Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Fisherman fleeing elephants killed by crocodile in Zambia

    Fisherman fleeing elephants killed by crocodile in Zambia

    A tragic wildlife encounter in eastern Zambia has claimed the life of 52-year-old fisherman Dean Nyirenda, highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflicts in the region. The incident occurred Wednesday when Nyirenda and two companions encountered a herd of elephants while returning from a fishing expedition near the Luangwa River.

    According to local police chief Robertson Mweemba, the group attempted to flee the elephants, with Nyirenda seeking refuge in a nearby stream connected to the Luangwa River. This decision proved fatal when a Nile crocodile attacked, seizing the fisherman’s right thigh in its powerful jaws.

    Despite managing to fight off the reptile by striking it with a stick he carried, Nyirenda sustained catastrophic injuries. His companions, who had been observing from a distance, rushed to his aid and transported him from the riverbank while he experienced severe bleeding. Their attempts to stem the blood loss proved unsuccessful, and Nyirenda succumbed to his injuries.

    Wildlife officers subsequently examined the scene and confirmed deep bite marks on the victim’s thigh as the cause of fatal hemorrhaging. The Luangwa River, which courses through Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, maintains one of Africa’s densest populations of Nile crocodiles according to conservation experts.

    Statistics from community-led conservation NGO Resource Africa reveal crocodile attacks represent a significant threat in the region. Of the 26 wildlife-related fatalities recorded in 2023, 15 resulted from crocodile encounters, with most occurring along the Luangwa River corridor.

    Zambian authorities have repeatedly urged both residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution when navigating wildlife-rich areas. Wildlife officials are reportedly evaluating mitigation strategies, including potential installation of protective barriers near human settlements, to reduce these dangerous interspecies encounters.

  • ‘I can’t afford cooking gas,’ shutdown of Kenya’s Koko biofuel firm wipes out clean cooking options

    ‘I can’t afford cooking gas,’ shutdown of Kenya’s Koko biofuel firm wipes out clean cooking options

    NAIROBI, Kenya — What began as an innovative solution to Kenya’s household energy crisis has ended in abrupt collapse, leaving over 1.5 million households scrambling for alternatives. Koko Networks, once celebrated as Africa’s green transition pioneer, has shuttered its entire bioethanol distribution system across Kenya, rendering more than 3,000 fuel points inactive.

    The company’s downfall stems from a critical regulatory impasse with Kenyan authorities regarding carbon credit authorization and bioethanol import permits. Without these approvals, Koko’s business model became financially unsustainable, forcing immediate closure despite having major investors including Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund and South Africa’s Rand Merchant Bank.

    In Nairobi’s Kibera informal settlement, the impact is particularly severe. Former Koko agent Fredrick Onchenge, who served approximately 50 customers daily, now faces economic ruin. ‘My livelihood was gone instantly,’ he recounted. ‘I tried calling the salesperson, but their phone was switched off.’

    The shutdown has forced families back to unhealthy alternatives. Grace Kathambi, who relied on Koko’s affordable bioethanol (approximately 30 cents per cook), must now choose between costly liquefied petroleum gas or returning to smoky charcoal. ‘This was a life changer for me,’ she lamented. ‘We feel abandoned, yet it’s not our fault.’

    Kenyan presidential economic advisor David Ndii described the situation as ‘uniquely multidimensional,’ involving Paris Agreement frameworks, carbon credit credibility questions, and diplomatic considerations. Government officials have declined to comment on the closure.

    Energy analysts warn this collapse exposes fundamental flaws in Africa’s clean cooking financing. Amos Wemanya of Power Shift Africa criticized carbon credit-dependent models: ‘We are not going to solve the clean cooking challenge through carbon math spreadsheets. Carbon markets allow polluters to continue emitting while households bear the risks when projects fail.’

    The episode highlights the urgent need for transition to renewable electricity-based solutions rather than temporary fossil fuel alternatives. For now, thousands of Kenyan families face impossible choices between affordability, health, and environmental sustainability.

  • Algeria’s Khelif says she is open to genetic testing by IOC for 2028 Olympics

    Algeria’s Khelif says she is open to genetic testing by IOC for 2028 Olympics

    Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif has declared her conditional acceptance of genetic testing requirements for athletic participation, stipulating that such examinations must be administered directly by the International Olympic Committee. The welterweight champion’s statement comes amid ongoing controversy regarding her eligibility for women’s boxing competitions.

    The athlete’s stance follows her triumphant performance at the 2024 Paris Games, where she secured gold despite prior disqualification from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IBA’s exclusion was based on sex chromosome testing results that questioned her eligibility for women’s competition.

    With World Boxing—the newly provisionally recognized governing body for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—implementing mandatory sex verification testing for all competitors, Khelif has pursued legal recourse through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. She challenges the organization’s requirement for genetic testing as a condition for participation.

    In an interview with CNN, Khelif emphasized her willingness to comply with legitimate competitive requirements while maintaining her biological identity as female. “Of course, I would accept doing anything I’m required to do to participate in competitions,” she stated, adding that protective measures for female athletes should not come at the expense of harming other women.

    The 26-year-old boxer explicitly denied being transgender and expressed frustration about becoming embroiled in political agendas. “I’m a woman. I want to live my life. Please do not exploit me in your political agendas,” she asserted.

    Khelif remains optimistic about receiving favorable judgment from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, declaring: “I will not surrender until I have justice because I know justice is on my side above all else.”

  • Familiar champions await fresh battles at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

    Familiar champions await fresh battles at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

    The prestigious Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships prepares for an electrifying ATP 500 event from February 23-28, 2026, featuring an exceptional lineup of former champions ready to battle for supremacy. This year’s tournament promises compelling narratives as Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Ugo Humbert, and Stefanos Tsitsipas—all previous winners—converge on the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Al Garhoud.

    The competition marks a significant moment for Medvedev, who won his sole Dubai title in 2023 by defeating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Though not arriving as top seed for the first time since 2023, the former World No.1 remains one of the most formidable hard-court players of his generation, known for his defensive resilience and baseline precision. Fresh off his victory in Brisbane that secured his 22nd ATP title, Medvedev returns with strong momentum and substantial fan support.

    Standing in his path is compatriot Andrey Rublev, the 2022 champion whose explosive power and relentless intensity contrast sharply with Medvedev’s controlled approach. The tournament’s early-season timing and consistent playing conditions perfectly suit Rublev’s aggressive baseline style as he pursues his 18th career title.

    The field also includes 2024 surprise champion Ugo Humbert, who demonstrated remarkable poise by defeating Alexander Bublik in the final without dropping a set throughout most of the tournament. The elegant left-handed Frenchman’s previous victory served as a powerful reminder that Dubai provides both a stage for established stars and a launchpad for emerging talent.

    Completing the championship quartet is reigning titleholder Stefanos Tsitsipas, who finally captured his long-awaited Dubai crown after consecutive final defeats in 2019 and 2020. His victory last year marked his first ATP 500 title and propelled him back into the world’s top 10 rankings. Should he defend his title successfully, Tsitsipas would achieve a feat no player has accomplished since Roger Federer in 2015.

    The tournament’s ability to consistently attract former champions underscores its esteemed position within professional tennis. Players frequently praise the event’s organization, world-class facilities, and exceptional atmosphere, making it a perennial favorite on the ATP Tour. With eight of the world’s top 20 male players competing, the 2026 championship promises an intriguing blend of established rivalries and potential breakthrough performances.

  • UAE to combine traditional Emirati medicine with healthcare, says health minister

    UAE to combine traditional Emirati medicine with healthcare, says health minister

    The United Arab Emirates is embarking on a groundbreaking healthcare transformation by formally integrating traditional Emirati healing practices with conventional medical treatments. Health Minister Ahmed Al Sayegh announced this strategic initiative during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach to wellness and disease prevention.

    Minister Al Sayegh, appointed to his position in September 2025, shared personal reflections on the effectiveness of traditional medicine, noting that approximately 70% of his childhood treatments involved these ancestral practices. He emphasized that these methods contributed significantly to building robust health among earlier generations of Emiratis.

    The newly formulated approach, termed ‘integrative medicine,’ represents a comprehensive healthcare model that combines conventional medical treatments with lifestyle modifications while addressing mental and spiritual wellbeing alongside physical health. This methodology aims to move traditional practices from the periphery to the core of the UAE’s healthcare prevention strategies.

    To ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy, the Ministry of Health and Prevention will establish a robust legislative framework governing the implementation of these traditional practices. The minister clarified that while science remains paramount in addressing critical health challenges—evidenced by the dramatic reduction in child and maternal mortality rates over recent decades—traditional knowledge offers valuable complementary benefits.

    Minister Al Sayegh highlighted specific examples, including holistic care protocols for pregnant women that incorporate traditional dietary recommendations, specialized exercises, and indigenous wellness practices similar to yoga. He expressed concern that these valuable traditional skills are gradually being lost and emphasized the ministry’s role in preserving this cultural heritage through structured training programs that combine ancestral wisdom with scientific validation.

    This national initiative builds upon the foundation established by the UAE Integrative Medicine Council (UAEIMC), formed in September 2025 under the leadership of Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. The council promotes a multidisciplinary approach that safely integrates modern, traditional, and complementary medical practices.

    The UAE’s commitment to integrative medicine will be further demonstrated later this month when the country hosts the AYUSH Conference & Exhibition, bringing together wellness brands, clinics, and hospital representatives to showcase ancient medical traditions and their contemporary applications.

  • India favourites as T20 World Cup to begin after chaotic build-up

    India favourites as T20 World Cup to begin after chaotic build-up

    The highly anticipated T20 World Cup commences this Saturday under a cloud of political controversy, with defending champions India emerging as overwhelming favorites despite a tumultuous pre-tournament period marked by diplomatic disputes and team withdrawals.

    Tournament organizers breathed a sigh of relief as the cricket spectacle finally begins after weeks of political posturing that saw Bangladesh expelled from the competition and Pakistan refusing to face arch-rivals India. The International Cricket Council, led by chairman Jay Shah, faced significant challenges in maintaining the tournament’s integrity amid growing geopolitical tensions between participating nations.

    Cricket powerhouse India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, enters the competition carrying the aspirations of over a billion home supporters. The world’s top-ranked T20 team boasts an explosive batting lineup featuring in-form opener Abhishek Sharma and the red-hot Ishan Kishan, complemented by a clinical bowling attack spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Their recent dominant series victory against New Zealand served as an ominous warning to competitors.

    The tournament structure divides twenty teams into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage. Group A features India alongside the United States, who previously stunned Pakistan in the 2024 tournament, plus Pakistan, Netherlands, and Ireland.

    Former champions Australia and England present formidable challenges to India’s title defense. Australia, despite missing pace spearhead Pat Cummins due to a back injury and Josh Hazlewood recovering from hamstring issues, remains confident under Mitchell Marsh’s leadership. England, riding high from a 3-0 series victory in Sri Lanka, sees Harry Brook assuming captaincy duties amid personal scrutiny.

    The political crisis escalated when India’s cricket board directed the Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, exacerbating tensions between neighboring nations. Pakistan’s potential boycott of their marquee match against India could result in significant financial losses for broadcasters and disappointment for fans worldwide.

    The tournament concludes with the final scheduled for March 8 in either Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on Pakistan’s progression through the competition stages.

  • UK says infant formula contamination may have affected 36 babies

    UK says infant formula contamination may have affected 36 babies

    British health authorities have confirmed 36 probable cases of infant poisoning connected to contaminated formula products, sparking nationwide concern over food safety standards. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) disclosed on Thursday that these cases exhibit symptoms consistent with toxin exposure from affected batches of nutritional products.

    The contamination crisis began on January 6th when Nestle initiated a massive European recall of several infant nutrition lines, including SMA, BEBA and NAN formulas, following the discovery of potential toxin contamination. The compromised products were found to contain substances capable of inducing severe nausea and vomiting in infants. Subsequently, Danone expanded the recall effort two weeks later by withdrawing one batch of its Aptamil infant formula.

    UKHSA officials indicated that the widespread distribution of these products prior to their removal from shelves made additional cases inevitable. Despite issuing urgent alerts to healthcare facilities nationwide, the agency acknowledged the challenge in containing exposure given the products’ previous market penetration.

    Notably, current surveillance data reveals no abnormal increases in vomiting reports among children under one year old compared to seasonal norms. However, UKHSA maintains heightened vigilance through continuous monitoring of public health indicators. The agency emphasizes that while the risk has been substantially reduced through recall actions, healthcare providers should remain alert for potential late-presenting cases.

    The incident has triggered rigorous quality control reassessments within the infant nutrition industry and prompted calls for strengthened food safety protocols across European markets.

  • Affordable iftars in UAE: Where to eat this Ramadan for under Dh200

    Affordable iftars in UAE: Where to eat this Ramadan for under Dh200

    As Ramadan 2026 approaches in the UAE, residents seeking affordable yet meaningful iftar experiences have numerous options that combine tradition with value without exceeding Dh200. The holy month, characterized by spiritual reflection and communal gatherings, offers various dining experiences that maintain cultural authenticity while remaining budget-conscious.

    Across the Emirates, establishments are providing thoughtfully curated iftar menus that balance atmosphere with affordability. From traditional Lebanese fare at Allo Beirut (starting at Dh85) to innovative cross-cultural offerings, the diversity of options demonstrates that breaking the fast need not be accompanied by a substantial financial burden.

    Notable budget-friendly options include Pitfire Pizza’s signature Shawarma Pizza at Dh64, available for delivery across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering a casual alternative for friends and family. Rodeo Drive Ibn Battuta Gate presents an American comfort food approach with a four-course menu at Dh95 per person, featuring creative dishes like avocado hummus and Cajun kebabs.

    For those preferring traditional buffet settings, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha offers Ramadan classics with live cooking stations starting at Dh120, while Jewel of the Creek provides a distinctive cultural experience along Dubai Creek with iftar from Dh165, complete with live oud performances and a Ramadan Market.

    Several establishments have developed specialized offerings for different preferences. Ibn AlBahr brings its Emirati seafood expertise to iftar menus starting at Dh189 across multiple locations, while Rohini at Mövenpick JLT presents North Indian hospitality with menus between Dh149-169. For French-inspired dining, CQ French Brasserie offers a cross-cultural iftar experience at Dh189 per person.

    The variety of options demonstrates how UAE’s culinary scene accommodates diverse preferences while maintaining Ramadan’s spirit of community and togetherness, proving that memorable iftar experiences can be both accessible and affordable.

  • Families of plane crash victims ask US appeals court to revive a criminal case against Boeing

    Families of plane crash victims ask US appeals court to revive a criminal case against Boeing

    In a pivotal legal confrontation, thirty-one families who lost relatives in the catastrophic Boeing 737 Max crashes petitioned the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday to reinstate criminal charges against the aerospace giant. Represented by attorney Paul Cassell, the families contested a lower court’s dismissal of conspiracy allegations against Boeing for allegedly deceiving Federal Aviation Administration regulators about a critical flight-control system implicated in two crashes that claimed 346 lives.

    The dismissed charges followed a controversial settlement between Boeing and the U.S. Justice Department, wherein the company avoided prosecution by committing to $1.1 billion in penalties, victim compensation, and safety enhancements. Cassell argued prosecutors violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act by excluding families from consultation during settlement negotiations—a claim federal prosecutors disputed, asserting years of engagement with victims’ families.

    Among attendees at the New Orleans hearing was Paul Njoroge, a Canadian who lost his entire family—wife, three young children, and mother-in-law—in the second crash. ‘Meaningful accountability requires a trial,’ Njoroge stated post-hearing. The tragedies occurred within five months in 2018-2019: Lion Air Flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea, while Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa.

    Judicial records reveal U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor found the families’ arguments compelling but ultimately ruled prosecutors acted without bad faith and met legal obligations. The Justice Department maintained that trial risks included potential acquittal and no further Boeing accountability. Boeing attorney Paul Clement acknowledged the company’s ‘deep regret’ and cited compensation payments and safety overhauls, noting that over 60 families supported the settlement.

    The case’s complex history includes a 2021 fraud charge deferred through a compliance agreement, which Boeing violated by 2024, leading to a guilty plea that Judge O’Connor rejected before the current settlement. Central to the controversy is Boeing’s concealment of a new automated flight-control system (MCAS) in 737 Max aircraft, which repeatedly forced planes into nosedives based on faulty sensor data. Investigations confirmed Boeing withheld MCAS details from FAA officials during certification, leaving pilots unprepared for system failures. The appeals panel will issue its ruling at a later date.

  • Trump backs Chagos handover deal, says No 10

    Trump backs Chagos handover deal, says No 10

    The United States has formally endorsed the United Kingdom’s landmark agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing a long-term lease for the strategic military installation on Diego Garcia. This development follows weeks of diplomatic uncertainty after former President Donald Trump’s contradictory statements regarding the arrangement.

    In a significant diplomatic reversal, Trump publicly expressed support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s negotiated settlement, characterizing it as “the best he could make” during their recent discussions. This endorsement came as a relief to British officials who had grown concerned when Trump previously denounced the agreement as an “act of great stupidity” and “total weakness” last month.

    The complex arrangement, initially announced last year, facilitates the formal transfer of Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius while guaranteeing continued UK and US military access to the Diego Garcia base through a 99-year leaseback provision. This joint UK-US facility serves as a critical strategic asset for both nations’ military operations in the Indian Ocean region.

    Downing Street confirmed that both leaders “agreed on the importance” of maintaining the base’s operational security during their Thursday conversation. A spokeswoman emphasized that the two nations would “continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal,” signaling ongoing cooperation despite previous tensions.

    Trump’s conditional support, communicated via his Truth Social platform, included a significant caveat: “If the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia.”

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the administration’s position, stating that while Trump understands and supports Starmer’s position, the United States “reserves the right to protect our assets.” This sentiment was echoed by US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, who acknowledged that while maintaining UK sovereignty would be the “ideal” outcome, the current arrangement represents the “best deal on the table.”

    The agreement has faced substantial domestic criticism in the UK, particularly from Conservative and Reform UK parties who argue that Mauritius’s ties to China pose national security risks. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel characterized Trump’s statement as recognizing “a critical weakness in the surrender deal” and pledged continued opposition.

    A draft law to ratify the Chagos Islands agreement is currently progressing through Parliament, though the legislative process experienced delays following Trump’s previous critical comments. Prime Minister Starmer has consistently maintained that the arrangement is necessary to protect the base’s continued operation amid previous legal challenges from Mauritius regarding British sovereignty.