
The UN Secretary-General welcomed Iran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels on Friday, calling it "a step in the right direction," according to his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. Dujarric stated that the United Nations' position remains clear: the full restoration of international navigation rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz must be respected by all parties. He expressed hope that the reopening of this crucial maritime route, along with a ceasefire, will help to build trust among the parties involved.
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Must ReadA Senegalese delegation led by the Senegalese Shippers' Council COSEC visited Praia, Cape Verde, for three days to strengthen the Dakar-Praia maritime corridor. The mission, following a visit by the President of Senegal last year, aims to consolidate and accelerate trade between the two nations. Despite strong diplomatic ties, trade volume remains below potential, with Cape Verde importing nearly 90% of its needs, presenting significant opportunities for Senegal. The Director General of COSEC, Ndéye Rokhaya THIAM, emphasized the President's view of the Dakar-Praia corridor as a priority for transport and logistics. During meetings with the Cape Verdean Prime Minister and various ministries, the delegation identified key obstacles: irregular maritime links, non-tariff barriers, and phytosanitary constraints. However, technical discussions revealed that standards are largely harmonized, and Senegal's expertise in demanding markets like Europe and the United States reassures Cape Verdean partners. The main challenge is logistical, with COSAMA's Director General affirming readiness to ensure smooth and predictable exchanges, including providing a vessel if administrative conditions are met. The mission concluded with a commitment to action, including a proposal from the Cape Verdean Minister of Finance for a pilot maritime link. A joint technical team will be formed, and the Directorate General of Customs in Praia has clarified early customs clearance mechanisms and duty exemptio
Must ReadLebanon's national news agency reported one fatality in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Friday. This incident occurred despite a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah having taken effect. The ANI agency specified that a motorcyclist was killed in the Bint Jbeil area after being targeted by an enemy drone. Under the terms of the truce, which began at midnight Thursday 9:00 PM GMT, Israel maintains the right to continue targeting the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement to prevent attacks that are planned, imminent, or ongoing.

Saïd Tarraf, a Senegalese-Lebanese industrialist and the leader of Groupe Tarraf, died this Friday morning after a prolonged illness. His body will be removed on Sunday at 9 AM from the Principal Hospital morgue, followed by his burial in Yoff. Saïd Tarraf inherited an empire established in the 1970s by his father, Jamil Tarraf. He took over the family business with his brothers Fouad and Adel, eventually becoming its primary driving force. Under his leadership, Groupe Tarraf became one of Senegal's most significant agro-industrial conglomerates, encompassing approximately fifteen commercial, industrial, and real estate companies. He was widely recognized for popular brands such as Jumbo cubes from Cosepral, Mapal pasta, products from Laiterie Dakaroise, and Senbiscuits. The group also served as a concessionaire for major international brands including Unilever, Lipton, and Dove. In recent years, due to his illness, Saïd Tarraf gradually transferred leadership to his daughter, Alia, who was educated in Canada and took over the group's management. He leaves behind an industrial legacy that has influenced generations of Senegalese consumers and a family, with the condolences of the entire business community.

Former Everton player and Premier League champion Gareth Barry has advised Everton to prioritize keeping Senegalese international Iliman Ndiaye content at the club. Barry, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, highlighted Ndiaye's growing impact on Everton's gameplay, describing him as a rare type of player who naturally attracts interest. He emphasized that such players are difficult to replace, especially for clubs not participating in the Champions League. Barry stated that if he were the club, he would do everything to keep Ndiaye happy, expressing confidence that the club is attentive to his situation and that Ndiaye seems to be enjoying his football.