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  • Heavy rains and flooding kills at least 23 in Nairobi

    Heavy rains and flooding kills at least 23 in Nairobi

    Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is reeling from a night of catastrophic flooding that has resulted in at least 23 fatalities and widespread devastation. Torrential overnight rainfall triggered severe inundation across the city, submerging major highways, stranding vehicles, and trapping residents during the evening rush hour.

    According to police reports, approximately 30 individuals have been successfully rescued from the floodwaters, though many others drowned after being swept into raging rivers. Some victims succumbed to electrocution in the chaotic conditions. The flooding has caused extensive property damage, forced road closures, and displaced numerous residents from their homes.

    Kenya’s military has been deployed to assist emergency operations, focusing particularly on rescuing people trapped inside their vehicles. The situation has severely impacted air travel, with several flights bound for Nairobi Airport being cancelled or diverted to Mombasa on the coast.

    The Kenya Meteorological Department had issued advanced warnings predicting 30-70mm of rainfall in Nairobi and surrounding counties, alerting authorities to potential urban flooding and reduced visibility. River levels are expected to continue rising through March 9th, with Nairobi, the Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, and coastal areas remaining under heightened alert for additional peak rainfall in coming days.

    Eyewitness accounts reveal the human tragedy unfolding beneath the floodwaters. John Lomayan, a 34-year-old security guard, described recognizing someone trapped beneath a car that had been washed away when the Nairobi River burst its banks. “I saw him being carried by the water from up there,” he told Reuters, gesturing up the road. “We didn’t know where he had gone. It is only now that we see him under the car.”

    Major transportation arteries including Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Kirinyaga Road, and sections of the Westlands district remain completely submerged. The combination of stalled vehicles and fast-moving floodwaters created particularly dangerous conditions throughout the capital.

    Authorities have advised residents to avoid flooded streets and drainage channels while emergency responders continue assisting stranded motorists and pedestrians. This disaster echoes last year’s tragic flooding across Kenya and neighboring Tanzania that claimed hundreds of lives through similar patterns of heavy rainfall causing severe flooding and landslides.

  • Pope names veteran Vatican diplomat as ambassador to the US to manage relations with Trump

    Pope names veteran Vatican diplomat as ambassador to the US to manage relations with Trump

    ROME — In a significant diplomatic move, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, a seasoned Vatican diplomat, as the new apostolic nuncio to the United States. The 68-year-old Italian prelate, currently serving as the Holy See’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York, will assume one of the Vatican’s most crucial diplomatic posts, replacing Cardinal Christophe Pierre who is retiring at age 80.

    Archbishop Caccia brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position, having previously served as the Holy See’s ambassador to Lebanon and the Philippines before his 2019 UN posting. Ordained in Milan in 1983, he later held the key administrative position of “assessor” in the Vatican secretariat of state, the Holy See’s most important office.

    The appointment comes at a delicate time in Vatican-US relations, which have experienced strain during both Trump administrations. Significant tensions have emerged over immigration policies and the ongoing military engagement in Iran. Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff in history, has repeatedly emphasized the need to respect human dignity in migration policies while acknowledging national border rights.

    The new ambassador inherits a complex portfolio that includes managing relations with both the US government and the American Catholic hierarchy. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops, which has traditionally leaned conservative, has shown notable friction with the more progressive priorities of Pope Francis’ pontificate, a dynamic that continued into Pope Leo’s leadership.

    Beyond immigration issues, Pope Leo has expressed “profound concern” about the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Iran, urging both sides to “stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss.” In recent comments, the pontiff called for renewed diplomatic efforts, stating that weapons only sow “destruction, pain and death.”

    The Holy See maintains its tradition of diplomatic neutrality despite these concerns, though Pope Leo has been vocal about humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine. The relationship with the United States remains vitally important for the Vatican, particularly as American Catholics represent the most significant source of donations to the Holy See’s coffers.

    Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, current president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has already welcomed Caccia’s appointment, offering the hierarchy’s “warmest welcome and our prayerful support.”

  • China spent $14.5b to help families raise children last year: health minister

    China spent $14.5b to help families raise children last year: health minister

    In a significant demonstration of its commitment to family welfare, China allocated over 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion) toward child rearing subsidies throughout the previous year, according to National Health Commission Minister Lei Haichao. The announcement was made during a press conference at the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 7, 2026.

    The substantial financial package saw the central government contributing approximately 90 billion yuan, complemented by 10 billion yuan from local government authorities. Minister Lei specified that the subsidy program applies to children born on or after January 1, 2022, providing eligible families with annual support totaling 10,800 yuan per infant.

    Minister Lei characterized the initiative using a popular public description, noting that “the moment a child is born, they bring their own ration, their own ‘salary’.” He emphasized that these financial measures represent a concrete governmental commitment to improving living standards and supporting family development.

    Beyond direct monetary assistance, China has made considerable advancements in childcare infrastructure. Minister Lei reported the addition of 890,000 affordable and reliable nursery placements during the previous year, elevating the national total to more than 6.6 million available positions. These comprehensive measures form part of China’s broader strategy to promote high-quality population development and address demographic challenges through targeted family support systems.

  • Timothée Chalamet triggers backlash over ballet and opera remarks

    Timothée Chalamet triggers backlash over ballet and opera remarks

    Academy Award-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet has ignited substantial controversy within the performing arts community following his recent comments dismissing ballet and opera as irrelevant art forms. The incident occurred during a public conversation with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas in February, where Chalamet expressed his perspective on cultural preservation efforts.

    During their discussion about cinema’s enduring legacy, Chalamet stated, ‘I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore.” The actor quickly appended, ‘All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there,’ seemingly anticipating potential backlash.

    The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures across the performing arts spectrum. Canadian mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny characterized Chalamet’s perspective as a ‘disappointing take,’ while Hollywood veteran Jamie Lee Curtis questioned via Instagram Story, ‘Why are any artists taking shots at any other artists?’ Johnny emphasized the importance of artistic solidarity, advocating for cross-disciplinary collaboration to elevate all art forms.

    American artist Franz Szony delivered a particularly pointed response, noting, ‘Two classical art forms that have been around for hundreds of years, both of which take a massive amount of talent and discipline this man will never possess.’ Szony further suggested that Chalamet’s qualified apology revealed deeper artistic insensitivity.

    The ballet community mounted a vigorous defense of their art’s contemporary relevance. Choreographer Martin Chaix asserted that ballet remains ‘very much alive,’ arguing that in an era of rapidly evolving AI in cinema, the ‘unmediated human presence of ballet and opera becomes more essential, not less.’ The English National Ballet provided quantitative evidence of the art form’s vitality, reporting over 200,000 audience members for their performances and 65 million social media impressions.

    In an unexpected development, several institutions transformed the controversy into marketing opportunities. Seattle Opera created a bespoke promotional offer, providing a 14% discount using code ‘TIMOTHEE’ for select seats to their upcoming production of Carmen, humorously extending the offer to Chalamet himself. The incident has sparked broader conversations about artistic valuation, cultural preservation, and inter-disciplinary respect within the creative community.

  • Tunisian journalist’s focus at two sessions: AI and people-centered development

    Tunisian journalist’s focus at two sessions: AI and people-centered development

    Derouiche Asma, a correspondent for Arab China TV based in Tunisia, is providing her inaugural coverage of China’s pivotal annual political gatherings known as the Two Sessions. The journalist identified artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technological innovations as particularly captivating subjects that have stimulated substantial dialogue throughout Arab nations. She specifically referenced the humanoid robotics technology showcased during China’s Spring Festival Gala as exemplary of these advancements.

    Beyond technological developments, Asma observed distinctive characteristics in China’s governance approach through the Two Sessions proceedings. She noted the establishment of explicit annual objectives coupled with substantive deliberations addressing matters directly impacting citizens’ daily experiences. The reporter emphasized China’s dual focus on maintaining rapid economic expansion while simultaneously prioritizing qualitative development metrics.

    Her reporting provides an international perspective on how China’s political processes facilitate discussions on both technological progression and societal welfare, offering unique insights into the intersection of policy-making and public interest considerations that extend beyond mere economic indicators.

  • China to strengthen measures against misconduct in education, enhance equity: education minister

    China to strengthen measures against misconduct in education, enhance equity: education minister

    China’s Ministry of Education has announced a sweeping initiative to combat systemic issues within the nation’s education system, focusing on misconduct prevention and equity enhancement. Education Minister Huai Jinpeng revealed the multi-faceted strategy during a press conference at the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing.

    The comprehensive plan addresses several critical areas including excessive tutoring practices, school bullying incidents, cafeteria operational irregularities, and textbook selection procedures. Minister Huai emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance approach, stating that violations would be addressed immediately upon detection with stringent measures to prevent recurrence.

    A significant component of the reform involves inter-departmental collaboration between education, public security, health, and market regulation authorities. This coordinated effort aims to create safer learning environments through enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

    Demographic shifts have prompted the ministry to establish a national surveillance system for optimizing resource allocation. The strategy specifically targets urban centers experiencing population influx and regions with underdeveloped educational infrastructure for increased school placement opportunities.

    The initiative also includes adaptive resource distribution across various educational stages, supported by pilot programs for reduced-class-size teaching in qualified areas. Rural education will receive bolstered support through the expanded ‘silver age’ program recruiting retired educators and improvements to boarding facilities in township schools.

    Equity measures encompass increased public preschool availability, county high school revitalization projects, and guaranteed equal admission opportunities for migrant children, left-behind children, and students with disabilities.

  • Israeli commentator says Iran war could signal end of Sykes-Picot order

    Israeli commentator says Iran war could signal end of Sykes-Picot order

    A prominent Israeli geopolitical commentator has posited that the ongoing military confrontation between the US-Israel alliance and Iran may fundamentally dismantle the Middle East’s political architecture, potentially erasing the century-old regional order established following World War I.

    Meir Swissa, writing for the Israeli publication Yedioth Ahronot, characterized the conflict as a pivotal turning point that extends beyond mere military engagement. He contends this confrontation could ultimately nullify the Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 – the secret British-French accord that arbitrarily divided the collapsed Ottoman Empire’s territories into modern nation-states based on Western spheres of influence rather than indigenous socio-political structures.

    The commentary suggests the weakening of Iran’s regional network through allied movements and governments could expose the fragility of Tehran’s Shia axis across the region. Swissa describes a paradoxical situation where Israel effectively acts on behalf of Sunni Arab interests by confronting Iranian expansion, with some Arab states quietly benefiting from diminished Iranian power despite their public reluctance to engage directly.

    According to this analysis, the degradation of Iran’s military proxies could trigger a regression to pre-Westphalian political models dominated by tribal, clan-based, and local emirate structures rather than modern nation-states. Swissa further speculates that Kurdish groups might emerge as significant actors in this geopolitical transformation, potentially leading to entirely new regional arrangements.

    The assessment references previous warnings from former US special envoy Tom Barrack, who in August 2025 indicated Israel’s diminishing commitment to maintaining Sykes-Picot established borders and potential ambitions toward Lebanon and Syria. Current escalations – including joint US-Israeli attacks eliminating Iranian leadership, ballistic missile deployments, strikes in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, and humanitarian crises with approximately 500,000 displaced persons – appear to be accelerating this geopolitical unraveling.

    This analysis emerges against a backdrop of extreme regional tension following the targeted killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders, with President Trump demanding Iran’s unconditional surrender while NATO enhances its ballistic missile defenses following incidents near Turkey.

  • War in the Middle East: latest developments

    War in the Middle East: latest developments

    The Middle East conflict entered a dangerous new phase this weekend as Israel intensified military operations against Iranian targets and Hezbollah positions. Israeli forces conducted precision strikes on Revolutionary Guard facilities in Tehran and Isfahan, following an extensive overnight operation involving approximately 80 fighter jets. Concurrently, Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, resulting in several casualties among the group’s leadership.

    The regional tension significantly disrupted air travel, with Dubai International Airport—the world’s busiest for international travel—temporarily suspending operations before partially resuming services following air defense activity in the area. Similar disruptions were reported in Bahrain’s capital Manama, where warning sirens prompted residents to seek shelter.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant statement, asserting that Iran would not surrender to Israeli and American pressure. While apologizing to neighboring countries for recent attacks, he issued a stern warning that further Iranian missiles would only be launched if attacks originated from those territories. Simultaneously, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting an oil tanker in the Gulf and conducted operations against separatist groups in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

    The diplomatic response intensified as Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called on Iran to ‘avoid miscalculation’ following repeated missile and drone attacks against the kingdom. The Arab League scheduled an emergency meeting for Sunday to coordinate response to Iranian attacks on Arab territories, with several Gulf states participating.

    Meanwhile, the United States approved emergency weapons sales to Israel, authorizing 12,000 bomb casings to bolster Israeli defense capabilities amid the escalating conflict. The Israeli military remained on high alert, responding to Iranian missile attacks that triggered air raid sirens across the country.

  • Fighting disrupts shipping, threatening Africa trade

    Fighting disrupts shipping, threatening Africa trade

    The escalating conflict in the Gulf region has unleashed severe disruptions across East Africa’s trade networks, with major shipping companies abandoning traditional routes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Global carriers including Maersk, CMA CGM, and Mediterranean Shipping Company have suspended sailings through these critical maritime corridors, redirecting vessels around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope instead.

    This strategic rerouting threatens to cripple East African exports, particularly perishable commodities. The extended journey—increasing transit times from 20 days to potentially 45 days—jeopardizes cold-chain logistics and threatens significant financial losses for regional exporters.

    Kenya’s agricultural sector faces immediate jeopardy. The East African Tea Trade Association warns that the country could lose up to 25% of its Middle Eastern tea market if hostilities persist. Meanwhile, Kenya’s meat export industry reports over 200 metric tons of product stranded in cold storage facilities, with daily exports of 130 tons completely halted.

    Agayo Ogambi, CEO of the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa, emphasized the critical timing for exporters handling perishables like avocados. “The extended transit will lead to cold-chain disruptions, higher rejection rates by buyers, and substantial financial losses,” Ogambi stated.

    Waweru Kamau of Juja International Abattoirs detailed the crisis: “All meat prepared for shipment remains frozen in our facilities. We’ve suspended operations and sent staff home as our primary market—the Middle East, particularly the UAE which accounts for 60% of exports—becomes inaccessible due to route disruptions.”

    The ripple effects extend beyond immediate cargo delays, threatening to increase freight charges at major East African ports including Mombasa, disrupt container circulation systems, and potentially trigger broader economic consequences across the continent’s trade-dependent economies.

  • 24 US states sue to block new tariffs

    24 US states sue to block new tariffs

    A coalition comprising 24 American states, spearheaded by Oregon, has initiated a formidable legal challenge against the Trump administration’s latest tariff impositions. The lawsuit, formally lodged with the US Court of International Trade on Thursday, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing constitutional conflict between state governments and federal executive power.

    The legal filing contends that President Donald Trump’s most recent tariff announcement fundamentally violates established federal statutes, contravenes the constitutional separation of powers doctrine, and constitutes a clear breach of the Administrative Procedure Act. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield emphasized that the legal action specifically targets the administration’s persistent efforts to implement worldwide tariff increases without obtaining mandatory congressional approval.

    ‘Current priorities should focus on restitution for citizens rather than perpetuating unlawful tariff policies,’ Rayfield asserted in an official statement. He highlighted the severe financial strain already burdening American households through escalating costs for essential goods including groceries and clothing.

    The litigation emerges following a crucial February 20th ruling by the US Supreme Court that declared previous tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) unlawful. In response to this judicial setback, the administration pivoted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 as revised legal justification for implementing new 10% tariffs, subsequently threatening escalation to 15%.

    Legal experts note that Section 122 authorizes tariffs exclusively under specific circumstances involving ‘large and serious balance-of-payments deficits’ – conditions that standard trade deficits do not satisfy according to the plaintiffs. The implemented tariffs possess a 150-day duration limit absent congressional extension, though administration officials simultaneously pursue more permanent tariff mechanisms.

    Concurrently, a federal magistrate issued a Wednesday directive mandating government reimbursement for IEEPA tariffs, potentially returning $168-182 billion to affected importers according to budgetary analysts. Supporting the states’ position, Federal Reserve Bank of New York researchers determined that nearly 90% of 2025 tariff costs were ultimately borne by American consumers and businesses. Regional impact assessments suggest Oregon families alone could face over $1,200 in additional annual living expenses should the tariffs remain effective.