news and current affairs.
Turkish defence envoy meets Chapo
Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo met with Turkish Secretary of Defence Industries Haluk Görgün, who announced plans to deepen bilateral defense cooperation. Görgün, leading a delegation of 15 defense companies, stated the goal was to establish sustainable, long-term relations between the two nations. The Turkish official emphasized his country's experience in significantly increasing its defense industry's local content, which he reported had grown from 20 to 80 percent over two decades. He noted a continuous working relationship with Mozambican Defence Minister Cristóvão Chume, with teams now identifying specific areas for collaboration. Following the meeting, Görgün described the audience as cordial and productive, adding...
An ancient figurine shows a mythic scene
A 12,000-year-old clay figurine discovered at the Nahal Ein Gev II site in northern Israel portrays a woman interacting with a goose, which researchers interpret as one of the world's earliest known mythological scenes. According to a study led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem archaeologist Laurent Davin, the artifact represents the oldest-known naturalistic depiction of a woman from Southwest Asia and the earliest art showing human-animal interaction. The figurine, found in a stone structure at a prehistoric Natufian village, shows a crouching woman with a goose in a mating posture on her back. Archaeologist Leore Grosman suggested the scene likely symbolizes a mating between a human and an animal spirit, a theme common in animistic...
Experts warn about ultra-processed foods
A new series in The Lancet, authored by 43 international experts, identifies ultra-processed foods as a critical public health threat requiring immediate global policy action. These scientists, including University of São Paulo Professor Carlos Monteiro, who helped coin the term, state that the widespread consumption of these items is linked to deteriorating diet quality and a higher risk of numerous chronic diseases. An analysis of 104 long-term studies within the series indicated that 92 found associations between UPF-heavy diets and adverse health outcomes. These included conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, and certain cancers. The authors acknowledge that more research is needed to fully understand the...
Timor-Leste envoy visits EUMAM Moz
The European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique received Luis Sousa Sequeira, the Timorese Ambassador to Mozambique, for an official visit. During the meeting, Mission Force Commander Commodore Cesar Pires Correia outlined the mission's mandate and its current operational activities. The non-executive mission, known as EUMAM MOZ, concentrates on providing a full operational training cycle and maintenance support to the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces. Its objective is to develop self-sufficient local capabilities for countering insurgency. The mission's mandate extends until June 2026. This engagement with the Timorese ambassador underscored the mission's international character. It also emphasized the importance of...
Ronaldo and Musk dine at White House
A White House dinner hosted by President Donald Trump for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman included notable guests such as soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and billionaire Elon Musk. Ronaldo, who plays for the Saudi club Al Nassr, was seated near the head table. President Trump mentioned that his son Barron, a fan of the athlete, had met Ronaldo. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended the event. Elon Musk's presence signaled a mending of his relationship with the president. Other business leaders at the dinner included Tim Cook, Jensen Huang, and Bill Ackman. During the event, President Trump praised the Saudi Crown Prince as a strong leader. The menu featured a pistachio-crusted rack of lamb for the main course.
Gabon signs major forest pact
A coalition of donors and the Gabonese government has signed an agreement to protect 34,000 square kilometers of the nation's Congo Basin rainforests. The initiative, called Gabon Infini, will utilize a Project Finance for Permanence model, linking funding to specific government conservation policies. The project combines 94 million dollars from donors, including the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Environment Facility, with 86 million dollars in government funding over ten years. Its objectives include establishing new national parks, combating elephant poaching, and promoting eco-tourism. This agreement builds upon previous conservation efforts in Gabon, a country where nearly 90 percent of the territory consists of tropical...
Globeleq appoints construction head
Stefan van Niekerk has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Construction for Globeleq, the Africa-focused independent power producer. His role, effective in November 2025, will involve supervising all construction activities for the company's projects across the African continent. He is expected to lead a team of Project Construction Directors and ensure projects meet high standards for safety, cost, and scheduling. With over twenty years in the African power sector, van Niekerk brings extensive experience in renewable energy development. He has previously contributed to the delivery of more than two gigawatts of energy assets, including major solar, wind, and thermal projects. His professional background includes leadership...
Maragra shutdown to cut sugar output
The prolonged closure of the Maragra sugar mill in Mozambique's Maputo province is expected to reduce the amount of sugar available on the national market for the current agricultural season. According to the Mozambican Sugar Producers Association, the mill has been non-operational for over two years due to flood damage, resulting in a zero production forecast for the facility. The association's executive director, Orlando da Conceição, stated that this would not cause supply disruptions or affect consumer prices. He indicated that the national sugar industry would still satisfy domestic demand despite the shortfall from Maragra. The industry anticipates producing over 245,000 tonnes of sugar this season, an increase from the previous...
China's Premier visits Zambia after 28 years
Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit Zambia, marking the first trip by a Chinese premier in 28 years as the country emerges from its financial crisis. The visit underscores China's intent to deepen its presence in the copper-rich nation, which owes Beijing 5.7 billion dollars. China aims to access Zambian commodities and expand its export market for goods like tractors and construction equipment. This engagement occurs as Western nations also seek influence. The United States and the European Union are promoting alternative investment partnerships, including the Lobito Corridor, while China is refurbishing the Tazara Railway. The Zambian government is pursuing fresh investment for its mining and infrastructure sectors. Chinese companies...
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