In a tragic escalation of tensions surrounding Tanzania’s recent elections, the main opposition party, Chadema, has reported that approximately 700 people have lost their lives during three days of violent protests. The unrest, which erupted in the economic capital Dar es Salaam and other regions, saw demonstrators marching towards the city center on Friday, according to party spokesman John Kitoka. Kitoka stated that the death toll in Dar es Salaam alone is estimated at 350, with an additional 200-plus fatalities in Mwanza and other areas across the country. A security source corroborated these figures, indicating a widespread and devastating impact. The protests have underscored deep political divisions and raised concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Tanzania. Authorities have yet to officially confirm the numbers or provide a detailed response to the crisis.
标签： Africa
非洲
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UAE: RAK’s Wynn expected to create bigger tourism boom than Macau, Singapore
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), one of the UAE’s seven emirates, is poised to witness an unprecedented tourism boom with the launch of the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort in 2027. According to Tariq Bsharat, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at Marjan Island’s top management, the project is expected to drive a 65% surge in visitor numbers in its first year, surpassing the growth rates seen in Macau and Singapore during their integrated resort launches. By 2030, RAK is projected to welcome over 5.5 million visitors annually, accounting for nearly 10% of all international tourists to the UAE. The resort’s impact will extend beyond tourism, catalyzing growth in real estate, retail, hospitality, and food & beverage sectors. Studies by Colliers and EY predict that the emirate’s population will grow from 400,000 to over 600,000 by 2030, necessitating new housing and infrastructure. Real estate prices in RAK have already surged since the project’s announcement in 2022, with off-plan apartment rates nearly tripling and villa prices rising by 92%. Bsharat emphasized that the Wynn project will not only attract visitors but also spur significant investment in hospitality and residential developments. Drawing parallels with Wynn’s successes in Macau and Singapore, Bsharat highlighted that RAK’s case is unique, as it represents the first Wynn resort in a burgeoning destination. The project is expected to position RAK as a global tourism and leisure hub, reshaping its economic and social landscape.
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More than 60,000 flee Sudanese city after its capture by RSF militia – UN
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached alarming levels as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) consolidate control over western regions, including the strategically significant city of el-Fasher. Reports from the ground reveal harrowing conditions, with over 150,000 people trapped in el-Fasher, many suffering from severe malnutrition. Survivors of the siege have recounted witnessing executions and widespread abuse by armed militias. The RSF has denied allegations of ethnically motivated killings, but its detention of Abu Lulu, a militiaman accused of summary executions, has drawn international attention. TikTok has banned an account linked to Lulu, though it remains unclear if he personally managed it. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has claimed over 150,000 lives and displaced 12 million people, creating what the UN describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The RSF now dominates western Sudan and parts of Kordofan, while the army retains control of Khartoum and eastern regions. The two factions, once allies in a 2021 coup, have since clashed over a transition to civilian rule, plunging the nation into chaos.
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How UAE’s first olive-based coffee was brewed by mother-daughter duo
In a unique blend of tradition and innovation, the UAE has welcomed its first olive-based coffee, crafted by Emirati mother-daughter duo Nadia Al Mansouri and Huda Abdulaziz. What started as a pop-up attraction at community events has evolved into a sensation among health-conscious consumers and lovers of heritage-inspired flavors. The product, distributed under the brand History Coffee, offers a range of blends infused with hazelnut, frankincense (libaan), and even karak-style varieties, redefining the coffee experience in the region. The concept was inspired by Dr. Waleed Al Azraq, CEO of First Pasha Coffee, a Turkish-Yemeni firm that holds the patent for olive-powder coffee. Dr. Al Azraq’s vision was to merge the cultural significance of coffee with the health benefits of olives, creating a product that resonates with both tradition and modern wellness trends. The journey began after Dr. Al Azraq discovered powdered olive fruit at a Turkish agricultural exhibition. After extensive experimentation, the team achieved a perfect balance between the rich flavor of Emirati coffee and the nutritional properties of olive powder. Despite challenges in flavor balancing and regulatory approvals, the product has gained widespread recognition, both locally and internationally. Huda, a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, and her mother Nadia, who previously avoided coffee due to health concerns, were drawn to the product’s unique properties. Today, History Coffee is a staple at major events like ADIHEX and has expanded its offerings to include Arabic blonde coffee and other popular blends. Beyond its distinctive taste, olive coffee is celebrated for its health benefits, including antioxidant properties, heart health support, and cognitive enhancement. This Emirati-Yemeni collaboration exemplifies a growing regional appetite for innovative products that honor cultural heritage while promoting well-being.
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Militia attack on hospital in Darfur came in waves, WHO says
In a harrowing escalation of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, gunmen affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a brutal attack on a hospital in the Darfur region, killing at least 460 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The assault, which occurred in multiple waves, involved the abduction of medical staff and the indiscriminate killing of patients and civilians seeking refuge. This atrocity marks a grim milestone in the two-year war between the RSF and Sudan’s military, which has already claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced more than 14 million people. The fall of el-Fasher, the military’s last stronghold in Darfur, signals a new phase in the conflict, raising fears of further violence and humanitarian catastrophe. Survivors recount horrifying journeys to safety, while aid groups warn of widespread famine and disease outbreaks. The RSF, a paramilitary group with roots in the Janjaweed militia, has been accused of repeated mass killings and sexual violence, particularly targeting civilians of Central and East African ethnicities. As communications remain down in el-Fasher, the full scale of the devastation is yet to be uncovered.
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South African government criticizes Trump’s refugee policy prioritizing white Afrikaner minority
The South African government has expressed strong criticism of the United States’ recent refugee policy shift, which prioritizes Afrikaners, the country’s white minority group of Dutch descent. The Trump administration announced on Thursday a drastic reduction in the refugee admission ceiling from 125,000 to 7,500, with Afrikaners given preference. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Afrikaners face “genocide” in South Africa due to alleged persecution, discrimination, and high crime rates. This assertion has been widely discredited by experts and South African officials. The policy has further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, with Trump suspending financial aid to South Africa and imposing high tariffs on its exports. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation labeled the U.S. policy as deeply flawed and based on inaccurate premises. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri emphasized that the claim of “white genocide” lacks credible evidence and undermines South Africa’s constitutional processes. The policy has sparked controversy within South Africa, with many Afrikaners rejecting the notion of needing asylum. A group of prominent Afrikaners, including politicians and activists, published an open letter opposing the idea of race-based refugee status, arguing that humanitarian policy should focus on vulnerability rather than race. However, some Afrikaner groups, like AfriForum, have raised concerns about safety and discriminatory policies, though they do not endorse the “genocide” claim. While the exact number of applicants remains unclear, 59 white South Africans were granted asylum in the U.S. in May, marking a contentious chapter in U.S.-South Africa relations.
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Innoventures Education continues expansion: DIA Town Square to open in 2026
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has announced its Open Day for 2025, offering prospective students and their families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the institution’s world-class academic environment. Scheduled to take place on campus, the event will showcase AUS’s renowned American-style education, cutting-edge facilities, and vibrant campus life. Attendees will have the chance to interact with faculty members, explore diverse academic programs, and gain insights into the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership. The Open Day also highlights AUS’s global reputation for excellence, attracting students from over 90 countries. This event serves as a gateway for aspiring scholars to envision their future at one of the region’s most prestigious universities.
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South Africa hits back at US refugee plan to favour white Afrikaners
The South African government has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to prioritize refugee applications from white Afrikaners, dismissing claims of a ‘white genocide’ as baseless and lacking credible evidence. This response follows an open letter from prominent Afrikaner community members, who denounced the narrative as racially charged and rejected the relocation scheme. The South African government further emphasized that the low number of white Afrikaners applying for relocation to the US indicates a lack of persecution.
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Ziina debuts digital card with Visa to turn payments into instant spending power
Ziina, a prominent UAE-based fintech platform, has unveiled its groundbreaking Ziina Card, a digital payment solution powered by Visa. Seamlessly integrated into Apple Wallet, the card enables users to convert their Ziina balance into immediate spending power, allowing both individuals and businesses to access funds instantly upon receipt. This collaboration with Visa ensures global acceptance, enhanced security, and access to exclusive rewards, aligning with Ziina’s mission to streamline financial transactions in the UAE. The launch of Ziina Card marks a significant milestone for the company, responding to high demand from tens of thousands of users who have eagerly anticipated this feature since Ziina’s inception. Faisal Toukan, co-founder and CEO of Ziina, emphasized the card’s role in adapting financial services to modern lifestyles, stating, ‘Ziina Card is the natural evolution of that vision—your money, always accessible, working the way you need it to.’ Salima Gutieva, Visa’s vice-president and UAE country manager, praised the innovation, highlighting its ability to deliver faster, simpler payment experiences. The launch is timely, as the UAE’s economy increasingly relies on digital payments, with SMEs facing cash flow challenges and consumers seeking seamless, secure transaction methods. Ziina Card eliminates traditional barriers by providing real-time access to funds, enriched data, and improved visibility, completing the company’s integrated payment ecosystem. This innovation builds on Ziina’s earlier introduction of Tap to Pay on iPhone, further solidifying its position as a leader in the fintech space.
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Sudan’s RSF arrests fighters accused of abuses in Al Fasher amid global outrage
In a significant development amid escalating global condemnation, Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced the arrest of several of its fighters accused of committing human rights abuses during the capture of Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Among those detained is Abu Lulu, a figure identified in multiple execution videos circulating on social media platforms like TikTok. The RSF stated that the arrests were made in response to ‘violations that occurred during the liberation’ of the city. Al Fasher, home to approximately 300,000 people, has been described by the United Nations as an ‘epicentre of child suffering,’ with reports of intensified bombardment, artillery fire, drone strikes, and ground incursions by the RSF. The conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s regular army, which began in April 2023, has seen Al Fasher become the latest focal point of violence in the Darfur region. The United Arab Emirates, in a strong statement at the United Nations, condemned the ‘heinous attacks against civilians’ and pledged an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid. The international community has called for both warring parties to cease targeting civilians and exercise restraint.