A landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was formally signed during a high-profile summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 13, 2025. The event, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, brought together leaders from over 20 countries and representatives from regional and international organizations. The summit aimed to address the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, promote Middle Eastern peace and stability, and lay the groundwork for a new era of regional security. The ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, 2025, followed three days of intense negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States. The agreement’s initial phase includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from key areas such as Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis, the opening of five humanitarian aid crossings, and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Hamas confirmed the release of all 20 remaining hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, while Israel began freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. The prolonged conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with over 67,000 fatalities and widespread famine, according to Gaza’s health authorities and UN-backed experts. The summit marks a critical step toward ending the devastating war and fostering long-term peace in the region.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Soldiers threaten to seize state TV in Madagascar, presidency says, amid warnings of coup attempt
Madagascar is embroiled in a deepening political crisis as soldiers have threatened to seize the state TV headquarters, coinciding with President Andry Rajoelina’s delayed national address. Unconfirmed reports suggest Rajoelina has fled the country, with a French military aircraft allegedly transporting him from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location. This follows two weeks of nationwide protests led by young activists, dubbed ‘Gen Z Mada,’ demanding his ouster. Despite sacking his entire government and offering concessions, Rajoelina failed to quell the unrest. Over the weekend, CAPSAT, a powerful army unit instrumental in Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power, declared itself in command of all armed forces, with some officers joining protesters in the capital, Antananarivo. The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public of efforts to maintain order. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the TIM party, are preparing impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for ‘abandonment of post.’ Several of his close associates have fled to Mauritius. The protests, initially sparked by water and power shortages, have escalated into broader discontent over unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis. Tragically, at least 22 people have died, and over 100 have been injured, with reports of security forces using live ammunition and tear gas. Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations despite its natural resources, has a history of political upheaval, including the 2009 protests that brought Rajoelina to power. His tenure, marked by allegations of cronyism and corruption, now faces its most significant challenge yet.
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South Africa survive scare to beat Bangladesh
In a nail-biting encounter at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Visakhapatnam, South Africa emerged victorious by three wickets against Bangladesh, showcasing resilience and determination. Chasing a target of 233, the Proteas faced early adversity, collapsing to 78-5. However, half-centuries from Chloe Tryon (62 off 69) and Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71) steadied the ship. Nadine de Klerk, fresh from her heroics against India, played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 29 balls, including a match-winning six with three balls to spare. Bangladesh, despite a competitive total bolstered by Shorna Akter’s rapid 51 off 34 balls, were left to rue missed opportunities, including crucial dropped catches. South Africa’s third consecutive win highlights their fighting spirit, while Bangladesh must regroup from this heart-wrenching defeat.
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Teaching halted as Nigerian lecturers go on strike
Lecturers at Nigeria’s public universities have initiated a two-week strike, citing unresolved issues over pay and funding. The industrial action, announced by Professor Chris Piwuna, leader of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), was described as ‘inevitable’ due to what he termed as government failures. The strike commenced shortly after universities reopened for the new academic year, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the academic calendar. The Nigerian government has urged lecturers to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis. It also warned that striking lecturers may not receive payment under the country’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ labor law. In a statement, the government claimed to have presented a comprehensive offer addressing key concerns such as working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare, but is still awaiting ASUU’s official response. This strike is part of a long-standing pattern of industrial actions by Nigerian university lecturers, who have repeatedly clashed with successive governments over issues of funding, salaries, and welfare. Historical agreements from 1992, 2009, and 2013 have often been unfulfilled, leading to repeated strikes. The most recent major strike in 2022 lasted eight months, severely disrupting the academic calendar and affecting millions of students nationwide. Observers argue that these recurring strikes highlight deeper structural challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector, including chronic underfunding, politicized management, and a persistent lack of trust between the government and university unions.
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Cameroon awaits presidential election result
Cameroon’s presidential election concluded on Sunday, with vote counting now underway as incumbent President Paul Biya aims to extend his 43-year rule. At 92, Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, faces competition from nine candidates. A victory would secure his eighth consecutive term, with the next election scheduled for 2032. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji reported that voting proceeded smoothly nationwide, though calls for a boycott in the English-speaking western regions and reports of clashes in the north marred the process. Final results are expected within 15 days. The election was preceded by opposition complaints of suppression tactics, including the disqualification of Maurice Kamto, Biya’s primary challenger, by the Constitutional Council in August. On election day, tensions escalated in Garoua, the stronghold of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, where supporters clashed with security forces. Tchiroma, a former Biya ally, claimed he faced threats but vowed to remain steadfast. Despite these incidents, Nji emphasized that the polls were largely peaceful across all 10 regions. However, he warned against premature election result announcements, labeling such actions as illegal. In the Anglophone regions, separatist attempts to deter voting were partially successful, with many residents abstaining due to fear of reprisals. As Cameroon awaits the outcome, the question remains: will the world’s oldest leader secure another term?
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Madagascar president to make a speech after soldiers turned against the government in apparent coup
Madagascar is facing a deepening political crisis as an elite military unit, CAPSAT, has turned against President Andry Rajoelina, demanding his resignation in what appears to be an attempted coup. The unit, which previously supported Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, has taken control of the armed forces and appointed a new military leader, a move accepted by the defense minister. This escalation follows weeks of deadly anti-government protests, initially sparked by youth groups over water and electricity shortages but now encompassing broader grievances such as poverty, corruption, and the high cost of living. President Rajoelina, whose current whereabouts remain unknown, was scheduled to address the nation on state television, but his office has not confirmed if he is still in the country. Reports suggest he may have fled amid the unrest. The U.S. Embassy has advised American citizens to shelter in place due to the volatile situation, while the African Union has called for calm and restraint. The protests, led by the group ‘Gen Z Madagascar,’ have resulted in at least 22 deaths and widespread injuries, according to the United Nations, though the government disputes these figures. The crisis marks the most significant unrest in Madagascar in years, with curfews imposed in major cities and the nation’s political future hanging in the balance.
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Counting begins as polls close in Cameroon’s presidential election
The presidential election in Cameroon concluded on Sunday evening, marking a significant moment for the nation as ballot counting commenced across the country. Polling stations opened at 8:00 am and closed at 6:00 pm local time, with over eight million registered voters participating in the democratic process to elect their next leader. Elections Cameroon, the national electoral body, reported that the voting process remained largely peaceful, with no major incidents disrupting the proceedings. However, in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions, additional security forces were deployed to safeguard the election after separatist groups, advocating for an independent state, threatened to interfere. The election follows a single-round system, where the candidate with the most votes will be declared the winner. According to Cameroon’s Electoral Code, the Constitutional Council is mandated to announce the official results within 15 days. The nation now awaits the outcome, which will shape its political future.
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Forty-two killed as bus crashes on South Africa mountain pass
A devastating bus accident on South Africa’s N1 highway has resulted in the deaths of 42 individuals, including seven children. The incident occurred on Sunday night in Limpopo province, as the bus, carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, traversed a mountainous section of the highway. According to local transport officials, the bus veered off the road along a steep mountain pass and plunged down an embankment. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing that the loss is not only a national calamity but also a profound sorrow for Zimbabwe and Malawi, countries with close ties to South Africa. The accident has sparked widespread mourning and calls for enhanced road safety measures in the region. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting challenging road conditions may have played a role. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety protocols on South Africa’s highways to prevent future tragedies.
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Juncao tech transforms many lives in Rwanda
In Rwanda, Juncao technology, a Chinese innovation, is revolutionizing agriculture and transforming lives. Suzanne Nikuze, a resident of Kigali’s Gasabo district, exemplifies this transformation. What began as a backyard experiment has blossomed into a thriving agribusiness that empowers local farmers, particularly women, and promotes sustainable practices. After receiving training at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center in 2018, Nikuze established an enterprise to teach mushroom cultivation, a lucrative and eco-friendly venture in East Africa. Her initiative has trained over 400 young people, with 80% of her employees being women, fostering self-reliance and economic independence. Juncao, a specially cultivated grass used to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based methods. This fast-growing, cost-effective, and nutrient-rich grass has not only boosted agricultural yields but also reduced deforestation pressures. Since its introduction in 2006 through a bilateral agreement under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Juncao technology has expanded nationwide, benefiting over 40,000 Rwandan farmers. The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, in collaboration with Chinese experts, has introduced 12 mushroom species and established training programs, including initiatives for primary school students. Beyond agriculture, Juncao is being repurposed to produce green charcoal, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional firewood, further supporting Rwanda’s sustainability goals. This innovative technology is a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing poverty, promoting environmental conservation, and empowering communities.
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Bus crash in mountainous region of South Africa kills at least 42 people
A devastating bus accident in northern South Africa has resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people, with 49 others sustaining injuries, according to authorities. The incident occurred on Sunday evening around 6 p.m. on the N1 highway near Louis Trichardt, approximately 400 kilometers north of Pretoria. The bus, which was en route to Zimbabwe, veered off the road and plunged down a steep embankment. Among the victims were seven children, 17 men, and 18 women. Six individuals are in critical condition, while 31 others have serious injuries and have been transported to various hospitals. A critically injured child was airlifted for urgent medical care. Rescue operations continued late into the night, with images showing the blue bus overturned and rescuers working diligently to locate victims. The bus was carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals returning to their home countries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, noting the tragedy occurred during the country’s annual transport month, which emphasizes road safety. This incident follows a similar bus crash in Limpopo province last year, which claimed 45 lives. The AP Africa news team reported the details from Cape Town.