Cameroon’s opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared himself the winner of the 12 October presidential election, challenging the official results yet to be announced. In an interview with the BBC, Bakary, 76, a former government minister who broke ties with President Paul Biya, 92, asserted that his team had compiled data from polling stations, leaving no doubt about his victory. He vowed not to accept a ‘stolen vote’ and urged his supporters to defend their ballots. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) dismissed Bakary’s claims as illegal, stating that only the Constitutional Council can announce official results. Bakary, undeterred, insisted that the law permits his declaration and challenged the ruling party to disprove his claims. The delayed announcement of results has heightened tensions in Cameroon, a nation already grappling with separatist conflicts in Anglophone regions and Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North. The election outcome could determine whether Biya, the world’s oldest president, retains his 43-year grip on power.
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EU accuses Meta and TikTok of breaching transparency rules
The European Union has announced that Meta and TikTok have failed to meet their transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), potentially exposing both companies to substantial fines. The investigation, launched in 2024, revealed that the platforms did not provide adequate access to data for researchers and made it difficult for users to report illegal content or challenge moderation decisions. The EU’s executive vice president for tech sovereignty, Henna Virkunnen, emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and allow public scrutiny. The inquiry also found that Meta’s Instagram and Facebook employed ‘dark patterns’—deceptive interface designs—that hindered the reporting of harmful content, such as child exploitation or terrorist material. The European Commission described these practices as ‘confusing and dissuading,’ potentially rendering them ineffective. Meta and TikTok have been given the opportunity to respond to the findings, but if found guilty, they could face fines of up to 6% of their annual global revenue, amounting to billions of dollars. Meta has disputed the findings but expressed willingness to continue discussions with the EU, while TikTok has called for clarity on reconciling the DSA’s transparency requirements with the EU’s stringent privacy regulations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
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Defective block grant scheme firm hit by cyber attack
A significant cyber attack has targeted Jennings O’Donovan, an engineering firm collaborating with Ireland’s Housing Agency on a scheme to assist homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks. The breach, described as ‘concerning’ by officials, potentially exposed sensitive personal data, including addresses, contact details, and photographs of affected properties. The Housing Agency confirmed the incident was isolated to the firm and is actively working to notify impacted applicants. Charles Ward TD, a representative of the 100% Redress Party, emphasized the need for transparency, urging affected families to receive clear information about the compromised data and protective measures being implemented. The defective block issue has plagued thousands of homes, primarily in Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo, and Sligo, where water-absorbing minerals in bricks have caused structural failures, necessitating demolition. The Housing Agency is coordinating with Jennings O’Donovan to investigate the breach and has informed the Data Protection Commissioner and local authorities. Affected individuals are being advised to await direct communication from the agency, as those not contacted are not impacted by the incident.
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‘Gym for your brain’: Why mahjong has become UAE’s new screen-free obsession
Mahjong, a centuries-old Chinese strategy game, is experiencing a renaissance in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, where it has become a popular screen-free activity. The game, which requires skill, strategy, and mental agility, is now a staple in living rooms, cafes, and private parties across the city. The Mahjong Network, a community founded earlier this year by Ria Bajaj, Ishira Kumar, and Maneka Jain Daswani, has grown to 367 members in Dubai alone, connecting players through WhatsApp and social media. The network aims to create an inclusive platform where people can interact as equals, regardless of their social status or background. Mahjong’s appeal lies in its ability to foster social connections, provide mental stimulation, and offer a digital detox. Players describe the game as a ‘gym for the brain,’ likening it to meditation and a metaphor for life, where one learns to navigate unexpected twists and adapt strategies. The Dubai chapter of the network recently hosted its first Diwali-themed mahjong meet-up, attended by 64 women dressed in traditional Indian attire. The game’s growing popularity is evident in the increasing number of private events, parties, and workshops dedicated to it. Mahjong is not just a game for older, affluent women; it attracts a diverse demographic, including professionals seeking a break from their stressful jobs. The game’s ability to improve memory, cognitive abilities, and mental health, while fostering a sense of community, has made it a beloved pastime in the UAE.
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What’s in controversial Reagan advert and is it what he really said?
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate suspension of all trade negotiations with Canada. The decision comes in response to an advertisement sponsored by Ontario, Canada, which features excerpts from a 1987 radio address by former President Ronald Reagan. The ad, released last week, highlights Reagan’s critique of tariffs, stating they ‘hurt every American.’ Trump dismissed the ad as ‘FAKE,’ while the Ronald Reagan Foundation accused it of misrepresenting Reagan’s original speech. The advertisement opens with Reagan’s assertion that tariffs may seem patriotic but only provide short-term benefits. However, the ad rearranges and condenses Reagan’s original address, omitting context and altering the flow of his arguments. In his 1987 speech, Reagan emphasized his commitment to free trade, warning that high tariffs lead to retaliation, trade wars, and economic decline. He also linked protectionist policies to the exacerbation of the Great Depression. The Ontario ad, while using Reagan’s exact words, strategically edits his message to critique Trump’s trade policies. This has sparked a diplomatic row, with Trump accusing Canada of misusing Reagan’s legacy. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate over tariffs and their long-term economic impact, as well as the political stakes of trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.
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How a German freight lift became an unexpected social media star in the Louvre heist
In a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum, thieves demonstrated a surprising level of German efficiency, utilizing a German-made freight lift to execute their plan. The incident, which unfolded in less than four minutes, saw the criminals wheel the lift to the museum, ascend the façade, force open a window, and make off with priceless Napoleonic jewels before escaping on motorbikes through central Paris. Photos of the freight lift, manufactured by Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH, quickly went viral, turning the spotlight on the company. Alexander Böcker, the managing director and third-generation owner, expressed initial shock at the misuse of their product but soon embraced the situation with a sense of humor. By Monday morning, the company had launched a social media campaign featuring the lift, highlighting its capabilities with a slogan that translates to ‘when something needs to be done quickly.’ The post emphasized the lift’s ability to transport up to 400 kilograms of ‘your treasures’ at a speed of 42 meters per minute, powered by a whisper-quiet 230 Volt E-Motor. Böcker acknowledged the overwhelming positive feedback, though he clarified that the lift is not designed to transport humans. The incident has inadvertently turned into a marketing coup for the company, showcasing the unexpected intersection of crime and commerce.
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Tanzania’s first female president has defied early hopes that she would ease repression
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Since her inauguration in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan has faced growing scrutiny over her leadership style. Initially seen as a reformist, Hassan’s tenure has increasingly been marked by authoritarian tendencies, according to critics and human rights organizations. A recent cartoon by Tanzanian-born artist Gado, based in Kenya, depicted Hassan in a military uniform, labeling her a “Dictatoress,” symbolizing her perceived shift from a torchbearer of liberty to a wielder of repression.
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Huge noise then I yelled to get out – Louvre attendant recalls shock of heist
In a brazen daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, thieves made off with eight priceless crown jewels, including treasures once belonging to Empress Marie-Louise and Empress Eugenie, with an estimated total value of €88 million. The heist unfolded on Sunday morning as visitors began to arrive, leaving staff and tourists in shock. An unnamed gallery attendant recounted the moment the thieves used an angle grinder to break through a reinforced window into the Gallery of Apollo, where the historic jewelry is housed. ‘No-one could have been prepared for this,’ she said, describing the chaos that ensued. The gang, equipped with a mechanical ladder mounted on a lorry, accessed the first-floor balcony and swiftly seized the treasures within eight minutes. Two tourists reportedly fled in panic as one of the criminals brandished what appeared to be a chainsaw. The attendant and her colleagues evacuated visitors and secured neighboring galleries, but the thieves escaped on scooters, leaving behind a trail of evidence, including a damaged crown. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, revealed that years of underfunding and inadequate security measures, such as a single misaligned external camera, contributed to the breach. While French ministers defended the museum’s security protocols, staff expressed concerns about a declining ‘culture of security’ at the iconic institution.
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Rain respite aids fall harvest in Shandong
Recent clear skies have provided a much-needed boost to Shandong province’s autumn harvest, allowing farmers and local authorities to accelerate crop collection after unprecedented October rainfall disrupted agricultural activities. According to the Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of Wednesday, approximately 82.8% of the province’s autumn grain, covering around 3.63 million hectares, had been harvested. This includes 3.34 million hectares of corn, representing 85.8% of the total planting area for this key crop. The harvest was initially delayed due to rare continuous rainfall in early October, with precipitation levels soaring to 141.3 millimeters—751.2% higher than the historical average for the same period. To address the challenges posed by the prolonged wet weather, the central government allocated 484 million yuan ($68 million) for agricultural disaster relief in seven provinces, including Shandong. These funds are being used to expedite harvesting, dry damp grain, and drain waterlogged fields. Shandong’s agricultural authorities have also mobilized resources, deploying 426 mobile drying units to major grain-producing areas and providing detailed information on accessible grain drying service centers. Farmers like An Senping, who owns a crawler harvester capable of operating in wet conditions, have been instrumental in gathering crops, even assisting neighboring smallholders. However, drying the harvested corn remains a significant challenge, as improper drying can lead to mold and substantial losses. To address this, local authorities have partnered with grain enterprises to offer purchasing and drying services, with designated drying locations available to farmers. Despite the hurdles, farmers are making the most of the improved weather, coordinating efforts across harvesting, drying, storage, and planting to ensure a successful harvest. Nationwide, the autumn grain harvest has reached nearly 80%, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of China’s agricultural sector.
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‘I admit I cried’ – Hermoso on Spain recall
Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals, has been recalled to the national team by new manager Sonia Bermudez after a year-long absence. Hermoso last appeared for Spain in October 2024, coming off the bench in a match against Canada. Her return follows a tumultuous period during which she testified in the trial of former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, who was convicted of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso without her consent after Spain’s 2023 World Cup final victory. Despite not being called up for Euro 2025, where Spain lost to England on penalties, Hermoso played a crucial role in Spain’s qualification campaign and their bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics, where they were defeated by Germany. Hermoso, who currently plays for Mexican club Tigres, expressed her emotions about the recall, stating, ‘I have to admit that I cried. It was a moment I have waited a long time for and I’ve been working for a long time for. To continue at this level and to be able to enjoy football with the national team is the reward for all that work.’ Hermoso, now 35, is the oldest member of the squad but remains undeterred by her age, emphasizing that ‘age is just a number.’ She is focused on making a fresh start and contributing to Spain’s upcoming Women’s Nations League semi-final against Sweden. Bermudez, who took over as manager after Montse Tome’s contract was not renewed in August, has also recalled Barcelona defender Mapi Leon, who last played for Spain in 2022. Hermoso’s return marks a significant moment for Spanish women’s football as they aim to rebuild and move forward from the controversies of the past.