The p.Gly2019Ser is a common LRRK2 pathogenic variant among Egyptians with familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease
The p.Gly2019Ser was the only LRRK2 pathogenic variant found in this cohort. Certain regional trends were observed among PD patients, notably the shorter duration of illness in Upper Egypt compared to Lower Egypt. Around one third of PD patients who did not have the p.Gly2019Ser variant experienced symptoms before turning 50 years old. Interestingly, most p.Gly2019Ser carriers were of North African and Ashkenazi descent, and these ancestries were present in all p.Gly2019Ser carriers, confirming an ancient founding event in these populations. 2: A map illustrates that Egypt is centrally located in a region with the highest prevalence of the p.Gly2019Ser pathogenic variant globally.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 19:41 UTC
Cargo packages waiting for North American flights ignited. Officials blame Russia.
Western security officials suspect Russian intelligence was behind a plot to put incendiary devices in packages on cargo planes headed to North America, including one that caught fire at a courier hub in Germany and another that ignited in a warehouse in England. Several officials said they believe the attacks were the work of Russian military intelligence, the GRU, although Moscow denied involvement. “We are observing aggressive action by the Russian intelligence services. “The activities of Russian intelligence services in the real world as well as in cyberspace show that Germany is the focus of Russia’s hybrid war against Western democracies,” he added. “Russia is using its entire toolbox: from influencing political discussions within Germany to cyber attacks against critical infrastructure and sabotage.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 19:15 UTC
Daily Memo: US Warning for Iraq, UK-South Africa Talks
Washington is anticipating a possible Iranian strike on Israel from Iraqi territory. Stern caution. The Biden administration has warned the Iraqi government to prevent Iran from striking Israel from its territory, Axios reported. According to the news outlet, Washington told Baghdad that it could be the target of an Israeli attack if it did not stop Iran from launching a strike from Iraqi soil. U.S. national security […]
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 16:30 UTC
Sudan govt scraps $6bn Red Sea port deal with UAE – The North Africa Post
Sudan has cancelled a $6 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop a Red Sea port, in an apparent protest against Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group engaged in the country’s ongoing bloody conflict. Sudan’s Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim said on Sunday (3 November) his country had cancelled a memorandum of understanding with the UAE to develop the Abu Amama port, accusing Abu Dhabi of supporting the RSF that has been battling the government forces. An estimated 15-60,000 people have been killed and eight million displaced in the fighting to date, with no end in sight. Foreign powers have weighed in on both sides of the conflict, with some evidence of Russian and Iranian support for the Sudanese armed forces. Abu Dhabi has denied providing any support for the RSF, describing its intervention as a humanitarian aid operation.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 15:07 UTC
Kenya’s President Ruto to hold talks with Salva Kiir in Juba
Kenya’s President William Ruto has departed for Juba, South Sudan, for a peacemaking initiative seeking to end the country’s unending perennial conflicts that have disrupted rebuilding efforts. State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed on Wednesday said the head of State was expected to meet President Salva Kiir to establish the foundation for long-lasting peace brokered through the Tumaini initiative. This transformative project aims to boost trade by providing seamless connectivity between South Sudan and the Indian Ocean,” read the statement from State House. The visit comes after President Ruto on Tuesday held a meeting with South Sudanese opposition parties' representatives to the Tumaini Initiative who confirmed their readiness to sign the Tumaini Consensus following the negotiations. Kenya has been mediating the talks between warring factions in South Sudan.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 14:56 UTC
South Africa closes border with Mozambique as post-election protests escalate
South Africa has temporarily closed its main border crossing with Mozambique over safety concerns, its border authority said on Wednesday, as protests against last month's disputed election in Mozambique continued to escalate. At least 18 people have been killed in the protests, according to human rights groups, as opposition supporters demonstrate against what they say is a fraudulent election win by Frelimo, the party that has ruled Mozambique since 1975. South Africa has closed the Lebombo port of entry in its Mpumalanga province after receiving reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side, the authority said in an emailed statement to Reuters. The Mozambican Centre for Democracy and Human Rights said that 24 people had been killed due to police violence. Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado told Reuters that she had verified 18 deaths so far but believed there had been more.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 14:53 UTC
4 dead, 25 survivors in Greece after migrant smuggler allegedly forced his passengers overboard
ATHENS, Greece — Greek authorities have recovered the bodies of four people from the sea just off the coast of the eastern Aegean island of Rhodes, while another 25 people have been found alive on land after a migrant smuggler allegedly forced his passengers overboard while transferring them from Turkey to Greece, the coast guard said Wednesday. The bodies of three men and one woman were recovered near the coast on the southern tip of Rhodes early Wednesday, the coast guard said. The group of 25 survivors were found on land, with police originally locating an initial group of 11 people shortly after midnight, and the rest found afterwards. Survivors told authorities they had been traveling to the Greek island from the nearby Turkish coast by speedboat when the smuggler driving the vessel forced them overboard into the water and left, the coast guard said. It was the latest fatal case involving migrants trying to make their way into the European Union using the sea route either from the nearby Turkish coast or across the Mediterranean from North Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 14:49 UTC
New research finds cities advance future-ready plans amid persistent challenges – Intelligent CIO Africa
The study, From Future Vision to Urban Reality, shows what it means to be future-ready and what cities need to do to get there. To analyse the progress that cities have made on their future-ready plans, ThoughtLab conducted a worldwide benchmarking study of 250 cities in 78 countries, representing 9% of the world’s population. “Cities today face major challenges as they strive to become future-ready,” said Lou Celi, CEO of ThoughtLab and Director of the research programme. Future-ready cities are leading the way, integrating AI across a range of sectors more rapidly than other cities. Future-ready cities, with the help of advanced technologies like AI, have made significantly more progress in overcoming today’s urban challenges and operationalising their visions across their urban landscapes.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 13:26 UTC
Rockit Global announces leadership changes for strategic growth into 2025
As Rockit Global continues its strategic growth into 2025 and beyond, the snack-sized apple company has announced key transitions within its global senior leadership team with the establishment of two new roles – General Manager China and General Manager Global Markets. Mark Pay has been appointed as Acting General Manager of China, he will hold this role until 13 December 2024. This has also seen Regional Sales Manager, Steve Bunyan promoted to the newly established General Manager Global Markets role, responsible for sales leadership of the USA, Middle East North Africa (MENA), and Southeast Asia (SEA) markets. This includes expanding the sales team from one (himself) in 2017, to a global team of 21 spread across eight markets in 2024. Recruitment is currently underway for the permanent General Manager China position as the snack-sized apple company continues to take on the world, one small bite at a time.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 13:08 UTC
Solar energy industry numbers continue to surge
Global solar energy capacity has soared in the past 20 years – increasing from 1.22GW in 2000 to 1,418.97GW in 2023. Scaling up energy infrastructure in AfricaSolar energy the standoutThe latest edition emphasises the vital role of solar energy in advancing sustainable energy solutions worldwide, offering stakeholders valuable insights into the industry’s rapid evolution. Solar farming 101: Maximising energy, minimising disruptionRise in solar energy capacityIn just two decades, global solar capacity has exploded from 1.22GW in 2000 to an astounding 1,418.97GW in 2023 – a staggering 40% annual growth rate. World Investment Report unveils dynamic shift in global energy investmentsThe latest World Investment Report shows significantly transformed global energy investments, highlighting a steadfast march towards sustainable energy solutions. APAC leads global solar investmentsRegion-wise, Asia-Pacific (APAC) is at the forefront of solar investments pouring $223 billion into solar in 2023.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 13:03 UTC
Applications open for $55k Harvard Africa Business Club startup competition
Applications have opened for the New Venture Competition, run by Harvard Business School’s Africa Business Club, which is offering startups the chance to win cash prizes of up to US$55,000. The student-run Africa Business Club will host its latest annual Africa Business Conference in Boston in February, which will feature the New Venture Competition, aimed at showcasing the diversity of entrepreneurs making a difference on the continent today. Ten startup finalists will be invited to pitch their business and receive feedback from a panel of experienced judges, to win prizes worth US$55,000. Interested startups can apply here until November 12.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 13:01 UTC
The rising appetite of sovereign wealth funds in the tourism sector
The global tourism industry has, in recent years, been witnessing the emergence of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) as relevant sources of financing. They have taken on growing exposure to tourism projects or enablers needed for the development of the sector. Their involvement in the tourism sector is also expected to swift towards green projects. AdvertisementThis is why the increasing participation of SWFs in the tourism sector is good news. As they seek long-term returns, their DNA is focused on promoting and encouraging more sustainable projects and practices, a perspective that is surely transforming the global tourism landscape.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 12:51 UTC
Mastercard joins Buna, the Arab regional payment system
Mastercard joins Buna, the Arab regional payment system. Source: Shutterstock.comBusinesses and consumers paying into and out of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will benefit from faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments through a public-private collaboration between Mastercard and the Arab Regional Payment System, Buna. Buna participants will be able to leverage their existing Buna infrastructure to connect to Mastercard Move to make fast, secure and efficient payments to regions and corridors outside MENA, leveraging Mastercard’s extensive network. Alan Marquard, Head of Transfer Solutions, Mastercard, said: “Today’s announcement is a major milestone in unlocking fast, transparent and cost-efficient cross-border payments into and out of the MENA region. It also underscores Mastercard commitment to improving cross-border payments by connecting existing systems and boosting their reach and efficiency.”Mehdi Manaa, Chief Executive Officer, Buna, commented: “Buna was founded with the mission to make cross-border payments more accessible and easier for people and businesses in the Arab countries.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 12:30 UTC
Bitcoin surges to $75,000, a new record, as traders bet Trump has election edge
The price of the flagship cryptocurrency touched a record $75,000 on the nose, according to Coin Metrics. It was last higher by 7% at $74,392.00. It first hit its previous record of $73,797.68 on March 14 and has traded in a narrow range below $70,000 for most of the year since then. Bitcoin’s overnight gains increased as Trump took an early lead in the Electoral College. NBC News has projected that Trump has won 230 electoral college votes, including the battleground state of North Carolina.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 12:05 UTC
Mastercard Newsroom
The collaboration combines Mastercard Move’s money transfer capabilities and extensive network with Buna’s cross-border payment system to facilitate seamless cross-border payments into and out of the MENA region. The collaboration will see Mastercard join Buna’s cross-border payment systems as a direct participant. Key benefits of the partnership include:• Enables financial institutions around the globe to send fast, transparent and cost-efficient payments to Buna participants via a single connection to Mastercard Move. Alan Marquard, Head of Transfer Solutions, Mastercard, said: “Today’s announcement is a major milestone in unlocking fast, transparent and cost-efficient cross-border payments into and out of the MENA region. Mastercard Move provides banks, non-bank financial institutions, direct disbursers, and their customers with a fast, secure money transfer solution, both domestically and internationally.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 06, 2024 12:05 UTC