Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Al-Shabab extremists are greatest threat to peace in Somalia and the region, UN experts say

    Al-Shabab extremists are greatest threat to peace in Somalia and the region, UN experts say

    United Nations security experts have issued a stark warning that the Al-Shabab extremist organization continues to represent the most severe immediate danger to regional stability in Somalia and neighboring nations, particularly Kenya. According to a comprehensive report released Wednesday by UN monitoring specialists, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group persists in executing sophisticated asymmetric operations despite concerted counterterrorism efforts by Somali authorities and international forces.

    The expert assessment reveals that Al-Shabab’s threat profile extends beyond high-profile attack capabilities to include sophisticated extortion networks, systematic forced recruitment campaigns, and a highly effective propaganda apparatus. The group demonstrated its operational reach within the Somali capital on March 18 by attempting to assassinate the nation’s president in Mogadishu.

    In response to the persistent security challenges, the UN Security Council unanimously voted Tuesday to extend the African Union’s stabilization mandate in Somalia through December 31, 2026. The approved peacekeeping contingent will maintain 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers.

    The report documents that Al-Shabab has conducted approximately six attacks monthly within Kenyan territory during 2024, primarily targeting border regions of Mandera and Lamu counties. These operations employ improvised explosive devices against security forces, infrastructure sabotage, kidnappings, residential raids, and livestock theft.

    UN analysts confirm that Al-Shabab’s strategic objectives remain unchanged: overthrow the Somali government, expel international forces, and establish a Greater Somalia under strict Islamic governance that would unite ethnic Somali populations across East Africa.

    Additionally, the monitoring panel investigated Islamic State operations in Somalia, reporting that ISIL-Somalia has recruited fighters globally with approximately 60% of its 1,000+ combatants originating from outside Somalia. Despite operating with significantly fewer resources than Al-Shabab, the Islamic State faction constitutes an emerging threat to regional security.

  • Eleven arrested over mass shooting in South Africa tavern

    Eleven arrested over mass shooting in South Africa tavern

    South African authorities have made significant breakthroughs in the investigation of Sunday’s deadly tavern shooting that claimed nine lives in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg. Police have apprehended eleven individuals connected to the massacre, revealing a complex international dimension to the case.

    Provincial deputy police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana confirmed that nine of those detained are nationals of Lesotho, while one suspect originates from Mozambique. An additional South African mineworker has also been taken into custody in relation to the attack.

    The shooting occurred around 01:00 local time when approximately twelve unidentified gunmen opened fire on patrons at the licensed drinking establishment. Preliminary investigations now indicate the violence may be connected to territorial disputes within illegal mining operations, contradicting initial assessments that the attack was unprovoked.

    During the assault, gunmen continued firing as victims attempted to flee, resulting in the deaths of two individuals inside the tavern and a taxi driver who had just dropped off a passenger nearby. The suspects were found in possession of several unlicensed firearms, including an AK-47 rifle.

    This incident highlights South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, where murders frequently stem from arguments, robberies, and gang conflicts. According to statistics cited by Gideon Joubert of the South African Gunowners’ Association, the country has approximately 3 million legally held firearms and at least an equivalent number of unlicensed weapons.

    While 2025 has seen a decline in reported mass shootings, researcher Claire Taylor from Gun Free South Africa notes a concerning increase in incidents where four or more people are killed or injured since 2020. Licensed taverns and informal drinking establishments known as shebeens remain common locations for such attacks.

    The Bekkersdal tragedy occurred merely two weeks after another mass shooting at Saulsville Hostel in Pretoria that left eleven people dead, including a three-year-old child, underscoring the persistent challenge of gun violence in South African communities.

  • Melodica Music Academy named Best Music & Dance Academy at MEA Markets Awards 2025

    Melodica Music Academy named Best Music & Dance Academy at MEA Markets Awards 2025

    Dubai’s Melodica Music & Dance Academy has achieved exceptional recognition within the UAE’s arts education sector by securing two distinguished accolades at the MEA Markets Business Awards 2025. The institution was bestowed with the titles of ‘Best Music & Dance Academy 2025’ and the ‘Customer Service Excellence Award 2025’, cementing its reputation for superior educational offerings and an unwavering commitment to student satisfaction.

    The MEA Markets Business Awards annually honor enterprises across the Middle East and Africa that exhibit remarkable performance, innovative approaches, and deeply customer-focused operational philosophies. Melodica’s dual victory underscores its sustained dedication to providing high-caliber instruction in both musical instruments and dance, all within an environment designed to be supportive and inclusive for students and parents.

    Founded with the mission to democratize access to professional arts education, Melodica caters to all age groups, from children to adults. The academy’s success is built upon a foundation of an internationally experienced faculty, a robust and structured global curriculum, and a significant emphasis on providing performance opportunities. This methodology actively cultivates creativity, builds confidence, and instills artistic discipline among its learners.

    Afshin, Chief Executive Officer of Melodica Music Academy, reflected on the achievement, stating, ‘These accolades represent a moment of immense pride for our entire team. To be acknowledged as the premier academy in our field, while also being recognized for customer service excellence, is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and the enduring trust from our students and their families. Our core objective remains the creation of an inspiring ecosystem where innate talent is carefully nurtured and every individual feels empowered on their creative path.’

    Transcending traditional classroom teaching, the academy plays an active role in enriching the UAE’s cultural tapestry. It facilitates numerous platforms for students to gain practical experience, including stage performances, participation in international certification examinations, and other real-world artistic engagements. This comprehensive educational strategy positions Melodica as a key contributor in shaping the future generation of artists and performers in the region.

    This latest recognition marks a significant milestone in the academy’s expansion narrative as it continues to elevate standards and broaden its impact throughout the UAE’s music and dance education landscape.

  • US singer Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis

    US singer Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis

    Iconic American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has publicly disclosed his recent lung cancer diagnosis through an official Instagram announcement. The 82-year-old Grammy Award-winning artist, celebrated for timeless classics including ‘Copacabana’ and ‘I Write the Songs,’ revealed that the malignancy was detected during follow-up medical examinations for a persistent bronchitis condition.

    Medical imaging procedures identified an early-stage cancerous lesion on his left lung, which Manilow described as being discovered through ‘pure luck (and a great doctor).’ The music legend emphasized the fortunate timing of this detection, noting physicians believe the cancer remains localized without evidence of metastasis to other areas.

    The performing artist has scheduled surgical intervention to remove the affected tissue, necessitating cancellation of his remaining December 2025 and January 2026 concert engagements. In characteristic optimism, Manilow outlined his recovery expectations, indicating no requirements for chemotherapy or radiation treatments post-operation, humorously referencing planned convalescence with ‘chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.’

    Despite this health challenge, Manilow has already projected his return to live performances, targeting mid-February 2026 for resumed appearances. Specifically, he anticipates returning to his Las Vegas residency at Westgate Las Vegas with scheduled Valentine’s weekend concerts on February 12-14, 2026, which he anticipates will transform into ‘one big party’ celebrating his recovery and musical legacy.

  • Explosion hits packed mosque in Nigeria

    Explosion hits packed mosque in Nigeria

    A suspected suicide bomber has targeted a mosque in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State, resulting in multiple feared casualties during evening prayers. The attack occurred in Maiduguri, the regional capital long plagued by Islamist militant violence.

    Eyewitness accounts describe a powerful explosion rocking the worship area as congregants gathered for Maghrib prayers. While unverified social media footage depicts chaotic scenes with dust-filled air and distressed crowds in nearby market areas, official casualty figures remain unconfirmed. Initial reports suggest at least seven fatalities, though authorities have not released formal statements verifying the death toll or injury count.

    The attack bears hallmarks of previous assaults by extremist groups operating in the region, though no organization has claimed responsibility. Borno State has served as the epicenter of a prolonged insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These militant organizations have repeatedly targeted religious sites and crowded public areas using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as primary tactics.

    Since 2009, Boko Haram’s campaign to establish an Islamic caliphate has transformed northeastern Nigeria into a persistent conflict zone. Despite sustained military counteroperations and government security measures, the region continues to experience sporadic attacks against civilian populations. This latest bombing underscores the enduring security challenges facing Nigerian forces in containing extremist violence that has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.

  • Kenyans protest after roaming elephants kill 4 people in a week

    Kenyans protest after roaming elephants kill 4 people in a week

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Mounting tensions over human-wildlife conflicts have erupted in central Kenya following a series of fatal elephant attacks that claimed four lives within a single week. The incidents have highlighted the escalating competition for resources between animals and local communities.

    In Kajiado County, wildlife authorities were forced to euthanize one elephant suspected of killing two individuals. The Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed the animal bore injuries indicative of previous confrontations with humans, including spear and arrow wounds. “Preliminary observations indicate the elephant involved had injuries consistent with spears and arrows, pointing to a possible prior confrontation,” the agency stated in an official release.

    Ecologists attribute the increased elephant presence in the Ole Tepesi region to severe vegetation scarcity caused by inadequate rainfall during Kenya’s current short rains season. The most recent victim was a herdsman attacked while tending goats on Tuesday, underscoring the dangerous proximity between human activities and wildlife territories.

    The Kenya Wildlife Service has committed to enhancing preventive protocols, improving rapid response capabilities, and minimizing future risks. Meanwhile, the government’s compensation program continues to provide financial restitution to victims of wildlife attacks, having disbursed millions of Kenyan shillings to thousands affected over previous years.

  • UAE real estate surge: Demand up for prime office and retail space

    UAE real estate surge: Demand up for prime office and retail space

    The United Arab Emirates’ commercial property sector has demonstrated exceptional resilience and growth throughout 2025, driven by converging factors of constrained supply and evolving market dynamics across both office and retail segments. According to industry experts and recent market analyses, business hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi have experienced remarkable performance metrics despite global economic uncertainties.

    Market intelligence from JLL’s Office Market Dynamics report reveals a significant transformation in demand composition within the UAE’s 13.4 million square meters of office inventory. Regional corporations are increasingly outpacing international counterparts in leasing inquiries, demonstrating greater flexibility regarding premium rental structures. This trend has created a landlord-favorable environment, particularly for premium-grade properties in central business districts.

    The retail landscape has undergone parallel transformation, with consumer behavior shifts toward value and convenience reshaping the sector’s 8.24 million square meters of inventory. Prime super-regional malls maintained their premium positioning, with Abu Dhabi recording a 3.4% rental increase year-to-Q3 2025, while Dubai witnessed a substantial 13.5% surge during the same period.

    ValuStrat data indicates Abu Dhabi’s office market, with approximately 3.9 million square meters of stock, achieved asking rent increases of 22.7% year-over-year and 3.6% quarter-over-quarter, maintaining occupancy rates exceeding 90% in central business districts. The retail segment reached nearly 2 million square meters of gross leasable area, supported by expansion projects including Al Jimi Mall’s redevelopment.

    Industry executives highlight several structural catalysts underpinning this growth, including government long-term economic strategies, expanded freehold zones, golden visa initiatives, and stable tax regulations. The emergence of master-planned mixed-use developments represents another critical driver, accounting for over 85% of new urban development and delivering superior rental yields compared to single-use zones.

    Looking toward 2026, market sentiment remains optimistic though cautiously attentive to cyclical peaks in rental growth rates. Dana Williamson of JLL emphasized that ‘success hinges on deep understanding of evolving occupier and consumer behaviors, and the ability to implement innovative adaptation strategies in a fast-maturing market.’

    Executive perspectives from Ohana Developments and Relaam reinforce this outlook, noting sustained demand for premium developments, particularly those offering integrated lifestyle components, wellness features, and sustainability considerations. Challenges include maintaining design consistency, preserving authentic community identity, and ensuring commercial offerings evolve alongside increasingly selective buyer expectations.

  • UAE real estate shift: Sustainability and wellness redefine living

    UAE real estate shift: Sustainability and wellness redefine living

    The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a fundamental transformation in its real estate sector, with Sharjah emerging as a pioneering testing ground for sustainable community development. This paradigm shift represents a dramatic departure from traditional housing models, as buyers now demand integrated lifestyle features that combine environmental responsibility, wellness design, and long-term investment value as standard offerings rather than premium additions.

    Sharjah’s real estate market demonstrates remarkable momentum, attracting international investors while fundamentally reimagining urban development principles. The emirate recorded over 6,600 investors from 109 nationalities in the first half of 2025, with transactions exceeding Dh27 billion during this period. This growth is underpinned by a structural evolution in development philosophy that aligns with global sustainability trends while addressing local lifestyle priorities.

    The groundbreaking Sharjah Sustainable City stands as a testament to this transformation. Spanning 7.2 million square feet with approximately 1,250 villas, this community has established new benchmarks for low-emission living. Every residence incorporates solar panels and energy-efficient appliances, while the development treats all wastewater for irrigation purposes. The comprehensive approach reduces utility consumption significantly while simultaneously lowering carbon emissions.

    Beyond technical specifications, the community reshapes daily life through thoughtful urban design. Pedestrian-friendly pathways, abundant green spaces featuring native vegetation, and community facilities encourage sustainable living practices. The development includes a Sustainability Experience Center that educates residents about renewable energy, recycling, and responsible consumption—integrating environmental awareness into the community’s core ethos.

    Concurrently, the Ajwan Khorfakkan development represents a parallel shift toward wellness-oriented coastal living. This beachfront project combines dramatic natural surroundings with sophisticated design, responding to growing demand for waterfront communities that serve as both primary residences and retreat spaces. The development’s master plan incorporates shaded walking paths, recreational facilities, and hospitality offerings that emphasize connection to the natural environment.

    Market data confirms robust demand for sustainable properties, with reports indicating a 40% increase in demand for eco-friendly residential units since early 2025. Industry experts attribute this growth to improved consumer awareness, increased supply, and strengthened long-term confidence in sustainable investments. Developers are responding by accelerating new project launches that incorporate features such as water recycling systems, solar integration, energy-efficient appliances, and low-emission building materials.

    Sharjah’s government has played a crucial institutional role in this transformation through flexible legislation and updated construction standards. The widespread adoption of green concrete in public housing projects has yielded a 30% reduction in energy consumption and an 80% decrease in carbon emissions. This regulatory framework ensures that sustainability innovation extends beyond individual developments to become embedded in the emirate’s broader urban strategy.

    The convergence of developer commitment, consumer demand, and government support has established sustainability and wellness as fundamental determinants of real estate success rather than optional design trends. This comprehensive approach creates communities that demonstrate greater resilience to market fluctuations while attracting diverse investor profiles and supporting longer resident retention—ultimately contributing to Sharjah’s broader economic diversification objectives.

  • How smart homes are taking over UAE living: Over 500m voice interactions signal a new tech era

    How smart homes are taking over UAE living: Over 500m voice interactions signal a new tech era

    The United Arab Emirates is witnessing a transformative integration of voice-assisted technology into domestic life, with new regional data revealing unprecedented adoption rates. According to 2025 interaction metrics from Amazon Alexa, households across Saudi Arabia and the UAE have generated over 500 million voice commands this year alone, signaling a fundamental behavioral shift in how residents interact with their living environments.

    Smart-home automation emerged as the primary driver of voice technology usage, accounting for 175 million commands. UAE households particularly excel in implementing multi-step routines that simultaneously adjust lighting, climate control, and ambient audio through single voice prompts. Lighting commands specifically saw 30 million requests, representing a 25% year-over-year increase and establishing illumination control as a cornerstone of home automation.

    Entertainment functions constituted the second largest usage category with 106 million interactions, including 34 million music track plays. The UAE’s musical preferences reflect its multicultural composition, with Hindi music ranking as the second-most popular genre after children’s content, followed by funk and pop offerings. The data also revealed growing demand for atmospheric audio, with rain sounds and white noise triggered over 500,000 times for relaxation and focus enhancement.

    Beyond practical applications, voice technology demonstrates significant social impact. Half of surveyed respondents reported that Arabic voice assistants help younger family members maintain or improve their Arabic language skills, while 48% noted increased digital confidence among older relatives. Children remain central to voice interaction patterns, with nursery rhymes and kids’ songs representing the most requested audio category across both markets.

    The technology has also found spiritual applications, with families requesting morning and evening Athkar over 400,000 times and frequently accessing specific surahs from the Holy Quran including Al-Baqarah, Al-Kahf and Al-Mulk.

    Dr. Raf Fatani, Regional General Manager for Alexa Mena, emphasized the cultural significance of these developments: “These findings transcend technological trends, representing genuine integration into family life. Each statistic reflects meaningful moments—parents adjusting environments while holding children, elders managing schedules, and families creating new traditions through culturally responsive technology.”

    The convergence of these trends positions the UAE and Saudi Arabia as pioneers in developing culturally-aware, family-centered smart home ecosystems that seamlessly blend technological innovation with regional traditions and values.

  • Tears of joy as Nigerian families reunite with kidnapped schoolchildren

    Tears of joy as Nigerian families reunite with kidnapped schoolchildren

    PAPIRI, Nigeria — An emotionally charged Christmas reunion unfolded in north-central Nigeria as families embraced 130 students and educators freed after a month-long captivity in one of the nation’s most extensive mass abductions. The released individuals, comprising schoolchildren and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School, returned to Niger state’s Papiri community late Wednesday, representing the final group liberated since the November 21 attack. The scene witnessed tearful mothers clutching their children, villagers lifting youngsters skyward with beaming faces, and thorough examinations ensuring the returnees’ physical wellbeing. Yusuf Timothy, father of freed student Rejoice, expressed profound relief: “This Christmas, since we are celebrating with our children, we are so glad. And this Christmas will be different from the others.” Rita Marcus, reunited with her son through flowing tears, simply repeated: “I am happy, I am happy. This happiness, it is too much.”

    The incident highlights Nigeria’s escalating security crisis involving ransom-driven school kidnappings in Africa’s most populous nation. Authorities initially reported 303 students and 12 teachers seized in the Niger state attack, later revising the figure to 230 while confirming all had been released without elaboration on negotiation details. Most abducted children ranged from 10 to 17 years old, according to school records. Student Onyeka Chieme recounted to The Associated Press how gunmen threatened to shoot captives during the assault. The psychological toll on families was severe, with Timothy describing suspended lives: “Sometimes even though I’m asleep with my wife, if we wake up, we will start thinking. We will start crying. When are we going to see our child?”