In a dramatic turn of events, Col Michael Randrianirina has emerged as Madagascar’s most influential figure, following a swift and unexpected ascent to power. Just days ago, Randrianirina was relatively unknown, but as the head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, he led his troops into the capital, joining thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. After Rajoelina fled and MPs voted to impeach him, Randrianirina announced to the world that CAPSAT was taking control. The constitutional court swiftly declared him the country’s new leader, despite Rajoelina’s claims of continued authority. Randrianirina’s background is shrouded in mystery, with limited public information available. Born in Sevohipoty, he served as governor of Androy and later led an infantry battalion in Toliara. A vocal critic of Rajoelina, he was imprisoned in 2023 without trial, accused of inciting mutiny, but was released in 2024 amid claims of political persecution. Randrianirina, described as ‘simple but tough’ and ‘patriotic,’ has pledged to prioritize social welfare in a nation where 75% live in poverty. He plans a two-year military-civilian government before elections. His swearing-in ceremony is imminent, marking the culmination of a whirlwind rise from obscurity to leadership.
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As US shutdown starts to bite, how much could it hit economy?
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has plunged millions of federal employees into financial uncertainty, with widespread repercussions for the economy and individual households. Michael Galletly, an IT management specialist at Utah’s Department of Agriculture and president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 4016, is among those affected. Placed on unpaid leave, Galletly and his wife spent hours strategizing how to navigate the crisis, cutting back on expenses and delaying major purchases. ‘I could make it two months, maybe three lean, very lean months,’ he said, expressing uncertainty about the shutdown’s duration. The impasse has disrupted travel, delayed government approvals, and shuttered museums, with broader economic impacts now emerging. Analysts warn that the shutdown is reaching a critical inflection point, with business and consumer confidence declining. The suspension of key economic data releases, such as the monthly jobs report, has added to the uncertainty, forcing firms to delay spending decisions and increasing the risk of policy errors. In Utah, Galletly has applied for unemployment insurance and sought accommodations from banks holding his mortgage and car loans. ‘Having been through this before—this is my third government shutdown as a federal employee—I just can’t afford to hope for the best,’ he said. The Trump administration’s unprecedented threats to deny backpay and initiate permanent firings have heightened the stakes, particularly in a slowing economy already strained by tariffs, immigration rule changes, and earlier spending cuts. Economists project a 0.2 percentage point hit to quarterly growth per week, with potential long-term damage if the shutdown persists. The Washington, DC region, already reeling from earlier government cuts, faces severe repercussions, with consumer spending in the metro area dropping significantly during the 2013 shutdown. Local businesses, such as Duke’s Counter near the National Zoo, have seen sales plummet by over 50%. ‘It’s not just federal workers and contractors who are affected here. It’s the entire ecosystem,’ said Daniel Kramer, the restaurant’s managing partner. As the shutdown drags on, families like Allison’s in Ohio are making difficult choices, canceling trips and deferring mortgage payments. ‘If this continues through December, I don’t know what we’re going to do,’ she said, highlighting the widespread anxiety gripping federal employees and their communities.
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Australian PM’s phone number leaked on US-based website
Australian authorities have launched an investigation after the private phone number of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was leaked on a US-based website. The platform, which claims to provide access to 300 million professionals from 30 million companies, allegedly scrapes data from public sources such as LinkedIn. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed they are aware of the breach and are working to remove the Prime Minister’s personal details from the site. Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the government’s concern and efforts to address the issue. The leak also exposed the contact information of several other prominent Australians, raising broader questions about online data privacy. Digital Rights Watch chair Lizzie O’Shea called for stricter regulations on the transfer of personal data outside Australia, highlighting the reliance on US tech companies. The AFP warned that using communication services to harass or menace individuals is a criminal offense, and they will take swift action against violators. The incident has ignited public debate over the protection of personal information in the digital age.
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Kenyans gather to mourn Raila Odinga
The city of Nairobi has come together in a solemn gathering to honor the memory of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80. Odinga, a prominent political figure in Kenya, died while undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in India. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and reflection among citizens, who remember him as a pivotal leader in the nation’s history. The mourning event, held in the heart of Nairobi, saw a diverse crowd of supporters, political allies, and ordinary citizens paying their respects. Odinga’s legacy, marked by his contributions to Kenya’s democratic evolution and his role in shaping the country’s political landscape, continues to resonate deeply across Africa and beyond. The gathering not only commemorates his life but also underscores the profound impact he had on the nation and its people.
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Comera Pay joins with TAMM to power digital payments in Abu Dhabi
In a landmark move to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation, Comera Pay, a subsidiary of the Royal Group, has joined forces with TAMM, the Emirate’s unified digital platform for government services. The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during GITEX Global 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This partnership marks the official integration of Comera Pay as a direct payment option within the TAMM ecosystem, enabling residents and businesses to conduct seamless, secure, and cashless transactions for a wide range of government services. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of building a world-class, cashless economy by leveraging homegrown innovation and technology. Comera Pay’s Managing Director and Group CEO, Akthar Saeed Hashmi, emphasized the shared mission of both organizations to advance the UAE’s digital economy. Beyond government payments, Comera Pay plans to expand its offerings within TAMM to include peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, international remittances, and local merchant transactions. Backed by the Royal Group, Comera Pay is also scaling its presence across retail, corporate, and government sectors with advanced wallet, POS, and gateway solutions. This integration underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering a globally competitive, locally developed digital economy built on trust, simplicity, and innovation.
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ICC disqualifies chief prosecutor from Duterte case over perceived conflict of interest
In a significant development at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, judges have disqualified Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The decision, dated October 2 but released on Wednesday, cited a ‘reasonable appearance of bias’ due to Khan’s prior representation of victims allegedly affected by Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ campaign. This disqualification follows Khan’s temporary withdrawal from his duties in May pending an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. Court spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah assured that the case against Duterte will proceed under the leadership of a deputy prosecutor, ensuring no disruption in the legal proceedings. Defense lawyers for Duterte had argued in August that Khan’s previous involvement created an ‘irreconcilable conflict of interest,’ a claim the judges found compelling. While the panel did not conclude that actual bias was demonstrated, they acknowledged that a fair-minded observer could perceive a reasonable appearance of bias. Duterte, arrested in March, faces charges of crimes against humanity related to mass killings during his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as president. Estimates of the death toll during his anti-drug campaign range from 6,000 to 30,000. The ICC has postponed pretrial hearings due to health concerns raised by Duterte’s legal team, who argue he is ‘not fit to stand trial.’
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MDS SI seeks to play key role in region’s digital transformation
As the Middle East accelerates its digital transformation, MDS SI, a prominent digital system integrator with a presence in 13 countries and 20 major cities, is positioning itself as a pivotal enabler for businesses navigating this technological shift. With over two decades of dominance in the UAE’s IT services sector and a strong foothold in Saudi Arabia’s competitive market, MDS SI attributes its sustained success to a customer-centric approach, innovation, and consistent value delivery. The company’s President, Sami Abi Esber, emphasized that their focus on customer satisfaction and significant investments in talent and technology have been instrumental in maintaining their leadership. MDS SI’s strategy revolves around optimizing existing operations and enabling new digital business models, leveraging AI-powered solutions and predictive IoT systems to unlock measurable value for clients. Central to their approach is the proprietary “AI Path to Value” methodology, supported by a team of over 700 specialists, ensuring alignment with key business drivers such as revenue growth, cost efficiency, and ESG goals. The company has successfully implemented over 80 AI use cases, demonstrating the practical impact of artificial intelligence. MDS SI also prioritizes ethical considerations, embedding privacy and security into every AI engagement from the outset. In the realm of cybersecurity, the company offers robust defenses, including sovereign AI environments and cloud-based solutions, addressing threats at every level. Building on its legacy as the region’s first public cloud provider through its affiliate eHosting DataFort, MDS SI continues to lead in hybrid and multi-cloud solutions, offering services across platforms like Azure, AWS, GCP, and HPE GreenLake. Recognizing the tech talent gap, the company invests in workforce development through continuous training, certifications, and collaborations with governments and academia. Looking ahead, MDS SI believes the next phase of digital transformation will be defined by tangible outcomes, aligning innovation with measurable business results. The company is also expanding its regional presence through strategic acquisitions, such as Egypt-based cybersecurity firm SmplID and AIdeology, an NVIDIA Elite Solution Provider, while investing in startups focused on smart cities and advanced security technologies.
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How sovereign data centres boost UAE’s digital infrastructure
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a regional leader in digital infrastructure and data-driven growth, thanks to its strategic focus on sovereign data centres. These facilities are pivotal in ensuring cybersecurity, economic resilience, and compliance with national data protection regulations. Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens Middle East, emphasized the critical role of sovereign data centres in aligning with the UAE’s vision for digital sovereignty, ethical AI, and robust cybersecurity practices. In an exclusive interview with Business Technology Review, Struve highlighted Siemens’ commitment to securely hosting sensitive data within the UAE’s borders, adhering to local regulations, and fostering transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI solutions. Siemens has been a key player in the UAE’s infrastructure development for decades, leveraging its global expertise to address local challenges, enhance cybersecurity, and build resilience through diversified supply chains. The UAE’s digital transformation strategy includes initiatives like du’s National Hypercloud with Oracle and Abu Dhabi’s cloud system with Microsoft and Core42, supported by key players such as G42, Moro Hub, and Khazana Data Centres. These efforts aim to create hyperscale, sovereign cloud zones that ensure data remains within national borders, balancing global engagement with local control. Struve praised the UAE’s unique model, which combines regulation and innovation to secure digital sovereignty while fostering global leadership in AI and clean energy. Siemens aligns its policies with the UAE’s goals, investing in local talent and technology transfer to support the nation’s innovation agenda. Sovereign data centres are becoming a cornerstone of the UAE’s digital strategy, providing trusted infrastructure for government platforms, smart city systems, and advanced analytics. At GITEX, Siemens showcased how AI, digital twins, and IoT are transforming industries, from smart grids to sustainable buildings, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to technological advancement and digital sovereignty.
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Row over bringing back military service splits German government
Germany’s ambitious plans to reintroduce military service have been thrown into disarray following a last-minute dispute among the governing coalition parties. The proposed compromise, which included elements of mandatory conscription, was abruptly rejected, leaving the future of the initiative uncertain. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized his vision for Germany to possess the strongest conventional army in Europe. However, a scheduled press conference to unveil the proposals was canceled unexpectedly, just days before the draft bill was set to be presented to parliament on Thursday. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has dismissed allegations of undermining the plans. Despite being the EU’s largest economy, Germany’s military has suffered from chronic underfunding since the Cold War’s end. Berlin is now urgently seeking to bolster defense spending and personnel, driven by warnings of a potential Russian attack within the next four years. Yet, the issue of military service remains politically sensitive, with significant public apprehension rooted in Germany’s 20th-century history of militarization. A recent Forsa survey for Stern revealed that 54% of Germans support compulsory service, while 41% oppose it, with opposition rising to 63% among 18 to 29-year-olds. Germany aims to expand its armed forces from 183,000 active personnel to 260,000 by 2035, alongside 200,000 reservists. Under draft plans announced this summer, 18-year-olds would complete an online questionnaire about their background and willingness to serve for at least six months. While mandatory for men, the questionnaire remains optional for women. The coalition government, comprising Merz’s conservative CDU/CSU and the centre-left SPD, initially agreed to reintroduce voluntary military service. However, CDU politicians, including Merz, have expressed concerns that a purely voluntary system may fall short. Negotiations between the coalition parties had reportedly yielded a multi-stage compromise, including a potential lottery system for mandatory service if recruitment targets were unmet. Yet, the SPD remains resistant to any form of compulsory service. Pistorius, while supportive of a strengthened military, has criticized the latest plans as impractical, advocating instead for all eligible young men to undergo medical assessments by July 2027 to assess available manpower. Despite the political impasse, Pistorius remains optimistic that a new law will be enacted by next year. Germany’s defense ministry faces significant logistical challenges in building the infrastructure needed to support its expanded military ambitions. Conscription was suspended in Germany in 2011, allowing young men to choose between military service or social work as conscientious objectors.
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What more do we know about the collapsed China spy case?
The controversy surrounding the collapse of a high-profile case involving two men accused of spying for China continues to escalate, placing the government under intense scrutiny. The opposition has seized upon the issue, further fueling the debate. The government now finds itself in a precarious position regarding the release of witness statements related to the case. Initially, it was suggested that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was blocking their release, but the CPS has since clarified that it was not responsible, leaving the government with little choice but to publish the documents. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the government would indeed release the statements. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reviewed the documents for the first time this morning, marking an unusual start to the weekly session. The pledge to publish the statements was made in a statement rather than in response to questions from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, catching her off guard. However, questions remain about whether the release of these statements will significantly alter the narrative. Unless the documents reveal drastically new information, the core allegation—that the government may have withheld evidence rather than tampered with it—remains unchanged. The government maintains its innocence, arguing that the publication of the statements may not provide further clarity. The documents could, however, increase pressure on the CPS rather than politicians. The Conservatives have been relentless in their pursuit of answers, but the government has countered by blaming the opposition’s stance on China and existing legislation. The case involves Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, both accused of spying for China. Following PMQs, lengthy briefings were held with the prime minister’s team and Badenoch’s team, lasting over an hour. The final submission of evidence from the deputy national security adviser was made on August 4, and a meeting on September 1 discussed the handling of the case in relation to China. The government insists that the meeting did not delve into the evidence, but the Conservatives are demanding the publication of the meeting minutes. The prime minister was informed of the case’s collapse two days before it occurred, though the source of this information remains undisclosed. This complex and ongoing saga highlights the intricate details and prolonged scrutiny the government faces.