Job Vacancy For Data Management & Application Support Geoscientist at TOTAL

For over 50 years, Total Nigeria has remained the leader in the upstream and downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The downstream activities are managed by Total Nigeria Plc with an extensive distribution network of over 500 service stations nationwide and a wide range of top quality energy products and services. The upstream activities are carried out by the following entities: Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) an operator of the NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture, TOTAL Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and various other TOTAL E&P Deepwater subsidiary companies.

Data Management & Application Support Geoscientist

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationBA/BSc/HND  
• Experience 5 years
• LocationRivers
• Job Field ICT / Computer  

 

PORT HARCOURT(NGA)

Job Description

• Manages all seismic data – both raw and processed, including loading and QC of all Company seismic data Monitor interpretation results data generated by Geoscientists and provide Geophysics Application Support to SISMAGE end-users
• Participates in definition of Seismic data governance between Assets and apply the Company rules concerning seismic data management
• Guarantees the integrity, reliability and availability of all Company seismic data

Candidate profile

• Degree in Engineering/Geosciences with at least 5 years relevant experience, of which a significant part is in Geophysics.
• Knowledge in Petroleum Engineering and/or Production data management.
• Knowledge in Seismic data processing to be able to evaluate quality and pertinence of data.
• Experience with Interpretation software currently used by the Industry.
• Experience in Unix and Linux systems.
• Good interpersonal skills required to manage multiple interfaces and relationships.

Offer ID
12638BR

Métier
GeoInformation

Branch
Exploration and Production
Method of Application

Use the link(s) below to apply on company website.

• Visit: www.careers.total.com, If the page defaults in French Click on “English” at the top of the page to change the larguage.
• On the navigation bar Click ‘APPLY TO TOTAL’
• Navigate to ‘Our offers’ and ‘select’ your language preference.
• Click on ‘Advanced Search’
  • In the ‘Country’ text box type and select ‘Nigeria’.
  • Scroll down and click on ‘Search’ to display list of jobs in Nigeria.
  • Select your job preference to view details of the job.
• Click on 'Apply to job’ to complete an online application form.
• You will be requested to create an account if you do not have an existing one. This is mandatory.
• Please fill the form accordingly.
• It is compulsory to attach your CV where it is required in the application form. Your CV must include the following details In the order listed:
  • Name, first name, other names (where applicable)
  • Date of birth
  • Contact address stipulating road/street number(s) only
  • Functional email address. Please Note: ALL communication will be by email ONLY
  • State of Origin
  • Details of tertiary education: institution, degree obtained, class of degree, period of study.
  • Details of secondary education: institution, certificate, period of study
  • Details of primary education: institution, certificate, period of study

Note

• All application forms must be completed online as we are unable to process paper applications.
• Applicants are hereby advised to submit only one application per position as multiple applications may result in cancellation of the application.

Latest Ecobank Nigeria Nationwide Graduate Management Development Programme 2018

Ecobank Development Corporation (Ecobank Capital) is the investment banking and securities trading company of Ecobank Transnational Inc., the Pan African financial institution with banking and financial services operations across 34 countries in Africa, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. We operate across 5 regional offices in Africa namely: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroun and Ivory Coast.

Applications are invited for:

Title: 2018 Ecobank Management Development Programme (EMDP)

Location: Nationwide

Description

• The EMDP - Ecobank Management Development Programme is an intensive program designed to build the bank’s talent pool in order to raise a new generation of leaders for Ecobank. Candidates that undergo this program will upon completion be placed in positions aligned with their skills, experience and strengths at the entry point of functional managerial roles.

Program Features

• 21-month program with a combination of structured training, business-driven assignments and on-the-job projects, where candidates will gain valuable experience across the entire Ecobank Group
• International & Intra-affiliate experience - To provide candidates with global exposure and networking opportunities
• A robust selection process which includes assessment centers, team projects etc.
• Individual Coaching & Mentoring

Who We are Looking For?

• Graduates not more than 28 years old by December 2018
• Must have completed NYSC before commencement of the program
• First degree in any discipline from a reputable institution with minimum of ‘Second Class Upper'
• MBA, M.Sc & MA Graduates from international and reputable local institutions (Full-time study)
• Maximum 1-2 Years work experience
• Commitment to career in Financial Services
• Excellent in verbal and written communication (Ability to speak French will be an added advantage)

Key Competencies:

• Relationship Management skills
• Analytical and Negotiation skills
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Good team player and Strong Interpersonal skills
• Self-driven and result-oriented
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
• Customer Service skills

What’s in it For You?

• Opportunity to build an International Career in the banking industry with a leading Pan- African Institution
• Placement in entry point of functional managerial role at the completion of the program
• Reward and recognition
• Empowerment and accountability
• Opportunity to apply your creative and innovative skills
• Continuous leadership training and development upon completion of the program
• Exposure to other affiliates within the Ecobank Group

Application Closing Date
4th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Vacancy For Process Engineer at TOTAL

For over 50 years, Total Nigeria has remained the leader in the upstream and downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The downstream activities are managed by Total Nigeria Plc with an extensive distribution network of over 500 service stations nationwide and a wide range of top quality energy products and services. The upstream activities are carried out by the following entities: Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) an operator of the NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture, TOTAL Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and various other TOTAL E&P Deepwater subsidiary companies.

Process Engineer

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationBA/BSc/HND  
• Experience 3 years max
• LocationLagos
• Job Field Engineering / Technical  

 

Job Description

Engineering activities - Site Support:

• Conducts process studies in order to optimize production for Onshore / Offshore sites,
• Contributes to formulation of Operating Philosophy for new projects,
• Contributes to formulation of Operations Manual for new projects and review / update existing ones,
• Provides process support for Onshore / Offshore commissioning, Start-up, Ramp-up & Shutdown,
• Provides process assistance to Onshore / Offshore day-to-day Operations (trouble shooting).

Engineering activities - Facility Modification, Upgrade or Debottlenecking:

• Performs core process design activities,
• Reviews engineering studies done by Contractors as required,
• Undertakes de-bottleneck studies and recommends solutions to optimize existing installations,
• Checks that Process Design complies with Company Rules and Specifications,
• Checks that Process Documentation is kept up to date (P&ID, PFD, Operating Manual, etc),
• Contributes to technical audits (HAZOP, HAZID, Company technical audits and quality reviews, etc),
• Participates in site visits during process studies,
• Tracks implementation of Site Modifications as requested.

Production support activities:

• Contributes to the HSE investigations,
• Contributes to the production shortfall analyses,
• Studies, follow up site activities and identifies areas for production improvement,
• Contributes to Problem Solving Groups,
• Provides technical special operations support to Sites (e.g. pigging operations, well clean up, etc),
• Provides specific material to site (e.g. pigging tools, nitrogen, mud skips, …),
• Contributes to the contracting process of the material and services as required,
• Contributes to the Operating Manuals and Procedures.

Candidate profile

• Qualification: BEng / BSc in Chemical, Process, Petroleum Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience: 0-3 years
• Year of graduation: Not earlier than 2013

Offer ID
12634BR

Métier
Upstream Operations

Branch
Exploration and Production
Method of Application

Use the link(s) below to apply on company website.

• Visit: www.careers.total.com, If the page defaults in French Click on “English” at the top of the page to change the larguage.
• On the navigation bar Click ‘APPLY TO TOTAL’
• Navigate to ‘Our offers’ and ‘select’ your language preference.
• Click on ‘Advanced Search’
  • In the ‘Country’ text box type and select ‘Nigeria’.
  • Scroll down and click on ‘Search’ to display list of jobs in Nigeria.
  • Select your job preference to view details of the job.
• Click on 'Apply to job’ to complete an online application form.
• You will be requested to create an account if you do not have an existing one. This is mandatory.
• Please fill the form accordingly.
• It is compulsory to attach your CV where it is required in the application form. Your CV must include the following details In the order listed:
  • Name, first name, other names (where applicable)
  • Date of birth
  • Contact address stipulating road/street number(s) only
  • Functional email address. Please Note: ALL communication will be by email ONLY
  • State of Origin
  • Details of tertiary education: institution, degree obtained, class of degree, period of study.
  • Details of secondary education: institution, certificate, period of study
  • Details of primary education: institution, certificate, period of study

Note

• All application forms must be completed online as we are unable to process paper applications.
• Applicants are hereby advised to submit only one application per position as multiple applications may result in cancellation of the application.

Job Vacancy For Recruitment Officer at TOTAL

For over 50 years, Total Nigeria has remained the leader in the upstream and downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The downstream activities are managed by Total Nigeria Plc with an extensive distribution network of over 500 service stations nationwide and a wide range of top quality energy products and services. The upstream activities are carried out by the following entities: Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) an operator of the NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture, TOTAL Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and various other TOTAL E&P Deepwater subsidiary companies.

Recruitment Officer

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationBA/BSc/HND  
• Experience 3 years
• LocationLagos
• Job Field Human Resources / HR  

 

Job Description

Develop recruitment plan

• Establish recruiting requirements from manpower plans and discussions with hiring managers to determine staffing needs
• Contribute to the development of the Recruitment Plan and its implementation strategy
• Prepare the work plan for the Recruitment Campaign under the supervision of the Head of Recruitment

Implement recruitment campaign

• Work closely with Line Managers to ensure that Recruitment Policies and Procedures are understood and implemented
• Review Job Descriptions of positions to be filled  to determine applicant requirements for preparation of adverts
• Attract applicants by placing job adverts (local newspapers or foreign platforms) and the Group careers website
• Source and shortlist candidates to ensure experience and skill sets match the role requirements
• Administer appropriate company assessments, collate results for validation of the Recruitment Manager and Line hierarchy. 
• Schedule and coordinate interviews & ensure documentation is completed and retained. Follow up on the interview process status.
• Review applicants against consistent set of qualifications and job requirements in wrap up discussions with Line Managers to identify retained candidates.
• Coordinate the logistics for the Recruitment Campaign (local & foreign) and ensure feedback to candidates at every stage of the recruitment process
• Prepare the Recruitment dossier of successful candidates for approvals and signature of the employment contract.
• Perform reference and background checks on retained candidates
• Maintain relationships with both internal and external clients to ensure staffing goals are achieved
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Improves organization attractiveness by recommending new policies and practices; monitoring job offers and compensation practices; emphasizing benefits and perks

Onboarding

• Hire successful candidates in the HR system
• Participate in the integration programme for new hires
• Provide necessary support at the Induction programme for new hires

Reporting

• Provide regular updates to HR, Line Managers and Management on the progress of recruitment campaign
• Prepare periodic reports on recruitment activities

Candidate profile

• A University degree in Sciences, Social Sciences or Humanities.
• Knowledge of and experience in the application of HR policies & procedures (at least 3years of experience)
• The ideal candidate should demonstrate professionalism, posses good interviewing skills, support diversity, and results driven.
• Good organization and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in MS Office suites.

Offer ID
12631BR

Métier
HR General Responsibilities, HR Administration, Human Resources Development

Branch
Exploration and Production
Method of Application

Use the link(s) below to apply on company website.

• Recruitment Officer

To view all available vacancies at TOTAL Nigeria Click Here
The salary structure of TOTAL Nigeria employees is available on mysalaryscale.com
OR

• Visit: www.careers.total.com, If the page defaults in French Click on “English” at the top of the page to change the larguage.
• On the navigation bar Click ‘APPLY TO TOTAL’
• Navigate to ‘Our offers’ and ‘select’ your language preference.
• Click on ‘Advanced Search’
  • In the ‘Country’ text box type and select ‘Nigeria’.
  • Scroll down and click on ‘Search’ to display list of jobs in Nigeria.
  • Select your job preference to view details of the job.
• Click on 'Apply to job’ to complete an online application form.
• You will be requested to create an account if you do not have an existing one. This is mandatory.
• Please fill the form accordingly.
• It is compulsory to attach your CV where it is required in the application form. Your CV must include the following details In the order listed:
  • Name, first name, other names (where applicable)
  • Date of birth
  • Contact address stipulating road/street number(s) only
  • Functional email address. Please Note: ALL communication will be by email ONLY
  • State of Origin
  • Details of tertiary education: institution, degree obtained, class of degree, period of study.
  • Details of secondary education: institution, certificate, period of study
  • Details of primary education: institution, certificate, period of study

Note

• All application forms must be completed online as we are unable to process paper applications.
• Applicants are hereby advised to submit only one application per position as multiple applications may result in cancellation of the application.

THE LATEST: US first lady returns to White House after kidney procedure

US first lady returns to White House after kidney procedure
source: AFP

 AFP/File / JIM WATSON US First Lady Melania Trump underwent a procedure to address a kidney condition

US First Lady Melania Trump returned to the White House on Saturday after undergoing a procedure for a kidney condition and is "doing really well," President Donald Trump said.

"Great to have our incredible First Lady back home in the White House," the president said on Twitter. "Melania is feeling and doing really well. Thank you for all of your prayers and best wishes!"

The Slovenia-born former model underwent an embolization procedure on Monday for a "benign" kidney condition, according to her communications director Stephanie Grisham.

Embolization is most frequently used to cut off the flow of blood to a tumor or growth.

While the procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis, it is not uncommon to stay overnight to treat the pain.

The White House offered no explanation the First Lady's longer stay.

THE LATEST: Matic says Man Utd 'can fight for Premier League title' with right signings

Matic says Man Utd 'can fight for Premier League title' with right signings
source: AFP

AFP / Ian KINGTON Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic reacts to defeat in the 2018 FA Cup final

Nemanja Matic says Manchester United "can fight for the title and the Champions League" if they make the right signings in the transfer window after defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup final left the Old Trafford trophy cabinet bare.

Jose Mourinho's team lost Saturday's showpiece at Wembley 1-0 to Matic's former club, with Eden Hazard's first-half penalty enough to settle the contest.

The defeat means Jose Mourinho was unable to add to the League Cup and Europa League double from his first campaign in charge at Old Trafford.

United finished second in the Premier League, their best position since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, but they were 19 points behind their neighbours Manchester City.

Mourinho has been backed heavily by the club since his arrival, bringing in the likes of Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly, Romelu Lukaku and Matic for big money, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexis Sanchez were signed on huge contracts.

But midfielder Matic believes more is required if United are to compete at home and in Europe next season.

"I think we need some players with some experience to bring some more qualities to our team," Matic said after the defeat to Antonio Conte's team.

"After that, we can fight for the title and the Champions League also. I think that we have improved. As you know, United last year were sixth. The year before that, fifth.

"So we improve, we are second. The only team who is better than us this year is Man City. Obviously, they play amazing football. But we are second and we are in the Champions League next year which is the most important thing."

The Serbia international admits the pressure will be on the whole squad to deliver success because of the lack of silverware this season.

"Of course, this is football," he said. "When you don't win one year the next year (there) is always more pressure. When you play for the club, Manchester United, it is a normal thing and we have to accept that and deal with that.

"When you win the trophy it's different and you feel better but the most important thing is that we can look in the mirror and know we gave our best (in the cup final).

"I feel the team was sad after the game -- we know we deserved more -- but this is football. This is a final -- everything can happen -- so we have to be focused on the next challenge."

THE LATEST: Wise seizes first US PGA Tour title at Byron Nelson

Wise seizes first US PGA Tour title at Byron Nelson
source: AFP

GETTY/AFP / Jared C. Tilton Aaron Wise, who started the day tied for the lead, took full advantage of the ideal scoring conditions firing six birdies in a six-under 66 to win the Byron Nelson by three strokes

Aaron Wise claimed his first US PGA Tour title Sunday, firing six birdies in a six-under 66 to win the Byron Nelson by three strokes over Australian Marc Leishman.

The 21-year-old, who started the day tied for the lead with Leishman, took full advantage of the ideal scoring conditions that prevailed at Trinity Forest when play finally got underway after a four-hour weather delay.

In the tournament's first edition at the new par-71 layout south of Dallas, Wise's 23-under par total of 261 crushed the previous scoring record of 19-under 261 set by Rory Sabbatini at the par-70 TPC Four Seasons in Irving in 2009.

Trinity Forest, a links-style layout with neither tress nor water hazards, offered up a birdie bonanza when softened by rain.

Wise joined the action with back-to-back birdies at the fourth and fifth.

He then birdied four in a row from the seventh through the 10th to set himself up for a march to victory on the back nine -- where one of the most pressing questions he faced was whether he would be able to finish the round before darkness fell.

Leishman, who launched the week with a career-best 61, just couldn't keep pace.

The 34-year-old, seeking a third US PGA Tour title, had an eagle and four birdies but tossed in three bogeys that doomed his bid.

Leishman signed for a three-under par 68 that put him alone in second on 264.

"It's awesome," said Wise, who was coming off a career-best PGA Tour finish of second two weeks ago at Quail Hollow which he said gave him "just a ton of self-belief".

"I felt oddly calm all day long," added Wise, the 2016 NCAA collegiate champion who was making his 18th tour start as a member. "And to play as good as I did, bogey-free, today was awesome."

South African Branden Grace and Americans JJ Spaun and Keith Mitchell shared third on 265.

Grace matched his career best 62 posted at last year's British Open for a 19-under total while Spaun and Mitchell both carded 63s.

Grace had eight birdies and an eagle with one bogey marring his card.

Spaun had eight birdies in his eight-under effort and Mitchell had six birdies and an eagle.

Ryan Blaum got in on the birdie action his six birdies on the front nine including five in a row from the fifth through the ninth. He cooled off with three bogeys and two birdies coming in to card a 66.

His total of 268 left him tied with Kevin Na (68) and Jimmy Walker (67).

THE LATEST: Trump 'demands' probe of alleged spying on his campaign

Trump 'demands' probe of alleged spying on his campaign
source: AFP

AFP/File / NICHOLAS KAMM US President Donald Trump demandedg a Justice Department probe into alleged infiltration of his presidential campaign for political purposes

US President Donald Trump demanded Sunday that the Justice Department investigate whether his presidential campaign was "infiltrated" or spied on for political purposes, prompting it to announce it would look into those issues.

Trump has described the infiltration allegations as being potentially "bigger than Watergate," but Democrats say he is attempting to undermine the year-old investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible collusion with his campaign, headed by special counsel Robert Mueller.

"I hereby demand, and will do so officially tomorrow, that the Department of Justice look into whether or not the FBI/DOJ infiltrated or surveilled the Trump Campaign for Political Purposes - and if any such demands or requests were made by people within the Obama Administration!" Trump tweeted.

Trump's angry order came amid building pressure from the year-old Russia meddling investigation, and as US media reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigations sent a Britain-based American professor to speak separately with Trump campaign advisers in 2016.

A New York Times report described the professor as "an informant," saying the federal agency was looking into evidence that Carter Page and George Papadopoulos had suspicious contacts with Russia.

The Washington Post called him "a longtime US intelligence source," and said he met with a third campaign adviser -- Sam Clovis -- as well as Page and Papadopoulos.

Trump and his supporters have cast the man as a mole possibly sent by the Obama administration to burrow into his campaign.

The Justice Department tasked its internal watchdog with looking into the issues raised by Trump.

But it paired that inquiry with an existing "review" of the application process for FISA national security warrants, which Republicans allege was abused in connection with the surveillance of Page.

- Expanding an 'ongoing review' -

"The department has asked the inspector general to expand the ongoing review of the FISA application process to include determining whether there was any impropriety or political motivation in how the FBI conducted its counterintelligence investigation of persons suspected of involvement with the Russian agents who interfered in the 2016 presidential election," spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement.

Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who oversees the Russia investigation, said: "If anyone did infiltrate or surveil participants in a presidential campaign for inappropriate purposes, we need to know about it and take appropriate action."

While Trump allies in Congress have demanded more information about the informant, law enforcement officials have refused, saying the source -- not yet officially identified -- could be in danger if named.

Efforts to identify the FBI informant -- and Trump's claims -- have drawn fire from Democratic lawmakers.

"It would be at best irresponsible, and at worst potentially illegal, for members of Congress to use their positions to learn the identity of an FBI source for the purpose of undermining the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in our election," said Senator Mark Warner, the Senate Intelligence Committee's top Democrat.

"Trump's claim of an embedded 'spy' is nonsense. His 'demand' DOJ investigate something they know to be untrue is an abuse of power, and an effort to distract from his growing legal problems," tweeted Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.

Joaquin Castro, another House Democrat, responded to Trump's demand for Justice Department action by tweeting: "@realDonaldTrump - Let Mueller do his job. Stay out of it. You need to be subpoenaed for obstruction of justice/conspiracy/money laundering."

"Obstruction in broad daylight," Democratic lawmaker Eric Swalwell wrote.

Trump lawyer Rudolph Giuliani, a former Justice Department prosecutor and assistant attorney general, told CNN on Friday that it was unclear whether an FBI informant had been embedded in the campaign, while adding that the agency "should tell us if there was."

THE LATEST: Trump, Moon discuss N. Korea's threat to scrap summit

Trump, Moon discuss N. Korea's threat to scrap summit
source: AFP

AFP/File / JIM WATSON Trump and Moon have agreed to "work closely" to ensure the US President's meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un is a success

US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday discussed North Korea's recent threats to cancel its unprecedented summit with Washington, Seoul's presidential office said.

After weeks of warm words and diplomatic backslapping, Pyongyang abruptly threatened to pull out of the planned summit next month because of US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment", according to the North's official KCNA news agency.

North Korea also cancelled at the last minute a high-level meeting with the South, protesting joint military drills between Seoul and Washington.

In a phone conversation on Sunday, Trump and Moon "exchanged views on various actions taken by North Korea recently", Moon's office said in a statement.

The two leaders agreed to "work closely" for the success of the landmark summit in Singapore on June 12, which would be the first meeting between a sitting US President and a North Korean leader.

They are due to meet in Washington on Tuesday.

North Korea's sudden shift in attitude followed a weeks-long charm offensive that has seen leader Kim Jong Un hold a historic summit with Moon and meet twice with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

At a dramatic summit last month in the Demilitarised Zone dividing their two countries, Kim and Moon pledged to pursue nuclear disarmament and a peace treaty.

Pyongyang also raised hopes ahead of the US summit by announcing it will destroy its nuclear testing site next week.

But the promise is open to interpretation on both sides and the North has spent decades developing its atomic arsenal, culminating last year in its sixth nuclear test -- by far its biggest to date -- and the launch of missiles capable of reaching the US.

THE LATEST: In breakthrough, surgeon builds windpipes from arteries

In breakthrough, surgeon builds windpipes from arteries
source: AFP

AFP / CHRISTOPHE SIMON French surgeon Emmanuel Martinod and his team at Avicenne Hospital near Paris have carried out more than a dozen trachea transplants using donor aortas

Where others failed, sometimes spectacularly, French surgeon Emmanuel Martinod has helped people whose windpipes have been ravaged by cancer and other diseases to live and breathe normally again.

At least one of his patients, sporting a new trachea, has taken up long-distance running.

Since 2009, Martinod and his team at Avicenne Hospital near Paris have carried out more than a dozen trachea transplants using donor aortas reinforced with custom-made internal scaffolding, called stents.

Hailed by one US throat surgeon as a "major advance", the reconstructive technique was detailed Sunday in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and presented at a medical congress in San Diego, California.

Previous efforts to rebuild the windpipe and airways from scratch had focused on using artificial tubes seeded with the patient's own stem cells.

This approach was made famous -- and then notorious -- by disgraced Italian surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, who performed synthetic trachea transplants on eight patients from 2011 to 2014. Seven died from complications, and the whereabouts of the eighth is unknown.

It was later revealed that Macchiarini falsified results in published studies.

Martinod struck on the idea of using aortas -- the largest artery in the body -- from deceased donors to replace damaged sections of trachea, the roughly 10-centimetre (four-inch) tube of cartilage and tissue that connect the larnyx to bronchial tubes feeding into the lungs.

The thick walls of aortas are designed to withstand a lifetime of pressure, chaneling blood pumped by the heart.

- From surprise to surprise -

Harvested from donors, the arteries can be frozen to minus 80 degrees Celsius (minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit) and stored, ensuring an ample supply.

The freezing process, Martinod discovered, had another huge advantage: it removed the need for a life-long regimen of medications to prevent the immune system from rejecting a transplanted organ or body part.

Follow-ups on the first patients to receive new windpipes brought even more good news.

"We went from surprise to surprise, because we saw a regeneration of epithelium," he told AFP.

The inside of a healthy trachea is lined with a thin film, called epithelium, that moistens and protects the airways. It also functions as a barrier to disease and foreign particles transported toward the mouth by tiny, hair-like cilia.

Unexpectedly, this crucial layer had appeared on the inner surface of the repurposed aortas. New cartilage had also begun to form.

"That was the ultimate surprise -- the aorta transforming itself into a trachea," said Martinod. "It's not magic, but no one really believed it could happen that way."

Eric Volery might disagree about the magic.

The 40-year old Frenchman suffered from an acute narrowing of the windpipe called tracheal stenosis, and he was slowing choking to death.

- An 'elegant solution' -

A tracheotomy -- a hole cut through his throat directly into a less constricted part of his windpipe -- was keeping him alive.

"I had to put a finger over the hole to talk," he recalled. "I'll never forget the doctor who told me: 'Mister, your working days and love life are finished'."

Martinod operated on Volery in 2011, replacing his trachea and reinforcing it with a stent. Within a few years, an epithelium has formed and the stent was removed.

"He's in perfect health, and is fond of taking 45 or 50-minute runs," the surgeon said.

Peers have reacted favourably to the findings.

"This represents a major advance in the management of diseases affecting the central airways," commented Valerie Rusch, a surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, writing in JAMA.

"This approach provides an elegant solution to challenges that have long bedevilled the field of tracheal surgery."

In the study, Martinod and colleagues described the outcomes for 13 transplant patients: five tracheas, seven bronchi and one carina, which is where the trachea divides.

The carina transplant patient died sometime after surgery. The other 12 are all survived at least 90 days, and 10 of them were alive after nearly four years. Eight of these ten are breathing normally.

All the stents were removed, on average 18 months after the surgery.

THE LATEST: Venezuela: timeline of Maduro's rocky presidency

Venezuela: timeline of Maduro's rocky presidency
source: AFP

AFP / Juan BARRETO Nicolas Maduro (C) dances with supporters after he was declared the winner of Venezuela's presidential election

Here is a look back at the major events in the turbulent rule of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, who sealed a second six-year term on Sunday which will keep him in the presidency until 2025.

- Takes over from Chavez -

In March 2013 Hugo Chavez -- Venezuela's leader since 1999 and initiator of its socialist-inspired "Bolivarian Revolution" -- dies of cancer.

The next month Maduro, his vice president and appointed successor, becomes president with a narrow win of 50.62 percent of votes in a disputed election.

Venezuela's legislature, the National Assembly, grants Maduro special powers in November that allow him to govern by decree for one year in order to fight inflation and shortages of food and medicine.

- Deadly protests erupt -

A wave of anti-government protests in February 2014, amid a deepening economic crisis, erupts into clashes. Over four months demonstrations are violently repressed, leaving 43 people dead.

Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is arrested on charges of inciting the violence. He is later released from jail in 2017 but put under house arrest.

In March three generals are arrested, accused of plotting a coup.

- Crackdown -

In February 2015 the mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, is arrested and jailed over allegations of plotting to overthrow Maduro. He later flees to Spain.

In March, Washington orders sanctions against senior Venezuelan officials involved in an opposition crackdown.

Maduro later obtains new special powers to govern by decree.

In December, the price of oil plummets to its lowest level in seven years, leading to major food and medicine shortages.

In the same month the opposition takes control of the National Assembly in a landslide victory.

In March 2016, the opposition launches a failed bid for a recall referendum aimed at removing Maduro from office before the end of his term.

In September, hundreds of thousands rally in Caracas to support the recall measure.

- New assembly created -

In March 2017 the Supreme Court, considered close to Maduro, assumes the powers of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, drawing cries of a pro-Maduro "coup."

The decision however is reversed in April after fierce criticism and international pressure. A new wave of protests begins that lasts four months and leaves 125 dead.

In May, Maduro launches moves to create a Constituent Assembly tasked with rewriting Venezuela's constitution. The opposition charges the new body, which will supersede the National Assembly, is a ploy to cling to power and will be packed with Maduro loyalists.

Elections for the Constituent Assembly are held in July. They are boycotted by the opposition and marked by massive protests in which 10 people die.

Maduro claims victory but the results are disputed.

In August the new all-powerful assembly sacks attorney general Luisa Ortega, a strident Maduro critic.

- Isolation, default -

As Ortega's firing is announced, countries in the South American trading bloc, Mercosur, announce the indefinite suspension of Venezuela for "rupture of the democratic order."

The United Nations condemns the "excessive use of force" and Washington imposes new sanctions.

Maduro's socialists sweep regional elections in October, and then municipal elections in December.

Several credit agencies in November 2017 declare Venezuela and state-backed oil giant PDVSA in partial default. Moscow lends support.

-Re-election to 2025-

In January 2018, the Constituent Assembly says a presidential election, originally scheduled for December, must be held before April 30.

The announcement catches a divided and weakened opposition off-guard.

In February, the date for the poll is set for April 22 but it is later again delayed to May 20.

Maduro wins, hailing a "historic record" with nearly 68 percent of the vote. His challengers reject the vote as invalid and call for fresh elections.

THE LATEST: China satellite heralds first mission to dark side of Moon

China satellite heralds first mission to dark side of Moon
source: AFP

AFP / - The Queqiao 'Magpie Bridge' satellite was blasted into space from the southwestern Xichang launch centre

China launched on Monday a relay satellite that will allow a rover to communicate with the Earth from the far side of the Moon during an unprecedented mission later this year.

The Queqiao ("Magpie Bridge") satellite was blasted into space from the southwestern Xichang launch centre in the pre-dawn hours, according to the China National Space Administration.

The satellite split from its carrier, a Long March-4C rocket, after 25 minutes and unfolded its solar panels and communication antennas, as it headed towards its destination, the CNSA said.

"The launch is a key step for China to realise its goal of being the first country to send a probe to soft-land on and rove the far side of the Moon," Zhang Lihua, manager of the relay satellite project, was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua news agency.

The satellite will relay communications between controllers on Earth and the far side of the moon, where the Chang'e-4 lunar probe -- named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology -- will be sent later this year.

Also known as the "dark side" of the Moon, the far hemisphere is never directly visible from Earth and while it has been photographed, with the first images appearing in 1959, it has never been explored.

The Chang'e-4 rover will be sent to the Aitken Basin in the lunar south pole region, according to Xinhua.

It will be the second Chinese probe to land on the Moon, following the Yutu ("Jade Rabbit") rover mission in 2013.

At first, the Yutu looked destined to fail when the rover stopped sending signals back to Earth.

But then it made a dramatic recovery, ultimately surveying the Moon's surface for 31 months, well beyond its expected lifespan.

The CNSA is planning to send another lunar rover, Chang'e-5, next year to collect samples and bring them back to Earth.

China is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of sending humans to the Moon in the near future.

THE LATEST: Japan-US trade surplus edges up in April

Japan-US trade surplus edges up in April
source: afp


AFP / Kazuhiro NOGI The trade row between Washington and Tokyo has cast a shadow over the relationship between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump, who have forged otherwise close ties

Japan's politically sensitive trade surplus with the US edged up in April, government data showed Monday, after Tokyo warned it may take retaliatory measures against US tariffs.

Japan logged a surplus in April of 615.7 billion yen ($5.6 billion) with the US, up 4.7 percent after a 0.3 percent decline the previous month, as demand for cars and construction machinery increased, according to finance ministry data.

The fresh data comes after Tokyo informed the WTO it had the right to impose tariffs worth 50 billion yen ($451 million) on US goods -- equivalent to the impact of the US tariffs newly imposed on Japanese steel and aluminium products.

The European Union has made it clear that it does not for now intend to use the countermeasures, but that its notification to the WTO leaves all options on the table as a June 1 deadline for Washington to retract its tariffs approaches.

On Sunday, Washington and Beijing said they had agreed to avoid a potential trade war and back off from imposing tariffs on each other.

US President Donald Trump sparked fears of a trade war in March when he decided to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminium imports, primarily to target China, but also allies, including EU countries as well as Japan.

Marking a departure from a decades-long, US-led drive for open and free trade, Trump has claimed that massive flows of imports to the United States threaten national security.

While Washington has granted Europe and other allies a delay until the end of the month from imposing the controversial levies, Japan remains on the list of countries facing the tariffs.

China has already taken retaliatory measures but Japan had taken a conciliatory approach, attempting to win exemptions through dialogue.

The trade row has cast a shadow over the relationship between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump, who have forged otherwise close ties.

Japan's overall trade surplus jumped 30.9 percent to 626.0 billion yen in April, higher than market expectations of a 440-billion yen surplus, the ministry said.

Exports edged up 7.8 percent due to growth in demand for cars, ships and chip-making equipment, while imports also grew 5.9 percent year-on-year.

The yen was on average 4.2 percent higher against the dollar in April compared to the same month a year earlier, the ministry said.

The costs of importing crude oil expanded, while imports of power-generating machinery also rose, the ministry said.

THE LATEST: Dangerous 'laze' forms as Hawaii volcano lava reaches ocean

Dangerous 'laze' forms as Hawaii volcano lava reaches ocean
source: AFP

US Geological Survey/AFP / Handout This US Geological Survey (USGS) image obtained on May 20 shows a lava channel emerging on Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone

Authorities in Hawaii have warned of dangerous "laze" fumes as molten lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano reached the Pacific Ocean.

Two lava flows "reached the ocean along the southeast Puna coast overnight," on Hawaii's Big Island, the US Geological Survey, which monitors volcanoes and earthquakes worldwide, said in a statement Sunday.

A crack however opened in the ground under one of the lava channels, "diverting the lava... into underground voids," the statement said.

When the hot lava flow hits the water it produces acid fumes known as "laze" - lava and haze.

"The plume is an irritating mixture of hydrochloric acid gas (HCl), steam, and tiny volcanic glass particles," the USGS said.

"This hot, corrosive gas mixture caused two deaths immediately adjacent to the coastal entry point in 2000, when seawater washed across recent and active lava flows."

The USGS also warned that volcanic gas emissions "have tripled as a result of the voluminous eruptions."

Moderate winds means that areas downwind from the volcano "may experience varying levels of vog," or volcanic smog, a haze created when emissions react to oxygen, moisture, dust, and sunlight, the USGS said.

One giant lava flow grew to 20 feet (six meters) in height and blocked a portion of Highway 137, seriously impacting area residents, Hawaii News Now reported.

Kilauea is the world's most active volcano and one of five on Hawaii's Big Island.

It started erupting on May 3, prompting about 2,000 people to flee from their mountainside homes.

Scientists believe the volcanic activity may be a precursor to a major eruption similar to the one that shook the island in the mid-1920s.

But they say they expect no loss of life given that the most exposed residential areas have been evacuated and the region where the volcano is located -- on the southeastern part of the island -- is lightly populated.

Authorities have warned residents to stay away from the evacuated neighborhoods, warning that toxic sulfur dioxide seeping out of nearly two dozen fissures could prove deadly.

THE LATEST: Asian markets rise as China and US agree to avert trade war

Asian markets rise as China and US agree to avert trade war
source: AFP

AFP / - Investors have welcomed news that China and the US have stepped back from the brink of a potentially demaging trade war

Asian and European markets mostly rose Monday and the dollar extended gains after the US and China said they had agreed to hold off imposing tariffs, averting a potentially damaging trade war.

After high-level talks in Washington the two economic superpowers revealed a deal had been hammered out, ending months of tension that have sent financial markets into a frenzy.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Fox News on Sunday that "right now we have agreed to put the tariffs on hold" while Xinhua reported China's Vice Premier Liu He as saying "the two sides reached a consensus, will not fight a trade war, and will stop increasing tariffs on each other".

While short on detail, the announcements provided much relief to investors, who had been fearing the imposition of levies on billions of dollars of exports between the two sides.

"The latest statement on the China-US trade suggests both parties are happy to avoid the dreaded tit-for-tat escalation while working towards a more market-friendly bilateral trade agreement," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA.

"The intentional vagueness delivered by both parties' statements suggests a great divide, but there's a hint of a consensus, none the less, to bridge that gap. So given the possible worst-case scenario was avoided the market should view the latest trade discussions as a favourable."

- Dollar rallies -

Hong Kong rose 0.6 percent and Shanghai was up 0.6 percent. Tokyo added 0.3 percent as the weaker yen helped Japanese exporters.

Singapore added 0.8 percent and Seoul gained 0.2 percent, while Taipei rallied 1.3 percent. However, Sydney dipped 0.1 percent and Wellington shed 0.5 percent.

In early European trade London rose 0.4 percent and Paris added 0.3 percent. Frankfurt was closed for a public holiday.

The positive news also lifted the dollar, which had faced some selling pressure after Donald Trump earlier in the year imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

The greenback was sitting at its highest level against the euro since December, while it was at a four-month peak against the yen.

"After the US-China agreement on backing off from imposing trade tariffs on each other, one risk-off factor was removed, which pushed the dollar up against the yen," Marito Ueda, senior dealer at FX Prime in Tokyo, told AFP.

Traders are awaiting the release on Wednesday of minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting, hoping for fresh clues about its plans for raising interest rates.

Continuing improvement in the US economy has fanned expectations the central bank will lift borrowing costs four times this year.

- Key figures around 0810 GMT -

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.3 percent at 23,002.37 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.6 percent at 31,234.35 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.6 percent at 3,213.84 (close)

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.4 percent at 7,812.98

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1730 from $1.1780 at 2100 GMT on Friday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3416 from $1.3471

Dollar/yen: UP at 111.35 yen from 110.77 yen

Oil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 41 cents at $71.69

Oil - Brent North Sea: UP 44 cents at $78.95 per barrel

New York - Dow: FLAT at 24,715.09 (close)

THE LATEST: New death in DR Congo Ebola outbreak -- toll at 26

New death in DR Congo Ebola outbreak -- toll at 26
source: AFP

 AFP / Junior D. KANNAH A woman washes her hands in Mbandaka, DRC, as authorities prepare to launch a programme to immunise first responders with an experimental Ebola vaccine

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 26 after a person died in the northwest city of Mbandaka, Health Minister Oly Ilunga said on Monday.

"A death was recorded (on Sunday), while two people who had been confirmed as ill with the Ebola virus were cured on Saturday," he said.

"The two people who were cured have returned to their families," he told reporters.

Those two cases occurred at Bikoro, a remote rural area where the outbreak was announced on May 8 and then spread to Mbandaka -- an event that has deeply worried health experts.

The current toll is 49 cases, comprising 22 confirmed by laboratory tests, 21 probable cases and six suspected cases, Ilunga said. Three new cases had been reported on Saturday.

Authorities in the DRC on Monday were to launch a programme to immunise first responders with an experimental Ebola vaccine.

The first phase will unfold in Mbandaka on Monday, followed on Saturday in Bikoro, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) away.

Donors have promised 300,000 doses of the vaccine, a government spokesman said, of which around 5,400 have already been received.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched 35 immunisation experts, including 16 mobilised during the last deadly outbreak in West Africa which occurred in 2013. The rest of the team is made up of newly trained Congolese staff.

"I'm pleased to say that vaccination is starting as we speak," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director-general, said on Monday as the UN's health agency met in an assembly.

Alarm bells sounded on Thursday when a first case was reported in Mbandaka, a city of around 1.2 million people located on the Congo River.

A major transport hub, the city is located upstream from the DRC capital Kinshasa and Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, and downstream from Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, one of the poorest countries in the world.


AFP / JUNIOR KANNAH Medical supplies have been rushed to DR Congo to help the country combat the Ebola outbreak. A first wave of immunisations, using an experimental vaccine, will be carried out among health workers on the front line


One of the world's most notorious diseases, Ebola is a virus-caused haemorrhagic fever that in extreme cases causes fatal bleeding from internal organs, the mouth, eyes or ears.

It has a natural reservoir in a species of tropical African fruit bats, from which it is believed to leap to humans who kill and butcher the animals for food.

Transmission among humans then typically spreads through close contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions or organs of someone who is sick with Ebola or has recently died.

The average fatality rate is around 50 percent, varying from 25 percent to 90 percent, according to the WHO.

As there is no licensed drug to treat or prevent the disease, doctors use time-honoured methods of identifying and isolating patients, and tracing people who have been in contact with them.

The job, which requires strict safety protocols, is exhausting and requires mustering large numbers of personnel. The task is greatly complicated when the disease spreads to a city.

The outbreak is the ninth in DR Congo since the disease was first identified in 1976. It was named after a Congolese river where the first cases were recorded.

The last outbreak was in 2017, and was rapidly curtailed with four deaths.

THE LATEST: More IS fighters leave Damascus district: monitor

More IS fighters leave Damascus district: monitor
source: AFP

SANA/AFP/File / Handout Syrian government and allied forces started an operation last month to flush out jihadists and other groups from a cluster of neighbourhoods in southern Damascus

A second batch of fighters from the Islamic State jihadist group left their final Damascus stronghold overnight, a monitor said Monday, bringing the Syrian regime closer to a major milestone.

The government has so far not confirmed any deal with IS, but a military source quoted by state media said civilians had been evacuated on Sunday night during a brief ceasefire.

"A second batch of elements from the Islamic State organisation left after midnight," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"They are heading to a pocket in the desert still under the control of the extremist organisation," the Britain-based monitoring group said.

The first group of IS fighters was transferred by bus out of southern Damascus on Sunday, the monitor said.

Government and allied forces started an operation last month to flush out jihadists and other groups from a cluster of neighbourhoods in southern Damascus.

They include Yarmuk, which was the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria and has been a besieged IS stronghold since 2015, as well as the adjacent neighbourhoods of Tadamun and Hajar al-Aswad.

The evacuation of those areas would bring the entire capital and its surroundings under regime control for the first time since 2012.

State media has thus far fiercely denied reaching a deal with IS, but state news agency SANA reported for the first time Monday that some evacuations had taken place.

Citing a military source, it said women and children had been bussed out during a ceasefire that would remain in place until noon (0900 GMT) on Monday, but that the government would subsequently resume operations.

President Bashar al-Assad has used a combination of military pressure and evacuation deals in recent months to recapture territory around the capital from his armed opponents.

The assault against the jihadist force in southern Damascus has left more than 250 pro-regime forces, 233 jihadists and more than 60 civilians dead, according to the Britain-based Observatory.

The monitor's head Rami Abdel Rahman said the evacuation operation took place "at night and in secret".

"The Syrian government does not admit to negotiating with IS and wants to make sure the convoy is not targeted by the coalition led by Washington," he added.

Last year, IS fighters and relatives were evacuated from an area on the Lebanese-Syrian border under a deal between IS on one side and the regime and the powerful Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah on the other.

The US-led coalition bombing IS in Syria since 2014 sent planes to monitor the convoy, picking off dozens of jihadists along the way.

THE LATEST: More IS fighters leave Damascus district: monitor

More IS fighters leave Damascus district: monitor
source: AFP

SANA/AFP/File / Handout Syrian government and allied forces started an operation last month to flush out jihadists and other groups from a cluster of neighbourhoods in southern Damascus

A second batch of fighters from the Islamic State jihadist group left their final Damascus stronghold overnight, a monitor said Monday, bringing the Syrian regime closer to a major milestone.

The government has so far not confirmed any deal with IS, but a military source quoted by state media said civilians had been evacuated on Sunday night during a brief ceasefire.

"A second batch of elements from the Islamic State organisation left after midnight," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"They are heading to a pocket in the desert still under the control of the extremist organisation," the Britain-based monitoring group said.

The first group of IS fighters was transferred by bus out of southern Damascus on Sunday, the monitor said.

Government and allied forces started an operation last month to flush out jihadists and other groups from a cluster of neighbourhoods in southern Damascus.

They include Yarmuk, which was the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria and has been a besieged IS stronghold since 2015, as well as the adjacent neighbourhoods of Tadamun and Hajar al-Aswad.

The evacuation of those areas would bring the entire capital and its surroundings under regime control for the first time since 2012.

State media has thus far fiercely denied reaching a deal with IS, but state news agency SANA reported for the first time Monday that some evacuations had taken place.

Citing a military source, it said women and children had been bussed out during a ceasefire that would remain in place until noon (0900 GMT) on Monday, but that the government would subsequently resume operations.

President Bashar al-Assad has used a combination of military pressure and evacuation deals in recent months to recapture territory around the capital from his armed opponents.

The assault against the jihadist force in southern Damascus has left more than 250 pro-regime forces, 233 jihadists and more than 60 civilians dead, according to the Britain-based Observatory.

The monitor's head Rami Abdel Rahman said the evacuation operation took place "at night and in secret".

"The Syrian government does not admit to negotiating with IS and wants to make sure the convoy is not targeted by the coalition led by Washington," he added.

Last year, IS fighters and relatives were evacuated from an area on the Lebanese-Syrian border under a deal between IS on one side and the regime and the powerful Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah on the other.

The US-led coalition bombing IS in Syria since 2014 sent planes to monitor the convoy, picking off dozens of jihadists along the way.

LATEST: Malaysia sets up task force to probe 1MDB scandal

Malaysia sets up task force to probe 1MDB scandal
source: AFP

 AFP/File / MOHD RASFAN Allegations that billions of dollars were looted from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB by ex-leader Najib Razak helped Mahathir Mohamad's reformist alliance to a shock victory at the May 9 polls

Malaysia on Monday set up a task force to probe allegations that billions of dollars were looted from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in an audacious fraud overseen by ousted leader Najib Razak.

New Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad led a reformist alliance to a shock victory at the May 9 polls over Najib's coalition, which had governed Malaysia uninterrupted for over six decades.

A major reason for the success of 92-year-old Mahathir was public disgust at allegations of endemic corruption among the country's ruling elite, and in particular an explosive scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB.

The fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad, was set up in 2009 ostensibly to promote the development of the Malaysian economy.

But it is alleged that Najib, his family and cronies looted the investment vehicle in a massive fraud stretching from the Cayman Islands to New York, with stolen funds used to buy everything from real estate to artworks.

Since Najib's ouster, Malaysians have been gripped by a series of police raids on properties linked to the ex-leader, which have yielded a stash of hundreds of luxury handbags believed to belong to his despised wife Rosmah Mansor, as well as suitcases stuffed with cash and jewels.

Mahathir -- who first served as premier from 1981-2003 and came out of retirement to take on Najib -- had pledged to reopen probes into 1MDB.

The new task force will be charged with seizing back assets and pursuing legal action against those suspected of breaking the law in relation to the fund, said the prime minister's office.

"The government hopes the setting up of this task force, comprising a multi-agency enforcement unit, will help restore the dignity of Malaysia that has been tainted by the 1MDB kleptocracy scandal," said Mahathir's office.

The task force will include representatives of the anti-graft agency, the police and the attorney-general's office. Some of those on the body were part of previous probes into the controversy but were pushed out by Najib's regime as he moved to shut down domestic investigations.

- Complex web of transactions -

Several current and former senior government officials will lead the task force, including Abdul Gani Patail, the former attorney-general who was removed from his post in 2015 as he was leading investigations into 1MDB.

Huge sums of money from the fund are believed to have been funnelled round the world in a complex web of transactions, and the task force's remit will include reaching out to law enforcement agencies in other countries, including the US, Switzerland, Singapore and Canada, according to Mahathir's office.


AFP / Manan VATSYAYANA Mahathir has told an audience of civil servants that Malaysia has lost respect over the 1MDB scandal


The US Statement Department alleges in civil lawsuits that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB and sent to the United States, where it was spent on funding the Hollywood film "The Wolf of Wall Street" and lavish purchases including Monet and Van Gogh paintings.

Najib and 1MDB have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The ex-leader, 64, sought to mount a fightback over the weekend, insisting he had not stolen any public money during a speech to hundreds of supporters in the constituency where he has been an MP for decades.

Mahathir, a former mentor of Najib who turned on him over 1MDB, is determined ro breathe new life into democratic institutions that suffered under the ex-premier's increasingly authoritarian rule and usher in a new dawn for the country.

In a speech to civil servants Monday, Mahathir said that Malaysia's debt had ballooned to more than one trillion ringgit ($251 billion).

"We must realise that before our country was respected, but now it is no longer respected," he said.