Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • French court sentences ex-DR Congo rebel and politician to 30 years in jail

    French court sentences ex-DR Congo rebel and politician to 30 years in jail

    In a landmark ruling demonstrating the reach of universal jurisdiction, a Paris court has convicted former Congolese rebel commander and politician Roger Lumbala to three decades imprisonment for complicity in crimes against humanity. The 67-year-old, apprehended in France nearly five years ago, was found culpable for atrocities perpetrated during the Second Congo War (1998-2003).

    Presiding judges determined Lumbala, who led the Uganda-backed Rally of Congolese Democrats and Nationalists (RCD-N), ordered or facilitated torture, summary executions, sexual slavery, systematic rape, forced labor, and widespread theft. These violations characterized the brutal ‘Erase the Slate’ campaign targeting Nande and Bambuti communities in northeastern DR Congo during 2002-2003, whom Lumbala’s forces accused of supporting rival militias.

    Despite his detention in France, Lumbala refused to recognize the court’s authority and abstained from the trial proceedings, though he was present for Monday’s verdict delivery. His political career included roles as a minister in Congo’s transitional government (2003-2005) and later as a parliamentarian before an arrest warrant alleging support for the active M23 rebel group prompted his flight to France.

    The case—prosecuted under France’s universal jurisdiction laws enabling trials for severe international crimes committed abroad—relied heavily on testimony from 65 survivors, witnesses, and experts. NGOs including Trial International and the Clooney Foundation for Justice provided critical support for victim testimony and expert analysis.

    Survivors David Karamay Kasereka and Pisco Sirikivuya Paluku, in a joint statement, expressed that ‘the truth matters’ despite their fear, noting they wished to have confronted Lumbala directly but viewed the verdict as reclaiming parts of themselves taken by violence. Their accounts detailed neighbors and relatives tortured and killed, personal injuries, and sexual violence against loved ones.

    While prosecutors sought life imprisonment, Lumbala’s defense decried the 30-year sentence as excessive and retains the right to appeal within ten days. Human rights advocates hailed the decision as a historic step toward accountability in a conflict that claimed millions of lives and has seen numerous militia leaders tried by the International Criminal Court.

  • Bondi Beach shooting: Police probing gunmen’s visit to Philippines before deadly attack

    Bondi Beach shooting: Police probing gunmen’s visit to Philippines before deadly attack

    Australian law enforcement officials have launched an international investigation into the activities of two gunmen prior to the deadly Bondi Beach shooting incident that shocked the nation. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed Tuesday that authorities are examining the father and son’s travel to the Philippines approximately one month before they carried out the mass shooting.

    Commissioner Lanyon stated during a press briefing that the precise motives behind their Philippine journey remain unclear and constitute a critical component of the ongoing investigation. “The reasons why the father and son went to the Philippines—including their specific purpose and destinations—are under active investigation at this time,” Lanyon told reporters.

    The investigation seeks to determine whether the Philippines trip involved weapons acquisition, training activities, or other preparations that might have facilitated the subsequent attack. Australian authorities are coordinating with international counterparts, including Philippine law enforcement agencies, to trace the suspects’ movements and contacts during their overseas visit.

    This development adds an international dimension to the tragedy that unfolded at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, raising questions about cross-border security cooperation and the monitoring of potential threats. The investigation represents one of the most complex multinational law enforcement operations Australia has undertaken in recent years regarding domestic security incidents.

    Forensic teams continue to examine evidence from the shooting scene while behavioral analysis units work to reconstruct the perpetrators’ activities and motivations in the weeks leading up to the attack. The timing of the Philippines visit—approximately 30 days before the shooting—suggests potential premeditation and planning that authorities are urgently working to understand.

  • Photos: 20,000 Filipino expats gather to mark Simbang Gabi in Dubai

    Photos: 20,000 Filipino expats gather to mark Simbang Gabi in Dubai

    DUBAI – In a remarkable display of cultural preservation and community spirit, approximately 20,000 Filipino expatriates gathered in Dubai for the annual Simbang Gabi tradition on Monday evening. The massive congregation transformed the city’s central district into a vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage, showcasing one of the largest overseas gatherings for this cherished pre-dawn Christmas ritual.

    The event, meticulously organized by Filipino community groups in coordination with UAE authorities, featured traditional liturgical services followed by communal feasting. Participants adorned in traditional attire created a sea of color while traditional parols (star-shaped lanterns) illuminated the venue, symbolizing the guiding light of faith for overseas workers.

    Community leaders emphasized the significance of maintaining cultural traditions abroad, noting how Simbang Gabi serves as both spiritual nourishment and emotional anchor for Filipinos working thousands of miles from home. The celebration incorporated elements from both traditional Philippine practices and adaptations suitable for the UAE’s multicultural environment, creating a unique fusion that respects both Filipino heritage and local regulations.

    The successful organization of such a substantial gathering demonstrates the UAE’s evolving approach to cultural diversity and religious tolerance. Local authorities provided necessary permits and security arrangements, acknowledging the importance of cultural events for the substantial Filipino community that forms one of the largest expatriate groups in the Emirates.

    This year’s record attendance reflects the growing Filipino community in the UAE and their increasingly organized efforts to preserve cultural identity while contributing to the nation’s development. The event also featured charity initiatives supporting overseas workers in need, reinforcing the community’s commitment to mutual support and solidarity.

  • Depression: How long can you stay on antidepressants?

    Depression: How long can you stay on antidepressants?

    The medical community faces significant uncertainty regarding appropriate durations for antidepressant treatment, leaving millions of patients questioning whether to continue medication indefinitely. This therapeutic dilemma emerges from a critical knowledge gap: while antidepressants rank among America’s most prescribed medications, comprehensive data on their long-term effects remains strikingly limited.

    Marjorie Isaacson’s experience exemplifies this predicament. Now 69, she began antidepressant treatment in her late twenties during marital difficulties that affected her basic functioning. While initially grateful for the medication’s stabilizing effect, she now contemplates potential lifelong use amidst emerging concerns about side effects and withdrawal complexities.

    The fundamental uncertainty stems from regulatory approval processes. The FDA originally approved modern antidepressants like Prozac based on clinical trials lasting merely months, with subsequent studies rarely extending beyond two years. This evidence shortfall means current clinical guidelines provide minimal direction on optimal treatment duration, forcing patients and providers to make decisions without robust long-term safety data.

    Psychiatrists emphasize that discontinuation decisions require individualized assessment through physician consultation. Dr. Jonathan E. Alpert of Montefiore Einstein recommends that patients with major depression maintain treatment until achieving stability, followed by four to nine months of consolidation therapy. Those experiencing multiple depressive episodes or severe, treatment-resistant symptoms often benefit from extended maintenance therapy lasting years.

    The challenge intensifies when considering withdrawal. Approximately one in six patients discontinuing antidepressants experiences significant symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, and sensory disturbances described as ‘brain zaps.’ For roughly 3% of patients, these symptoms prove so severe that cessation becomes practically impossible without medical supervision.

    Potential long-term risks require careful consideration. Certain antidepressants correlate with increased blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol levels, and clotting risk. A recent Danish study associated one to five years of antidepressant use with elevated risk of sudden cardiac death, though researchers couldn’t determine whether medications or underlying conditions drove this association.

    Despite these concerns, psychiatrists stress that untreated depression carries well-established risks. Dr. Paul Nestadt of Johns Hopkins notes that while more long-term safety data would be valuable, the therapeutic benefits for genuinely depressed patients typically outweigh potential medication risks when properly managed.

  • Flash flood kills at least 37 people in Morocco town, deadliest in a decade

    Flash flood kills at least 37 people in Morocco town, deadliest in a decade

    A catastrophic flash flood has devastated the Moroccan coastal town of Safi, resulting in at least 37 fatalities and marking the nation’s deadliest weather-related disaster in over a decade. The tragedy struck on Sunday as a powerful torrent of mud and water surged through the streets, sweeping away vehicles and infrastructure in its path.

    Local authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing amidst warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology of additional thunderstorms expected across several regions in the coming days. The historic town center suffered extensive damage with at least 70 homes and businesses flooded, while schools have been closed for a minimum of three days due to debris-clogged streets.

    Fourteen survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at Mohammed V Hospital, with two patients in intensive care. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of utter devastation as residents lost homes, livelihoods, and personal belongings. ‘The water overwhelmed us. We couldn’t sleep all night. We lost everything, even my children’s textbooks,’ recounted Hanane Nasreddine, a mother of six, her voice trembling with emotion.

    The commercial impact has been particularly severe in Safi, renowned for its arts and crafts including terracotta pottery. Shopkeeper Abdelkader Mezraoui reported that jewelry and clothing retailers lost their entire inventories, calling for official compensation to save local businesses.

    Morocco’s prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation to determine potential responsibility for the extent of the damage, while local officials convened emergency meetings to implement crisis measures. The disaster occurs against the backdrop of Morocco’s seventh consecutive year of severe drought, with climate scientists noting that warmer atmospheric conditions intensify storm systems by holding increased moisture.

    The North African kingdom has experienced similar tragedies in past decades, with flash floods claiming hundreds of lives in 1995 and scores more in 2002, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.

  • King’s College Hospital Dubai performs first Mini-SCOUT® wire-free breast surgery outside the US

    King’s College Hospital Dubai performs first Mini-SCOUT® wire-free breast surgery outside the US

    King’s College Hospital Dubai has achieved a significant medical milestone by performing the first mini-SCOUT® wire-free breast lesion localization procedure outside the United States. This groundbreaking surgery, conducted by Dr. Lucy Rany Khan, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, marks a transformative advancement in breast cancer care for the Middle East region.

    The newly implemented mini-SCOUT® system represents the most sophisticated evolution in wire-free localization technology, specifically engineered to detect exceptionally small breast lesions with unprecedented accuracy. This cutting-edge approach eliminates the conventional wire localization method that required inserting metallic wires into breast tissue prior to surgical interventions.

    Dr. Khan’s extensive expertise in complex breast surgery, acquired during her tenure in the United Kingdom, proved instrumental in implementing this specialized technology in Dubai. Her proficiency has enabled the hospital to offer patients advanced surgical options that previously necessitated overseas medical travel.

    Clinical advantages of the mini-SCOUT® system include its compact design, enhanced positioning capability, and millimeter-level precision in depth measurement. This technological refinement allows surgeons to execute more deliberate incision planning with emphasis on both oncological safety and aesthetic outcomes. The system provides real-time intraoperative guidance, enabling exact surgical pathway tracking while minimizing unnecessary tissue dissection.

    Patient benefits extend beyond surgical precision to include improved comfort and reduced invasiveness. The wire-free localization marker is placed on the day of surgery without external protrusions, frequently enabling same-day discharge. This technique supports breast-conservation approaches by confirming adequate margin achievement during lesion removal.

    Dr. Khan emphasized: ‘This technology permits identification and removal of breast lesions with exceptional precision while significantly enhancing patient comfort compared to traditional wire localization. We’re proud to deliver internationally standardized advanced breast-conserving surgery to Dubai patients.’

    This medical achievement reinforces King’s College Hospital Dubai’s position as a regional referral center for advanced breast surgery, demonstrating the emirate’s growing capabilities in cutting-edge healthcare delivery.

  • Messi gets India jersey as fans brave toxic air to catch a glimpse of football icon

    Messi gets India jersey as fans brave toxic air to catch a glimpse of football icon

    Football legend Lionel Messi concluded his highly anticipated ‘GOAT Tour’ across India with a celebratory event at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, captivating thousands of devoted fans who braved severely hazardous air conditions to witness the iconic athlete. Despite the capital city’s air quality index reaching dangerous levels exceeding 300 micrograms of PM 2.5 particles—twenty times the WHO’s recommended maximum—the Argentine superstar maintained his characteristic enthusiasm throughout the 35-minute appearance.

    The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward, dressed in a distinctive pink jersey and black trousers, electrified the nearly-packed cricket stadium by kicking footballs into the ecstatic crowd and generously posing for selfies with star-struck attendees. In a heartfelt address delivered in Spanish, Messi expressed his profound appreciation, stating: ‘It was beautiful to receive all the love and support. I knew it was there, but to receive it first-hand was amazing.’ He emphatically promised to return to India, a nation of 1.4 billion people where cricket traditionally dominates sporting culture.

    The event proceeded smoothly under tight security arrangements, contrasting sharply with Saturday’s chaotic scene in Kolkata where frustrated fans vandalized the stadium after Messi’s abrupt departure. In New Delhi, organizers presented Messi with symbolic gifts including an Indian national team jersey and a T20 World Cup ticket from ICC chairman Jay Shah, highlighting the crossover appeal between football and cricket.

    The tour’s significance extended beyond sports, occurring against the backdrop of India’s severe air pollution crisis. A recent Lancet Planetary Health study indicated approximately 3.8 million pollution-related deaths occurred nationwide between 2009-2019. Despite these environmental challenges, Messi’s visit included meaningful interactions with Indian sporting icons including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and football star Sunil Chhetri, while former national team captain Bhaichung Bhutia shared the stage with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

    This Asian excursion follows Messi’s second consecutive MLS MVP award after leading Inter Miami to the league championship. The football icon now prepares to captain Argentina’s World Cup defense in North America this summer, continuing his extraordinary career that has captivated fans across continents and cultures.

  • RSISX Index records solid 5.0% growth in November, outperforming regional markets

    RSISX Index records solid 5.0% growth in November, outperforming regional markets

    Iraq’s capital markets demonstrated remarkable resilience in November 2025 as the Rabee Securities Iraq Stock Exchange Index (RSISX) posted a robust 5.0% gain, significantly outperforming regional counterparts that experienced declines during the same period. This market strength emerged following Iraq’s parliamentary elections on November 11, which recorded a 56.11% voter turnout and resulted in the Reconstruction and Change coalition securing approximately 370,000 more votes than its nearest competitor.

    The banking sector emerged as a primary driver of this growth, with National Bank of Iraq, Asiacell, Baghdad Soft Drinks, Bank of Baghdad, and Al-Mansour Bank leading the index’s advancement. According to Aysegul Ozge Ozgur, Head of Research at Rabee Securities, ‘November reflected stronger investor confidence in Iraq’s capital markets, supported by post-election stability and broad-based contributions from leading sectors. The RSISX Index’s outperformance relative to regional peers underscores the market’s resilience.’

    Despite the index’s strong performance, trading volumes presented a contrasting picture. Total trading volume on the Iraq Stock Exchange declined 34% month-on-month to $26.5 million, while non-cross trading volumes decreased 14% to $16.5 million. The banking sector maintained its dominance with 62.6% of total trading activity, followed by industry (20.5%), telecom (8.7%), and services (5.8%).

    Rabee Securities expanded its analytical capabilities with the launch of two specialized indices: the RS Iraq Halal Companies Index (RSIHX) and the RS Iraq Banking Index (RSIBX), which advanced 4.4% and 5.0% respectively during the month. Additionally, 37 companies recorded share-price increases, with Babil Animal & Vegetable Production and Tourist Village of Mosul Dam emerging as standout performers with gains of 161.7% and 146.6% respectively.

    The positive market sentiment was further bolstered by broader economic developments, including Fitch Ratings’ reaffirmation of Iraq’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at ‘B-‘ with a Stable Outlook, and regulatory cooperation efforts advanced through the Iraqi Securities Commission’s participation in the Market 2.0 Conference in Bahrain.

  • How the India-Oman FTA will redefine a strategic partnership

    How the India-Oman FTA will redefine a strategic partnership

    The upcoming signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Muscat represents a transformative moment in bilateral relations that extends far beyond conventional trade diplomacy. This landmark free trade agreement culminates decades of deepening trust and shared economic aspirations between the two nations, positioning Oman as India’s strategic gateway between Eastern and Western markets.

    Historical ties between India and Oman, rooted in centuries of commercial and maritime engagement, have evolved into a robust modern economic relationship. Recent bilateral trade figures demonstrate remarkable growth, with total exchange reaching approximately $10.61 billion in fiscal year 2024-25—an impressive 18.6% year-on-year increase. India exported $4.07 billion in goods to Oman while importing $6.55 billion worth of Omani products, reflecting a balanced economic interdependence.

    The CEPA framework addresses longstanding trade barriers that previously hindered optimal commercial exchange. By eliminating varying duties and streamlining regulatory hurdles, the agreement creates enhanced market access across critical sectors including engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, and value-added agricultural products. This comes as particularly timely support for India’s engineering goods sector, which has recently faced global economic headwinds despite being India’s second-largest export category to Oman.

    Oman’s significance extends beyond trade volumes, with India ranking among Oman’s top trading partners and serving as the fourth-largest source of imports. The relationship is further strengthened by more than 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures representing billions in capital commitments and a substantial Indian expatriate community that contributes significantly to Oman’s economic and cultural landscape.

    The agreement aligns strategically with Oman’s Vision 2040 national transformation program, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbon resources. The FTA facilitates foreign investment, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial development while leveraging Oman’s petrochemical resources, logistics infrastructure, and access to crucial maritime routes.

    This partnership emerges amid shifting global economic alignments, with nations increasingly pursuing regional agreements to enhance supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy. Building on the success of India’s 2022 UAE CEPA, the Oman agreement establishes a new model for deeper economic collaboration across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, potentially reshaping regional trade dynamics for years to come.

  • Brand Lounge wins “Branding Agency of the Year” award

    Brand Lounge wins “Branding Agency of the Year” award

    Dubai-based strategic brand consultancy Brand Lounge has achieved a landmark industry recognition by securing the coveted ‘Branding Agency of the Year’ title at the Campaign Middle East Agency of the Year Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade arrives as the firm prepares to commemorate its 20th anniversary in 2026, solidifying its position as the regional benchmark for comprehensive brand development.

    The award serves as validation of the agency’s holistic methodology spanning Strategy & Insights, Design & Creative Impact, Culture & People, and Innovation & Experience practices. This victory follows an exceptionally productive year featuring several high-profile international projects that demonstrated the agency’s expanding global footprint.

    Founder & CEO Hasan Fadlallah characterized the recognition as meaningful validation of the consultancy’s long-term vision. ‘Our growth has always been grounded in differentiation, powered by a team that consistently raises industry standards,’ Fadlallah stated. ‘This achievement fundamentally stems from our people and partners—their passion, discipline, and belief in our mission propel everything we accomplish. As we approach our twentieth anniversary, this award energizes our commitment to broadening our regional influence and developing brands that generate tangible, measurable value.’

    Chief Operating Officer Zak McKinven emphasized the award’s significance in reinforcing the agency’s strategic trajectory. ‘This honor validates our unique business transformation methodology that consistently delivers client growth through strategic and creative excellence,’ McKinven noted. ‘It provides additional momentum as we continue expanding our presence and ambitions across the region and internationally, with further developments anticipated throughout 2026.’

    The award-winning year featured several signature projects including the comprehensive relaunch of Makarem Hotels for Taiba in Saudi Arabia, the rebranding of Vallé Advenature™ Park in Mauritius, the successful market introduction of Yemelix in Turkey, and ongoing identity development for the culturally significant Oman Cultural Complex—one of the most anticipated cultural initiatives in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.