Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Dubai: Gold prices recover losses, rise Dh5 per gram

    Dubai: Gold prices recover losses, rise Dh5 per gram

    Dubai’s gold market witnessed a significant recovery on Wednesday morning as prices surged by Dh5 per gram, effectively reversing most of the previous day’s losses. The Dubai Jewellery Group reported that 24K gold opened at Dh508.75 per gram, climbing from Tuesday’s closing rate of Dh503.75 per gram.

    This upward trend extended across all variants of the precious metal. 22K gold advanced to Dh471.25 per gram, while 21K and 18K varieties reached Dh451.75 and Dh387.25 per gram respectively. The relatively new 14K category also saw gains, trading at Dh302 per gram compared to Tuesday’s close of Dh299.

    Internationally, spot gold demonstrated parallel strength, trading at $4,221.76 per ounce at 9:10 AM UAE time—a notable 0.77 percent increase. This rebound followed Tuesday’s dip to $4,198 per ounce, which represented a 0.45 percent decline despite prices having reached a five-week peak just days earlier.

    Market analysts attribute this volatility to shifting expectations regarding US monetary policy. According to Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, weaker PMI data has reinforced market anticipation of a Federal Reserve rate cut, with CME FedWatch indicating an 87 percent probability of such action occurring next week.

    Valecha further explained that the weaker economic data typically supports gold prices, while increased Japanese bond yields have helped curb downward pressure on bullion as the yen strengthened against the dollar. Additionally, growing inflows into gold exchange-traded funds underscore the precious metal’s continued status as the preferred non-fiat asset among investors.

    From a technical perspective, gold maintaining above the $4,200 threshold represents strong support for the commodity, suggesting potential stability in the near term amid ongoing market fluctuations driven by global economic indicators and central bank policy expectations.

  • Dubai property prices have more than doubled per square foot in 5 years

    Dubai property prices have more than doubled per square foot in 5 years

    Dubai’s property market continues to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and growth momentum, achieving remarkable milestones that redefine market expectations. According to Property Monitor’s latest analytical data, average prices per square foot have surged dramatically, more than doubling over the past five-year period to reach AED 1,683 per square foot as of October 2025.

    The market’s expansion, while maintaining its upward trajectory, has entered a phase of measured normalization. October witnessed a modest 0.13% monthly price increase, signaling a departure from the more substantial gains observed in previous months. This moderation indicates a market transitioning from rapid expansion toward sustainable growth patterns, though the long-term upward trend remains firmly established.

    Development activity has reached unprecedented levels with 532 projects launched during the first ten months of 2025, introducing approximately 131,504 residential units to the market. This volume substantially exceeds traditional annual activity benchmarks. October alone saw 65 new project launches comprising over 14,000 units with an estimated value of AED 33.5 billion. The development landscape has expanded significantly, with 228 developers actively launching projects in 2025 compared to 163 during the same period in 2024.

    Transaction volumes have similarly achieved historic proportions, reaching nearly 178,000 year-to-date transactions representing a 17.4% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024. This figure already approaches 98% of last year’s total annual transactions. Market analysts project that if current momentum persists through December, total sales could exceed 212,000 transactions, establishing a new annual record and extending Dubai’s record-breaking performance into its third consecutive year.

    The market composition shows apartments dominating new supply, accounting for 99% of October’s launches with only 144 villas and townhouses introduced. However, the pipeline indicates forthcoming expansion in single-family home supply, with new clusters planned from major developers including Emaar’s Grand Polo Club and The Valley projects, the redesigned Heights development, Damac Islands 2, and Wasl’s expansion within Jumeirah Golf Estates.

  • Airbus prepares A320 inspections in 628 planes as fuselage flaw hits deliveries

    Airbus prepares A320 inspections in 628 planes as fuselage flaw hits deliveries

    European aerospace giant Airbus is confronting significant production challenges as it prepares to conduct inspections on 628 A320 family aircraft due to recently identified fuselage panel defects. According to internal documentation reviewed by Reuters, the comprehensive inspection program encompasses 168 aircraft currently in active service and 460 planes at various production stages.

    The manufacturing issue involves metal panels at the forward section of the aircraft that exhibit incorrect thickness specifications following stretching and milling processes. Industry sources indicate that approximately 100 aircraft on assembly lines were earmarked for delivery before year-end, potentially impacting Airbus’s annual delivery targets.

    Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledged the problem’s effect on operations during what he described as a ‘weak’ November for deliveries. While confirming the aircraft population affected includes both in-production and in-service units, company officials have declined to comment on specific figures previously reported by Bloomberg.

    Notably, the quality concern differs fundamentally from recent software-related recalls, as aviation authorities and Airbus do not currently classify the fuselage issue as an immediate safety priority. However, the logistical challenges are substantial—while inspections may require only hours per aircraft, subsequent repairs could extend to three to five weeks according to industry publication The Air Current.

    The defect originated with components supplied by Seville-based Sofitec Aero, one of two providers for the affected parts. The supplier has not responded to multiple requests for comment since the issue was first identified by the Wall Street Journal. Airbus anticipates providing further updates on the situation’s operational impact in coming days as assessment continues.

  • Kenyan MPs accuse British soldiers of sexual abuse and environmental destruction

    Kenyan MPs accuse British soldiers of sexual abuse and environmental destruction

    A landmark parliamentary investigation has exposed systematic human rights violations, sexual crimes, and environmental damage perpetrated by British soldiers during decades-long military training operations in Kenya. The 94-page report from Kenya’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations documents harrowing evidence collected over a two-year inquiry into the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk).

    The findings reveal persistent patterns of sexual violence against women from Samburu and Maasai communities, with victims describing attacks while performing daily tasks like fetching water or firewood. The report details particularly brutal incidents, including a 1997 mass gang-rape at knifepoint involving 30 women in Archer’s Post. Additionally, the investigation uncovered numerous cases of abandoned ‘fatherless’ children left by British soldiers who returned home, leaving single mothers facing social stigma and financial hardship.

    Beyond sexual crimes, the committee documented fatal shootings, public brawls, and traffic incidents resulting in civilian deaths. The 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru—whose body was discovered in a hotel septic tank after she was last seen with British soldiers—exemplifies the delayed justice process. While a former British soldier was recently arrested in connection with her death after a UK-issued warrant, the extradition process remains contested.

    The environmental impact assessment revealed significant ecological damage, with residents reporting respiratory illnesses, livestock deaths, and miscarriages allegedly linked to military exercises. The committee raised concerns about possible white phosphorus use and documented incidents involving unexploded ordnance that caused severe injuries and fatalities among local communities.

    Despite these allegations, Batuk consistently refused to cooperate with the parliamentary investigation, invoking diplomatic immunity claims. The UK High Commission in Kenya expressed regret that their submissions weren’t fully reflected in the final report while affirming their willingness to investigate allegations ‘under our jurisdiction.’ However, the parliamentary committee found the existing defense cooperation agreement structurally flawed, creating significant obstacles to justice and accountability.

    The report recommends comprehensive reforms including a visiting forces code of conduct, zero-tolerance policies for gender-based violence, enhanced environmental protections, and established mechanisms for child support accountability.

  • China’s zero-tariff policy opens new doors for Ugandan coffee exports: entrepreneur

    China’s zero-tariff policy opens new doors for Ugandan coffee exports: entrepreneur

    Uganda’s coffee industry stands to gain substantial economic benefits from China’s expanded zero-tariff initiative for African goods, according to prominent Ugandan entrepreneur Nelson Tugume. The CEO of Inspire Africa Group, which operates the African Coffee Park in Ntungamo district, emphasized that China’s policy creates a significantly more favorable trade environment compared to markets maintaining high tariffs on African products.

    Effective since December 1, 2024, China’s comprehensive tariff exemption applies to all least developed nations maintaining diplomatic relations with Beijing, encompassing 33 African countries across 100% of their products. This policy was subsequently expanded to include all 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to China, covering all tariff lines without exception.

    Tugume identified a unique convergence of factors creating optimal conditions for Ugandan coffee exporters: China’s growing coffee consumption patterns, production uncertainties in traditional coffee-growing regions, and the newly implemented tariff-free access to Chinese markets. This combination presents Ugandan farmers with unprecedented opportunities to access stable, high-demand markets previously constrained by trade barriers.

    “Strategic business expansion naturally gravitates toward environments offering conducive conditions for growth,” Tugume stated during preparations for shipping a major consignment of locally sourced and processed coffee to China. The African Coffee Park represents Uganda’s evolving coffee sector, which has traditionally focused on European markets but now increasingly looks toward Asian economic partnerships.

    The policy shift occurs within broader context of China-Africa trade relations, reflecting Beijing’s commitment to enhancing economic cooperation through tangible trade facilitation measures. For Uganda specifically, this development promises not only increased export volumes but also potential elevation of household incomes through expanded market access and improved trade terms.

  • Deadly conflict in the Sahel sends herders fleeing to Africa’s coastal cities

    Deadly conflict in the Sahel sends herders fleeing to Africa’s coastal cities

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — For generations, Nouhoun Sidibè’s family identity was intertwined with pastoral life in northern Burkina Faso. That legacy shattered in 2020 when armed militants stormed his home, seizing his entire livestock inventory within minutes. The 49-year-old father of four suddenly joined thousands of displaced herders across Africa’s Sahel region—a vast semi-arid territory south of the Sahara desert experiencing escalating violence.

    For three subsequent years, Sidibè wandered through Burkina Faso seeking employment in a nation grappling with intensified attacks from armed factions, including al-Qaida affiliates. Finding no sustainable work, he eventually crossed into neighboring Ivory Coast in 2023. Now residing in a cramped, amenity-deficient settlement on Abidjan’s swampy outskirts, he assists cattle merchants with vaccinations—a stark departure from his former leadership role.

    “I feel profoundly disoriented. I was a community leader; now I labor for others,” Sidibè confessed to The Associated Press, embodying the identity crisis facing nomadic pastoralists compelled to abandon their traditions.

    This migration surge reflects the Sahel’s expanding security deterioration, which originated in Mali’s 2012 uprising and subsequently engulfed Burkina Faso and Niger. Ivory Coast—a regional economic hub with relative stability—has become a primary destination for those fleeing violence. UNICEF data reveals over 72,000 individuals sought refuge here from Mali and Burkina Faso between January and March 2024 alone, dramatically exceeding previous migration figures.

    Security analysts indicate armed groups systematically target herders to finance operations and dominate territories. Many displaced are ethnic Fulani Muslims, frequently accused of militant sympathies despite also suffering attacks. “A Fulani without cattle loses his fundamental identity,” explained Amadou Sonde, director of Burkinabè Fulani Associations in Ivory Coast, who assists newcomers finding urban employment.

    Academic researchers note some pastoralists transition into real estate or commerce, but most struggle with urbanization’s challenges. Tanané Ibrahim, who fled Burkina Faso after militants confiscated even his poultry, described urban adaptation difficulties: “Cities demand exhausting labor for minimal wages. After expenses, nothing remains.”

    With military juntas in Sahel nations increasingly overwhelmed by multifront assaults, experts foresee prolonged displacement. “This crisis shows no imminent resolution,” affirmed Oluwole Ojewale, conflict specialist at the Institute of Security Studies. For Sidibè and thousands like him, the pastoral freedom they cherished remains an unrecoverable memory.

  • Amnesty accuses Sudanese paramilitary of war crimes in assault on refugee camp

    Amnesty accuses Sudanese paramilitary of war crimes in assault on refugee camp

    Amnesty International has issued a damning report documenting systematic war crimes committed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their April assault on Zamzam camp, the nation’s largest displacement settlement in the Darfur region. The comprehensive investigation reveals a pattern of atrocities including civilian executions, hostage-taking, and the deliberate destruction of essential infrastructure including mosques, schools, and medical facilities.

    The paramilitary group’s multi-day offensive on the camp, situated near el-Fasher—North Darfur’s provincial capital which subsequently fell to RSF control in October—represents what Amnesty describes as a sustained campaign targeting vulnerable populations. According to eyewitness accounts compiled by the organization, RSF fighters engaged in indiscriminate shooting in populated areas, sexual violence against women and girls, and the widespread burning of residential structures and markets.

    The attack, which occurred on April 11-12, effectively emptied the two-decade-old camp that had provided sanctuary to approximately 500,000 people originally displaced by earlier conflicts. Survivors recounted harrowing details to investigators, including the targeted killing of 47 individuals who had sought refuge in homes, clinics, and places of worship. One shell reportedly struck near a mosque during wedding ceremonies, causing multiple casualties.

    This incident occurs within the broader context of Sudan’s devastating 30-month civil war between the RSF and national military forces, which has claimed an estimated 40,000 lives and created the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis with over 14 million displaced. Both sides face allegations of atrocities, though the RSF—which evolved from the notorious Janjaweed militias responsible for early 2000s genocide in Darfur—faces particular international scrutiny.

    Amnesty Secretary-General Agnès Callamard condemned the ‘horrific and deliberate assault on desperate, hungry civilians,’ while simultaneously criticizing the United Arab Emirates for its alleged material support to the RSF. The UAE has consistently denied arms transfer accusations.

    International response continues to intensify, with the U.S. government accusing the RSF of genocide in Darfur and the International Criminal Court conducting active investigations into suspected war crimes throughout the conflict.

  • ILT20: Andries Gous dazzles as Vipers beat Capitals in opener

    ILT20: Andries Gous dazzles as Vipers beat Capitals in opener

    In a dramatic opening match of the International League T20 season, Desert Vipers secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory against defending champions Dubai Capitals at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. The match served as a compelling rematch of last season’s final, delivering poetic justice for the Vipers who had suffered defeat on the same ground earlier this year.

    The Capitals, batting first after losing the toss, struggled to establish momentum against a disciplined Vipers bowling attack. Despite a promising start, they were restricted to 150/8 in their allotted 20 overs. West Indies powerhouse Rovman Powell top-scored with 39 from 22 deliveries, but consistent wicket-taking pressure from the Vipers’ bowling unit prevented any substantial partnerships from developing.

    South African wicketkeeper-batsman Andries Gous emerged as the undisputed hero of the match, delivering a spectacular performance that earned him Player of the Match honors. His explosive 58 runs from just 36 balls, featuring six boundaries and three maximums, provided the crucial foundation for the Vipers’ successful chase. Gous formed a devastating opening partnership with Pakistani star Fakhar Zaman (26 off 15 balls), the duo accumulating 50 runs in merely 28 deliveries.

    Though the Capitals mounted a late resurgence with quick wickets that saw the Vipers stumble to 109/4, composed finishing from England’s Dan Lawrence (19* off 16) and Khuzaima Tanveer (12* off 8) ensured victory was achieved with six deliveries remaining. The bowling honors were shared among multiple Vipers players, with David Payne (2/26), Noor Ahmad (2/25), and Tanveer (2/35) making significant contributions.

    The victory sets an impressive tone for the Vipers’ campaign in the tournament, demonstrating their capability to perform under pressure against the defending champions.

  • Trump says he doesn’t want Somalis in US as ICE plans Minnesota operation

    Trump says he doesn’t want Somalis in US as ICE plans Minnesota operation

    President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with explicit remarks regarding Somali immigrants during a cabinet meeting, stating he does not want them in the United States and suggesting they should return to their country of origin. The comments came alongside revelations of planned immigration enforcement operations targeting Minnesota’s substantial Somali community.

    Speaking candidly to reporters, Trump characterized Somalia as lacking structure and described accepting immigrants from such nations as bringing ‘garbage’ into the country. ‘I don’t want them in our country,’ Trump emphasized, dismissing concerns about political correctness. His remarks extended to criticism of Representative Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American congresswoman, whom he labeled as incompetent and hateful.

    The verbal attacks coincided with reports from CBS News that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been directed to conduct targeted operations against undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities area. While federal officials denied targeting based on race or ethnicity, stating enforcement focuses solely on immigration status, local authorities expressed concerns about potential violations of due process and the sweeping up of American citizens.

    Minnesota hosts one of the largest Somali communities globally, with approximately 80,000 residents of Somali descent, most of whom are U.S. citizens. The planned enforcement follows recent tragic events in Washington DC, where a shooting incident involving National Guard members prompted intensified immigration crackdowns. The administration also considers ending Temporary Protected Status for Somali residents, affecting several hundred immigrants.

    Local leaders and officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have condemned both the rhetoric and planned operations, arguing that indiscriminate targeting undermines legitimate law enforcement efforts and community trust.

  • OpenAI declares ChatGPT ‘code red’ over stiff competition: Media reports

    OpenAI declares ChatGPT ‘code red’ over stiff competition: Media reports

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued an urgent internal ‘code red’ directive in response to mounting competitive pressures in the artificial intelligence sector, according to multiple US media reports. The emergency declaration comes as the company’s flagship ChatGPT technology faces increasingly sophisticated challenges from rival AI systems, particularly Google’s recently launched Gemini model.

    In a company-wide memorandum circulated on Monday, Altman emphasized that OpenAI has reached a critical juncture requiring immediate strategic reallocation of resources toward fortifying ChatGPT’s competitive position. The memo explicitly stated that non-essential projects would be postponed indefinitely, including previously planned advertising initiatives for the chatbot and development of automated AI agents designed for commercial and healthcare applications.

    The urgency of this corporate maneuver is particularly notable given OpenAI’s extraordinary market valuation of approximately $500 billion, making it the world’s most valuable privately-held company. Despite this impressive valuation and intense investor interest, significant questions persist regarding the company’s capacity to monetize its technology effectively. The fundamental challenge remains generating sufficient revenue to offset the enormous operational costs associated with providing AI services to hundreds of millions of predominantly free users.

    This competitive alert signals a dramatic reversal in the AI landscape since ChatGPT’s groundbreaking debut three years ago, which initially caught established tech giants like Google by surprise. Google’s subsequent development and refinement of its Gemini AI platform represents one of the most significant competitive responses to OpenAI’s early market dominance. The intensified competition reflects the increasingly strategic importance of generative AI technologies within the broader technology sector, with multiple corporations now vying for leadership in this transformative field.