CONTINENTAL DRIFT
Opioid boom in Africa
Synthetic opioid use is booming in Africa, according to a new report from the United Nations office on drugs and crime: “The opioid crisis that has featured in far fewer headlines, but that requires equally urgent international attention, is the non-medical use of the painkiller tramadol, particularly in Africa,” it read. The problem is thought to be most severe in West, Central and North Africa.
Egypt arrests other leaders
Egypt has arrested at least eight opposition figures, accusing them of plotting to bring down the government. Among the detained is Zyad Elelaimy, a prominent member of the Social Democratic Party and the Civil Democratic Movement, and a leader of the 2011 Arab Spring protests that forced Hosni Mubarak out of office. Opposition groups and human rights advocates say the arrests are designed to prevent other parties from preparing for elections next year.
Rwanda seminar scams youth
About 2 000 young Rwandans turned up at a wealth conference in Kigali on Tuesday, having each paid $5 online for the promise of learning how to make money. Only one problem: the conference did not exist, as bemused staff at the Kigali International Convention Centre informed the crowd. Police have been asked to investigate who was responsible for the scam.
Ebola virus crosses borders
Three new Ebola cases in Uganda have caused alarm about the spread of the virus. With the number of infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo hitting 2500 and growing, the cross-border infection has ramped up fears of containing a virus that kills 70% of those infected.
A new predictive model, developed by Kansas State University, correctly predicted the spread of the disease to northern Uganda. It uses data from people’s temporary and regular contact and their travel patterns to make its determination.
Africa to free trade area
African leaders will meet in Niamey, Niger this week to further the efforts towards a potential $3-trillion continental free trade area. The dream, decades in the making, has been hampered by regional disputes and narrow national interests. Although the agreement came into effect at the end of April this year, the rules governing it are still being hammered out. The area could create the largest free trade area in the world and is seen as the key to socioeconomic development in Africa.
Mauritania blocks internet
Mauritania is the latest government to use an internet blackout to quell protests. Election results saw the governing party’s Mohamed Ghouzani declared the winner but opposition parties, who claim fraud, have called for protest action.
The West African nation joined Sudan and Ethiopia which, in recent weeks, instituted similar shutdowns, citing security concerns. In Sudan, lawyer Abdel-adheem Hassan won a court order against the clampdown. Connectivity has been restored, but solely for Hassan. He has since returned to court to ensure his privilege is shared with the country. — Briefs sourced from AFP, Allafrica, BBC and Reuters