Global Pulse

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  • What to know about key political figures in Tanzania after deadly election violence

    What to know about key political figures in Tanzania after deadly election violence

    Tanzania is grappling with widespread unrest following its October 29 elections, which international observers have criticized as neither free nor fair. The violence erupted as security forces attempted to suppress opposition protests, leading to a disputed death toll. The leading opposition party, Chadema, claims hundreds were killed, while the government denies these allegations. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after her predecessor’s death, secured over 97% of the vote, according to official results. However, her main rivals, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, were barred from running, amid accusations of repression, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings by Amnesty International.

    Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state, faces criticism for her administration’s crackdown on political opponents. Critics argue that she is largely a figurehead, with key decisions influenced by loyalists from Zanzibar, her birthplace. This has raised concerns about factionalism within the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania since independence in 1961. Analysts, including William Farmer of Africa Practice, note that the Zanzibar clique lacks extensive government experience.

    Other prominent figures in Tanzania’s political landscape include former President Jakaya Kikwete, who remains influential and is seen as a behind-the-scenes supporter of Hassan. Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi, a former interior minister, is considered a potential presidential candidate when Hassan’s term ends in five years. Additionally, Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, has been accused of orchestrating the recent crackdown, though he holds no formal government role. Former regional commissioner Paul Makonda, a Hassan ally, is also expected to play a significant role in the next administration, despite U.S. sanctions for his alleged involvement in oppressing political opposition.

  • An American man and his son die after suffering stings from a swarm of wasps while ziplining in Laos

    An American man and his son die after suffering stings from a swarm of wasps while ziplining in Laos

    In a tragic incident last month, an American man and his teenage son lost their lives after being swarmed by wasps while ziplining at an adventure camp in Laos. Dan Owen, the director of an international school in Vietnam, and his son Cooper were attacked on October 15 at the Green Jungle Park, located near the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. The duo was descending from a tree at the end of the zip line when the wasps struck, stinging them dozens of times. They were rushed to a local clinic and later transferred to Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital, where they arrived in critical condition. Emergency room physician Jorvue Yianouchongteng reported that Cooper was unconscious and passed away within half an hour, while Dan remained conscious but succumbed three hours later. The doctor attributed their deaths to severe anaphylactic shock caused by over 100 stings, though the exact cause remains undetermined. The Asian giant hornet, known for its aggressive behavior, is native to Laos, but it is unclear which species was responsible. The local clinic and Green Jungle Park declined to comment, and the Laos Foreign Ministry did not respond to inquiries. The U.S. State Department confirmed the deaths but refrained from further comment out of respect for the family’s privacy. Dan Owen’s employer, Quality Schools International, honored him in a Facebook post, praising his 18-year tenure and impact on countless lives across their global network of 35 schools.

  • Pirates fire grenades and board vessel off Somali coast

    Pirates fire grenades and board vessel off Somali coast

    In a concerning development off the Somali coast, attackers armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades boarded a Malta-registered gasoline tanker, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred approximately 560 nautical miles southeast of the Somali town of Eyl. Private security firm Ambrey identified the assailants as likely Somali pirates, who have recently intensified their activities in the region. The vessel, named Hellas Aphrodite, was en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, when it was targeted. Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management, which operates the tanker, confirmed the attack but assured that all 24 crew members were safe and accounted for. The company has activated its emergency response team and is coordinating with authorities to ensure the crew’s continued safety. This incident highlights a worrying resurgence of piracy in the region, which had seen a decline after peaking over a decade ago. The International Maritime Bureau reported at least seven piracy incidents last year, with several fishing vessels already seized in 2024. The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the waters off Somalia and the need for heightened vigilance in the area.

  • Cars in German city found smeared with swastikas in blood, police say

    Cars in German city found smeared with swastikas in blood, police say

    A disturbing incident has shaken the German city of Hanau, located near Frankfurt, as approximately 50 vehicles, walls, and postboxes were defaced with a reddish liquid suspected to be human blood. The vandalism, which included the application of swastikas, was first reported late Wednesday night by a resident in the Lamboy district. The liquid was smeared in the shape of the banned Nazi symbol, prompting a widespread police investigation. Preliminary tests indicate the substance is likely human blood, though its origin remains unknown, and no injuries have been linked to the incident. Local authorities have launched an urgent appeal for public assistance to solve the case. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation, with Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour describing it as a painful reminder of the far-right terrorist attack in Hanau five years ago, which claimed nine lives. The community is now grappling with the emotional and symbolic weight of this act, which has reignited fears of far-right extremism.

  • UAE weather: Moderate rains expected; dusty conditions continue during daytime

    UAE weather: Moderate rains expected; dusty conditions continue during daytime

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently experiencing a spell of light to moderate rainfall, as forecasted by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather conditions are expected to continue into Thursday, November 6, with a yellow alert for dust remaining in effect until 9 AM. Residents are advised to take preventative measures and avoid direct exposure to the dusty conditions. The weather is predicted to be partly cloudy to cloudy over the Al Dhafrah region. Additionally, humidity is expected to increase by night and into Friday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas. Light to moderate northeasterly to northwesterly winds are anticipated, with speeds ranging from 10-25 km/hr, occasionally reaching up to 35 km/hr. The sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are expected to remain slight. Temperature-wise, Dubai and Sharjah will see lows of 23ºC and 22ºC respectively, with highs of 34ºC. Abu Dhabi will experience a low of 24ºC and a high of 33ºC. Stay updated with the latest weather news by following Khaleej Times on WhatsApp Channels.

  • At White House meeting, Hungary’s Orbán to seek Trump’s blessing to keep buying Russian oil

    At White House meeting, Hungary’s Orbán to seek Trump’s blessing to keep buying Russian oil

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is set to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, with a key agenda: securing U.S. leniency for Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian oil. This meeting underscores Orbán’s strategic pivot toward Moscow over the past decade, a shift that has perplexed many of his former allies and critics. Orbán, once a vocal critic of Russian influence during the Cold War, has emerged as one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s staunchest supporters within the European Union, maintaining warm ties with the Kremlin despite its ongoing war in Ukraine. His alignment with Trump’s MAGA movement has further solidified his image as a conservative nationalist, even as Hungary’s democratic institutions face erosion. However, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its fourth year, Orbán faces mounting pressure from both Brussels and Washington to sever Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil, a critical revenue stream for Moscow’s war efforts. Last month, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Russian energy giants Lukoil and Rosneft, potentially exposing Hungary to secondary sanctions. Orbán, however, is banking on his personal rapport with Trump to secure an exemption, arguing that Hungary has no viable alternatives to Russian crude and that cutting off supplies would trigger economic collapse. Critics dispute this claim, pointing to alternative pipelines like the Adria, which delivers non-Russian oil to Hungary. Despite Hungary’s increased reliance on Russian oil—rising from 61% pre-war to 86%—Orbán’s critics accuse him of prioritizing political alliances over energy diversification. The meeting also raises questions about Orbán’s broader geopolitical strategy, as he seeks to position Hungary as a mediator in potential U.S.-Russia peace talks. While a proposed Trump-Putin summit in Budapest was scrapped, Hungarian officials remain hopeful for future negotiations. Orbán’s adversarial stance toward Ukraine and his reluctance to support EU sanctions against Moscow have further isolated him within Europe, leaving him increasingly reliant on Trump’s support.

  • Miss Universe contestants stage walkout after organiser berates Miss Mexico

    Miss Universe contestants stage walkout after organiser berates Miss Mexico

    In a dramatic turn of events at the Miss Universe pre-pageant ceremony on Tuesday, contestants staged a collective walkout following what they described as disrespectful behavior by organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil. The incident unfolded after Itsaragrisil reportedly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during the event. Bosch later expressed her dismay, stating that the organizer’s conduct was ‘not respectful’ and failed to uphold the dignity expected of such a prestigious competition. The walkout, which saw multiple contestants leaving the venue in solidarity with Bosch, has sparked widespread discussion about professionalism and respect within the pageant industry. Organizers have yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident, but the episode has already cast a shadow over the upcoming Miss Universe finals. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of participants in high-profile beauty pageants and raises questions about the standards of conduct expected from event organizers.

  • Being Premier League’s only black manager ‘a privilege’ – Nuno

    Being Premier League’s only black manager ‘a privilege’ – Nuno

    Nuno Espirito Santo, the first black manager to permanently lead four different Premier League teams, has expressed his pride and honor in his groundbreaking role. Appointed by West Ham in September, Nuno rejects the notion that his position is a burden, instead viewing it as a privilege. He remains optimistic about the future, believing that talented black managers will soon join the ranks of Premier League coaches. Nuno attributes his success to a combination of talent, hard work, and luck, while acknowledging the under-representation of ethnic minority coaches in top-tier football. Despite calls for proactive measures like the ‘Rooney Rule,’ Nuno does not believe discrimination is a factor in managerial recruitment. However, critics like Delroy Corinaldi of the Black Footballers Partnership argue that systemic bias persists. Only 11 black coaches have held managerial roles in the Premier League era, with Chris Hughton emphasizing the importance of visible role models like Nuno and Darren Moore. Deji Davies, chair of the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, highlights the disparity between the high percentage of black players and the lack of black representation in leadership roles. The FA and Premier League have introduced initiatives to improve diversity, but progress remains slow. Nuno, born in Sao Tome and Principe, also aspires to contribute to football development in his homeland, reflecting on his humble beginnings and the privilege of his current position. As West Ham’s manager, his immediate focus is on avoiding relegation, but he remains committed to fostering diversity and sharing his expertise in the long term.

  • A top New Zealand ex-police official pleads guilty to viewing child sexual abuse material at work

    A top New Zealand ex-police official pleads guilty to viewing child sexual abuse material at work

    In a shocking development, Jevon McSkimming, the former Deputy Police Commissioner of New Zealand, pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges of possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material and other illegal content during his tenure. The 52-year-old, who resigned in May 2024 following an internal investigation, admitted to using his work devices to access hundreds of explicit images, including real, artificially generated, and cartoon depictions of child abuse, as well as illegal sexual content involving animals. The investigation revealed that about a third of his internet searches during work hours over four and a half years were pornographic in nature. McSkimming, a police officer since 1996, was suspended on full pay in December 2024 after admitting to colleagues that he had bypassed police system blocks to access such material. The case has prompted an independent review of police technology security measures, with recommendations to enhance monitoring of staff internet use and content filtering. McSkimming, who remained silent during the Wellington District Court hearing, faces up to 10 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing in December. New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers condemned McSkimming’s actions as disgraceful and contrary to the core values of the police force.

  • Dozens of swastikas painted in human blood daubed on property across German city

    Dozens of swastikas painted in human blood daubed on property across German city

    In a disturbing incident that has shaken the central German town of Hanau, police are investigating the appearance of swastikas painted with human blood on nearly 50 cars, mailboxes, and building facades. The offensive symbols were discovered late Wednesday night, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. A special test confirmed that the substance used was human blood, though the source of the blood and the perpetrators remain unknown. Police spokesman Thomas Leipold stated that the motive behind the act is unclear, and it is uncertain whether specific targets were chosen or if the swastikas were applied randomly. The display of Nazi emblems, including the swastika, is illegal in Germany, and authorities are treating the case as property damage and the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations. The swastika, a symbol of hate associated with the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, continues to be used by white supremacists and neo-Nazi groups to incite fear and division. The incident has evoked painful memories for Hanau, which was the site of a racially motivated mass shooting in 2020 that claimed nine lives. Mayor Claus Kaminsky expressed deep shock and condemnation, vowing that such symbols have no place in the city and will not be tolerated.