Mali, a landlocked West African nation, is grappling with a severe fuel crisis that has disrupted daily life and exposed the government’s vulnerabilities. The crisis stems from a blockade orchestrated by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group, which has targeted fuel convoys entering Mali. Over the past two months, JNIM fighters have kidnapped drivers, torched more than 100 trucks, and effectively cut off fuel supplies to the capital, Bamako. This economic warfare has paralyzed the country, forcing schools and universities to close, driving up food prices, and leaving hospitals struggling with power cuts. The crisis has also sparked international concern, with the US and France advising their citizens to avoid or leave Mali. The fuel shortage has led to long queues at petrol stations, with some drivers resorting to sleeping at stations in hopes of refueling. Public transport fares have tripled in some areas, forcing many to walk long distances to work. Traders report that food prices have surged due to increased transport costs and dwindling supplies of imported goods. The blockade has highlighted the government’s inability to secure key transport routes and maintain public confidence. In response, the military-led government has implemented emergency measures, including escorting fuel convoys with army trucks and negotiating a fuel supply agreement with Russia. However, critics argue that the junta’s reactive approach has failed to address the root causes of the crisis. The fuel shortage has also deepened Mali’s reliance on Russia, potentially alienating Western aid and investment. For ordinary Malians, the crisis has brought immense hardship, raising fears of increased crime and a worsening security situation. Amidou Diallo, a welder, warns that prolonged shortages could lead to dangerous consequences. As Mali struggles to navigate this crisis, the government faces mounting pressure to restore stability and regain public trust.
作者： admin
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Ben Sulayem, Macron reaffirm partnership between France and FIA
In a landmark meeting, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the enduring partnership between France and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The discussions underscored shared priorities in motorsport, road safety, sustainable mobility, and the protection of young people online. France, home to the FIA’s headquarters in Paris, remains a cornerstone of the Federation’s legacy, with Macron and Ben Sulayem celebrating the nation’s pivotal role in global motorsport. From the historic Paris–Rouen trial in 1894 to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, France has consistently driven innovation and economic impact in the industry, supporting over 1,000 jobs and contributing €162 million annually to the French economy. The leaders also addressed France’s representation in the FIA Formula 1 Championship, the contributions of French manufacturers and promoters, and the facilitation of visas for FIA delegates. Joining the meeting were Yann de Pontbriand, President of the Automobile Club de France (ACF), and Pierre Gosselin, President of the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA). Their discussions emphasized the central role of these clubs in promoting safe and responsible mobility and motorsport. Road safety and sustainable mobility were key focal points, with Ben Sulayem and Macron exchanging views on initiatives like the FIA Driver Safety Index, a groundbreaking AI-powered tool to measure driver risk. The leaders also highlighted the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, which aligns with France’s policies on social media safety for children. By combining regulation, education, and technology, the campaign aims to create safer, more inclusive environments for the global sporting community. Ben Sulayem remarked, ‘Today highlights the deep and historic connection between France and the FIA, a bond that stretches back to the founding of our Federation in Paris over a century ago. Together, we are committed to advancing safer roads, more sustainable and accessible mobility for all, and fostering innovation in motorsport that benefits communities worldwide.’
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Children help design Dubai’s first Hewi community space to be unveiled in January 2026
Dubai is set to unveil its first ‘Hewi’ community space on January 1, 2026, a project designed in collaboration with children and local communities. Announced during Urban Future Week, the initiative aims to recreate traditional Emirati values and foster stronger community bonds. The Hewi, a term derived from the Emirati dialect meaning ‘outdoor courtyard of the house,’ will serve as a space for entertainment, relaxation, and family gatherings. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facility Agency at Dubai Municipality, highlighted that the Hewi will be strategically located near mosques, allowing senior citizens to oversee children at play, embodying the communal values of Emirati culture. The project, a joint effort by Dubai Municipality and Dubai Future Foundation, is currently in the production and fabrication stage, with plans for a gradual rollout across the emirate. Abdulaziz Aljaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized that the design process involved observing family interactions and incorporating children’s creative ideas, such as adding fountains and fruit trees, to enhance the park experience. The initiative, spearheaded by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reflects a commitment to integrating traditional elements into modern urban spaces. Despite high demand from various localities, the team is proceeding cautiously to ensure each Hewi is tailored to the specific needs of its community. The first Hewi is on track for its 2026 debut, with ongoing collaborations with entities like the Community Development Authority and Ferjan to bring the vision to life.
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Global girl group Katseye have received ‘thousands’ of death threats
Katseye, the internationally acclaimed girl group, has been navigating a tumultuous journey since their debut in 2023. Despite their meteoric rise in the music industry, the six-member ensemble has been subjected to a barrage of online death threats and racist comments. The group, recently nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, revealed the emotional toll these threats have taken on them and their families. Lara Raj, a member with Tamil Indian heritage, shared her decision to delete Twitter (now X) to escape the negativity, stating, ‘I realised I am not the audience for other people’s opinions.’ The group, trained in the K-pop system but adopting a Western musical approach, has also faced sexist remarks, with Raj highlighting the dystopian nature of being ranked based on appearance and talent. Despite these challenges, Katseye has achieved remarkable success. Their second EP, ‘Beautiful Chaos,’ peaked at number two on the US album charts, and their Gap advert garnered 400 million plays and 8 billion social media impressions. The band, comprising members from diverse backgrounds, continues to inspire with their message of pride in one’s heritage and culture. Raj encourages aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams, emphasizing, ‘Our skin colour, our culture is our power. Use it and own it.’
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Video: Turkish military plane with 20 on board crashes in Georgia; casualties feared
A Turkish military cargo plane carrying 20 passengers and crew crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border on Tuesday, according to Turkey’s defence ministry. The C-130 Hercules aircraft, en route from Azerbaijan to Turkey, went down in the Sighnaghi area, approximately five kilometers from the Georgian state border. Dramatic footage from Azerbaijani media depicted the plane spiraling out of control before crashing, with thick black smoke rising from the wreckage. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with Turkish and Georgian authorities coordinating efforts. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed deep sorrow over the incident, referring to the victims as ‘martyrs.’ Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also extended condolences to Turkey. The aircraft, manufactured by US-based Lockheed Martin, disappeared from Georgian air traffic control radar shortly after entering Georgian airspace, without issuing a distress signal. The Turkish defence ministry has urged the press to refrain from publishing images of the crash site.
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Starbucks’ baristas are striking again – will that hold back the chain’s recovery?
Starbucks, the global coffeehouse giant, is navigating a challenging period as it attempts to revive its brand while grappling with ongoing labor disputes. On November 17, 2022, unionized baristas staged a one-day strike across multiple U.S. cities, demanding better pay and increased staffing. This marked the third major strike since the formation of Starbucks Workers United four years ago. The union, representing employees at over 600 stores, claims that recent turnaround policies have exacerbated workloads, making it increasingly difficult for baristas to perform their duties. Michelle Eisen, a union spokesperson and former barista, emphasized the toll these changes have taken on workers, stating, ‘You should not be evolving to the point of running your workers to the ground.’ Despite Starbucks’ assurance that the strike would not disrupt the ‘vast majority’ of its 10,000+ company-operated stores, the timing of the protest—coinciding with the high-profile Red Cup Day—threatens to draw unwanted attention to the company. Starbucks has been striving to reconnect with its coffeehouse roots, reintroducing ceramic mugs and handwritten notes, while investing $500 million in staffing and training improvements. However, progress has been slow, with U.S. sales remaining flat despite a 1% global growth in same-store sales last quarter. The company’s labor tensions have persisted, with union leaders accusing Starbucks of stalling contract negotiations and offering inadequate pay raises. Starbucks, in turn, blames the union for the impasse, arguing that their demands would disrupt operations. Analysts warn that the ongoing standoff poses both operational and reputational risks, as Starbucks’ brand strength has already declined in recent years. The situation underscores the broader challenge of balancing customer satisfaction with employee well-being, a critical factor in the company’s long-term success.
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Taliban order women to wear burkas to access hospitals, charity says
In a concerning development, the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have mandated that women, including patients, caretakers, and staff, must wear a burka—a full Islamic veil—to access public health facilities in Herat, a western city. This directive, reported by the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), took effect on November 5. According to Sarah Chateau, MSF’s programme manager in Afghanistan, these restrictions are severely limiting women’s access to healthcare, even for those requiring urgent medical attention. MSF noted a 28% decline in admissions for urgent cases at Herat Regional Hospital in the initial days of enforcement. Taliban members stationed at hospital entrances have reportedly denied entry to women not wearing the burka. However, a Taliban spokesperson dismissed these claims, stating that the ministry’s stance focuses on hijab, not the burka, and denied allegations of women being barred from medical centers. Activists and social media users have criticized the move, with some women in Herat reportedly burning burkas in protest. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has seen numerous restrictions on women’s rights, including bans on education and employment, which the UN has labeled as ‘gender apartheid.’ The recent enforcement of the burka in Herat marks a significant escalation in these policies, raising alarm among human rights advocates.
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India’s start-ups fire up public markets amid valuation concerns
India’s start-up ecosystem is witnessing an unprecedented surge in initial public offerings (IPOs), marking a significant shift from rapid growth to strategic sustainability. This week, eyewear solutions firm Lenskart, valued at $821 million, saw its IPO sold out within hours, despite its shaky market debut. This follows the successful listing of Groww, the country’s largest retail brokerage backed by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, which garnered 17 times more demand than available shares. Fintech unicorn Pine Labs is also set to list later this week.
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Security becomes top issue for Chileans ahead of presidential elections
Chileans are set to cast their votes in a highly polarized presidential election this Sunday, with security emerging as the dominant issue. The race has narrowed down to two front-runners: Communist candidate Jeannette Jara and far-right contender José Antonio Kast. Both candidates have centered their campaigns on addressing Chile’s escalating security challenges, proposing measures such as bolstering police forces, expanding prison capacity, and modernizing security infrastructure.
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UAE: 91-year-old Kerala expat becomes oldest author at Sharjah book fair
At 91, Al Haj N. Jamaluddin, a UAE-based Indian educationist and poet, is set to become the oldest author to host a book signing session at the Sharjah International Book Fair. On November 15, Jamaluddin will meet readers at the Sharjah Expo Centre, where he will sign copies of ‘Zamzam,’ the Arabic translation of his Malayalam poetry collection. The book, first launched at the fair in 2023, has now reached Arabic-speaking audiences, fulfilling Jamaluddin’s long-held dream of transcending linguistic barriers. Joining him will be Karima El Azizi, Secretary to the CEO’s Office at the Sharjah Book Authority, who will also be signing her latest work.
Jamaluddin describes ‘Zamzam’ as a cultural bridge between his two homes: Kerala, where he was born, and the UAE, where he has lived since 1965. The poetry collection delves into his life experiences, Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, and Islamic history, including the early arrival of Islam in southern India. ‘The UAE and my homeland, Kerala, share a bond that goes back centuries,’ he said. ‘Being able to share our stories in Arabic means a lot to me.’
Before his literary pursuits, Jamaluddin dedicated decades to education. He is the founder and chairman of Crescent English High School in Dubai, established in 1984 to provide affordable quality education to low- and middle-income families. Even at 91, he continues to visit the school daily, finding inspiration in the children. ‘When I’m with the children, I forget everything,’ he once told Khaleej Times. ‘They make me feel alive. As long as I can, I’ll keep going.’
Born in Kollakadavu, Kerala, Jamaluddin’s life parallels the UAE’s transformation. Arriving in Dubai in the mid-1960s, he worked with the Bank of Oman (now Mashreq Bank) until 1983 and played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Relief Committee, which later facilitated consular services for Indian expats and direct flights between Kerala and Dubai. Despite lucrative job offers, he chose to focus on education and literature, believing that ‘books and schools are what endure.’
Jamaluddin’s curiosity remains undiminished. He writes regularly, reads daily, and stays connected with former students worldwide. When asked about his motivation, he said, ‘As long as I can learn, I’ll keep writing. Age is not an obstacle, but a reminder that time is precious.’