Congolese women face violence during childbirth in Kinshasa hospitals
via SeneNews4 min read
Numerous women in Kinshasa hospitals, including Sara, report experiencing violence during childbirth, a situation that has drawn the attention of the Congolese President's wife, Denise Tshisekedi. Sara, 31, recounted a traumatic experience two years ago when a doctor attempted to suture an episiotomy without anesthesia. This incident has led her to decide against having more children. The issue of obstetric violence is not openly discussed in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, a predominantly Christian and conservative country. However, a recent viral video showing a naked woman being struck by a doctor in a Kinshasa public hospital delivery room after childbirth sparked widespread outrage. The woman was screaming, and the doctor, unable to keep her still for treatment, resorted to slapping her. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa condemned these "totally inadmissible" acts, and Denise Tshisekedi called for a "rapid, rigorous, and exemplary response." The DRC has a maternal mortality rate of 427 women per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than Europe's 11 deaths per 100,000 live births, a statistic the United Nations deems "worrying," partly due to under-resourced healthcare facilities and a shortage of qualified personnel. The doctor involved in the video was prosecuted and convicted, receiving a two-month suspended prison sentence for assault and battery, and recording the images. He admitted to hitting the patient, claiming she had postpartum hemorrhage and was preven
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadTensions remain high in the Middle East despite a fragile truce between Iran and the United States. A senior Iranian parliamentary official announced that Tehran has received its first revenues from transit fees imposed in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This comes as the conflict over the strait, a vital maritime passage for global oil trade, continues to fuel international concerns. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards also stated they seized two ships attempting to cross the strait, with Panama confirming the seizure of one of its flagged vessels, the MSC Francesca. The US military's Centcom reported ordering 31 ships to turn back or return to port as part of its blockade against Iran, with most complying. The Pentagon reportedly estimated that clearing the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, potentially impacting global hydrocarbon prices, though a Pentagon spokesperson called this information "inaccurate." Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues. Meanwhile, oil prices briefly surged over 4% before moderating, driven by uncertainties surrounding Iran-US talks and the ongoing paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz. In other developments, an emissary for Donald Trump suggested to the Financial Times that Italy replace Iran in the upcoming World Cup, citing the war's impact on Iranian participation, a scenario he confirmed proposing to the US President and FIFA Presid
Robert Bourgi, a lawyer and political advisor who supported Macky Sall throughout his twelve years in power, has adopted a critical stance towards the former head of state. In a letter addressed to Sall, Bourgi reflected on their past relationship and expressed strong reproaches regarding Sall's behavior since leaving office. Bourgi emphasized his unwavering support for Sall, defending him and his program against opponents, including those from Pastef. However, his letter quickly transitioned to direct criticism, primarily concerning Sall's conduct after his mandate ended. Bourgi believes Sall did not emulate his predecessors, Abdou Diouf and Abdoulaye Wade, whom he described as having left power with "dignity and honor." Sall, who has been residing in Marrakech since his departure from the presidency, also faced criticism for his international travels and public statements. Bourgi suggested these actions indicate a desire to "continue to exist" on the public stage, a position he questioned in his correspondence. Additionally, the letter included praise for Aïssata Tall Sall, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, whom Bourgi described as an "extraordinary woman" and an unparalleled figure in his 50 years of political action in France, Africa, and worldwide.
Must ReadFollowing his hearing before the United Nations for the selection of the next Secretary-General, former Senegalese President Macky Sall addressed the press to detail his candidacy's major themes. He presented a vision centered on the UN's traditional foundations: peace and security, human rights, and development. Sall emphasized the interdependence of these three pillars, stating that sustainable international stability requires a strong base of economic and social development, as crises often stem from precariousness and inequality. He advocated for increased resources for human rights, particularly for youth and women. Sall also clarified the political circumstances of his candidacy, noting that he did not receive official support from Senegal, his home country. He explained that after his request for support from Senegal went unanswered, Burundi provided the necessary sponsorship for his candidacy. He highlighted that a candidate for UN Secretary-General must be officially presented by a member state, and this sponsorship is not exclusively tied to the candidate's country of origin.
Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old forward, is reportedly experiencing a challenging period at Paris Saint-Germain. He has seen less playing time recently and has sometimes been excluded from the squad, suggesting he may no longer be a central part of coach Luis Enrique's plans. Internally, there are no strong indications of a desire to keep him, and a departure is becoming a possibility. Several Premier League clubs are closely monitoring his situation, with West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa reportedly expressing interest. Mbaye's profile, characterized by speed, technical skill, and ongoing development, is said to align with current English football requirements. PSG would not oppose a transfer in the upcoming transfer window, believing that a move could provide him with more playing time to continue his development. While no concrete moves have been formalized yet, interest in the young Parisian player appears to be growing.