Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Keolis appoints Youenn Dupuis as CEO for Middle East & Eastern Asia

    Keolis appoints Youenn Dupuis as CEO for Middle East & Eastern Asia

    Global public transport operator Keolis Group has appointed transportation industry veteran Youenn Dupuis as Chief Executive Officer for its Middle East and Eastern Asia operations. The strategic appointment, announced on February 20, 2026, positions Dupuis to spearhead the company’s expansion across some of the world’s most dynamic mobility markets.

    Dupuis brings to the role a distinguished track record in managing complex transportation networks, including his acclaimed leadership during the Paris Olympic Games where he delivered world-class service operations. His expertise will be crucial in advancing Keolis’ portfolio of automated metro systems, tramway networks, and passenger rail services throughout the region.

    Laurence Broseta, CEO International of Keolis Group, emphasized the strategic importance of these markets: “The Middle East and Eastern Asia represent the vanguard of global mobility transformation, driving innovation in smart, automated, and sustainable transportation solutions. Youenn’s proven ability to manage large-scale operations and his exceptional performance during high-stakes events like the Olympics make him uniquely qualified to advance our ambitions in these critical regions.”

    Dupuis will focus on strengthening existing operations in key markets including Dubai, Doha, and China while overseeing the launch of new rail partnerships in the United Arab Emirates. He emphasized his commitment to blending Keolis’ global expertise with local market knowledge to establish new international benchmarks for safety, reliability, and passenger experience.

    “I am honored to lead our operations in regions distinguished by their visionary infrastructure development and unwavering commitment to technological innovation,” Dupuis stated. “Our strategy involves building upon established successes while pioneering new standards of excellence in public transportation across these rapidly evolving markets.”

  • Meet Dubai businessman who helped free 20,000 prisoners, plans more releases in Ramadan

    Meet Dubai businessman who helped free 20,000 prisoners, plans more releases in Ramadan

    Dubai-based Indian philanthropist Firoz Merchant has transformed thousands of lives through his extensive humanitarian initiatives, primarily focused on releasing debt-ridden prisoners across the UAE. Since launching his mission in 2008, Merchant has secured the freedom of over 20,000 inmates who were detained primarily due to financial constraints rather than criminal behavior.

    The humanitarian effort operates year-round but gains significant momentum during Ramadan, a period Merchant describes as particularly blessed for charitable work. During the current holy month, his foundation has already facilitated the release of 497 prisoners, with additional cases being processed. The program operates in coordination with UAE authorities and in partnership with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, ensuring structured and effective implementation.

    Merchant’s approach addresses what he identifies as victims of circumstance—individuals who encountered financial difficulties and could not repay debts rather than hardened criminals. Beyond clearing financial obligations, his initiative frequently covers repatriation costs, providing complete rehabilitation for those released.

    Expanding his philanthropic vision, Merchant is now directing significant resources toward supporting cancer patients struggling with astronomical treatment costs. Having previously contributed Dh1 million for dialysis treatments through the Dubai Charity Association, he now plans to allocate between Dh500,000 to Dh700,000 specifically for cancer care in 2026, potentially increasing to Dh1 million if necessary.

    ‘Treatment is prohibitively expensive,’ Merchant noted during an interview at his Jumeirah Lakes Towers office. ‘Many patients are elderly or children, and families often exhaust their savings before assistance can be arranged. I stand where the need is greatest, and currently that includes cancer patients who cannot afford treatment.’

    Complementing these efforts, Merchant is undertaking an ambitious project to construct mosques across all seven emirates. The initiative includes a new facility in Dubai’s Al Furjan district—already permitted and awaiting construction—and projects in Fujairah’s Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Umm Al Quwain, where an older mosque from the 1970s will be replaced with a larger structure accommodating 1,000-1,200 worshippers.

    The founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, which operates over 150 stores across 12 countries, attributes his philanthropic drive to gratitude toward the UAE. Merchant is documenting his journey from modest beginnings in Mumbai to international business success and humanitarian work in an upcoming book. His philosophy remains straightforward: ‘If someone returns home to their family because a debt was cleared, that is enough. If someone can continue treatment because we stepped in, that is enough. The rest is in Allah’s hands.’

  • Sheroes 2026 set to celebrate International Women’s Day with art, dialogue and purpose

    Sheroes 2026 set to celebrate International Women’s Day with art, dialogue and purpose

    Dubai prepares to host the fourth annual Sheroes festival from March 5-8, 2026, at Khaleej Times headquarters, celebrating International Women’s Day through an immersive program of artistic expression and leadership discourse. Organized by Funun Arts Group in partnership with Khaleej Times, the event embraces the global theme ‘Give to Gain’ by emphasizing knowledge sharing, creative collaboration, and mutual support as drivers of inclusive societal advancement.

    The four-day program will showcase a meticulously curated art exhibition, live artistic demonstrations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and wellness sessions. This convergence of creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and intellectual leaders transforms Sheroes beyond a conventional event into a thriving cultural movement that honors female leadership while fostering cross-community cooperation.

    Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, articulated the philosophy behind the initiative: ‘Sheroes originates from the conviction that sharing knowledge, creativity, and encouragement generates an ecosystem where collective growth flourishes. The Give to Gain concept represents more than a theme—it embodies a mindset that enables individuals to elevate together.’

    This collaboration between the UAE’s creative and media sectors demonstrates the powerful synergy possible when cultural organizations join forces with media platforms. Funun Arts Group, established by Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, has risen as a significant cultural force in the region, advocating for art as a vehicle for leadership development and social transformation.

    The 2026 edition enjoys support from several prominent sponsors including 19AGH, Ahmed Al Maghribi, and The Green Revolution, further solidifying its position as a landmark event in the UAE’s cultural calendar.

  • Georgian Global launches in Dubai: A new era for Canadian expertise

    Georgian Global launches in Dubai: A new era for Canadian expertise

    DUBAI – In a landmark event at the Emirates Golf Club on February 9, Georgian Global officially inaugurated its presence in the Middle East and North Africa region, signaling a significant expansion of Canadian educational expertise into one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

    The launch ceremony brought together prominent industry figures, government representatives, and educational partners to witness the introduction of Canadian postsecondary education and workforce development training to the MENA region. The centerpiece of this initiative is the groundbreaking Georgian Global Automotive Dealer Academy, a pioneering educational venture in Dubai that builds upon four decades of Canadian automotive education excellence.

    This strategic expansion represents a fusion of Canadian academic rigor with regional market requirements, delivering industry-specific leadership programs designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the Middle Eastern automotive sector. The academy operates based on the renowned curriculum of Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada, adapted to meet local market dynamics while maintaining international educational standards.

    The event featured distinguished attendees including Consul-General Tracy Reynolds and Maher Al Kaabi, with special recognition given to Georgian alumni who have established successful careers throughout the region. Dr. Mariam Shaikh and Sakeen Shaikh of MS Education received acknowledgment for their instrumental partnership in facilitating Georgian Global’s establishment in Dubai.

    This educational initiative directly supports the United Arab Emirates’ national objective of developing a robust, knowledge-driven economy, with particular emphasis on automotive excellence, artificial intelligence, leadership development, and health and wellness sectors. Through collaborative educational frameworks, Georgian Global aims to empower regional professionals and organizations with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.

    The Dubai launch represents the beginning of an ambitious educational journey that brings Canadian innovation, leadership, and specialized expertise to a rapidly expanding market, potentially establishing new benchmarks for professional training and workforce development throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

  • Drone strike hits aid convoy, killing 3 in Sudan’s Kordofan region

    Drone strike hits aid convoy, killing 3 in Sudan’s Kordofan region

    A humanitarian convoy transporting vital supplies to conflict-ravaged regions in central Sudan became the target of lethal drone strikes on Thursday, resulting in three fatalities and four injured aid workers. According to the Sudan Doctors Network, which monitors violence nationwide, the attack occurred in the Kartala area as trucks carried food and essential provisions toward the cities of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan.

    The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were identified as responsible for the drone assault, though the specific aid organization operating the convoy remains undisclosed. This incident marks the second attack on humanitarian transport in under a month, following a previous strike on a World Food Program convoy in North Kordofan earlier in June.

    These developments unfold against the backdrop of Sudan’s devastating internal conflict, which escalated into full-scale war in April 2023 between the national army and RSF fighters. The World Health Organization estimates the conflict has claimed at least 40,000 lives while displacing 12 million people, with actual casualty figures potentially significantly higher due to inaccessible conflict zones.

    Despite military claims of having broken the siege on Kadugli and Dilling, Kordofan region has experienced intensified drone warfare that severely impedes aid operations and endangers civilians. February alone witnessed 77 fatalities from various aerial attacks in the region.

    In a related development, a UN-backed fact-finding mission released a report Thursday detailing evidence of RSF crimes committed in North Darfur’s capital el-Fasher in late October, indicating ‘hallmarks of genocide.’ In response, the United States Treasury Department sanctioned three RSF commanders and renewed calls for immediate ceasefire implementation.

    The strategic timing of these events highlights the deteriorating security situation, even as UN agencies successfully delivered aid to over 130,000 people in Dilling and Kadugli this week—the first major humanitarian shipment to reach these areas in three months.

  • Rare prison sentences handed to Cameroon soldiers after killing of 21 civilians

    Rare prison sentences handed to Cameroon soldiers after killing of 21 civilians

    In an unprecedented judicial ruling, three Cameroonian military personnel have received prison sentences ranging from five to ten years for their involvement in the 2020 Ngarbuh village massacre that claimed 21 civilian lives. The conviction marks a rare instance of accountability for security forces in Cameroon’s protracted Anglophone conflict.

    The military tribunal found the soldiers guilty on multiple charges including murder, arson, and property destruction during a February 2020 operation in the Northwest region. According to Human Rights Watch documentation, the victims included thirteen children among those killed when government forces and ethnic Fulani militia members raided the settlement.

    This judicial outcome represents a significant departure from customary impunity for military personnel in civilian atrocities. The case gained international prominence after initial government denials collapsed under evidentiary pressure, prompting President Paul Biya to authorize an official investigation.

    Legal representatives for the victims expressed profound dissatisfaction with the sentencing severity. Attorney Sother Menkem characterized the penalties as “insignificant” and “friendly” given that Cameroonian law mandates minimum ten-year sentences for such felonies. The court additionally rejected victim compensation claims and declined to prosecute higher-ranking officials allegedly responsible for ordering the operation.

    The Ngarbuh case endured six years of procedural delays before concluding, highlighting systemic challenges in addressing human rights violations within Cameroon’s ongoing separatist conflict. Since 2017, English-speaking regions have witnessed violent clashes between government forces and separatists advocating for an independent state.

    United Nations data indicates the broader conflict has resulted in approximately 6,000 fatalities and displaced over 500,000 civilians, with both government and rebel forces facing allegations of widespread human rights abuses. The sentencing, while historic, underscores continuing tensions between judicial accountability and conflict resolution in Central Africa.

  • How to stay calm when cryptocurrency markets turn brutal

    How to stay calm when cryptocurrency markets turn brutal

    As cryptocurrency markets experience extreme turbulence with even traditional safe-havens like gold exhibiting crypto-like volatility, investors face unprecedented psychological challenges. The current environment, characterized by doomsday predictions and extreme price swings, tests even the most seasoned market participants.

    Financial expert Ann Marie McQueen outlines a comprehensive nine-step approach to maintaining equilibrium during market chaos. The strategy emphasizes that during severe market downturns, the most sophisticated action often involves intentional inaction—avoiding panic-driven decisions that typically undermine long-term investment objectives.

    The methodology begins with physiological regulation through physical activity like walking, yoga, or weightlifting to mitigate the body’s stress response. This is followed by careful curation of information sources to avoid the polarizing narratives dominating social media platforms, where bot accounts and extreme viewpoints create emotional whiplash.

    Investors are advised to reconnect with their original investment thesis, remembering Bitcoin’s fundamental value propositions: decentralization, scarcity, and immutability. The strategy incorporates tactical dollar-cost averaging during downturns, exemplified by how $100 recently acquired 68 XRP compared to just 50 weeks earlier.

    The approach extends beyond financial tactics to include environmental cleansing—removing toxic community influences—and dedicated financial education through structured programs like the 12-week ‘Money Habits’ course. The creator emphasizes constructive channeling of energy into meaningful projects and finding supportive communities that foster grounded discussions rather than fear-mongering.

    A profound perspective shift comes from incorporating the Islamic concept of ‘rizq’—the belief that one’s sustenance, including wealth, health, and opportunities, is predetermined. This philosophical framework helps investors focus on controllable factors while releasing anxiety about market movements beyond their influence.

  • ‘Emotional’ Mourinho should apologise – McCarthy

    ‘Emotional’ Mourinho should apologise – McCarthy

    A Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica has become the epicenter of a major racism controversy, sparking condemnation across the football world. The incident occurred during Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory on Tuesday when Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. reported alleged racial abuse from Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, leading to a 10-minute match suspension.

    The situation escalated post-match when Benfica manager José Mourinho criticized Vinicius’s goal celebration as “disrespectful” and invoked club legend Eusébio as evidence that Benfica isn’t a racist institution. These remarks have drawn significant criticism, particularly from Benni McCarthy, the former South African striker who won the Champions League under Mourinho at Porto in 2004.

    McCarthy, while acknowledging his personal respect for Mourinho, characterized the comments as “very wrong” and emotionally driven. “I know the statement he made was very wrong. But we’re all human, we all make mistakes,” McCarthy told BBC World Service. “I think it was an emotional decision where he maybe made a call and it wasn’t the right call.”

    UEFA has officially opened an investigation into the allegations, which Prestianni denies. The Argentine winger potentially faces a minimum 10-match European competition ban if found guilty. Benfica has defended their player, claiming a “defamation campaign” against him.

    This incident marks the latest in a disturbing pattern for Vinicius, who has endured approximately 20 alleged racist abuse incidents throughout his playing career. The Brazilian international responded on Instagram, stating simply: “Racists are, above all, cowards.”

    The football community has responded with calls for stronger action. Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior advocated for a zero-tolerance approach: “If any player, any coach or any manager is found guilty of racism, they shouldn’t be in the game. It’s as simple as that.”

    Both McCarthy and Rosenior emphasized that football’s racism problem reflects broader societal issues. McCarthy highlighted the need for difficult conversations: “For this problem to go away, both parties and both races have to be willing to talk about these things.” Rosenior added that the situation “sickens me to be honest” and called for greater accountability beyond football.

    The incident has overshadowed the sporting outcome of the match, where Vinicius’s goal secured Real Madrid’s victory, raising urgent questions about football’s ongoing struggle with racism.

  • Nigerian police say armed group killed 33 in fresh simultaneous attacks

    Nigerian police say armed group killed 33 in fresh simultaneous attacks

    ABUJA, Nigeria — A devastating series of coordinated attacks by Islamic militants has left at least 33 people dead in Nigeria’s northwestern Kebbi state, according to official police statements. The assault targeted the Biu community on Wednesday, with authorities confirming the involvement of the Lakurawa insurgent group operating across state lines.

    Police spokesman Bashir Usman disclosed in an official communiqué that the attackers originated from neighboring Sokoto state, where the Lakurawa group maintains significant operational presence. Preliminary investigations indicate the militants initially entered the area with the apparent intention of cattle rustling before escalating their assault on local communities.

    Security forces have been deployed to the affected region to restore stability and maintain public order following the brutal incident. The Lakurawa faction, known for its pattern of village raids, livestock theft, and kidnappings for ransom, continues to plague northwestern Nigerian communities with impunity.

    This violence occurs against the backdrop of Nigeria’s escalating security crisis, where both religious extremists and criminal syndicates operate simultaneously across northern territories. In a strategic development, the Nigerian military confirmed this week the arrival of approximately 100 American military personnel to enhance local counterinsurgency capabilities through specialized training programs. This security cooperation marks a significant evolution in U.S.-Nigeria relations following previous diplomatic challenges.

  • Deportation of Chagos Islanders blocked by judge

    Deportation of Chagos Islanders blocked by judge

    A British judge has issued a temporary injunction blocking the deportation of four Chagossian activists who traveled to the disputed Chagos Islands to protest the UK’s pending transfer of the territory to Mauritius. The ruling represents a significant legal setback for the British government’s diplomatic efforts.

    The activists arrived by boat from Sri Lanka on Monday, establishing a protest settlement on what they consider their ancestral homeland. British authorities promptly served eviction notices threatening fines or imprisonment for unauthorized presence. However, lawyers successfully obtained a seven-day injunction preventing their removal.

    Chief Justice James Lewis KC of the British Indian Ocean Territory ruled that the balance of convenience favored the claimants, noting they posed no national security threat located 193 kilometers from the Diego Garcia military base. The judge cited concerns about unreasonable delays in processing permit applications and questions regarding the lawfulness of the removal orders.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office had previously characterized the journey as an “illegal, unsafe stunt” while acknowledging the protesters presented no security risk to the UK-US military installation. A government spokesperson emphasized that BIOT law requires valid permits for entry regardless of citizenship or heritage.

    Activist Misley Mandarin, one of the British-Chagossians involved, stated they had come “peacefully, respectfully, and without threat to anyone” simply to stand on their homeland. He previously told the BBC that British authorities would have to “drag me from my beach” and “kill me” to force his departure.

    The protest receives financial backing from the Great British PAC, a right-wing political pressure group opposing the sovereignty transfer. Legal representatives indicated readiness for extended court proceedings if removal orders aren’t rescinded.

    This legal development complicates the UK’s planned handover of the archipelago to Mauritius, particularly following former US President Donald Trump’s public opposition to relinquishing Diego Garcia. The UK had agreed to pay Mauritius £101 million annually for 99 years to maintain control of the strategic military base under the disputed agreement.