Africa: Continued Partnership to Enhance Pathogen Genomic Surveillance and Bioinformatics for Public Health in Africa

World Boxing has announced a new policy requiring athletes to undergo PCR tests to determine their biological sex for competition eligibility. Athletes deemed male at birth, indicated by the presence of the SRY gene, can compete in the male category, while those deemed female at birth, indicated by XX chromosomes, can compete in the female category. National federations must provide certification of chromosomal sex, with failure to do so resulting in ineligibility; additional screenings will...

The former head of Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development, Matilda Matozi Gasela, is barred from accessing her pension fund of approximately R3.3 million pending the resolution of legal proceedings related to her alleged involvement in the mismanagement of the controversial 2018 Enviro Mobi tender. This legal situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny over the handling of government tenders and the accountability of public officials. Gasela's case underscores the potential repercussions of mismanagement within public sector contracts....

Former public works minister Sihle Zikalala minimized the implications of an investigation he initiated, which facilitated the appointment of Tebogo Malaka as the chief executive of the Independent Development Trust (IDT). This decision comes despite Malaka's involvement in a controversial R45-million lease scandal, raising concerns about her suitability for the role. Zikalala's actions suggest a disregard for accountability in the context of significant financial misconduct linked to the IDT. Full Article

At least 110 people have died in central Nigeria due to floods caused by torrential rain that lasted several hours, as reported by officials from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (Nsema). The worst-hit areas include the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts of Mokwa town, where over 50 houses were submerged, prompting calls for government support from local leaders. The ongoing search and rescue operation reveals that many are still at risk, highlighting that...

A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent and beyond:This week's photo highlights include men playing soccer on a beach in Dakar, Egypt's apricot harvest, and nightlife in Abuja. Other noteworthy images feature a Ghanaian spelling bee contestant, dancers in Johannesburg, and wildlife conservation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The collection captures the vibrant culture, events, and daily life across Africa, showcasing both natural beauty and human interactions. Full...

SummaryFlights at Liberia's main airport were disrupted after President Joseph Boakai's private jet experienced a landing gear malfunction, resulting in a rough landing and a burst tyre. The incident caused panic and led to the cancellation of all scheduled flights for the night, although the president and his entourage were safely evacuated. An investigation is underway to determine the cause, with airport authorities confirming that runway conditions were not to blame and that normal operations...