Le Réseau des Observateurs Citoyens (ROC) a suivi de près le déroulement du scrutin référendaire de ce 16 novembre 2024, portant sur l'adoption ou non du projet de Constitution, une étape clé pour la stabilité politique et le retour à l'ordre constitutionnel au Gabon. Ce communiqué présente un aperçu général de nos observations concernant les opérations électorales tout au long de la journée, en particulier la clôture et le dépouillement dans les bureaux de vote. Cette mission a été (...) - POLITIQUE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

With about 50 massage parlours condensed into two storeys at People's Park Complex, would-be customers are spoilt for choice. But this has irked some mall-goers, one of whom complained to Shin Min Daily News about the staff touting for business outside their stores. «Within a distance of less than 50m, I was solicited five times,» said the shopper. A Shin Min reporter who visited the building walked past the parlours while waving his hand in rejection, but some staff still approached with price lists and tried to sell their services. «The price is the same no matter which one you go to!» shouted one. According to the Chinese evening daily, a 30-minute foot massage costs an average of $15 across the parlours. One massage parlour staff, surnamed Guo, said the competition does not affect business much. «Each store does its own thing. When there are crowds, it's good for everyone and I won't say it's a cut-throat competition,» he explained. The owner of a watch shop located on the second floor of the complex told Shin Min the large majority of massage parlours had sprung up after the Covid-19 pandemic.

A woman who was caught illegally driving in the bus lane along the Causeway attempted to bribe a Singapore auxiliary police officer with RM50 (S$15) and $50. Wang Xiping, 42, was sentenced to three weeks' jail after pleading guilty to one count of violating Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act on Friday (Nov 15), reported Lianhe Zaobao. According to the charge sheet, Wang frequently drives to Johor Bahru (JB). On July 17, she was driving to Malaysia to show a friend around JB and collect her medical report. The woman and her friend cleared Singapore immigration at about 10.50am that day. A few minutes later, an auxiliary officer spotted Wang's car in the dedicated bus and lorry lane and stopped them. The cop told Wang she was not allowed to drive in the dedicated lane and instructed her to U-turn to Woodlands Checkpoint to re-enter Malaysia. Wang then offered the officer RM50 to let her continue driving. The latter refused and requested her to present her passport.

Before your next road trip up north, a check on your unpaid traffic fines in Malaysia would be advisable. Vehicle owners who have signed up for Malaysia's Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will be notified of their outstanding summonses at the two land checkpoints in Johor via variable message signage (VMS) displays. In a report by Malaysian publication The Star, a Road Transport Department (JPJ) official said that this was a «good way» to have foreign-registered vehicle drivers pay up their unpaid summonses, before adding that JPJ have carried out regular checks at both checkpoints reminding foreign vehicles to register for the VEP. Over 20,000 Singapore-registered vehicles have been checked, with a few hundred reminders issued out, the official added. There are currently four VEP centres: three in Johor – Danga Bay, Iskandar Puteri and Paradigm Mall – and one in Woodlands.

The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has entered into a promising five-year partnership with Sino Borcar Investment Holdings Limited to trial and produce non-GM (genetically modified) castor oil seeds and chili varieties aimed at export markets, particularly in China. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lilongwe, LUANAR Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda, […] The post Luanar teams up with Sino Borcar to develop new castor and chili crops appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

A military helicopter belonging to the Ethiopian Air Force crashed Saturday in Bahir Dar, according to media reports.

There’s no need for fans of Mulanje Pizza to worry about the restaurant closing its doors at Chitakale. The beloved eatery’s owner, Willard Mahata, has responded to growing concerns that the restaurant was planning to shut down following recent media reports that suggested a possible relocation to Blantyre or Limbe. Mahata clarified that while he […] The post Mulanje Pizza Restaurant Not Closing, But Plans to Diversify with New Locations appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

MAFCO FC secured a crucial 2-1 victory over fellow military side Kamuzu Barracks today at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe, propelling them from 10th to 6th in the 2024 TNM Super League standings. The win ensures that the Salima-based team will compete in the Airtel Top 8 in 2025, a significant achievement for the club. The […] The post AFCO Moves to 6th in TNM Super League 2024 After Beating Kamuzu Barracks 2-1; Secures Airtel Top 8 Spot for 2025 appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party’s elective conference in Mzuzu officially kicked off today, with party Secretary General Patricia Kaliati reassuring delegates that the absence of party president Michael Usi would not hinder the proceedings. Kaliati confirmed that Usi had already blessed the convention during prior meetings, ensuring that the event would go forward as […] The post Michael Usi blessed the convention, his absence won’t disrupt proceedings, says Kaliati appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The Mancunian singer, 52, left fans buzzing with excitement after hinting at a 'massive announcement.'

Princess Beatrice has been pictured rubbing shoulders with some of the Middle East's most powerful businessmen amid rumours over where her father Prince Andrew's funding is coming from.

The Reform UK leader is expected to announce the move tomorrow to highlight what he regards as a 'two-tier justice system', in which Right-wing activists are singled out by the courts.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of hypocrisy after the sheer scale of the UK delegation sent to the COP 29 conference in Azerbaijan was revealed.

Prue, speaking about her teenage years, told how the English nuns at her South African school would make girls cry so that they could then comfort them in a 'sexual' way.

Dr. Sarah Giles wants you to know she's sorry that patients are suffering because of staffing shortages in health care. But she's learned that working longer hours won't solve the problem. In fact, it could have led her to leave the profession altogether.

Ottawa will offer financial compensation to Inuit in Nunavik for the devastation caused by the mass slaughter of their sled dogs, the Crown-Indigenous relations minister tells CBC News.

The Chinese leader has warned the US president against trying to hold back the country’s economic development Read Full Article at RT.com

Coordinated strikes on electrical generation and transmission facilities have been reported across the country Read Full Article at RT.com

Defense chief Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has said the military aid for Kiev should not jeopardize Poland’s own security Read Full Article at RT.com

The UK is reluctant to authorize new deliveries of Storm Shadow missiles to Kiev because its stockpiles are running low, The Times reports Read Full Article at RT.com

The EU has essentially trapped itself by its sanctions, Konstantin Kosachev has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Ottawa police have charged the «gang-affiliated» cousins of two of their own officers who are suing the force for wiretapping them and their families, alleging the accused were at the top of one of three drug trafficking networks.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Jubbaland's regional administration and its representatives in Somalia's federal Parliament have rejected a newly approved law establishing the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging constitutional violations and exclusion from the decision-making process.

Kismayo (HOL) — Jubbaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission has announced the schedule for the region's parliamentary and presidential elections, intensifying tensions between Jubbaland and federal government over electoral procedures.

The Kudzigulira Malo Project, launched in 2006 with the intention of improving the lives of thousands of families, has left a trail of unfulfilled promises and unimaginable hardship. Over 15,000 families from the tea-growing districts of Thyolo and Mulanje relocated to new areas under the World Bank-funded initiative, hoping for a better life. But 13 […] The post Govt abandoned beneficiaries of Kudzigulira Malo project: No water, education and health care service!   appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Security is on high alert as people gather at the Chisanga Complex in Mzuzu for the highly anticipated UTM Party Convention taking place today. With heavy police and private security presence, the entrance to the venue is tightly controlled, with all attendees required to undergo ID verification and security scans before being allowed entry. The […] The post UTM party convention in Mzuzu: Security tight as preparations near completion appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

“I will not die, but I will live to tell what the LORD has done.” Psalm 118:17 POWER OF life and death is in God’s hand. Yes, that death threat over your life will not succeed! Nothing has the right to terminate your life just like that. This...

WHEN OUR hearts suffer trauma, it can affect every aspect of our lives, because our heart is the well-spring of our lives. Though our experiences are often the main source of trauma, it is also possible to inherit trauma. There are issues that are...

THERE IS an argument going around that the Democratic Party lost the US National Elections due to people taking offence at too much gender politics. Vaia.com defines gender politics in this way: “Gender politics refers to the power dynamics,...

NEW ORLEANS (AP): Lawyers for the state of Louisiana asked a federal appeals court Wednesday to immediately block a judge’s ruling ordering education officials to tell all local districts that a law requiring schools to post the Ten Commandments in...

BALTIMORE (AP): Several US Catholic bishops on Wednesday encouraged the church to boldly share Vatican teachings on a range of hot-button issues, including the condemnation of abortion, euthanasia, surrogacy and gender-affirming surgery. The...

The blast did not cause serious damage, the staff have been evacuated

An innovative initiative combining coral restoration, recycling, at the same time gearing children's interest in marine life and its conservation, is set to be implemented on Praslin, the second most populated island of the Seychelles archipelago. The project is the brainchild of Vicky Durand, a diving instructor and coral conservation specialty instructor, who is the recent recipient of the Ocean Innovation Award of the Danny Faure Foundation. The award was created to encourage ocean innovation, seeking to encourage Seychellois emerging ocean leaders to design innovative solutions to tackle ocean challenges that Seychelles faces.  As a reward, Durand won a five-day learning visit at the Nekton Foundation headquarters in the United Kingdom, where she will work with Nekton's personnel and its partners with specialist skills to further advance her project. The Nekton Foundation is a not-for-profit research foundation that works on scientific exploration and ocean protection. SNA caught up with Durand, to learn more about her winning the former President Danny Faure's Ocean Innovation Award, the project – Save the Ocean, the role of the project in the Blue Economy, as well as children's involvement in marine conservation.   SNA: Tell us about the Ocean Innovation Award. VD: Winning the inaugural award for 2024 from the Danny Faure Foundation is truly an honour. It highlights the dedication and impact of the project in advancing coral restoration and marine conservation. I'm excited about the upcoming educational visit to Nekton headquarters in the UK, scheduled for July 20, 2024, as my prize for winning such an award. This visit presents a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of ocean research and innovation, as well as to explore potential collaborations that could further enhance our conservation efforts.   SNA: Why such a project? VD: As a devoted diving professional with over 18 years of experience, the underwater world has been my enduring passion, a sanctuary of wonder that has profoundly shaped my life. The countless hours spent beneath the waves have revealed the heartbreaking truth of our vanishing corals, their vibrant hues fading into a haunting memory. This profound loss ignited a fire within me, compelling me to establish the project:  save the ocean. Our coral reefs are not just underwater spectacles; they are the lifeblood of our tourism and fisheries industries, vital to the prosperity and sustainability of our coastal communities. The urgency to act is now more pressing than ever. We stand at a critical juncture where our actions, or lack thereof, will determine the fate of these irreplaceable ecosystems.  Time is of the essence, and we must cast aside complacency and excuses. Together, we must channel our collective passion and commitment into tangible efforts to revive and protect our corals. Let us unite in this noble cause, driven by the belief that through our dedication and perseverance, we can breathe life back into our oceans and ensure that their splendour endures for generations to come. Durand is a diving instructor and coral conservation specialty instructor. (Vicky Durand) Photo License: All Rights Reserved    SNA: Why did you choose children from Praslin and are you working with only them? VD: The youths of Praslin will play a central role, contributing significantly to their community through this project. However, as Seychellois, we all share a collective responsibility for our ocean. We welcome anyone who wishes to join us, provided they undergo the requisite training. Together, let us unite in a shared commitment to protect and restore our marine environment.   SNA: How will the project be sustained? VD: Our Save the Ocean Project will be sustained through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, we prioritise community engagement and education, fostering awareness among local communities and schools about coral reefs' significance and the threats they face. Secondly, we're establishing vital partnerships with governmental bodies, NGOs and businesses to secure funding, conduct research, and implement conservation initiatives collaboratively. Thirdly, we're committed to long-term monitoring and maintenance of our artificial reef, ensuring its health and effectiveness through regular upkeep and structural assessments. Additionally, by promoting our reef as a sustainable tourism attraction, we aim to generate revenue that funds ongoing conservation efforts and supports local economies. Through policy advocacy, continuous innovation in coral restoration techniques, and staying abreast of scientific advancements, we strive to safeguard marine biodiversity effectively and ensure the longevity of our conservation efforts. Durand said the reefs are the lifeblood of Seychelles' tourism and fisheries industries. communities. (Vicky Durand) Photo License: All Rights Reserved    SNA: How is your project linked to the Blue Economy? VD: It is intricately linked to the Blue Economy through several impactful avenues. By creating an artificial reef and promoting it as an eco-tourism attraction, we directly contribute to local economies by attracting tourists who support coastal businesses. Our efforts in coral restoration not only enhance biodiversity and support sustainable fishing practices but also contribute to marine biotechnology through innovative research in conservation techniques. Protecting coral reefs also strengthens coastal resilience against climate change impacts, benefitting both communities and infrastructure. Moreover, our educational initiatives foster awareness about marine conservation, promoting a stewardship mindset essential for sustainable use of marine resources. In these ways, our project aligns closely with the principles of the Blue Economy, aiming to sustainably utilise and conserve marine resources while fostering economic growth in coastal regions.   SNA: Tell us more about the children's involvement in the project and their activities around scuba diving. VD: In July of last year, I established the AQUAKIDZ swimming team with a primary goal: ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn swimming, regardless of their initial skill level. As we mark our first anniversary this July, I'm proud that AQUAKIDZ has become the largest swimming team on Praslin Island, offering comprehensive lessons from beginner to advanced levels. Beyond promoting fitness and health, our team encourages positive youth engagement. AQUAKIDZ is uniquely geared towards preparing young participants to eventually join the Save Our Ocean project, fostering a generation passionate about marine conservation and equipped with vital swimming and diving skills for safe and impactful ocean exploration. At AQUAKIDZ swimming team, our activities extend beyond swimming practice. We engage in creative learning about diverse ocean species and their significance through art, music, and storytelling. This approach effectively spreads awareness among our members, fostering a deep understanding of marine conservation and the critical role each species plays in our oceans. 

Former President Peter Mutharika has expressed his frustration with the economic downturn of Blantyre, accusing the current administration of President Lazarus Chakwera of mismanagement that has left the city struggling to reclaim its former economic vibrancy. Speaking at the DPP Southern Region Fundraising Dinner and Dance in Blantyre on Saturday, Mutharika, who said has deep […] The post Mutharika blames Chakwera for Blantyre’s economic decline, vows to return all parastatals move to Lilongwe appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Pentagon chief said that following a meeting with his Australian and Japanese counterparts