Senegal Prosecutor Outlines Preliminary Findings in Death of Student Abdoulaye Ba

The public prosecutor, Ibrahima Ndoye, has disclosed initial findings regarding the death of student Abdoulaye Ba, days after the tragic incident. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the prosecutor confirmed that the deceased fell from the fourth floor of Building F. According to preliminary investigations, the student allegedly attempted to flee what he perceived as a threatening situation by climbing out of a window. He subsequently landed on the asphalt, sustaining severe injuries.

The medical examiner’s report established that death resulted from traumatic shock caused by the fall. The prosecutor stated that there was no indication of physical assault prior to the incident, noting that the examination revealed no signs of beating or external violence.

He further clarified the distinction between the forensic pathologist’s role and that of investigators. While the pathologist determines the medical cause of death through analysis of bodily injuries, investigators are tasked with reconstructing the sequence of events and the broader circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The prosecutor emphasised that the convergence of medical evidence and investigative work is essential to establishing a clear timeline and determining any potential liabilities. He added that inquiries are ongoing to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.

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Ethiopia and Türkiye Seal Energy and Economic Pacts to Bolster Strategic Partnership

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On Tuesday,17 February, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have formalised fresh commitments to deepen bilateral relations through the signing of two key agreements designed to enhance cooperation between Ethiopia and Türkiye.

The leaders endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Agreed Minutes of the 9th Ethiopia–Türkiye Economic Commission, alongside a separate MoU on cooperation in the field of energy.

The agreements signal a further consolidation of the expanding partnership between the two countries, particularly in strategic sectors central to economic transformation and energy development.

Officials from both sides characterised the move as a calculated step towards strengthening long-standing ties and unlocking sustainable growth through enhanced bilateral engagement.

The two leaders also held substantive talks in Addis Ababa, reaffirming what they described as an enduring friendship and robust cooperation framework underpinning Ethiopia–Türkiye relations.

In a post shared after the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy said the discussions reinforced mutual trust and a shared resolve to advance partnerships serving the interests of both nations. He expressed confidence that continued high-level engagement would further solidify the diplomatic and economic bonds linking the two countries.

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Kenya Airport Operations to Normalise After Workers Call Off Strike

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Operations at Kenya’s main aviation gateway are set to return to normal after workers on Tuesday suspended a two-day strike following an agreement with the Transport Ministry.

Activities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi were severely disrupted on Monday, with flight delays stretching up to six hours. Airlines advised passengers to rebook their journeys as operations were paralysed.

In a statement, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that services would resume immediately after a return-to-work formula was agreed with the union on Tuesday. The union had been pressing for improved working conditions, enhanced pay and better benefits. Talks on the implementation of these demands were held as part of the settlement process.

Transport Minister Davies Chirchir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining stability within the aviation sector, describing the agreement as critical to safeguarding the country’s transport infrastructure. National carrier Kenya Airways said it had begun normalising its flight schedule, with full operations expected to resume within 24 hours.

Workers had issued a strike notice last week, citing authorities’ failure to implement aspects of an earlier labour agreement aimed at improving employment conditions and remuneration.

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FG Moves to Phase Out Ozone-Depleting Substances, Champions Green Cooling Transition

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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling ozone layer depletion through the adoption of environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient and low Global Warming Potential (GWP) cooling systems.

Speaking in Abuja on February 17, 2026, at a two-day capacity-building workshop on green procurement for sustainable cooling systems, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal—represented by the Director of the National Ozone Office, Mr Idris Abdullahi—said cooling systems are now critical to public health, food security, productivity and economic growth.

He noted that refrigeration and air-conditioning systems account for between 40 and 60 per cent of electricity consumption in many buildings, with much of the demand driven by inefficient equipment that relies on ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases.

The minister stressed that Nigeria is aligning with the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, which provide a global framework for reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

He described the protocol as the most successful environmental treaty and underscored the need to integrate green procurement principles into public sector decision-making.

According to him, green procurement involves prioritising products and services with reduced environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, thereby advancing energy conservation, environmental protection and Nigeria’s climate commitments.

Representatives from the Environmental Investigative Agency (UK), the African Development Bank and the Office of the President highlighted the strategic importance of sustainable cooling in driving climate action, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening national capacity for policy reform.

The workshop, convened in partnership with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) and the National Ozone Office, aims to build awareness among policymakers and accelerate the integration of sustainable cooling technologies into Nigeria’s broader climate strategy.

About Geraldine Boechat 3533 Articles
Senior Editor for Medafrica Times and former journalist for Swiss National Television. former NGO team leader in Burundi and Somalia