedoes political rivals and worries that he may seek to extend his rule beyond his allotted two-term limit. The economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a nightly curfew to contain its spread have only stoked frustrations. (With inputs from agencies)

Violence paralyses Senegal: Country witnessing the worst unrest in a decade

Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has been charged with rape on Monday but was released on bail under judicial supervision. Sonko's arrest has sparked violent protests across the country.

Senegal: Oppn leader Sonko indicted, released on bail

Protests escalated in Senegal on Friday (March 5) with police using tear gas and demonstrators lobbing stones as the country's opposition leader appeared before a judge to face multiple charges.

Tear gas fired and stones lobbed during protests in Senegal

Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's arrest has led to clashes in Africa's Senegal. Also, Sonoko has denied all the rape allegations as well. Clashes between police and students also have been reported.

Africa:  Ousmane Sonko's arrest leads to clashes in Senegal

Senegal's parliament on Friday voted to lift the immunity of leading opposition MP Ousmane Sonko, who has been accused of rape, local media reported.

Sonko finished third in 2019 elections that saw President Macky Sall win a second term in office, and is considered a future presidential contender in the West African state.

But controversy has dogged the 46-year-old since early this month, when Senegalese media reported that a beauty-salon employee had filed rape charges against him.

Sonko, head of the opposition Pastef party, has denied the charges and accused the president of conspiring against him.

Senegal's 165-seat parliament voted on Friday to lift his legal immunity, with 98 MPs voting in favour of the motion, one voting against and two abstaining, local radio reported.&nbsp;

Die Mandiaye Ba, the head of the parliamentary committee responsible for the motion, told AFP that opposition MPs left the chamber before the vote.

Earlier on Friday, Sonko supporters gathered in several suburbs of the capital Dakar and burned tyres in protest.

The opposition leader said during a press conference on Thursday that he would not speak to police investigators, citing procedural irregularities in the lifting of his immunity.&nbsp;

"If Macky Sall wants to get rid of me, he must, for once, agree to get his hands dirty," Sonko said.&nbsp;

He had previously pledged to cooperate with the police, however.

The rape allegation against Sonko comes amid uncertainty over whether Sall, 59, will seek a third term.&nbsp;

Presidents in the former French colony of about 16 million people are limited to two consecutive terms, but Sall launched a constitutional review in 2016, raising suspicions he intends to run again.

Other presidents in West Africa -- such as Guinea's Alpha Conde or Ivory Coast's Alassane Ouattara -- have used constitutional changes to win third terms.&nbsp;

Senegal's parliament on Friday voted to lift the immunity of leading opposition MP Ousmane Sonko, who has been accused of rape, local media reported. Sonko finished third in 2019 elections that saw President Macky Sall win a second term in office, and is considered a future presidential contender in the West African state.

Senegal's parliament on Friday voted to lift the immunity of leading opposition MP Ousmane Sonko, who has been accused of rape, local media reported. Sonko finished third in 2019 elections that saw President Macky Sall win a second term in office, and is considered a future presidential contender in the West African state. But controversy has dogged the 46-year-old since early this month, when Senegalese media reported that a beauty-salon employee had filed rape charges against him. Sonko, head of the opposition Pastef party, has denied the charges and accused the president of conspiring against him. Senegal's 165-seat parliament voted on Friday to lift his legal immunity, with 98 MPs voting in favour of the motion, one voting against and two abstaining, local radio reported. Die Mandiaye Ba, the head of the parliamentary committee responsible for the motion, told AFP that opposition MPs left the chamber before the vote. Earlier on Friday, Sonko supporters gathered in several suburbs of the capital Dakar and burned tyres in protest. The opposition leader said during a press conference on Thursday that he would not speak to police investigators, citing procedural irregularities in the lifting of his immunity. "If Macky Sall wants to get rid of me, he must, for once, agree to get his hands dirty," Sonko said. He had previously pledged to cooperate with the police, however. The rape allegation against Sonko comes amid uncertainty over whether Sall, 59, will seek a third term. Presidents in the former French colony of about 16 million people are limited to two consecutive terms, but Sall launched a constitutional review in 2016, raising suspicions he intends to run again. Other presidents in West Africa -- such as Guinea's Alpha Conde or Ivory Coast's Alassane Ouattara -- have used constitutional changes to win third terms.

Senegal parliament lifts immunity for opposition MP accused of rape

19-year-old Fallou Diop is one of Senegal's most promising jockeys. He was just 17 when he won the country's top racing prize. Today he dreams of being a racing champion outside Senegal as well, and trains intensely from early morning on the sandy plains bordering Senegal's Lac Rose.

Senegal’s savannah jockey dreams of international glory

The World Bank has selected former Senegal finance minister Makhtar Diop to lead the agency responsible for private sector finance at a critical time for the global recovery. He would be the first African to lead the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which leverages financing to support private firms in developing nations.

Diop, an economist who studied in Britain, worked in finance before entering government. He was named Senegal's minister of Economy and Finance in April 2000, a position he held for just over a year.

The announcement comes just days after the World Trade Organisation selected Nigeria's former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its new director-general, the first African and first woman to serve in that role.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-black-woman-will-lead-the-wto-for-the-first-time-361823">Also read |&nbsp;A Black woman will lead the WTO for the first time</a>

Diop's "skills at IFC will help the World Bank Group continue our rapid response to the global crisis and help build a green, resilient, inclusive recovery," World Bank President David Malpass said.

Diop, currently World Bank vice president for infrastructure and previously vice president for Africa, will take his new post at the IFC on March 1.

His key responsibilities will be to "deepen and energise" what it called the IFC's 3.0 strategy to mobilize private capital, increase climate and gender investments and support countries facing conflict.

 
&nbsp;

The World Bank has selected former Senegal finance minister Makhtar Diop to lead the agency responsible for private sector finance at a critical time for the global recovery.

The World Bank has selected former Senegal finance minister Makhtar Diop to lead the agency responsible for private sector finance at a critical time for the global recovery. He would be the first African to lead the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which leverages financing to support private firms in developing nations. Diop, an economist who studied in Britain, worked in finance before entering government. He was named Senegal's minister of Economy and Finance in April 2000, a position he held for just over a year. The announcement comes just days after the World Trade Organisation selected Nigeria's former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its new director-general, the first African and first woman to serve in that role. Also read | A Black woman will lead the WTO for the first time Diop's "skills at IFC will help the World Bank Group continue our rapid response to the global crisis and help build a green, resilient, inclusive recovery," World Bank President David Malpass said. Diop, currently World Bank vice president for infrastructure and previously vice president for Africa, will take his new post at the IFC on March 1. His key responsibilities will be to "deepen and energise" what it called the IFC's 3.0 strategy to mobilize private capital, increase climate and gender investments and support countries facing conflict.

Former Senegal finance minister to head IFC, World Bank declares

An extremely cheap and easy coronavirus test worth just $1 and takes merely 10 minutes to deliver the result is all set to&nbsp;revolutionise testing.

The test, produced in the Republic of Senegal, a country located in West Africa by the&nbsp;Pasteur Institute,&nbsp;a biomedical exploration community.

"This is a very simple technology, like a pregnancy test that you can use everywhere at the community level, which is important for Africa," said&nbsp;Amadou Sall, director of the Pasteur Institute.

All things considered, it comprises of a basic test strip housed in a plastic unit and utilizations a little blood test gathered by pricking a finger, much like instruments used to test the insulin. The blood is tried for Covid related antibodies, and the outcome appears on the test strip.&nbsp;

A model of the unit was tried in June subsequent to raising assets from benefactors, for example, UK non-benefit Wellcome Trust and the UK government, Sall said. When administrative checks are finished, the arrangement is to begin producing and appropriating the units.&nbsp;

The Covid-19 quick test packs will initially be accessible on the landmass through governments and wellbeing associations like the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Sall said.&nbsp;

"In a perfect world, we're taking a shot at how we can make (the packs) accessible to the more overall population. In any case, at the present time, the attention is on general wellbeing and afterward, we will move into self-testing," he added.&nbsp;

Sall said the objective is to give 10 to 15 million units by February 2021.&nbsp;

Testing difficulties&nbsp;

There are more than 1.8 million affirmed instances of Covid-19 over the African landmass as of this composition, as per the Africa CDC, with almost 50 per cent&nbsp;of those cases revealed in South Africa.&nbsp;

The landmass' case numbers are generally low when contrasted with the remainder of the world, however, specialists state that low testing in numerous African nations imply that a few cases go unreported and untreated.&nbsp;

Dr. Anderson Latt, a disease transmission specialist with the World Health Organization, said that one of the difficulties of tending to the infection on the landmass is a lack of test packs.&nbsp;

PCR tests, considered the most precise demonstrative test for Covid-19, are costly to run and require both particular supplies and lab professionals. Toward the start of the episode, just two research facilities - in South Africa and Senegal - had the option to test for the infection.&nbsp;

As per the WHO, every one of the 47 nations in its WHO African Region would now be able to give analyse. In any case, in numerous spots, testing actually slacks.&nbsp;

Nigeria, Africa's most crowded nation, has been bringing in its PCR test packs from China however can't get the sum it needs.&nbsp;

The nation as of late reported an arrangement to build up a less expensive fast test unit that will give results in less than 40 minutes, and cost under $25.&nbsp;

"There is a requirement for nations to cooperate in a planned way and guarantee those test units are accessible," Latt said. "It's truly basic."&nbsp;

The test packs being created by the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, he added, are a welcome option.&nbsp;

Human resources&nbsp;

This isn't the first run through the Pasteur Institute has been at the bleeding edge of giving general wellbeing arrangements notwithstanding a pandemic.&nbsp;

It has been producing immunizations for around 80 years, said Sall, and offered indicative and epidemiological reconnaissance during the Ebola episode in West Africa from 2013 to 2016.&nbsp;

Sall, who is likewise the head of the WHO Collaborating Center for Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers in Senegal, accepts the presence of the quick Covid-19 test units that will help support the economy.&nbsp;

"In the event that you are confronting a circumstance where individuals can't work since they are wiped out ... it's exceptionally troublesome for the economy. What's more, in such manner, putting resources into those activities (testing units) to advance access is an approach to prop the economy up," he said.

An extremely cheap and easy coronavirus test worth just $1 and takes merely 10 minutes to deliver the result is all set to revolutionise testing. The test, produced in the Republic of Senegal, a country located in West Africa by the Pasteur Institute, a biomedical exploration community.

An extremely cheap and easy coronavirus test worth just $1 and takes merely 10 minutes to deliver the result is all set to revolutionise testing. The test, produced in the Republic of Senegal, a country located in West Africa by the Pasteur Institute, a biomedical exploration community. "This is a very simple technology, like a pregnancy test that you can use everywhere at the community level, which is important for Africa," said Amadou Sall, director of the Pasteur Institute. All things considered, it comprises of a basic test strip housed in a plastic unit and utilizations a little blood test gathered by pricking a finger, much like instruments used to test the insulin. The blood is tried for Covid related antibodies, and the outcome appears on the test strip. A model of the unit was tried in June subsequent to raising assets from benefactors, for example, UK non-benefit Wellcome Trust and the UK government, Sall said. When administrative checks are finished, the arrangement is to begin producing and appropriating the units. The Covid-19 quick test packs will initially be accessible on the landmass through governments and wellbeing associations like the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Sall said. "In a perfect world, we're taking a shot at how we can make (the packs) accessible to the more overall population. In any case, at the present time, the attention is on general wellbeing and afterward, we will move into self-testing," he added. Sall said the objective is to give 10 to 15 million units by February 2021. Testing difficulties There are more than 1.8 million affirmed instances of Covid-19 over the African landmass as of this composition, as per the Africa CDC, with almost 50 per cent of those cases revealed in South Africa. The landmass' case numbers are generally low when contrasted with the remainder of the world, however, specialists state that low testing in numerous African nations imply that a few cases go unreported and untreated. Dr. Anderson Latt, a disease transmission specialist with the World Health Organization, said that one of the difficulties of tending to the infection on the landmass is a lack of test packs. PCR tests, considered the most precise demonstrative test for Covid-19, are costly to run and require both particular supplies and lab professionals. Toward the start of the episode, just two research facilities - in South Africa and Senegal - had the option to test for the infection. As per the WHO, every one of the 47 nations in its WHO African Region would now be able to give analyse. In any case, in numerous spots, testing actually slacks. Nigeria, Africa's most crowded nation, has been bringing in its PCR test packs from China however can't get the sum it needs. The nation as of late reported an arrangement to build up a less expensive fast test unit that will give results in less than 40 minutes, and cost under $25. "There is a requirement for nations to cooperate in a planned way and guarantee those test units are accessible," Latt said. "It's truly basic." The test packs being created by the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, he added, are a welcome option. Human resources This isn't the first run through the Pasteur Institute has been at the bleeding edge of giving general wellbeing arrangements notwithstanding a pandemic. It has been producing immunizations for around 80 years, said Sall, and offered indicative and epidemiological reconnaissance during the Ebola episode in West Africa from 2013 to 2016. Sall, who is likewise the head of the WHO Collaborating Center for Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers in Senegal, accepts the presence of the quick Covid-19 test units that will help support the economy. "In the event that you are confronting a circumstance where individuals can't work since they are wiped out ... it's exceptionally troublesome for the economy. What's more, in such manner, putting resources into those activities (testing units) to advance access is an approach to prop the economy up," he said.

'Cheap and easy': This $1 coronavirus test can revolutionise testing

A weekend migrant shipwreck off Senegal has left at least 140 people dead, making it the deadliest so far this year, the International Organisation for Migration confirmed Thursday.

About 200 passengers set off in the vessel from the Senegalese town of Mbour on Saturday, heading for Spain's Canary Islands. The boat, however, soon caught fire and sank off Senegal's northwestern coast near Saint Louis.&nbsp;

It added that, "according to media sources, the Senegalese and Spanish navies, and fishermen who were nearby rescued 59 people and retrieved the remains of 20 others."

According to the IOM, the boat was bound for Spain's Canary Islands but caught fire a few hours after departing Mbour, a coastal town in western Senegal, before capsising near Saint-Louis, on the country's northwest coast.

"The IOM is deeply saddened by this recent tragedy, which follows four shipwrecks recorded in the Central Mediterranean last week and another in the English Channel," the statement said.&nbsp;

The number of migrant boat departures from West Africa to the Canary Islands has more than quadrupled this year to 11,000, according to IOM estimates.

Fourteen boats carrying 663 migrants attempted to make this journey in September alone -- over a quarter of which were shipwrecked or had an incident, the IOM said.

Last month, 14 boats attempted the voyage, and about one-quarter "were reported to have experienced an incident or shipwreck," IOM said.

Senegal's shores were once a major departure point for those hoping to migrate to Europe. 
However, in recent years it had become more common for Senegalese to travel over land to Tunisia or Libya before attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

(with inputs)

A weekend migrant shipwreck off Senegal has left at least 140 people dead, making it the deadliest so far this year, the International Organisation for Migration confirmed Thursday.

A weekend migrant shipwreck off Senegal has left at least 140 people dead, making it the deadliest so far this year, the International Organisation for Migration confirmed Thursday. About 200 passengers set off in the vessel from the Senegalese town of Mbour on Saturday, heading for Spain's Canary Islands. The boat, however, soon caught fire and sank off Senegal's northwestern coast near Saint Louis. It added that, "according to media sources, the Senegalese and Spanish navies, and fishermen who were nearby rescued 59 people and retrieved the remains of 20 others." According to the IOM, the boat was bound for Spain's Canary Islands but caught fire a few hours after departing Mbour, a coastal town in western Senegal, before capsising near Saint-Louis, on the country's northwest coast. "The IOM is deeply saddened by this recent tragedy, which follows four shipwrecks recorded in the Central Mediterranean last week and another in the English Channel," the statement said. The number of migrant boat departures from West Africa to the Canary Islands has more than quadrupled this year to 11,000, according to IOM estimates. Fourteen boats carrying 663 migrants attempted to make this journey in September alone -- over a quarter of which were shipwrecked or had an incident, the IOM said. Last month, 14 boats attempted the voyage, and about one-quarter "were reported to have experienced an incident or shipwreck," IOM said. Senegal's shores were once a major departure point for those hoping to migrate to Europe. However, in recent years it had become more common for Senegalese to travel over land to Tunisia or Libya before attempting to cross the Mediterranean. (with inputs)

At least 140 dead in weekend migrant ship sinking off Senegal

Senegalese artists are taking a stand against racism and police brutality after George Floyd died in police custody in the United States.

Senegal artists stand in support of BLM protests

A growing number of African countries have made it compulsory to wear masks in public to prevent the spread of the highly infectious respiratory disease. Fashion lovers in the continent's biggest cities are combining style and safety by donning colourful masks, sometimes coordinating the fabric with their outfits.

Style-conscious Africans turn compulsory masks into fashion accessories

Notorious gangster Ravi Pujari who has managed to give security officials the slip since 1994 has finally been brought to India.&nbsp;

Karnataka police, where over 97 cases have been registered involving the deadly gangster, took custody of Pujari in Senegal after the country's Supreme Court ordered his extradition on Feb 19 2020.&nbsp;

Pujari was brought back to Bengaluru at 12.30am on Feb 24.&nbsp;

The SC of Senegal had ordered for his immediate extradition to India taking into consideration his record of activities and misuse of the country of Senegal,&nbsp;said Amar Kumar Pandey, ADGP(Law and Order). The gangster was arrested in Jan last year after first positive identification on December 2018.&nbsp;

Ravi Pujari had acquired citizenship of Burkima Faso where he stayed for 13 years as a businessman and ran textile businesses and hotels.&nbsp;

However, in the last three years, Pujari shifted base from Burkina Faso to Senegal and opened a restaurant named Maharaja that gained popularity.&nbsp;

According to the police, Pujari continued his extortion business from Senegal too targeting personalities from the film industry, businessmen, builders and developers, doctors and other professionals.&nbsp;

He was also notorious for meddling in political activities by making threatning calls to people in political life or those expressing political opinions.&nbsp;

'There were a large number of red corner notices against Pujari and one of them was involving a double murder in Bengaluru's Tilak Nagar in 1994. Cases against Pujari in Tilak Nagar police station have been registered under 302, 120B and &nbsp;the arms act. this red corner notice was imposed on him in Dakar.

"Ravi Pujari was sent to prison on 19 Jan 2019 and he remained in prison until he was handed over to Indian authorities on 22 Feb 2020. This is to set the record straight," said ADGP Amar Kumar Pandey.&nbsp;

After years of trying to find the elusive underworld don, Pujari ran out of luck when he featured in images of a football tournament that he had sponsored.&nbsp;

The images went viral which tipped off security officials who positively identified him on December 18, 2018. His identity was again verified on Jan 1, last year. Security officials then closed in on him when he went to a salon to colour his hair and apprehended him on Jan 19, 2019.&nbsp;

59-yr-old Ravi Pujari has been remanded to police custody till March 7, 2020.&nbsp;

'After a long chase of a ghost-like figure it comes to a conclusion' said the ADGP. Pujari has 97 cases in Karnataka alone, of which 47 cases are in Bengaluru city. Other cases against Pujari are registered in Maharashtra, Mumbai, Thane, some districts of Gujarat and Cochin.&nbsp;

Pujari had not been traceable since 1994 when he is believed to have escaped to Nepal using a fake Indian passport.&nbsp;

The passport registered his residential address in Mysuru, Karnataka. The fake passport enabled him to travel from Nepal to Bangkok, following which he went to &nbsp;Uganda and then Burkina Faso where he stayed for 13 years.&nbsp;

The don's original name is Ravi Prakash Pujari, however he was bestowed the alias Anthony Fernandes by his mentor and gangster Chota Rajan. It was with this alias that Pujari managed to get a Burkina Faso passport.&nbsp;

However, over the years Anthony came to be known as Tony and then finally as Rocky Fernandes in Senegal. Pujari is said to have gained popularity among the Senegal social circles with his philanthropic work by donating clothes and pump sets etc.&nbsp;

"It was a defining moment for us when we saw him in the flesh first time. We had mixed feelings. But once we took him into custody he opened up and got comfortable," said the ADGP. &nbsp;

"The Karnataka police intends to complete processes in the ongoing investigations, after which all the agencies that would like to investigate their cases involving Pujari will be given the opportunity. This brings us to the situation where a fugitive for many years has been brought before the law" concluded ADGP Amar Kumar Pandey.

Notorious gangster Ravi Pujari who has managed to give security officials the slip since 1994 has finally been brought to India. Karnataka police, where over 97 cases have been registered involving the deadly gangster, took custody of Pujari in Senegal after the country's Supreme Court ordered his extradition on Feb 19 2020.

Notorious gangster Ravi Pujari who has managed to give security officials the slip since 1994 has finally been brought to India. Karnataka police, where over 97 cases have been registered involving the deadly gangster, took custody of Pujari in Senegal after the country's Supreme Court ordered his extradition on Feb 19 2020. Pujari was brought back to Bengaluru at 12.30am on Feb 24. The SC of Senegal had ordered for his immediate extradition to India taking into consideration his record of activities and misuse of the country of Senegal, said Amar Kumar Pandey, ADGP(Law and Order). The gangster was arrested in Jan last year after first positive identification on December 2018. Ravi Pujari had acquired citizenship of Burkima Faso where he stayed for 13 years as a businessman and ran textile businesses and hotels. However, in the last three years, Pujari shifted base from Burkina Faso to Senegal and opened a restaurant named Maharaja that gained popularity. According to the police, Pujari continued his extortion business from Senegal too targeting personalities from the film industry, businessmen, builders and developers, doctors and other professionals. He was also notorious for meddling in political activities by making threatning calls to people in political life or those expressing political opinions. 'There were a large number of red corner notices against Pujari and one of them was involving a double murder in Bengaluru's Tilak Nagar in 1994. Cases against Pujari in Tilak Nagar police station have been registered under 302, 120B and the arms act. this red corner notice was imposed on him in Dakar. "Ravi Pujari was sent to prison on 19 Jan 2019 and he remained in prison until he was handed over to Indian authorities on 22 Feb 2020. This is to set the record straight," said ADGP Amar Kumar Pandey. After years of trying to find the elusive underworld don, Pujari ran out of luck when he featured in images of a football tournament that he had sponsored. The images went viral which tipped off security officials who positively identified him on December 18, 2018. His identity was again verified on Jan 1, last year. Security officials then closed in on him when he went to a salon to colour his hair and apprehended him on Jan 19, 2019. 59-yr-old Ravi Pujari has been remanded to police custody till March 7, 2020. 'After a long chase of a ghost-like figure it comes to a conclusion' said the ADGP. Pujari has 97 cases in Karnataka alone, of which 47 cases are in Bengaluru city. Other cases against Pujari are registered in Maharashtra, Mumbai, Thane, some districts of Gujarat and Cochin. Pujari had not been traceable since 1994 when he is believed to have escaped to Nepal using a fake Indian passport. The passport registered his residential address in Mysuru, Karnataka. The fake passport enabled him to travel from Nepal to Bangkok, following which he went to Uganda and then Burkina Faso where he stayed for 13 years. The don's original name is Ravi Prakash Pujari, however he was bestowed the alias Anthony Fernandes by his mentor and gangster Chota Rajan. It was with this alias that Pujari managed to get a Burkina Faso passport. However, over the years Anthony came to be known as Tony and then finally as Rocky Fernandes in Senegal. Pujari is said to have gained popularity among the Senegal social circles with his philanthropic work by donating clothes and pump sets etc. "It was a defining moment for us when we saw him in the flesh first time. We had mixed feelings. But once we took him into custody he opened up and got comfortable," said the ADGP. "The Karnataka police intends to complete processes in the ongoing investigations, after which all the agencies that would like to investigate their cases involving Pujari will be given the opportunity. This brings us to the situation where a fugitive for many years has been brought before the law" concluded ADGP Amar Kumar Pandey.

Gangster Ravi Pujari brought to India from Senegal

Akon announced on his social-media channels on Monday that he is building a city of the future in Africa

Today Tonight: Singer Akon announces futuristic in Senegal

Work hard and become the best was British model Naomi Campbell's message to the young African female basketball players from the SEED academy in Senegal on Friday (July 26).

'Think about being the best' - Naomi Campbell tells Africa's female basketballers

Work hard and become the best was British model Naomi Campbell's message to the young African female basketball players from the SEED academy in Senegal on Friday. Campbell visited the young basketball hopefuls in Thies and Dakar last week as part of the Hoop Forum organised by SEED, a project to train and teach young players in Senegal. She had a sit down with them at the Museum of Black Civilisation in Dakar where the players could ask her any question they wanted.

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi lauded his side's "incredible" Africa Cup of Nations triumph Friday as Baghdad Bounedjah's early goal earned a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the final.

Bounedjah gave Algeria a dream start against Sadio Mane's Senegal, the top team in Africa, in front of a large Cairo crowd when his deflected shot looped over Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis.

The second-minute strike was enough to propel Algeria to a first Cup of Nations title in 29 years, and the country's first on foreign soil, having lifted the trophy as hosts in 1990.

"I'm very happy. Our whole nation, our people were waiting for this second star for a long time," said Belmadi, who took charge of a squad in disarray last August.

"It's our first Cup of Nations won away from home. It's incredible especially when you look at where we came from.

"I took over a team that was really struggling. To do what we've been able to do, and to put ourselves on the top of Africa in 10 months, is extraordinary."

The steely Belmadi signalled his intent early in his reign when he said his ambition was to make a run at the title in Egypt, despite inheriting a team that crashed out in the 2017 group stage and then fared woefully in World Cup qualifying.

"I said we were going to the Cup of Nations to win. I wanted to send a strong message to the players, to tell them I was committing to a strong project. Titles are what interest me," he recalled.&nbsp;

"I was asked if it was a transitional period. No, we're here (champions)." 
For Senegal, who also lost to Algeria 1-0 in the group stage, the long wait for a first continental crown goes on as coach Aliou Cisse, the captain of the 2002 runners-up, again fell short in the final.

"We conceded the goal very early and on the whole I think we deserved to equalise but it didn't happen," said Cisse, on the losing end in the first title-decider to feature two African coaches since 1998.

"I want to congratulate my players. We've been working together a long time for this Cup of Nations and we wanted it but tonight it didn't go our way."

Slice of luck&nbsp; 
Senegal had understandably feared the absence of Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, banned after two bookings in the knockout rounds, although his replacement Salif Sane was desperately unlucky as Algeria grabbed the lead with scarcely a minute played.

Bounedjah took aim from 20 yards with his effort smacking off the defender before arcing high into the air and dropping underneath the crossbar and beyond a static Gomis, sparking delirious celebrations from both players and fans, some of whom arrived for the final on military planes provided by the Algerian government.

It was the first time Gomis had conceded in almost 400 minutes in Egypt having replaced the injured Edouard Mendy ahead of Senegal's final group game.

A tetchy encounter saw both sets of players embroiled in a scuffle as they headed for the tunnel at half-time, while Senegal thought they had won a penalty on the hour after a suspected handball by Adlene Guedioura. 
Cameroonian referee Alioum Alioum initially pointed to the spot but reversed his decision after a VAR review.

Rais M'Bolhi tipped over a fierce drive from Youssouf Sabaly after Mbaye Niang screwed wide from a tough angle having rounded the Algeria 'keeper, and the Desert Foxes held on to emerge worthy winners of the expanded 24-team event.&nbsp;

"It's incredible. The win is for the whole country," M'Bolhi told beIN Sports. "It's a bit hard to soak in right now but I think we'll realise what we've done when we return home," he added.

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi lauded his side's "incredible" Africa Cup of Nations triumph Friday as Baghdad Bounedjah's early goal earned a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the final.

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi lauded his side's "incredible" Africa Cup of Nations triumph Friday as Baghdad Bounedjah's early goal earned a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the final. Bounedjah gave Algeria a dream start against Sadio Mane's Senegal, the top team in Africa, in front of a large Cairo crowd when his deflected shot looped over Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis. The second-minute strike was enough to propel Algeria to a first Cup of Nations title in 29 years, and the country's first on foreign soil, having lifted the trophy as hosts in 1990. "I'm very happy. Our whole nation, our people were waiting for this second star for a long time," said Belmadi, who took charge of a squad in disarray last August. "It's our first Cup of Nations won away from home. It's incredible especially when you look at where we came from. "I took over a team that was really struggling. To do what we've been able to do, and to put ourselves on the top of Africa in 10 months, is extraordinary." The steely Belmadi signalled his intent early in his reign when he said his ambition was to make a run at the title in Egypt, despite inheriting a team that crashed out in the 2017 group stage and then fared woefully in World Cup qualifying. "I said we were going to the Cup of Nations to win. I wanted to send a strong message to the players, to tell them I was committing to a strong project. Titles are what interest me," he recalled. "I was asked if it was a transitional period. No, we're here (champions)." For Senegal, who also lost to Algeria 1-0 in the group stage, the long wait for a first continental crown goes on as coach Aliou Cisse, the captain of the 2002 runners-up, again fell short in the final. "We conceded the goal very early and on the whole I think we deserved to equalise but it didn't happen," said Cisse, on the losing end in the first title-decider to feature two African coaches since 1998. "I want to congratulate my players. We've been working together a long time for this Cup of Nations and we wanted it but tonight it didn't go our way." Slice of luck Senegal had understandably feared the absence of Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, banned after two bookings in the knockout rounds, although his replacement Salif Sane was desperately unlucky as Algeria grabbed the lead with scarcely a minute played. Bounedjah took aim from 20 yards with his effort smacking off the defender before arcing high into the air and dropping underneath the crossbar and beyond a static Gomis, sparking delirious celebrations from both players and fans, some of whom arrived for the final on military planes provided by the Algerian government. It was the first time Gomis had conceded in almost 400 minutes in Egypt having replaced the injured Edouard Mendy ahead of Senegal's final group game. A tetchy encounter saw both sets of players embroiled in a scuffle as they headed for the tunnel at half-time, while Senegal thought they had won a penalty on the hour after a suspected handball by Adlene Guedioura. Cameroonian referee Alioum Alioum initially pointed to the spot but reversed his decision after a VAR review. Rais M'Bolhi tipped over a fierce drive from Youssouf Sabaly after Mbaye Niang screwed wide from a tough angle having rounded the Algeria 'keeper, and the Desert Foxes held on to emerge worthy winners of the expanded 24-team event. "It's incredible. The win is for the whole country," M'Bolhi told beIN Sports. "It's a bit hard to soak in right now but I think we'll realise what we've done when we return home," he added.

Algeria sink Senegal to claim 'incredible' second African crown

Algeria won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time on Friday when a fortuitous second-minute goal gave them a 1-0 win over Senegal in the final.

Fans celebrate wildly in Algeria capital with victory in Cup of Nations

An artificial intelligence research laboratory opened by Google in Ghana, the first of its kind in Africa, will take on challenges across the continent, researchers say.

The US technology giant said the lab in the capital Accra would address economic, political and environmental issues.

"Africa has many challenges where the use of AI could be beneficial, sometimes even more than in other places," Google's head of AI Accra, Moustapha Cisse, told AFP at the centre's official opening this week.

Similar research centres have already opened in cities around the world including Tokyo, Zurich, New York and Paris.

The new lab, Cisse said, would use AI to develop solutions in healthcare, education and agriculture -- such as helping to diagnose certain types of crop disease.

Cisse, an expert from Senegal, said he hoped specialist engineers and AI researchers would collaborate with local organisations and policymakers.

<a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/eu-countries-back-copyright-reforms-aimed-at-google-facebook-198643">Google</a> is working with universities and start-ups in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to enhance AI development regionally, he said.

"We just need to ensure that the right education and opportunities are in place," he said.

"That is why Google is sponsoring a lot of these young people for their degrees... to help develop a new generation of AI developers."

'Clear opportunity'

Other tech companies, including Facebook, have launched initiatives in Africa and demographics are a key factor behind the drive.

Africa's population is estimated to be 1.2 billion, 60 per cent of them under the age of 24.

By 2050, the UN estimates the population will double to 2.4 billion.

As online social networks expand, that presents a huge market for US tech giants to tap into.

"There's a clear opportunity for companies like Facebook and Google to really go in and put a pole in the sand," said Daniel Ives, a technology researcher at GBH Insights in New York.&nbsp;

"If you look at Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, where is a lot of that growth coming from? It's international," he told AFP in a recent interview.

An artificial intelligence research laboratory opened by Google in Ghana, the first of its kind in Africa, will take on challenges across the continent, researchers say.

An artificial intelligence research laboratory opened by Google in Ghana, the first of its kind in Africa, will take on challenges across the continent, researchers say. The US technology giant said the lab in the capital Accra would address economic, political and environmental issues. "Africa has many challenges where the use of AI could be beneficial, sometimes even more than in other places," Google's head of AI Accra, Moustapha Cisse, told AFP at the centre's official opening this week. Similar research centres have already opened in cities around the world including Tokyo, Zurich, New York and Paris. The new lab, Cisse said, would use AI to develop solutions in healthcare, education and agriculture -- such as helping to diagnose certain types of crop disease. Cisse, an expert from Senegal, said he hoped specialist engineers and AI researchers would collaborate with local organisations and policymakers. Google is working with universities and start-ups in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to enhance AI development regionally, he said. "We just need to ensure that the right education and opportunities are in place," he said. "That is why Google is sponsoring a lot of these young people for their degrees... to help develop a new generation of AI developers." 'Clear opportunity' Other tech companies, including Facebook, have launched initiatives in Africa and demographics are a key factor behind the drive. Africa's population is estimated to be 1.2 billion, 60 per cent of them under the age of 24. By 2050, the UN estimates the population will double to 2.4 billion. As online social networks expand, that presents a huge market for US tech giants to tap into. "There's a clear opportunity for companies like Facebook and Google to really go in and put a pole in the sand," said Daniel Ives, a technology researcher at GBH Insights in New York. "If you look at Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, where is a lot of that growth coming from? It's international," he told AFP in a recent interview.

Google takes on 'Africa's challenges' with first AI centre in Ghana

Senegal's President Macky Sall won in the first round of the election Sunday, his prime minister said, although his two main challengers look set to contest the outcome.

"The results allow us to say that we should congratulate President Macky Sall on his re-election," Prime Minister Mahammed Boun Abdallah Dionne said at midnight, predicting the incumbent would receive "at least 57 per cent" of the vote.

His announcement hours after polls closed was greeted with cheers from supporters gathered at the headquarters of the presidential coalition in Dakar. Sall, who was seen there earlier in the evening, did not speak.

Official results from each region are not expected until Tuesday with a nationwide announcement by Friday midnight at the latest. If no one wins more than 50 per cent a second-round runoff will be held on March 24.

Shortly before Dionne's announcement, Sall's two main challengers had warned against premature proclamations of victory.

"At this stage, a second round is announced and the results that are already compiled allow us to say so," said former prime minister Idrissa Seck, who was making his third run for president.

"At the current state of the vote count, no candidate, I say no candidate, including myself, can claim to have won the presidential election," taxman-turned MP Ousmane Sonko, who was also in the race, added at their joint press conference.

Seck and Sonko are the only two candidates seen as having a chance of making it to a second round, with incumbent Sall, 56, in the lead in many polling stations, according to preliminary results reported in the evening by local media.

The other challengers, former foreign minister Madicke Niang and Issa Sall of the Unity and Assembly Party (PUR), were trailing far behind, according to the results.

Macky Sall had looked set to cruise to victory in the first round after his two key rivals, popular former Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall and Karim Wade, son of the previous president, were banned from running over graft convictions and he only faced four lesser-known candidates.

"At the end of this day, the Senegalese people alone will be the winner. And the president chosen will equally have to be president of all Senegalese," Sall said after voting Sunday.

A geologist by training, Sall took over as president in 2012 after beating his former mentor Abdoulaye Wade, and this time, he has campaigned for a second term championing his "Emerging Senegal" infrastructure project to boost economic growth.&nbsp;

"Victory in the first round is indisputable," Sall told a recent Dakar campaign rally.

The EU observation mission said its overall assessment was "quite positive" among the polling stations it observed.

"There has been very little violence, very isolated incidents, which is very good news," said Elena Valenciano, head of the mission.&nbsp;

A smaller lineup&nbsp;

Often held up as a model of stability in Africa, Senegal has enjoyed strong growth. The Muslim-majority country has largely escaped the jihadist attacks that destabilised neighbours such as Mali.

Sall has made transport infrastructure a priority. But basic services, healthcare and education often remain inadequate, sometimes triggering strikes and protests.

The other four candidates have campaigned hard against his plans for the second phase of his project, which critics see as a potential debt burden.

The five-horse race leaves voters with a limited choice compared to 2012 when 14 candidates vied for the top post.&nbsp;

A new system approved by parliament last year requires candidates demonstrate support from a minimum number of citizens and regions.

Once the regulations went into force, only seven candidates made the cut, but two of them -- Khalifa Sall and Karim Wade -- were then disqualified.

Both men were barred over their convictions for misuse of public funds, which they say were engineered to bar them from the race.

Their supporters staged a number of protests and last year, Amnesty International issued a report highlighting the "unfair trials" of senior opposition figures, flagging a "lack of (judicial) independence" in the case against Khalifa Sall.

Senegal has a population of 16 million but only 6.7 million were registered to vote in the West African nation which gained independence from France in 1960.

Senegal has known two peaceful power transfers in 2000 and 2012 and has never experienced any coups. But election campaigns are often marred by charges of corruption, disinformation and sometimes violence.

For polling day, some 8,000 police were deployed throughout urban areas alongside an unspecified number of civilian security staff, officials said.&nbsp;

And around 5,000 observers -- including some from the European Union -- were monitoring proceedings, the interior ministry said.&nbsp;

Senegal's President Macky Sall won in the first round of the election Sunday, his prime minister said, although his two main challengers look set to contest the outcome.

Senegal's President Macky Sall won in the first round of the election Sunday, his prime minister said, although his two main challengers look set to contest the outcome. "The results allow us to say that we should congratulate President Macky Sall on his re-election," Prime Minister Mahammed Boun Abdallah Dionne said at midnight, predicting the incumbent would receive "at least 57 per cent" of the vote. His announcement hours after polls closed was greeted with cheers from supporters gathered at the headquarters of the presidential coalition in Dakar. Sall, who was seen there earlier in the evening, did not speak. Official results from each region are not expected until Tuesday with a nationwide announcement by Friday midnight at the latest. If no one wins more than 50 per cent a second-round runoff will be held on March 24. Shortly before Dionne's announcement, Sall's two main challengers had warned against premature proclamations of victory. "At this stage, a second round is announced and the results that are already compiled allow us to say so," said former prime minister Idrissa Seck, who was making his third run for president. "At the current state of the vote count, no candidate, I say no candidate, including myself, can claim to have won the presidential election," taxman-turned MP Ousmane Sonko, who was also in the race, added at their joint press conference. Seck and Sonko are the only two candidates seen as having a chance of making it to a second round, with incumbent Sall, 56, in the lead in many polling stations, according to preliminary results reported in the evening by local media. The other challengers, former foreign minister Madicke Niang and Issa Sall of the Unity and Assembly Party (PUR), were trailing far behind, according to the results. Macky Sall had looked set to cruise to victory in the first round after his two key rivals, popular former Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall and Karim Wade, son of the previous president, were banned from running over graft convictions and he only faced four lesser-known candidates. "At the end of this day, the Senegalese people alone will be the winner. And the president chosen will equally have to be president of all Senegalese," Sall said after voting Sunday. A geologist by training, Sall took over as president in 2012 after beating his former mentor Abdoulaye Wade, and this time, he has campaigned for a second term championing his "Emerging Senegal" infrastructure project to boost economic growth. "Victory in the first round is indisputable," Sall told a recent Dakar campaign rally. The EU observation mission said its overall assessment was "quite positive" among the polling stations it observed. "There has been very little violence, very isolated incidents, which is very good news," said Elena Valenciano, head of the mission. A smaller lineup Often held up as a model of stability in Africa, Senegal has enjoyed strong growth. The Muslim-majority country has largely escaped the jihadist attacks that destabilised neighbours such as Mali. Sall has made transport infrastructure a priority. But basic services, healthcare and education often remain inadequate, sometimes triggering strikes and protests. The other four candidates have campaigned hard against his plans for the second phase of his project, which critics see as a potential debt burden. The five-horse race leaves voters with a limited choice compared to 2012 when 14 candidates vied for the top post. A new system approved by parliament last year requires candidates demonstrate support from a minimum number of citizens and regions. Once the regulations went into force, only seven candidates made the cut, but two of them -- Khalifa Sall and Karim Wade -- were then disqualified. Both men were barred over their convictions for misuse of public funds, which they say were engineered to bar them from the race. Their supporters staged a number of protests and last year, Amnesty International issued a report highlighting the "unfair trials" of senior opposition figures, flagging a "lack of (judicial) independence" in the case against Khalifa Sall. Senegal has a population of 16 million but only 6.7 million were registered to vote in the West African nation which gained independence from France in 1960. Senegal has known two peaceful power transfers in 2000 and 2012 and has never experienced any coups. But election campaigns are often marred by charges of corruption, disinformation and sometimes violence. For polling day, some 8,000 police were deployed throughout urban areas alongside an unspecified number of civilian security staff, officials said. And around 5,000 observers -- including some from the European Union -- were monitoring proceedings, the interior ministry said.

Senegal's Sall wins re-election in first round: PM Abdallah Dionne 

The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world

FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

Hundreds of people held a peaceful protest in central Madrid on Friday to demand better police treatment of street vendors, a day after the death of a Senegalese man sparked clashes with riot police.

Six people including a minor and a woman were also arrested and 10 officers were left injured while emergency services said four people were slightly hurt in the protest on Friday.&nbsp;

The protesters gathered in a square in the Lavapies district of the Spanish capital in the early evening on Thursday, many of them young, dressed in black and wearing bandanas as tensions remained high a day after violent clashes over the controversial death of a Senegalese street vendor.

On Thursday, 35-year-old Sengal street vendor Mame Mbaye Ndiaye suffered a heart attack in the street while walking away from police. Fellow vendors said police chased him through the streets, forcing him to run with his heavy merchandise wrapped in a sheet.

He died of cardiac arrest in a street close to his home in Lavapies some 15 to 20 minutes later.

That evening protesters threw stones and set dustbins alight in Madrid&rsquo;s Lavapies neighbourhood, home to many migrant communities and near to where Ndiaye died.

Friday&rsquo;s gathering in a square in Lavapies passed without violence. Protesters held signs reading slogans such as &ldquo;Enough of police harassment&rdquo; and chanted &ldquo;Police murderers&rdquo;.

Some shouted &quot;kill police&quot;, an AFP journalist heard. Marches were also held in Barcelona and Bilbao.

The city hall announced a full investigation, asking for CCTV footage to try and determine exactly what happened, as the plight of street vendors in Spain suddenly lept to the fore.

Six people including a minor and a woman were also arrested and 10 officers were left injured while emergency services said four people were slightly hurt in the protest on Friday

Hundreds of people held a peaceful protest in central Madrid on Friday to demand better police treatment of street vendors, a day after the death of a Senegalese man sparked clashes with riot police. Six people including a minor and a woman were also arrested and 10 officers were left injured while emergency services said four people were slightly hurt in the protest on Friday. The protesters gathered in a square in the Lavapies district of the Spanish capital in the early evening on Thursday, many of them young, dressed in black and wearing bandanas as tensions remained high a day after violent clashes over the controversial death of a Senegalese street vendor. On Thursday, 35-year-old Sengal street vendor Mame Mbaye Ndiaye suffered a heart attack in the street while walking away from police. Fellow vendors said police chased him through the streets, forcing him to run with his heavy merchandise wrapped in a sheet. He died of cardiac arrest in a street close to his home in Lavapies some 15 to 20 minutes later. That evening protesters threw stones and set dustbins alight in Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood, home to many migrant communities and near to where Ndiaye died. Friday’s gathering in a square in Lavapies passed without violence. Protesters held signs reading slogans such as “Enough of police harassment” and chanted “Police murderers”. Some shouted "kill police", an AFP journalist heard. Marches were also held in Barcelona and Bilbao. The city hall announced a full investigation, asking for CCTV footage to try and determine exactly what happened, as the plight of street vendors in Spain suddenly lept to the fore.

Hundreds gather for Madrid protest following Sengal street vendor's death

More than a dozen people were missing after a Senegalese military helicopter crashed late Wednesday in the south of the country, an army spokesman said.

Seven of the 20 people on board have so far been found, all injured, after the aircraft went down in a mangrove forest in the coastal area of Missirah, he said.

The people on the flight included four crew members, according to army spokesman Colonel Abdou Ndiaye.

&quot;Boatmen in the area rescued seven passengers,&quot; he said, adding that 13 people were missing and a search effort was being organised.

Seven of the 20 people on board have so far been found, all injured

More than a dozen people were missing after a Senegalese military helicopter crashed late Wednesday in the south of the country, an army spokesman said. Seven of the 20 people on board have so far been found, all injured, after the aircraft went down in a mangrove forest in the coastal area of Missirah, he said. The people on the flight included four crew members, according to army spokesman Colonel Abdou Ndiaye. "Boatmen in the area rescued seven passengers," he said, adding that 13 people were missing and a search effort was being organised.

Military helicopter crashes in Senegal, several missing

United Nations Security Council ministers will meet on Dec. 15 to discuss North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missiles programs and the body will also meet separately this month to discuss human rights abuses in the North Asian country, an annual meeting that its ally China has tried to prevent for the past three years.

Japan&#39;s UN&nbsp;Ambassador Koro Bessho, president of the 15-member council for December, said several ministers were confirmed to attend the Dec. 15 meeting. He also said the meeting on human rights in North Korea could be held on Dec. 11.

China has unsuccessfully tried to stop three previous human rights meetings by calling a procedural vote. A minimum of nine votes are needed to win such a vote and China, Russia, the United States, Britain and France cannot wield their vetoes.

This year&#39;s meeting has the backing of nine members - the United States, France, Britain, Italy, Japan, Senegal, Sweden, Ukraine and Uruguay.

Last year, the United States angered North Korea by blacklisting its leader Kim Jong Un for human rights abuses.

A landmark 2014 UN&nbsp;report on North Korean human rights concluded that North Korean security chiefs - and possibly Kim himself - should face justice for overseeing a state-controlled system of Nazi-style atrocities.

Michael Kirby, chairman of the UN&nbsp;Commission of Inquiry that drew up the report, said at the time that the crimes the team had catalogued were reminiscent of those committed by the Nazis during World War Two. &quot;Some of them are strikingly similar,&quot; he told Reuters.

North Korea has repeatedly rejected accusations of human rights abuses and blames sanctions for a dire humanitarian situation. Pyongyang has been under UN&nbsp;sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missiles and nuclear programs.

&quot;Despite persistent sanctions and pressure by the US&nbsp;and other hostile forces, my government concentrates all its efforts on improving people&#39;s livelihood and providing them with a better future,&quot; the North Korean Permanent Mission to the United Nations said in a statement on Nov. 14.

United Nations Security Council ministers will meet on Dec. 15 to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missiles programs and the body will also meet separately this month to discuss human rights abuses in the North Asian country, an annual meeting that its ally China has tried to prevent for the past three years

United Nations Security Council ministers will meet on Dec. 15 to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missiles programs and the body will also meet separately this month to discuss human rights abuses in the North Asian country, an annual meeting that its ally China has tried to prevent for the past three years. Japan's UN Ambassador Koro Bessho, president of the 15-member council for December, said several ministers were confirmed to attend the Dec. 15 meeting. He also said the meeting on human rights in North Korea could be held on Dec. 11. China has unsuccessfully tried to stop three previous human rights meetings by calling a procedural vote. A minimum of nine votes are needed to win such a vote and China, Russia, the United States, Britain and France cannot wield their vetoes. This year's meeting has the backing of nine members - the United States, France, Britain, Italy, Japan, Senegal, Sweden, Ukraine and Uruguay. Last year, the United States angered North Korea by blacklisting its leader Kim Jong Un for human rights abuses. A landmark 2014 UN report on North Korean human rights concluded that North Korean security chiefs - and possibly Kim himself - should face justice for overseeing a state-controlled system of Nazi-style atrocities. Michael Kirby, chairman of the UN Commission of Inquiry that drew up the report, said at the time that the crimes the team had catalogued were reminiscent of those committed by the Nazis during World War Two. "Some of them are strikingly similar," he told Reuters. North Korea has repeatedly rejected accusations of human rights abuses and blames sanctions for a dire humanitarian situation. Pyongyang has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missiles and nuclear programs. "Despite persistent sanctions and pressure by the US and other hostile forces, my government concentrates all its efforts on improving people's livelihood and providing them with a better future," the North Korean Permanent Mission to the United Nations said in a statement on Nov. 14.

UN council to meet in December on North Korea rights abuses, nuclear programme

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz&nbsp;made a last attempt to talk and form a deal with Gambian President Yahya Jammeh to end the political dispute.

Aziz backed by the 15-nation&nbsp;Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) then flew to Senegal to meet with&nbsp;President Macky Sall.&nbsp;

Aziz had been talking with Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow and Sall at the airport in Dakar. About 30 vehicles with tinted windows then sped away from where the talks took place, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Gambian President Jammeh&#39;s term ended at midnight but he refused to step down despite losing the&nbsp;election last month.&nbsp;

After weeks of failed diplomacy, west African states have been pushing Jammeh to vacate office and make way for Adama Barrow.&nbsp;

While Barrow maintains his inauguration will take place on Thursday, Jammeh remained in the country till 2330 GMT.&nbsp;

Senegalese and Nigerian troops&nbsp;were poised to move into The Gambia as&nbsp;Jammeh&#39;s army chief said Gambian soldiers will not stop their entry.&nbsp;

Senegal army spokesman Colonel Abdou Ndiaye told AFP &quot;Our troops are on alert... The ultimatum takes effect at midnight.&quot;

&quot;If a political solution fails, we will engage.&quot;

Chief of Defence Staff, Ousman Badjie said &quot;We are not going to involve ourselves militarily. This is a political dispute.&quot;

&quot;I am not going to involve my soldiers in a stupid fight. I love my men,&quot; he added. &quot;If they (Senegalese) come in, we are here like this,&quot; Badjie said.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

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Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz met Jammeh for last-minute talks before flying to meet Senegal's President Macky Sall

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz made a last attempt to talk and form a deal with Gambian President Yahya Jammeh to end the political dispute. Aziz backed by the 15-nation Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) then flew to Senegal to meet with President Macky Sall. Aziz had been talking with Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow and Sall at the airport in Dakar. About 30 vehicles with tinted windows then sped away from where the talks took place, Reuters reported. Gambian President Jammeh's term ended at midnight but he refused to step down despite losing the election last month. After weeks of failed diplomacy, west African states have been pushing Jammeh to vacate office and make way for Adama Barrow. While Barrow maintains his inauguration will take place on Thursday, Jammeh remained in the country till 2330 GMT. Senegalese and Nigerian troops were poised to move into The Gambia as Jammeh's army chief said Gambian soldiers will not stop their entry. Senegal army spokesman Colonel Abdou Ndiaye told AFP "Our troops are on alert... The ultimatum takes effect at midnight." "If a political solution fails, we will engage." Chief of Defence Staff, Ousman Badjie said "We are not going to involve ourselves militarily. This is a political dispute." "I am not going to involve my soldiers in a stupid fight. I love my men," he added. "If they (Senegalese) come in, we are here like this," Badjie said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

African leaders discuss Gambia as President Jammeh's deadline ends

Hunched over her laptop, eyes locked on the screen, Mari?me Seye listens to the step-by-step instructions given by her teacher. 
 
The eighteen-year-old, however, isn&#39;t studying math or history. With 24 other Senegalese students, she is learning to develop a mobile app to raise awareness about the environment. 
 
In small groups, the students develop apps focusing on environmental issues, in the format of their choice, such as a game, quiz or a platform to look up potentially unfamiliar terms, such as &quot;endangered species&quot;. 
 
Seye has called her app &quot;Weer Weeld?&quot;, which means &quot;a healthy planet for a healthy life&quot; in Wolof. 
 
Users must choose which between four pictures, for example, a person drinking dirty water, another smoking, industrial fumes and people planting trees, to pick what represents the most positive contribution to the planet. 
 
Choosing the correct image, in this case, tree planting, rewards the user with points, before all pictures appear with a caption explaining the dangers or benefits linked to the activities. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m interested in developing a phone app because I use them all the time,&quot; Seye told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. 
 
The three-day workshop, organised by the Goethe Institute and mJangale, a Senegalese after-school programme, aims to improve students&#39; literacy, numeracy, and foreign language skills. 
 
Christelle Scharff, co-founder of mJangale and professor of computer science at Pace University in New York, teaches participants to use MIT App Inventor, a drag-and-drop tool allowing users to create a basic phone app. 
 
The students follow her every click on a computer screen projected on the wall. 
 
&quot;The goal is to introduce young people to computing, as well as to make them more knowledgeable about the environment,&quot; Scharff explained, walking between the groups to check their progress. 
 
&quot;So it&#39;s applying computing to something. We didn&#39;t want kids to just develop an app, but also to gain knowledge in another area.&quot; 
 
The Android apps will be made available on Google Play, where they can be downloaded for free. 
 
Idriss Sall Diop, 18, just passed his baccalaureate. &quot;This is totally new to me, I&#39;ve never studied IT and just started using computers,&quot; he admitted from his front-row seat. 
 
&quot;Young people are interested in social media but not necessarily in the environment,&quot; he added. &quot;I think these apps are a way around that, we&#39;re always keen to learn about new things.&quot; 
 
Adja Aissatou Sy, communication&nbsp;manager at Senegal&#39;s Ministry of Environment, said at the workshop that teenagers have limited awareness when it comes to environmental issues. 
 
&quot;Mobile apps are a good way to share information and broaden young people&#39;s knowledge on this topic,&quot; she explained. 
 
The African continent has been slow to adopt digital technologies in education, according to Thierry Zomahoun, chairperson of the Next Einstein Forum, a conference to advance science innovation in Africa. The first conference was held in Dakar in March. 
 
He believes more advanced equipment in schools, from computers to scientific laboratories, will broaden students&#39; horizon and better prepare them for the job market. 
 
&quot;We can&#39;t just stand idle while there are more African engineers in the US than there are on the African continent, we need to reverse that trend,&quot; he said at the conference. 
 
Scharff added that &quot;as big consumers of technology, Facebook, and all these tools, young people can also contribute to tons of solutions here in Senegal.&quot; 
 
According to Senegal&#39;s Telecoms Regulation Authority report released in March, the country&#39;s mobile phone penetration rate reached 113.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2016, which can be explained by the fact that some mobile users hold several SIM cards. 
 
Sy agrees that the youth need a context in which to create a link with the environment. 
 
&quot;For example, there doesn&#39;t exist, as far as I know, an app that focuses on biodiversity in Senegal,&quot; she said. 
 
&quot;I would like to see a game on identifying our endangered species, like chimpanzees or panthers, and asking questions that would empower young people to protect their environment.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

A three-day after school programme in Senegal is teaching students how to develop an app to raise awareness about the environment

Hunched over her laptop, eyes locked on the screen, Mari?me Seye listens to the step-by-step instructions given by her teacher. The eighteen-year-old, however, isn't studying math or history. With 24 other Senegalese students, she is learning to develop a mobile app to raise awareness about the environment. In small groups, the students develop apps focusing on environmental issues, in the format of their choice, such as a game, quiz or a platform to look up potentially unfamiliar terms, such as "endangered species". Seye has called her app "Weer Weeld?", which means "a healthy planet for a healthy life" in Wolof. Users must choose which between four pictures, for example, a person drinking dirty water, another smoking, industrial fumes and people planting trees, to pick what represents the most positive contribution to the planet. Choosing the correct image, in this case, tree planting, rewards the user with points, before all pictures appear with a caption explaining the dangers or benefits linked to the activities. "I'm interested in developing a phone app because I use them all the time," Seye told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The three-day workshop, organised by the Goethe Institute and mJangale, a Senegalese after-school programme, aims to improve students' literacy, numeracy, and foreign language skills. Christelle Scharff, co-founder of mJangale and professor of computer science at Pace University in New York, teaches participants to use MIT App Inventor, a drag-and-drop tool allowing users to create a basic phone app. The students follow her every click on a computer screen projected on the wall. "The goal is to introduce young people to computing, as well as to make them more knowledgeable about the environment," Scharff explained, walking between the groups to check their progress. "So it's applying computing to something. We didn't want kids to just develop an app, but also to gain knowledge in another area." The Android apps will be made available on Google Play, where they can be downloaded for free. Idriss Sall Diop, 18, just passed his baccalaureate. "This is totally new to me, I've never studied IT and just started using computers," he admitted from his front-row seat. "Young people are interested in social media but not necessarily in the environment," he added. "I think these apps are a way around that, we're always keen to learn about new things." Adja Aissatou Sy, communication manager at Senegal's Ministry of Environment, said at the workshop that teenagers have limited awareness when it comes to environmental issues. "Mobile apps are a good way to share information and broaden young people's knowledge on this topic," she explained. The African continent has been slow to adopt digital technologies in education, according to Thierry Zomahoun, chairperson of the Next Einstein Forum, a conference to advance science innovation in Africa. The first conference was held in Dakar in March. He believes more advanced equipment in schools, from computers to scientific laboratories, will broaden students' horizon and better prepare them for the job market. "We can't just stand idle while there are more African engineers in the US than there are on the African continent, we need to reverse that trend," he said at the conference. Scharff added that "as big consumers of technology, Facebook, and all these tools, young people can also contribute to tons of solutions here in Senegal." According to Senegal's Telecoms Regulation Authority report released in March, the country's mobile phone penetration rate reached 113.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2016, which can be explained by the fact that some mobile users hold several SIM cards. Sy agrees that the youth need a context in which to create a link with the environment. "For example, there doesn't exist, as far as I know, an app that focuses on biodiversity in Senegal," she said. "I would like to see a game on identifying our endangered species, like chimpanzees or panthers, and asking questions that would empower young people to protect their environment." (Reuters)

Protecting the environment in Senegal? There's an app for that

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