Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Babies are among 53 dead or missing after a migrant boat sinks off Libya, UN says

    Babies are among 53 dead or missing after a migrant boat sinks off Libya, UN says

    In another devastating maritime disaster, at least 53 migrants including two infants have been confirmed dead or missing after an inflatable vessel capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya’s northwestern coast. The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported Monday that the overcrowded rubber boat departed from Zawaiya port shortly before midnight Thursday carrying 55 African migrants seeking passage to Europe.

    The ill-fated journey ended tragically approximately six hours after departure when the vessel began taking on water and ultimately overturned Friday morning north of Zuwara. Libyan authorities managed to rescue two Nigerian women who survived the shipwreck. Both women suffered unimaginable losses—one mourning her husband, the other her two infant children.

    This incident highlights the continuing exploitation by human trafficking networks that profit from transporting migrants through the world’s deadliest maritime migration route. The IOM condemned these criminal organizations that deliberately use unseaworthy vessels to transport desperate people from conflict-ridden Libya to European shores.

    The North African nation has become the primary transit hub for migrants fleeing conflict and economic hardship across Africa and the Middle East since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi. The resulting power vacuum has allowed trafficking networks to flourish amid widespread lawlessness.

    According to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, the central Mediterranean route has claimed at least 484 lives in 2026 alone, following last year’s grim tally of over 1,300 deaths and disappearances. These statistics underscore the extreme perils facing those attempting the dangerous crossing.

    Migrants intercepted and returned to Libya face appalling conditions in government detention centers, where UN investigators have documented systematic abuses including forced labor, physical beatings, sexual violence, and torture—practices that may constitute crimes against humanity. These facilities often serve as extortion hubs where families are forced to pay ransom before migrants are permitted to continue their journey on traffickers’ boats.

  • South Africa, Kenya advance trade links with Beijing

    South Africa, Kenya advance trade links with Beijing

    China has significantly advanced its economic partnerships with two of Africa’s leading economies, securing framework agreements that promise to reshape trade dynamics across the continent. South Africa and Kenya have both made substantial progress in negotiations with Beijing that will grant their exports unprecedented access to Chinese markets under preferential tariff conditions.

    The breakthrough came as China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and South African Trade Minister Parks Tau formalized a comprehensive economic partnership agreement on February 9th. This landmark arrangement guarantees South Africa zero-tariff treatment for 100% of its exports to China, structured in full compliance with World Trade Organization regulations. Minister Wang emphasized that this agreement establishes “a long-term, stable, and predictable institutional guarantee” for elevating bilateral economic cooperation to new heights.

    South African officials identified multiple sectors positioned to benefit from the enhanced trade terms, including mining operations, agricultural production, renewable energy infrastructure, and technology transfer initiatives. The agreement is projected to stimulate increased Chinese investment in South Africa’s manufacturing capabilities while generating substantial employment opportunities. Minister Tau specifically highlighted growing Chinese automotive investments in South Africa as exemplary models of job-creating partnerships.

    Simultaneously, Kenya has negotiated preliminary terms that would provide duty-free access for 98% of its exports to Chinese markets. According to Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, the pending agreement would eliminate both tariff barriers and volume restrictions for Kenyan goods entering China’s consumer market of over 1.4 billion people.

    Kenyan agricultural producers stand to benefit disproportionately from the arrangement, particularly growers of avocados, tea, coffee, and cut flowers—commodities experiencing surging demand across Asian markets. Secretary Kinyanjui outlined plans to deploy technical officers nationwide to assist farmers in meeting Chinese quality standards, noting that even capturing 1% of China’s avocado or pork market could transform Kenya’s employment landscape.

    The bilateral advancements represent concrete implementation of China’s 2025 commitment to extend zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations maintaining diplomatic relations with Beijing. These developments signal China’s strategic prioritization of African partnerships while offering African exporters competitive advantages in the world’s second-largest economy.

  • Senegal arrests 14 members of alleged paedophile gang linked to France

    Senegal arrests 14 members of alleged paedophile gang linked to France

    Senegalese authorities have successfully dismantled a transnational criminal network specializing in organized pedophilia operations between Senegal and France. In a coordinated law enforcement operation, police arrested 14 Senegalese nationals allegedly involved in systematic child exploitation that authorities say has been active since 2017.

    The criminal group stands accused of multiple severe offenses including organized pedophilia, pimping, rape of minors under 15, sodomy, and intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS. According to official police statements, the perpetrators repeatedly forced underage boys to engage in unprotected sexual acts with predominantly HIV-positive men, with the abuse being systematically recorded on video.

    Investigations reveal that four of the detained suspects were allegedly operating under directives from a French national arrested in France in April 2025, with financial transactions serving as compensation for their activities. The arrests followed comprehensive searches conducted across multiple neighborhoods in Dakar and the southeastern city of Kaolack, located approximately 200 kilometers from the capital.

    The operation, which involved close cooperation between Senegalese and French law enforcement agencies, included coordinated raids at suspect residences where evidence linked to the alleged crimes was seized. A delegation of French officers participated directly in the mission, highlighting the international nature of the investigation.

    Senegal’s Criminal Investigations Division has characterized this as a major breakthrough against transnational organized crime. Authorities have committed to continuing their pursuit of similar criminal networks and have established a toll-free hotline to encourage public reporting of relevant information.

  • Somalia welcomes its first bowling alley as the middle class and diaspora returnees grow

    Somalia welcomes its first bowling alley as the middle class and diaspora returnees grow

    MOGADISHU, Somalia — The resonant crash of bowling pins now punctuates the air in Somalia’s capital, where the sounds of conflict once dominated. The Feynuus Bowling Center, the nation’s inaugural modern bowling facility, stands as a powerful emblem of Mogadishu’s gradual renaissance following 35 years of civil war and militant insurgency.

    This entertainment venue represents the tangible outcomes of enhanced security protocols against al-Shabab militants, expanded governmental authority, and increasing private investment. The cityscape has transformed dramatically: cafes now populate revitalized streets, beaches attract evening crowds, and traffic congestion—previously inconceivable—now characterizes major intersections.

    The bowling complex has become a social nexus for local residents and diaspora Somalis returning with investment capital and entrepreneurial concepts. On a typical evening, groups of young people congregate, sharing laughter and capturing moments on smartphones while music fills the space. Many visitors from abroad are experiencing Mogadishu for the first time in years, or in some cases, for the first time ever.

    Hudoon Abdi, a Somali-Canadian tourist, expressed astonishment: ‘I couldn’t believe Mogadishu has this place. I’m enjoying it. Mogadishu is actually safe.’ Her sentiments echo those of numerous returning visitors who discover a reality contrasting sharply with international perceptions.

    Despite these advancements, security remains an ongoing concern. Checkpoints, heavily fortified zones, and stringent protective measures at public venues continue to define daily life. The bowling center itself employs private security personnel, conducts bag inspections, and maintains comprehensive surveillance systems—standard precautions in the city’s public spaces.

    Urban development experts and economists interpret businesses like the bowling alley as indicators of Mogadishu’s broader rehabilitation. Ahmed Khadar Abdi Jama, an economics lecturer at the University of Somalia, notes that innovative enterprises are responding to the demands of diaspora returnees and an emerging middle class, potentially contributing to national GDP growth.

    The establishment has generated employment for approximately 40 youths, addressing Somalia’s 21.4% unemployment rate recorded by the National Bureau of Statistics. Beyond economic impact, these recreational spaces facilitate crucial psychological shifts, providing secure social environments for a generation accustomed to conflict-induced restrictions.

    As traffic flows outside and neon signs illuminate the evening, Mogadishu’s fragile yet determined transformation continues unfolding—one bowling frame at a time.

  • Five steps to get your blood pressure under control

    Five steps to get your blood pressure under control

    With nearly half of American adults affected by hypertension, medical experts are sounding the alarm about this silent health threat that significantly increases risks for heart attack, stroke, and cognitive decline. Recent research reveals a troubling trend: hypertension-related heart disease deaths are rising among adults aged 35-64, challenging previous assumptions that primarily older populations were vulnerable.

    Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention at the American Heart Association, emphasizes that hypertension represents the most modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. “Lifestyle changes and medication can dramatically alter the trajectory for heart attack and stroke,” he notes.

    Medical professionals recommend five essential strategies for blood pressure management:

    1. Regular Monitoring: Understanding your blood pressure numbers provides critical baseline information. More than half of those with uncontrolled hypertension remain unaware of their condition. Proper measurement technique requires appropriate cuff size, seated position with feet flat, arm supported at heart level, and no conversation during measurement. Home monitoring is particularly valuable given that up to 30% of patients experience ‘white coat hypertension’ in clinical settings.

    2. Risk Assessment: Hypertension develops through complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors including smoking, excess weight, and poor sleep. Those with family history of heart attack or stroke face increased genetic risk. Age, race, and gender also influence vulnerability, with higher prevalence among Black individuals and men. Women who develop hypertension during pregnancy require special attention as they face elevated cardiovascular risks postpartum.

    3. Dietary Modification: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emerges as the most effective nutritional intervention among 22 lifestyle changes analyzed across 100+ studies. This approach emphasizes potassium-rich foods that help eliminate sodium and relax artery walls. Beyond bananas, excellent potassium sources include avocados, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, spinach, and Swiss chard. Combining DASH with sodium reduction below 2,300mg daily—primarily by avoiding restaurant meals and processed foods—produces optimal results. Alcohol reduction, ideally complete abstinence, further supports blood pressure control.

    4. Physical Activity and Stress Management: Aerobic exercise strengthens heart efficiency, ranking as the second-most effective intervention after dietary changes. Isometric resistance exercises (wall squats, planks) placed third by promoting blood vessel dilation and improved circulation. These activities simultaneously reduce stress, as do meditation, yoga, and various religious practices. Weight reduction through exercise provides additional blood pressure benefits.

    5. Medication Acceptance: When lifestyle modifications prove insufficient, medication becomes essential for achieving target levels below 130/80 mm Hg (with under 120/80 mm Hg ideal). Multiple generic options exist, including convenient single-pill combinations that address patient concerns about complex regimens. While some medications cause side effects like frequent urination or leg swelling, physicians can adjust prescriptions to minimize discomfort. Medication complements rather than replaces lifestyle changes, with Dr. Jennifer Cluett of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center noting that “lifestyle changes help more than just your blood pressure number.”

  • How off-the-shelf drones are changing jihadist warfare in West Africa

    How off-the-shelf drones are changing jihadist warfare in West Africa

    West Africa faces an emerging security crisis as jihadist organizations increasingly deploy armed drone technology, transforming the regional conflict landscape through aerial warfare capabilities. Monitoring group Acled documents at least 89 confirmed drone strikes since 2023, with al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) responsible for 69 attacks across Mali and Burkina Faso, while Islamic State affiliates Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) have conducted approximately 20 combined operations primarily in Nigeria.

    The tactical evolution represents a significant shift in militant capabilities, with groups utilizing commercially available quadcopter drones rigged with explosives for both surveillance and direct attacks. According to Acled senior Africa analyst Ladd Serwat, these inexpensive unmanned systems lower operational costs while enabling intelligence gathering with minimal risk to militants.

    A January 29th dual assault in Nigeria’s Borno state exemplifies this new threat paradigm, where ISWAP coordinated armed drones with ground fighters against a military base, resulting in nine soldier fatalities. That same day, ISSP targeted Niamey’s international airport and adjacent military installations in Niger, though conflicting reports exist regarding drone deployment in this incident.

    Security analyst Audu Bulama Bukarti notes the concerning progression: “Drones allow militants to gather intelligence with minimal risk and enable strikes on military targets that were previously harder to reach.” Despite import restrictions across the region, jihadists exploit porous borders and smuggling networks to acquire these technologies, according to Good Governance Africa researcher Malik Samuel.

    JNIM has demonstrated particularly advanced capabilities, incorporating first-person view (FPV) drones—similar to those used in Ukraine—for precision targeting. In February 2025, the group deployed FPV systems to drop improvised explosives on Burkinabe military positions in Djibo, marking a technical escalation.

    While most attacks target military and allied militia positions, civilian casualties have occurred. Acled reports JNIM has struck markets in communities perceived as government-aligned, while ISWAP’s sole documented civilian attack killed two pastoralists in northern Cameroon in June 2025.

    Experts warn that without enhanced countermeasures including jamming technology, air defense systems, and preemptive strikes against drone facilities, jihadist groups could further develop capabilities for high-impact assaults that exacerbate regional instability.

  • New Apple iPhone could launch this month: Expected UAE price, specs, release date

    New Apple iPhone could launch this month: Expected UAE price, specs, release date

    Apple appears poised to introduce its next-generation budget smartphone, the iPhone 17e, potentially as early as this month according to emerging supply chain intelligence and industry reports. This anticipated release follows Apple’s established pattern of unveiling its affordable e-series model in February, established when the company launched the iPhone 16e in February 2025 as the formal replacement for its discontinued iPhone SE line.

    The forthcoming iPhone 17e is expected to deliver substantial improvements over its predecessor, addressing several key limitations of the iPhone 16e model. Industry analysts project the device will incorporate Apple’s advanced A19 chipset—the same processor powering the flagship iPhone 17—though likely configured with one fewer GPU core following Apple’s standard practice of using binned processors for entry-level devices. This architectural enhancement promises notable performance gains, particularly for artificial intelligence functionalities and computational photography features.

    Design refinements represent another significant area of advancement. The device is rumored to replace the traditional notch with Apple’s Dynamic Island interface, while upgrading the front-facing camera system to an 18-megapixel square-sensor configuration. Storage capacity is anticipated to double to 256GB as standard, a substantial increase from the 128GB base model of the previous generation.

    Perhaps most notably, the iPhone 17e may introduce MagSafe compatibility for the first time in Apple’s budget series. Multiple reports indicate support for 25W MagSafe wireless charging, addressing one of the most frequent criticisms of the iPhone 16e. Connectivity could also see improvements through an upgrade from Apple’s C1 modem to the more advanced and efficient C1X chipset.

    Pricing strategy is expected to remain consistent with previous models, with the iPhone 17e likely starting at $599. For consumers in the United Arab Emirates, this would translate to approximately Dh2,599—mirroring the launch price of the iPhone 16e. If these specifications materialize at this price point, the iPhone 17e could establish itself as a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking premium features without the flagship price tag.

  • Three deadly attacks on health centres in Sudan’s South Kordofan in past week: WHO

    Three deadly attacks on health centres in Sudan’s South Kordofan in past week: WHO

    The World Health Organization has issued a grave condemnation following a series of devastating assaults on medical facilities in Sudan’s conflict-ravaged South Kordofan region. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed Sunday that three separate attacks on health centers within a single week have resulted in over 30 fatalities, marking a severe escalation in the targeting of medical infrastructure.

    The violence began on February 3rd when a primary health center was assaulted, claiming eight lives including five children and three women, while leaving eleven others injured. Mere hours later, a hospital attack resulted in one additional fatality. The most devastating strike occurred on February 5th when another hospital was targeted, killing 22 individuals—including four healthcare workers—and wounding eight more.

    This alarming pattern of violence against medical facilities unfolds against the backdrop of Sudan’s devastating civil conflict, which has pitted the national army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. The ongoing warfare has already claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian catastrophes.

    The central Kordofan region, now the epicenter of hostilities, faces a collapsed healthcare system further crippled by these systematic attacks. Tedros emphasized that these assaults are particularly devastating for a population already suffering from acute malnutrition and limited access to medical care.

    The WHO chief issued an urgent global appeal, stating: ‘The whole world should get behind Sudan’s peace initiative to end violence, protect the people and rebuild the health system.’ He underscored that ‘the best medicine is peace’ in a region where healthcare infrastructure has become both a casualty and a frontline in the ongoing conflict.

  • UNESCO selects Sharjah as first Arab city to pilot early childhood development tool

    UNESCO selects Sharjah as first Arab city to pilot early childhood development tool

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Sharjah as the inaugural Arab city to pilot its groundbreaking Early Childhood Care and Education – Progress Assessment and Transformation Tool (ECCE-PATT). This landmark selection recognizes the Emirate’s comprehensive, policy-driven approach to early childhood development, characterized by exceptional educational standards and inter-institutional collaboration.

    The pilot initiative will establish a detailed self-assessment profile of Sharjah’s early childhood sector, systematically documenting major accomplishments and innovative practices while consolidating supporting evidence. The project will simultaneously identify systemic gaps and position Sharjah’s experience as a regional benchmark for early childhood care and education excellence.

    Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority and President of Sharjah Education Academy, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration: “The assessment outcomes will enable us to develop precisely targeted improvement strategies that elevate care and education quality to meet supreme international standards through our continued partnership with UNESCO.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Borhene Chakroun, Director of UNESCO’s Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, noted: “Lifelong learning foundations are established in the earliest years. Through piloting ECCE-PATT, Sharjah is generating crucial evidence to drive systemic reforms that enhance school readiness, foundational learning, and lifelong opportunities.”

    In a complementary development, the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Sharjah Education Academy will co-host an exclusive policy dialogue with UNESCO during the Pre-Conference Day of the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education (February 14-15). This gathering will convene policymakers, education specialists, and educators from across the UAE, Gulf region, and Arab world, alongside international organizations focused on early childhood development.

    Participants will examine preliminary findings from Sharjah’s ECCE-PATT implementation and formulate practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen early childhood education systems throughout the region.

  • ‘Dubai more than a second home’: Usman Nurmagomedov retains PFL belt, praises crowd support

    ‘Dubai more than a second home’: Usman Nurmagomedov retains PFL belt, praises crowd support

    In a spectacular display of martial prowess, Usman Nurmagomedov solidified his status as PFL’s undisputed lightweight champion with a decisive submission victory over Alfie Davis at Dubai’s Coca Cola Arena. The undefeated fighter demonstrated tactical superiority throughout the bout before securing a fight-ending choke that forced his opponent to tap out.

    The February 8th event witnessed an electric atmosphere as Nurmagomedov celebrated his latest triumph with Team Khabib, including legendary former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and current UFC titleholder Islam Makhachev in his corner. The victory marked another successful title defense for the rising star, but the champion’s post-fight reflections revealed a deeper connection to his host city.

    ‘Dubai transcends the concept of a second home for me,’ Nurmagomedov revealed to Khaleej Times. ‘The extraordinary crowd support provides additional motivation that truly impacts performance.’ The champion emphasized his comfort fighting in the emirate, where he has cultivated a growing fanbase through multiple appearances.

    Beyond personal achievement, Nurmagomedov highlighted Dubai’s emerging significance in the global mixed martial arts landscape. ‘We’re witnessing substantial growth in combat sports here,’ he observed. ‘With increasing young athlete participation and major fight events, Dubai is positioned to become a recognized hub for MMA development.’

    The event underscored the continued dominance of the Nurmagomedov fighting dynasty while spotlighting Dubai’s evolving role in hosting world-class combat sports competitions. As the sport gains traction in the region, the champion’s endorsement signals a promising future for MMA in the Middle East.