Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Nigeria halts Christian pilgrimages to Holy Land over Middle East conflict

    Nigeria halts Christian pilgrimages to Holy Land over Middle East conflict

    The Nigerian government has implemented an immediate suspension of all religious pilgrimages to Israel and the occupied West Bank, responding to heightened security risks stemming from escalating Middle Eastern tensions. This decisive action was formally declared by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), the official agency overseeing Christian pilgrimage operations nationwide.

    The commission’s official statement emphasized that this preventive measure aims to safeguard the ‘safety and comfort’ of Nigerian pilgrims amidst rapidly deteriorating regional security conditions. The current crisis erupted following targeted U.S. and Israeli military strikes in Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iran against Israeli territories and U.S.-allied Gulf states.

    This security-driven suspension encompasses both government-coordinated pilgrimages and privately organized tour operations, effectively halting thousands of annual religious journeys. Aviation disruptions have compounded the situation, with multiple Middle Eastern countries closing their airspace and numerous flight cancellations stranding travelers across the region.

    Nigeria’s pilgrimage tradition represents a profound aspect of the nation’s religious fabric, particularly for its substantial Christian population concentrated in southern regions. Each year, thousands of Nigerian Christians undertake spiritually significant journeys to biblical sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, often with financial support from state governments. Many participants save for years to undertake these pilgrimages, with Easter typically representing a peak travel period.

    The travel disruption has additionally affected Nigerian Muslims attempting to reach Mecca for Umrah pilgrimages, though unlike the fixed-date Hajj, Umrah can be performed throughout the year. Personal accounts illustrate the human impact of these travel restrictions, with prospective pilgrims like Alhaji Zaharaddeen Abubakar stranded in Kano after having secured travel arrangements. Travel industry representatives confirm that some passengers were already boarded and preparing for departure when flights were abruptly canceled.

  • Nigerian doctors suspended over death of Adichie’s son

    Nigerian doctors suspended over death of Adichie’s son

    Nigeria’s medical regulatory body has taken decisive action against three physicians following the tragic death of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 21-month-old son. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has issued provisional suspensions against the director of Euracare Hospital in Lagos and two other doctors pending a disciplinary tribunal’s final determination.

    The incident occurred on January 7th when Nkanu Adichie-Esege, one of Adichie’s twins, experienced severe complications during preparatory medical procedures. The family alleges medical negligence occurred, claiming healthcare professionals denied oxygen to their son and administered excessive sedation that resulted in cardiac arrest.

    Dr. Munir Bature, publicity secretary for the Nigeria Medical Association, confirmed the suspensions to BBC, noting that the practitioners could potentially face permanent license revocation depending on the tribunal’s findings. The accused doctors have maintained silence regarding the allegations.

    Euracare Hospital released a statement expressing “deepest sympathies” to the family while simultaneously denying any wrongdoing. A formal inquest into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death is scheduled to commence on April 14th at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos, where medical experts and hospital representatives will provide testimony.

    This case has ignited nationwide conversations about patient safety standards within Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. In response to public outcry, the health ministry acknowledged existing “systemic challenges” and announced the establishment of a national task force dedicated to “clinical governance and patient safety” improvements.

    Medical council representatives have encouraged citizens to report perceived medical misconduct, emphasizing their commitment to investigating such claims thoroughly. The outcome of this case could establish significant precedents for medical accountability and patient rights in Nigeria’s evolving healthcare landscape.

  • Funding for Africa clean energy financing surges despite fewer project approvals

    Funding for Africa clean energy financing surges despite fewer project approvals

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Africa’s premier clean energy financing mechanism is poised for substantial growth, with plans to escalate its funding capacity to $2.5 billion within the next two years. This ambitious expansion signals accelerating momentum behind the continent’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.

    The African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) has demonstrated remarkable progress, with contributions surging to $88 million in 2025—a significant increase from $54.3 million the previous year. This upward trajectory reflects renewed investor confidence in Africa’s renewable energy sector, predominantly fueled by support from European Union member nations.

    Joao Duarte Cunha, overseeing the bank’s Renewable Energy Funds Division, revealed the fund’s strategic projections: “Based on our extensive projects pipeline, we anticipate capital mobilization reaching $2.5 billion. By 2030, we expect our portfolio to yield over $10 billion in commercial capital mobilization.”

    The fund’s operational performance has been particularly strong recently, with 27 projects approved over the past two years. In 2024 alone, SEFA sanctioned 14 renewable energy initiatives across Kenya, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Chad. These projects will contribute approximately 840 megawatts of generating capacity and establish 1.5 million new electricity connections.

    Notably, eight of these initiatives were classified as green baseload projects—essential for meeting minimum national energy demands—while two involved green mini-grids and four focused on energy efficiency improvements.

    International support continues to strengthen SEFA’s mission. Germany committed $40.1 million during last year’s COP 30 climate summit in Brazil, while Italy announced a $5.9 million contribution. These investments will advance SEFA’s universal energy access objectives and support its green hydrogen program.

    Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth at the African Development Bank Group, emphasized SEFA’s growing impact: “SEFA is demonstrating its catalytic value through accelerated approvals, disbursements, and expanding influence across the continent.”

    The fund’s innovative approach extends beyond traditional utility-scale projects. SEFA is actively investing in decentralized energy platforms, including mini-grid developers and private equity funds specializing in distributed energy solutions. Additionally, the organization is piloting new financing mechanisms for clean cooking technologies and commercial bank partnerships.

    Cunha highlighted the fund’s evolving strategy: “Demand for catalytic financing continues to grow exponentially. We remain deeply committed to driving Africa’s energy transition and achieving universal energy access by 2030 through meaningful innovation in the clean energy space.”

  • South Africa’s long-serving former defence minister and former Robben Island prisoner dies

    South Africa’s long-serving former defence minister and former Robben Island prisoner dies

    South Africa mourns the loss of distinguished liberation struggle veteran Mosiuoa Lekota, who passed away at age 77 following an extended illness. His political party, Congress of the People (Cope), confirmed the demise of the former defense minister and anti-apartheid campaigner in an official communiqué.

    Lekota’s legacy is deeply intertwined with South Africa’s journey to democracy. As a prominent figure in the fight against institutionalized racial segregation, he endured imprisonment alongside Nelson Mandela on the notorious Robben Island. His political career spanned decades of service, beginning as a leader within the African National Congress (ANC) where he contributed significantly to the liberation movement.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa, current leader of the ANC, honored Lekota as both “a freedom fighter and a servant of the people” whose life exemplified “resilience, courage, and steadfast belief in justice.” These accolades underscore Lekota’s monumental role in shaping post-apartheid South Africa.

    Beyond his activism, Lekota established an impressive governmental career. He holds the distinction of being South Africa’s longest-serving defense minister, overseeing the nation’s military affairs from 1998 to 2008. Additionally, he chaired the ANC for ten years and became the inaugural premier of the Free State province following the democratic transition in 1994.

    His later political journey saw him diverge from the ANC to establish Cope, demonstrating his continued commitment to political principles despite changing affiliations. Lekota’s passing marks the conclusion of an era for South Africa’s liberation generation, leaving behind a complex legacy of struggle, service, and political evolution.

  • Africa’s tourism sector records robust growth

    Africa’s tourism sector records robust growth

    Africa’s tourism sector demonstrated exceptional performance in 2025, achieving the world’s strongest growth in international tourist arrivals according to the latest UN Tourism Barometer. The continent welcomed 81 million international visitors, representing an 8% increase from 2024 and outperforming all other global regions including Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

    Despite this robust expansion, industry executives are calling for substantial governmental intervention and strategic investments to fully capitalize on the sector’s untapped potential. Andy Payne, CEO of Inzalo Investment Holdings, emphasized tourism’s unique capacity to drive economic transformation and address youth unemployment across the continent. “Tourism is the ultimate solution. Resources are limited. Tourism is unlimited. It can make a massive difference,” Payne stated, highlighting the need for balanced collaboration between private enterprise and public policy.

    Infrastructure development emerged as a critical priority, with MSC Cruises South Africa’s Managing Director Ross Volk identifying transportation integration as fundamental to boosting intra-African tourism. “If we want to compete at a global level, we need to make sure that we have the best,” Volk asserted, pointing to inadequate airline connectivity, underdeveloped railway networks, and insufficient port facilities as major impediments to growth.

    South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille underscored the increasingly competitive global landscape, warning that passive approaches would yield limited results. “If we are going to wait for things to fall into our lap, it’s not going to happen. I travel around the world and the competition is stiff,” de Lille remarked, advocating for open skies policies, enhanced flight connectivity, and visa-free travel within Africa.

    Industry leaders unanimously stressed the necessity of long-term, conversion-focused strategies that transcend political transitions. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa emphasized the importance of maintaining commitment to development plans despite changes in government leadership. Adriaan Fourie of the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau added that African nations must adopt sales-oriented approaches, focusing on creating tangible conversion opportunities rather than分散 efforts across less impactful priorities.

  • South Africa’s anti-apartheid veteran and ex-defense minister Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota dies at 77

    South Africa’s anti-apartheid veteran and ex-defense minister Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota dies at 77

    JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s political landscape is in mourning following the passing of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, the renowned anti-apartheid stalwart and former defense minister, who died at 77 after an extended illness. His political organization confirmed his demise on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for South African politics.

    Lekota’s legacy as a formidable opponent of white minority rule was forged during his eight-year imprisonment on Robben Island (1974-1982), where he shared incarceration with Nelson Mandela and other legendary freedom fighters. His activism continued relentlessly even after his release, resulting in additional detentions for his unwavering opposition to apartheid.

    Following South Africa’s historic democratic transition in 1994, Lekota ascended to significant leadership roles, serving as Defense Minister from 1999 to 2008 and occupying the national chairmanship of the ruling African National Congress. His political trajectory took a dramatic turn in 2008 when he severed ties with the ANC following the contentious removal of President Thabo Mbeki, who had previously lost the party presidency to Jacob Zuma.

    In a bold political maneuver, Lekota established the breakaway Congress of the People (COPE) party, which achieved remarkable success in the 2009 elections by capturing over 7% of the national vote and securing 30 parliamentary seats. This schism substantially weakened the ANC’s electoral dominance, drawing away numerous disaffected members and officials.

    Despite his monumental contributions to strengthening multiparty democracy, internal factionalism within COPE precipitated its gradual decline, culminating in the party’s failure to win any legislative representation in the 2024 elections. Lekota’s departure from active politics in 2025, prompted by health considerations, preceded the ANC’s own historic loss of parliamentary majority that same year.

    Political leaders across the spectrum have paid tribute to Lekota’s enduring legacy. Bantu Holomisa, Defense Deputy Minister and opposition leader, praised Lekota for fundamentally transforming South Africa’s opposition landscape by establishing a credible alternative to ANC hegemony, noting that he and other ANC dissidents remained committed to the original principles of the liberation struggle.

  • Some West African farmers turn to TikTok as part of agriculture’s changing image

    Some West African farmers turn to TikTok as part of agriculture’s changing image

    DAKAR, Senegal — A digital agricultural revolution is unfolding across West Africa as farmers leverage social media platforms like TikTok to transform traditional farming practices and market access. What began as entertainment platforms have evolved into vital business tools for millions of agricultural producers throughout the region.

    Pape Fall, a Senegalese farmer, exemplifies this transformation. Initially using TikTok for football highlights and humorous content, Fall now conducts most of his business through the platform. His profile features looped videos showcasing cucumber harvests set to Senegalese rap music, complete with availability details and contact information. This digital approach has enabled him to directly connect with buyers, bypassing traditional intermediaries.

    The phenomenon represents a significant shift in how agriculture is perceived and practiced in a region historically plagued by food insecurity and poverty. While foreign funding reductions from U.S. and other international donors have exacerbated challenges, social media has emerged as an unexpected solution, providing both educational resources and market opportunities.

    According to Abbie Phatty-Jobe, digital agriculture specialist at U.K.-based research firm Caribou, “Social media is democratizing access to information for farmers.” Caribou’s research, the first to examine regional farmers’ TikTok usage, has helped establish a network of 24 agricultural influencers across 11 African countries, reaching approximately 5 million people with content that translates scientific research into practical farming advice.

    The platform’s impact extends beyond marketing. Fall credits TikTok tutorials with improving his cultivation techniques, specifically mentioning advice from a Moroccan farmer about cucumber stem management that significantly increased his yields. This knowledge exchange occurs across continents, with farmers from North Africa to Asia sharing best practices.

    Regional preferences vary significantly: West African farmers favor TikTok’s video format and local language support, while East African producers prefer Facebook’s text-based posts due to higher literacy rates. Successful entrepreneurs like 29-year-old Nogaye Sene have built substantial businesses through these platforms, with Instagram and TikTok generating 70% of her clients for farmland management services targeting both local residents and diaspora investors.

    However, challenges persist. Sene warns of widespread online scams involving fake farming consultants, while researcher Nicolas Paget notes that approximately 80% of farmers lack smartphones capable of running these applications. Even those with access face prohibitive data costs, with West African data packages being more expensive than European equivalents.

    Despite these barriers, the organic adoption of existing social platforms appears more effective than customized solutions. As Paget observes, “Farmers are using existing apps in very creative ways and adapting them to their needs”—a testament to the innovative spirit driving agricultural digitalization in West Africa.

  • Goodbye officer, hello touchscreen – a vision for policing in Ethiopia

    Goodbye officer, hello touchscreen – a vision for policing in Ethiopia

    Ethiopia has inaugurated its first unmanned police station in Addis Ababa’s Bole district, marking a significant milestone in the country’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 initiative. The innovative facility features partitioned booths equipped with computer tablets instead of traditional front desks, creating an unusually quiet environment devoid of the typical commotion of police stations.

    Commander Demissie Yilma, head of the police technology expansion department, demonstrated the system to BBC reporters. Users select incident categories—crime, traffic reports, or general concerns—enter details via tablet, and subsequently connect with remote officers via video call rather than chatbots. This hybrid approach combines digital automation with human oversight, ensuring immediate response coordination with patrol units when necessary.

    The pilot station recorded modest initial usage with just three reports in its first week—a lost passport, financial fraud case, and routine complaint. Authorities anticipate increased adoption as public awareness grows. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has championed the initiative as part of broader efforts to make ‘law enforcement institutions competent and competitive’ through digital reform.

    This innovation addresses both accessibility challenges and personnel constraints, potentially expanding police services to underserved areas. However, it emerges against a complex backdrop: Ethiopia trails continental peers in digital transformation due to historically low internet penetration rates and periodic connectivity disruptions stemming from recent conflicts and political instability.

    The national digital strategy aims to overhaul public services including identity systems, payments, and judicial administration. Recent telecommunications sector liberalization has accelerated mobile payment adoption in the local currency, while government services migration online continues progressively.

    Technology policy analyst Zelalem Gizachew notes measurable progress: ‘Digital payments have boomed with trillions of birr moving through electronic transactions. Broadband access has expanded sharply, and over 130 government services have been digitized.’

    Yet significant challenges persist. UNESCO data indicates 79% of Ethiopians lack internet access, creating adoption barriers. Senior software engineer Birhan Nega Cheru acknowledges efficiency gains—reduced paperwork and office visits—but highlights cybersecurity vulnerabilities and exclusion risks for digitally illiterate, elderly, rural, and low-income populations.

    The station remains an experimental prototype operating in a controlled environment with officer assistance. Its future expansion depends less on technological sophistication than organic public adoption without guided facilitation. This quiet room in Bole represents both a practical test case and symbolic manifestation of Ethiopia’s broader digital ambitions intersecting with everyday civic life.

  • Mahmood to stop study visas from four countries due to ‘abuse’

    Mahmood to stop study visas from four countries due to ‘abuse’

    The United Kingdom has announced stringent visa restrictions targeting nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan in response to what authorities describe as systematic abuse of immigration pathways. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled the policy shift that will suspend study visas for these countries while additionally terminating skilled work visa provisions for Afghan citizens.

    Official statistics reveal alarming patterns of asylum claims originating from these nations. Data indicates that 95% of Afghan students who entered the UK since 2021 subsequently filed asylum applications, while Myanmar students demonstrated a sixteen-fold increase in asylum claims. Students from Cameroon and Sudan showed over 330% growth in asylum applications during the same period.

    The Home Office justification centers on preserving the integrity of Britain’s asylum framework, noting that approximately 13% of all asylum claims now originate from individuals who initially entered through study visas. Government analysis further indicates that asylum seekers from these four nations disproportionately cite destitution in their applications, with currently 16,000 individuals from these countries receiving state support.

    A government spokesperson emphasized: “This decisive action against visa exploitation ensures Britain maintains its capacity to uphold its proud tradition of assisting those with legitimate humanitarian needs.”

    The policy transformation follows mounting political pressure to address immigration levels, particularly from right-leaning factions including the Conservative Party and Reform UK. This hardening stance has manifested through recent measures including the reduction of refugee protection periods to 30 months and successful negotiation of deportation agreements with Angola, Namibia, and Democratic Congo through visa leverage tactics.

    Home Secretary Mahmood characterized the move as “an unprecedented decision to refuse visas for those nationals seeking to exploit our generosity,” vowing to “restore order and control to our borders.” The changes will be formally implemented through Immigration Rules revision on March 5th.

    Despite these restrictions, the UK maintains its position as the sixth-largest recipient of UNHCR-referred refugees globally, demonstrating continued commitment to international protection obligations alongside enhanced immigration enforcement.

  • Belgium detains three suspected Cameroon separatists in war crimes probe

    Belgium detains three suspected Cameroon separatists in war crimes probe

    Belgian authorities have detained three individuals suspected of leading the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF), a separatist militia engaged in Cameroon’s protracted Anglophone conflict. The arrests, executed following coordinated operations in Antwerp and Londerzeel, form part of an extensive investigation into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    According to the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office, these suspects are believed to have orchestrated fundraising activities for armed struggles and weapons procurement from Belgian territory. The investigation, initiated during the summer of the previous year, targets expatriates allegedly constituting the ADF’s leadership cadre in Belgium.

    This development represents an international escalation in addressing Cameroon’s devastating internal conflict, which has persisted for nearly a decade. The crisis originated in 2016 when legal and educational professionals protested against the compulsory use of French in courts and schools within English-speaking regions. The subsequent declaration of independence for the theoretical state of Ambazonia in 2017 ignited full-scale hostilities between separatist factions and government forces.

    The United Nations documents catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with over 6,500 fatalities and approximately 490,000 individuals displaced from their homes. An additional 1.5 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance amid ongoing violence. Human rights organizations have consistently documented widespread atrocities perpetrated by both separatist militants and state security forces.

    These European arrests follow similar judicial actions in Norway and the United States, indicating growing international concern regarding the conflict’s dimensions. Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, maintaining power for over four decades, asserts that his administration has undertaken substantial measures to resolve the crisis. Nevertheless, his government faces persistent criticism regarding its handling of the conflict and restrictions on political freedoms.