
Leopoldo Luque, Diego Maradona's former personal neurosurgeon, declared his innocence and expressed deep regret over Maradona's death during his testimony in the trial concerning the football star's 2020 passing. Luque, one of seven healthcare professionals on trial for "homicide with eventual intent" due to alleged negligence, stated, "I cared a lot for him, I loved him, he was my idol and my friend." Maradona died at 60 from cardiorespiratory arrest and pulmonary edema while recovering from neurosurgery for a head hematoma. The prosecution claims Maradona's convalescence was "cruel, summary, deprived of everything" and that the medical team ignored warnings, abandoning him. Luque, however, maintained that Maradona's death was natural and inevitable, citing an autopsy diagnosis of chronic heart failure exacerbated by lack of treatment and associated with toxic substances. He disputed the 12-hour agony scenario presented by forensic doctors, suggesting the pulmonary edema could have resulted from attempts to resuscitate a corpse. Luque clarified his role as a neurosurgeon, not a clinical doctor or psychiatrist, and noted he was not Maradona's doctor when the star stopped receiving cardiac treatment in 2007. He also addressed his close relationship with Maradona, explaining he often visited him as a friend. While acknowledging that home convalescence was the "only option" given the family's refusal to forcibly institutionalize Maradona, Luque distanced himself from the decisio
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The Touba health district recorded 1,048 diagnosed tuberculosis cases in 2025, against a target of 1,124. Health authorities, alerted by Pape Faye, highlight significant challenges in screening and the critical importance of early detection for improved patient management. Only two detection machines are functional in the district, and frequent cartridge shortages further complicate screening efforts. Pape Faye, head of the Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, notes that many patients arrive late at health facilities, complicating their treatment and follow-up. Promiscuity, self-medication, and reliance on traditional healers are also obstacles to timely care. The National Tuberculosis Control Program, in collaboration with the Association of Journalists in Health, Population, and Development, is strengthening information campaigns in the Touba health district to address these issues.
Must ReadSerigne Mountakha Mbacké, the General Caliph of the Mourides, is scheduled to deliver an important message to the Mouride community this Thursday evening. This highly anticipated address will provide guidance for the upcoming Grand Magal de Touba, an emblematic religious event. The announcement was made by the organizing committee of the 18th Safar through its Culture and Communication commission. The declaration, set for 9 PM this Thursday, will allow the religious leader to deliver his traditional message marking the beginning of the month of Safar. It will also communicate orientations and recommendations for the faithful in preparation for the Grand Magal. This address is a significant moment for the Mouride community, which awaits the Caliph's directives for the major religious event.
Must ReadMody Niang, a respected intellectual and former chairman of the board of the daily Le Soleil, has publicly supported Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's statements regarding controversial financial flows to the religious city of Touba. Niang, known for his criticism of past administrations, asserts that the current denunciations are part of a historical pattern of public fund misappropriation and poor governance. He states that "stolen money has always been paid to Touba," citing the eras of former Presidents Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall, and suggesting the practice likely continues today. Niang highlights specific instances, such as 200 million intended for the late Serigne Cheikh Saliou, which were reportedly returned by him to Me Madické Niang. He claims these practices have led to the construction of opulent villas in Touba, owned by well-known individuals like Pape Diop and Samuel Sarr, funded through political funds and public embezzlement. Niang anticipates further reactions to Sonko's declarations, ironically inviting those who might sue Sonko to sue him instead, given his agreement with the Prime Minister's assertions.