标签： Africa

For the sixth consecutive night, youth-led demonstrations swept across Morocco, with protesters demanding improved public services and the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. The unrest, which began peacefully, turned violent on Wednesday when police fatally shot three individuals in Leqliaa, a town near Agadir. Authorities claimed the victims were attempting to seize police weapons, though witnesses have yet to corroborate this account. The protests, organized by the Gen Z 212 movement, have spread to over a dozen cities, including Casablanca, with participants decrying corruption and inadequate funding for schools and hospitals. Despite the government’s pledge to engage in dialogue, tensions remain high as demonstrators contrast the billions spent on World Cup preparations with the dire state of public infrastructure. The recent deaths of eight women in an Agadir hospital have further fueled outrage over the declining health system. As Morocco prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations and approaches its 2026 parliamentary elections, the protests highlight deep-seated regional disparities and widespread disillusionment. Over 1,000 arrests have been reported, with human rights groups condemning the use of force. The Gen Z 212 movement has urged peaceful demonstrations, but clashes continue to erupt, particularly in underdeveloped regions. These protests echo similar unrest in countries like Nepal, Kenya, and Madagascar, underscoring a global wave of youth-led activism.

Morocco has been engulfed in widespread unrest as youth-led protests against economic hardship and government priorities turned violent, resulting in at least two fatalities. The clashes erupted after police opened fire to prevent demonstrators from storming a police station in Lqliaa, near Agadir, according to state media. This marks the first deaths since protests began on Saturday, fueled by anger over the government’s decision to allocate resources to building football stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup instead of addressing public services and the economic crisis. Protesters have been chanting slogans like, ‘Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?’ highlighting their frustration with deteriorating healthcare and living conditions. One protester from Oujda described local hospitals as ‘jails,’ citing corruption and unsanitary conditions. The unrest has spread to major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakech, where a police station was reportedly set ablaze. Authorities have detained 409 individuals, while over 260 police officers and 20 protesters were injured. The youth-led movement, known as GenZ 212, has distanced itself from the violence, organizing primarily through social media without formal leadership. Morocco’s unemployment rate stands at 12.8%, with youth unemployment reaching 35.8%, exacerbating tensions. The government has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, praising security forces for their ‘balanced reaction.’ This uprising mirrors similar youth-led protests in Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Madagascar, where governments have faced significant pressure to address public discontent.

In Senegal’s northern city of Saint-Louis, traditional fishermen like Gora Fall face a daily battle between hope and despair. Once a thriving fishing hub, Saint-Louis now grapples with the economic and environmental repercussions of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project, a joint venture led by British multinational BP, alongside Kosmos Energy and national oil companies of Senegal and Mauritania. The project, which began operations in 2017, has imposed a 500-meter exclusion zone around its offshore platform, severely limiting access to rich fishing grounds. For Fall and many others, this has meant dwindling catches and a struggle to make ends meet. ‘Before, we worked to live, but now we just work to survive,’ laments the 25-year-old fisherman. The restrictions have compounded existing challenges, including competition from international trawlers and rising costs. Women in the fish processing industry, traditionally a female-dominated sector, are also feeling the pinch. Diamol Sène, a mother of 10, notes that many women have lost their jobs as fish become scarcer and more expensive. BP defends its practices, citing safety zones as standard procedure and emphasizing its commitment to responsible operations. However, promises to build artificial reefs as compensation have yet to materialize, leaving fishermen disillusioned. The project has also raised environmental concerns, particularly after a gas leak in February 2025, which BP downplayed as ‘negligible.’ Despite government assurances of economic benefits, the local fishing community remains skeptical, accusing authorities of prioritizing corporate interests over their livelihoods. As fishermen like Fall consider abandoning their centuries-old trade, the future of Saint-Louis’ fishing industry hangs in the balance.

Jane Goodall, the iconic primatologist and conservationist whose groundbreaking research redefined humanity’s understanding of chimpanzees, has died at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed her passing on Wednesday, attributing it to natural causes during a speaking tour in California. Goodall’s immersive studies in Tanzania during the 1960s revealed that chimpanzees use tools, possess distinct personalities, and exhibit complex emotional and social behaviors—discoveries that blurred the line between humans and animals. Her work not only revolutionized primatology but also inspired global conservation efforts. Goodall’s influence extended beyond academia, as she became a beloved public figure through documentaries, television appearances, and worldwide lectures. Her legacy includes decades of advocacy for environmental protection, animal rights, and humanitarian causes. Tributes poured in from global leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who hailed her as a ‘Messenger of Peace.’ Despite the grim realities of the climate crisis, Goodall remained a beacon of hope, urging action and optimism for the future. Her life’s work continues to inspire millions to protect the natural world.

A devastating incident unfolded in Ethiopia as scaffolding collapsed at the Arerti Mariam church in the central Minjar Sheknora area, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people and injuring over 200 others. The tragedy occurred during an annual Orthodox Christian celebration of St Mary, which had drawn thousands of worshippers to the site. Local police inspector Ahmed Gebeyehu confirmed the incident to BBC Amharic, warning that the death toll could rise further. The victims, aged between 25 and 80, were part of a large crowd gathered for the religious event. The Ethiopian government, through a statement shared by the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), expressed its ‘deep condolences for the damage caused by the collapse of the scaffolding.’ The statement also emphasized the critical need for prioritizing safety in all construction projects. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing health and safety regulations in Ethiopia, where construction disasters remain a recurring issue. The collapse has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous religious occasion, leaving the community in mourning and raising urgent questions about construction standards and oversight.