Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has been reelected for a fourth term, according to provisional results announced on Monday. The 83-year-old leader, who first assumed office in 2011, secured an overwhelming 89.7% of the vote in an election marked by low voter turnout and subdued activity in the economic hub of Abidjan. Jean-Louis Billon, a former commerce minister, trailed far behind with 3% of the vote, while Simone Gbagbo, a former first lady, garnered 2.4%. Final results are expected by early November, though they may be announced sooner. Approximately 8.5 million people were registered to vote, with turnout hovering around 50%. Billon had already congratulated Ouattara on Sunday evening based on early results. Ouattara’s initial rise to power in 2010 followed a contentious election against his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, which sparked deadly unrest claiming at least 3,000 lives. Backed by U.N. and French forces, Ouattara eventually took control. Since then, his supporters have lauded him for revitalizing the conflict-ravaged economy of the world’s largest cocoa producer, while critics accuse him of consolidating power. The 2023 election saw a weakened opposition, as major candidates like Tidjane Thiam and Laurent Gbagbo were excluded from the race. Analysts, including Mucahid Durmaz of Verisk Maplecroft, attribute Ouattara’s victory to his dominance over state institutions and his pivotal role in post-civil war reconstruction. Ouattara’s reelection has reignited debates about constitutional manipulation and democratic erosion in West Africa. His tenure has been marked by economic growth, with a 6% annual rate driven by cocoa exports, yet 37.5% of the population remains in poverty, and youth unemployment persists. Additionally, Ouattara has faced tensions with Sahelian nations like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso over his alleged support for France, which regional juntas blame for worsening security.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Rasasi Imtiyaz Group announces the launch of I’mRasasi at Beautyworld Middle East 2025
The Rasasi Imtiyaz Group, renowned for its legacy in the fragrance industry, is set to introduce its latest venture, I’mRasasi, at Beautyworld Middle East 2025. This new fragrance house represents a bold evolution of the brand’s 40-year heritage, blending traditional Middle Eastern craftsmanship with modern, youthful sensibilities. I’mRasasi aims to redefine accessible luxury for a global audience, offering a collection of unique and innovative fragrances designed to appeal to diverse tastes. The launch marks the beginning of the brand’s international expansion, with plans to captivate markets in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Imtiyaz Abdul Razak Kalsekar, CEO and owner of Rasasi Perfumes, emphasized that I’mRasasi is more than a fragrance brand—it’s a statement of individuality, creativity, and modern identity. The debut collection will be showcased at Beautyworld Middle East 2025 from October 27 to 29 at Za’abeel Hall, Booth Z5 C35, featuring immersive scent experiences and a contemporary aesthetic.
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Versetti Family Office advances discussion on longevity innovation at Global Summit
The 6th Annual Timepie Longevity Summit, a premier global gathering of longevity experts, researchers, and investors, recently concluded with a focus on the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship in advancing human lifespan and healthspan. Angel Versetti, Founder and CEO of the Versetti Family Office, emerged as a key voice at the event, addressing critical challenges and opportunities in the longevity industry. In his keynote speech, Versetti highlighted the structural and operational barriers hindering the scaling of early-stage longevity startups and underscored the necessity of fostering synergy between scientific innovation and commercial application. He introduced the Versetti Family Office’s venture-builder model, which aims to address these challenges by unlocking capital and supporting startups dedicated to lifespan-extending discoveries. Versetti also emphasized China’s growing role in the longevity ecosystem, citing its world-class life sciences IP and contract research organizations (CROs) as key drivers of global progress. He expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations with Chinese universities and labs. During a media interaction, Versetti shared insights on promising longevity interventions while cautioning against unverified or marketing-driven treatments. He drew parallels between modern longevity pioneers like Bryan Johnson and historical figures such as Alexander Bogdanov, who tragically died from self-experimentation. Versetti also stressed the importance of global collaboration in longevity science, warning that geopolitical polarization could impede collective progress. He praised the Timepie Longevity Forum for fostering inclusive dialogue among experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Russia, Singapore, and China. The Versetti Family Office’s participation at the summit reaffirms its commitment to advancing longevity science through responsible innovation, strategic investments, and active engagement in global research discussions.
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Cameroon’s 92-year-old president wins controversial eighth term
Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been declared the winner of a highly contentious presidential election, securing an unprecedented eighth term in office. The Constitutional Council announced that Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, garnered 53.7% of the vote, while opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary trailed with 35.2%. The election, held on October 12, has been overshadowed by widespread violence and allegations of electoral fraud. Tchiroma Bakary, a former ally of Biya, had earlier claimed victory, but his assertions were dismissed by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). In the days following the election, deadly clashes erupted between Bakary’s supporters and security forces in cities like Douala and Garoua, resulting in multiple fatalities. Protesters accused the CPDM of orchestrating a plan to “steal the victory” from the opposition. The unrest has paralyzed the capital, Yaoundé, with schools and businesses shuttered and civil servants staying home. Voter turnout stood at 58%, and at least 10 petitions alleging electoral malpractice were rejected by the Constitutional Council. Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has yet to address the nation publicly, but his party has celebrated his re-election as a sign of “greatness and hope.” Critics, however, point to his prolonged absences, advanced age, and the country’s economic and social challenges, including a 40% youth unemployment rate and a decade-long separatist insurgency in the English-speaking regions. Analysts warn that Cameroon risks descending into political turmoil if the election results are perceived as illegitimate. Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group, urged Biya to initiate national mediation to prevent further escalation.
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Nigerian billionaire plans expansion of Africa’s biggest oil refinery
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual and owner of the continent’s largest refinery, has announced plans to significantly expand the facility’s capacity. The Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, will increase its output from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day. This ambitious expansion aims to address the rising fuel demands both within Africa and internationally. Dangote emphasized that, upon completion, the refinery will surpass India’s Jamnagar refinery as the largest single-site refinery globally. Nigeria, despite being one of Africa’s leading oil producers, has long relied on imported refined petroleum products due to inefficiencies in its state-run refineries. The Dangote Refinery, which commenced operations in January 2024, has already played a pivotal role in meeting local and international fuel needs. However, Dangote stressed that further expansion is essential to keep pace with growing demands. The $19 billion project, which took nearly a decade to complete, reflects a significant vote of confidence in Nigeria’s and Africa’s energy future. While the expansion is widely praised, details regarding its timeline and financing remain undisclosed, according to Ikemesit Effiong, a partner at Lagos-based SBM Intelligence research firm.
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Dubai Heights Academy reaches new heights with world-class new secondary building
Dubai Heights Academy, a British Curriculum school in Al Barsha South rated ‘Very Good’ by the KHDA, has taken a significant leap forward in educational excellence with the inauguration of its world-class secondary building in August 2025. Designed to foster the next generation of innovators and leaders, the facility boasts cutting-edge laboratories and studios for science, computer science, food technology, music, and drama. Additionally, it features a 380-seat auditorium, design and technology spaces for product design, electronics, textiles, graphics, and robotics, as well as top-tier sports and recreational amenities, including a multi-purpose indoor sports hall, rooftop court, outdoor sports field, and a 25-metre swimming pool. The school’s philosophy, ‘Every Child, Every Mind, Everybody Matters,’ is embedded in every aspect of the building’s design. Beyond academics, Dubai Heights Academy is renowned for its exceptional wellbeing programs and unique opportunities, such as partnerships with MIT and the Tommy Fleetwood Academy. School Principal Alison Lamb expressed pride in the transformative milestone, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to enriching the student experience. With discounted fees starting at Dh30,000, the academy continues to be a leading affordable British curriculum school in Dubai. Prospective families are encouraged to book a tour at www.dubaiheightsacademy.com.
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Dubai’s real estate market surges in H1 2025, powered by premium communities
Dubai’s residential real estate market has experienced significant growth in the first half of 2025, driven by the success of master-planned communities such as Dubai Hills Estate and Emirates Living. These neighborhoods, developed by Emaar, have become architectural marvels and economic powerhouses, offering a unique blend of luxury, livability, and investment potential. Dubai Hills Estate, strategically located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, has emerged as a dynamic submarket with seamless connectivity to major business hubs. The community boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, Dubai Hills Mall, King’s College Hospital, and top-tier schools like GEMS Wellington Academy. Off-plan transactions surged from 1,149 in 2021 to 5,693 in 2024, while ready transactions remained steady at around 1,400 annually, reflecting strong investor confidence. Sales prices have also climbed, with off-plan homes reaching Dh2,479 per square foot and ready homes at Dh2,363 per square foot by H1 2025. The rental market is equally robust, with studio rents rising from Dh85.5K in 2021 to Dh134.9K in H1 2025. Emirates Living, spanning 52 million sq.ft, includes Emirates Hills, The Meadows, The Springs, and The Lakes, catering to distinct lifestyle and budget segments. Transaction volumes have remained consistent, averaging 760–800 annually over the past four years, with the average price per square foot more than doubling since 2021. Together, these communities are driving Dubai’s property market forward, setting benchmarks for capital growth, rental yields, and lifestyle quality.
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Nature’s light show: UAE shores glow blue with unique bioluminescence
Dubai’s shores have recently been transformed into a mesmerizing natural light show, as bioluminescence has illuminated the waters, captivating nature enthusiasts and locals alike. This rare phenomenon, caused by tiny microorganisms called plankton, emits a bluish glow under specific environmental conditions—warm, calm waters, and complete darkness, away from city lights. The spectacle has drawn crowds to various beaches across the emirate, with many describing it as a “magical” experience. Muhammed Sajjad, known as the ‘UAE weatherman’ on social media, first spotted the phenomenon last week and shared the news with his followers. He emphasized that witnessing bioluminescence is a bucket-list experience for nature lovers due to its breathtaking beauty. Sajjad also identified a public beach at Dubai Islands as an ideal spot for viewing, prompting many to visit and share their awe-inspiring encounters. While the phenomenon is not entirely rare, it requires precise conditions to be visible. This marks the second time in recent years that bioluminescence has been observed in the UAE, with previous sightings in Jumeirah and Umm Al Quwain. The event has sparked interest among residents, with some even planning trips to Oman’s Sur city, where similar occurrences have been reported. Despite the challenge of capturing the glow in photographs, the experience remains unforgettable for those fortunate enough to witness it.
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Mali is squeezed as militants enforce a fuel blockade
The West African nation of Mali is grappling with a severe crisis as jihadi militants enforce a blockade on fuel imports, crippling the country’s economy and daily life. Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced on Sunday that schools nationwide will remain closed for two weeks due to fuel shortages, which have made it nearly impossible for staff and workers to commute. Mali, a landlocked country of 25 million people, heavily relies on fuel imports from neighboring Senegal and Ivory Coast, making the blockade a significant blow to its already fragile economy. The blockade was imposed by the al-Qaida-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) group in early September, following government efforts to cut fuel supplies to remote areas as a strategy to weaken the militants. This move has left hundreds of fuel trucks stranded at the border, exacerbating the crisis. JNIM, the most potent armed group in the Sahel region, has targeted transport companies along major roads, forcing many to halt operations. Analysts suggest the blockade is a strategic effort to undermine Mali’s military junta, which came to power in a 2020 coup, by pressuring commercial operators and residents to distance themselves from the government. Despite military attempts to escort fuel trucks and conduct airstrikes against JNIM, the lack of air power has limited their effectiveness. The blockade has led to skyrocketing commodity prices, worsening living conditions for millions, with long queues forming at gas stations in the capital, Bamako. Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, remains one of the world’s least developed nations, with nearly half its population living in poverty. The crisis highlights the deepening security challenges in the Sahel region, where JNIM is actively destabilizing governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
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Sudan’s paramilitary forces announces full control of El Fasher city
In a significant development in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared on Sunday that they have secured full control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. The RSF described the capture as a ‘pivotal moment,’ emphasizing the city’s symbolic, strategic, and military importance. The announcement was made via a statement on Telegram, accompanied by videos on social media platform X showing RSF fighters celebrating outside the Sudanese army’s Sixth Infantry Division headquarters, their last stronghold in the Darfur region. However, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have yet to issue an official response, and local reports suggest that battles in El Fasher may still be ongoing. The El Fasher Resistance Committees, a volunteer group, confirmed that fighters remain steadfast despite the RSF’s claims. El Fasher, the last major administrative center in Darfur under SAF control, has been under siege since May 2024, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis marked by heavy casualties and widespread displacement. The conflict between the SAF and RSF, which began in April 2023, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, deepening Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe.