CONTINENTAL DRIFT

Tanzanian seizes diamonds

Tanzania’s financial minister has “nationalised” diamonds after the Petra Mining Company attempted to export the gems from Dar es Salaam the firm valued at $14.7-million. The government claimed their true value was nearly $30-million and has asked the two officials involved in allegedly undervaluing the diamonds to resign. According to parliamentary reports, the officials have a history of fraud and embezzlement.

US anti-slavery visit ‘illegal’

United States pastor Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow/PUSH Coalition was denied visas to Mauritania on the ground that it breached national law. The government said the visit would be “divisive”. Mauritania abolished slavery in 1981 and has made strides to end the practice by doubling prison sentences. But 4% of its population still live as slaves because of a system of hereditary servitude.

Hep C patients head for Egypt

Egypt has the highest rate of hepatitis C infections in the world, — and the country is becoming a destination for people seeking a cure. In 2015, an affordable drug, Sovaldi, became available in Egypt and the country’s waiting lists for the treatment ended in July 2016. The low cost of the cure is now attracting patients from abroad.

Model migrant breaks cover