CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Oumar Bella Diallo, a 24-year-old Guinean, returned home in July after a harrowing year-long attempt to reach Europe. His journey was marked by police brutality, scams, and the haunting sight of fellow migrants perishing in the desert. Diallo is among tens of thousands of African migrants repatriated through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a program funded by the European Union (EU) to curb migration. However, many returnees report unfulfilled promises of post-return assistance, leaving them to grapple with trauma, debt, and societal shame. The AP interviewed several returnees in Guinea and Gambia, who expressed frustration over the lack of follow-up support from the IOM. Diallo, for instance, sought help to start a small business but received only a phone number for a counselor and a brief orientation course. He also requested medical assistance for an injury sustained during his migration but was told it was unavailable. The IOM program, launched in 2016, has repatriated over 100,000 sub-Saharan migrants from North Africa and Niger. Despite a $380 million budget, with 58% allocated for post-return assistance, many returnees claim they have not received the promised support. Francois Xavier Ada of the IOM’s West Africa office acknowledged concerns over delays, attributing them to high caseloads or incomplete documentation. Experts, however, criticize the lack of transparency and accountability in the program’s implementation. The European Court of Auditors found that the program failed to demonstrate sustainable reintegration results during its first phase (2016-2021). Josephine Liebl of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles noted that the EU’s focus on returns overshadows the need for effective reintegration support. Returnees like Kabinet Kante, a 20-year-old Guinean, face additional challenges. Kante, who aspired to be a footballer in Germany, returned home after being intercepted at sea and abandoned in the desert. Despite his efforts to seek vocational training, the IOM has ignored his requests. Kante has since created a WhatsApp group for frustrated returnees and uses TikTok to warn others about the dangers of migration. The IOM program coincides with Europe’s broader efforts to deter migration, including paying African governments to intercept migrants—a practice criticized by human rights groups. While these efforts have reduced irregular crossings, experts argue that the lack of reintegration support in migrants’ home countries undermines the program’s effectiveness. Camille Le Coz of the Migration Policy Institute emphasized the need for access to social protection and labor markets. Despite the challenges, returnees like Diallo and Kante are not planning to migrate again soon, primarily due to financial constraints. However, the allure of Europe remains strong, and the visa process remains prohibitively expensive and uncertain for many. Elhadj Mohamed Diallo, a former migrant now working with the IOM, acknowledged the difficulties in preventing returnees from migrating again. ‘Migration is a natural thing,’ he said. ‘Blocking a person is like blocking the tide.’
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What we know about the car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort that killed 8 people
A devastating car explosion near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi has left at least eight people dead and several others injured, prompting a high-level investigation under India’s anti-terrorism laws. The incident occurred late Monday evening when a Hyundai i20 vehicle, stopped at a traffic signal, suddenly exploded, igniting nearby cars and rickshaws. The blast caused widespread destruction, with shattered windows, twisted metal, and flames engulfing the area. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with body parts scattered across the site and vehicles reduced to wreckage. Authorities swiftly cordoned off the area as forensic teams and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) began probing the cause of the explosion. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that all possibilities, including terrorism, are being explored, with CCTV footage playing a crucial role in the investigation. In response to the incident, security alerts were heightened across major train stations, airports, and government buildings nationwide. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi advised citizens to avoid crowded areas near the Red Fort, a significant tourist attraction and a symbolic location for India’s Independence Day celebrations. The explosion has raised concerns about public safety in one of the city’s busiest areas, known for its bustling bazaars and heavy foot traffic.
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Prabowo Subianto to visit Australia for the first time as Indonesia’s president
MELBOURNE, Australia — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to embark on his inaugural official visit to Australia since assuming office in October 2023. The visit, scheduled for Wednesday, underscores the deepening diplomatic ties between the two nations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the trip on Tuesday, though specifics remain scarce. Prabowo last visited Australia in August 2023 as defense minister and president-elect, just months before his inauguration. Albanese and Prabowo previously met in Jakarta during the Australia–Indonesia annual leaders’ meeting in May 2024, marking Albanese’s first overseas trip following his reelection. Albanese expressed enthusiasm about hosting Prabowo, stating, ‘I am delighted to welcome President Prabowo to Australia and reciprocate the warm hospitality he extended during my visit to Jakarta earlier this year.’ He emphasized the enduring partnership between the two countries, describing it as a ‘deep trust and unbreakable bond’ that fosters a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Australia views Indonesia, its closest neighbor after Papua New Guinea, as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Notably, newly elected Australian prime ministers traditionally prioritize Jakarta as one of their initial international destinations, reflecting the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship.
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Malaysia officials recover more bodies from capsized migrant boat
The Malaysian Coast Guard has entered the third day of a challenging search and rescue operation following the tragic sinking of a migrant boat near Langkawi, a resort island close to the Thai border. The vessel, carrying undocumented migrants, capsized, leaving at least 21 dead and dozens still missing. So far, 13 individuals have been rescued, with 11 identified as Rohingya and two as Bangladeshi nationals. Authorities estimate that around 70 people were on board, part of a larger group of 300 Rohingya who fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state two weeks ago. Another boat with 230 passengers remains unaccounted for. The operation, involving both sea and aerial searches, is expected to continue for seven days. The Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority in Myanmar, have faced systemic discrimination and violence, prompting many to undertake perilous journeys in overcrowded boats. Since 2017, hundreds of thousands have fled to Bangladesh, but poor conditions there have driven some to seek refuge in Malaysia, often paying exorbitant sums for the dangerous passage. Amnesty International has highlighted the deadly risks faced by Rohingya migrants, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention to this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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Six dead after second typhoon in a week hits the Philippines
The Philippines is grappling with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which has claimed at least six lives and caused widespread destruction across Luzon Island. The storm, which made landfall on Sunday night with sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 km/h, triggered severe flooding and landslides, leading to significant casualties and damage. Over 1.4 million people were evacuated preemptively, and more than 4,100 homes were either destroyed or partially damaged. The typhoon, locally known as Uwan, has since weakened but continues to pose a threat as it heads toward Taiwan, where 30,000 people have already been evacuated. This disaster follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left tens of thousands reeling, and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu in September. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has emphasized that this series of catastrophes is far from routine, underscoring the escalating climate and seismic risks faced by vulnerable nations. Urgent support is needed to bolster relief efforts and aid recovery.
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China’s ‘Singles’ Day’ shopping festival a gauge of Beijing’s effort to get consumers to spend more
The annual Singles’ Day shopping festival, China’s equivalent to Black Friday, has seen a noticeable shift in consumer behavior this year, reflecting broader economic challenges. Alice Zhang, a 29-year-old marketer from Guangzhou, exemplifies this trend, having halved her spending compared to last year. Facing a 20% pay cut, Zhang opted for more affordable choices and skipped purchasing new shoes altogether. Her cautious approach mirrors a nationwide pattern as Chinese consumers prioritize necessities over discretionary spending.
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Dutch legend in Dubai: Gullit gives verdict on GOAT debate
Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times in Dubai, shared his insights on the evolution of football, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, and the emergence of new talents like Lamine Yamal. Gullit, a former Ballon d’Or winner and key figure in AC Milan’s golden era, reminisced about his playing days and the transformative impact of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi on the sport. He also discussed the challenges facing modern football, including the physicality of players and the shifting dynamics of leagues like Serie A. Gullit praised the rapid development of Dubai, drawing parallels to the changes in football over the decades. He highlighted the immense potential of young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, while cautioning against overburdening the 18-year-old with responsibilities. Gullit also reflected on the Netherlands’ World Cup heartbreaks and shared his predictions for the 2026 World Cup, naming Spain, France, Argentina, and his beloved Holland as top contenders.
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US Senate passes funding bill that could end shutdown within days
In a pivotal late-night session on Monday, the US Senate passed a critical funding bill that could terminate the longest government shutdown in US history. The bill, which secured a 60-40 vote, saw nearly all Republicans align with eight Democrats who broke party ranks to support the measure. This bipartisan agreement funds federal operations until the end of January and aims to restore essential services and compensate furloughed employees. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where its passage is anticipated before President Donald Trump signs it into law. Trump had earlier indicated his willingness to endorse the legislation. The breakthrough follows a 41-day shutdown that disrupted air travel, left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay, and threatened vital food assistance programs. The bill includes provisions to backpay federal employees, extend funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until September, and allocate full-year budgets for the Department of Agriculture and military construction. Additionally, it promises a December vote on extending healthcare subsidies, a key Democratic demand. While Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill for failing to address America’s healthcare crisis, supporters like Senator Tim Kaine emphasized the relief it brings to federal workers. The House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, is set to deliberate the bill starting Wednesday, with every vote crucial given the Republicans’ narrow majority.
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Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club hosts high-stakes inaugural Golf Society League
The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (SGSC) recently hosted the first-ever Golf Society League (GSL), a thrilling competition that brought together sixteen golf societies from across the UAE. Supported by Golf Away, the event offered participants the chance to vie for the prestigious title of GSL Champions, with the winning team securing an exclusive golfing holiday in Thailand. The tournament, which kicked off last weekend, was marked by intense competition and remarkable performances across three leagues, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. The leagues were structured to ensure fierce competition, with the top teams from each league advancing to the knockout stages. League 1 saw the defending champions, Nepalese Golf Society, begin their title defense with a solid start, while The Hole Seekers emerged as early leaders with a standout performance. In League 2, Social 1 dominated their matches, securing a perfect start, while League 3 witnessed The Spartans making a strong statement with two consecutive wins. Additionally, players competed in the Betterball Stableford competition, with Deepak Mandory and Prashant Athreya of The Hole Seekers claiming the top prize with 42 points. The event concluded with high anticipation for the next round, scheduled for December 7th, promising more thrilling golf action at SGSC. For further details about the GSL, visit golfandshootingshj.com or contact Samjhana Lama at golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com.
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Rory’s stage gets bigger: Emirates NBD steps into the heart of the DP World Tour Play-offs
The DP World Tour Play-offs, renowned for their high-stakes drama in the world of golf, have secured a significant new ally. Emirates NBD, a leading financial institution in the Middle East, has stepped into the spotlight as the Official Banking Partner for two premier events: the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship. These tournaments, pivotal in the season’s Race to Dubai, attract the world’s top golfers competing for trophies, ranking points, and a place in golfing history. The DP World Tour Championship, scheduled for November 13-16, 2025, at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course, remains a crown jewel of the Rolex Series. Last year, it was crowned Major Event of the Year, highlighted by Rory McIlroy’s thrilling victory on the 18th hole, a defining moment of the 2024 season. Emirates NBD’s expanded involvement, which now includes the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, underscores its commitment to supporting the UAE’s rise as a global golfing hub. The 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links will further showcase the bank’s presence, enhancing fan engagement and hospitality. Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, emphasized the bank’s dedication to celebrating the UAE’s role in global sports and culture. Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East at the DP World Tour, praised the partnership, noting its potential to elevate the fan experience and drive regional golf growth. With Rory McIlroy set to headline the 2025 championship, Dubai remains poised for another historic moment in world golf.