In a harrowing incident on Monday, armed assailants stormed an all-girls’ boarding school in Kebbi state, north-western Nigeria, kidnapping at least 25 students and a teacher. Amid the chaos, two girls managed to escape their captors by fleeing into nearby farmland, according to Hussaini Aliyu, a local official from Danko Wasagu council. While both girls are now safe, one required medical attention for injuries sustained during her escape. Security forces, including soldiers, police, and volunteers, are conducting extensive searches in forested areas to rescue the remaining captives. Major General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s army chief of staff, has urged troops to persist in their efforts, emphasizing the urgency of the mission. The attackers, described as ‘bandits,’ invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town at approximately 04:00 local time. Tragically, two staff members lost their lives during the assault: a teacher who died while protecting the students and a security guard who succumbed to gunshot wounds in the hospital. This attack underscores the ongoing security crisis in northern Nigeria, where schools have become frequent targets for armed groups seeking ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted children are enduring immense anguish, with one father expressing his despair over his daughter’s captivity. Nigerian authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, have pledged their commitment to rescuing the girls and ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly schoolchildren.
标签： Africa
非洲
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UAE to introduce nasal spray flu vaccine for first time: Emarat Al Youm
In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to introduce a nasal spray flu vaccine for the first time, as reported by Emarat Al Youm. This innovative needle-free option will be available in both public and private healthcare centers and hospitals across the country, marking a significant expansion in the nation’s immunization strategy. The vaccine, which covers the same flu strains as the traditional injectable version, is designed for healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 years old. It utilizes a live attenuated virus, making it an ideal choice for children and those who are apprehensive about needles. The Ministry of Health and Prevention emphasized that this new option aims to enhance vaccination coverage rates and provide safe, effective alternatives for the community. Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department, highlighted that the nasal spray vaccine first received U.S. FDA approval in 2003 for ages 5 to 49, with the age range later extended to include children as young as 2 in 2007. However, the vaccine is not recommended for certain groups, including children under 2, adults over 50, pregnant women, individuals with immune disorders, and those with specific chronic diseases. For these groups, the injectable vaccine or other physician-recommended options remain the preferred choice. The Ministry assured that the nasal spray vaccine is registered in the UAE and subject to rigorous pharmaceutical oversight, with approvals from global regulatory bodies such as the FDA, WHO, and EMA. Additionally, the UAE’s pharmacovigilance program will monitor the vaccine’s side effects and effectiveness to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
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Prime Minister oversees signing of 55 pacts in major push for Egypt’s offshoring industry
In a landmark move to strengthen its position in the global offshoring industry, Egypt has inked 55 strategic agreements with leading multinational and local technology firms. The signing ceremony, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and attended by Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s journey to becoming a global delivery powerhouse. The partnerships include major players such as Teleperformance, Accenture, Deloitte, VOIS, Luxoft, RSA, and Capgemini, underscoring Egypt’s growing appeal as a hub for digital and business services. These agreements are expected to create over 70,000 high-value jobs, particularly in business process outsourcing (BPO), IT, engineering, and high-end technology services. This initiative aligns with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency’s (ITIDA) strategic goals to attract foreign investment, generate sustainable employment, and position Egypt as a trusted partner for global enterprises. Dr. Talaat highlighted Egypt’s RISE framework—Reliable talent, Infrastructure readiness, Strategic proximity, and Efficient cost structure—as key drivers of the country’s success. Eng. Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA, emphasized the significance of these partnerships in advancing Egypt’s digital economy and expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to meet global market demands. The agreements not only reflect strong investor confidence but also demonstrate Egypt’s commitment to empowering its workforce with future-ready skills and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
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SelfDrive Mobility launches the region’s first conversational AI car rental reservation system
SelfDrive Mobility, a leading UAE-based smart mobility innovator, has unveiled the SelfDrive Intelligence Assistant (SIA), the region’s first commercially launched conversational AI system for car rentals. This groundbreaking technology, accessible via the SelfDrive website and mobile app, supports over 40 languages and offers an intuitive, human-like booking experience. SIA transforms the traditionally complex car rental process into a seamless, conversational interaction, allowing users to search, compare, and book vehicles effortlessly in their preferred language. The system’s advanced capabilities include contextual understanding, adaptive recommendations, and real-time personalization, ensuring a faster, smarter, and more personalized experience for users. Soham Shah, founder and CEO of SelfDrive Mobility, emphasized that SIA bridges the gap between AI efficiency and human-centric service, automating routine tasks while enabling customer agents to focus on higher-value interactions. The launch aligns with the UAE’s national AI vision, positioning the country as a global leader in intelligent technology adoption. Since its soft launch, SelfDrive has seen a 25% increase in AI-driven bookings, reflecting strong consumer trust and enthusiasm. To celebrate the official launch, SelfDrive is offering exclusive discounts, including Dh100 off monthly rentals and Dh50 off daily or weekly bookings. SIA is now live and ready to revolutionize the car rental experience at www.selfdrive.ae.
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Poll unrest has ‘stained’ Tanzania’s global image, president says
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has initiated an official investigation into the violent unrest that erupted following last month’s contentious elections, acknowledging that the turmoil has tarnished the nation’s reputation for stability. Speaking during the swearing-in of her new cabinet, President Samia emphasized that the violence could hinder Tanzania’s progress and undermine its credibility on the global stage. “Our stability and progress previously secured us international loans, but recent events have eroded that trust,” she stated. The October elections, in which Samia was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, were marred by allegations of fraud and the disqualification of key opposition candidates. The opposition labeled the election a “mockery of democracy.” Reports suggest hundreds may have died during protests, which were met with a severe crackdown by security forces and a five-day internet blackout. While the authorities have not released an official death toll, graphic images and videos of the violence have circulated widely. In response, President Samia has urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges for detained individuals not directly involved in the protests. Meanwhile, Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi’s former president and Commonwealth envoy, is set to lead reconciliation efforts in Tanzania. President Samia also warned of potential economic challenges in her next term, stressing the need to mobilize domestic resources. Notably, her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, was appointed deputy education minister, while her son-in-law retained his position as health minister. The Commonwealth has expressed hope that Chakwera’s mission will foster constructive dialogue in the region.
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Eswatini is the first African country to get twice-yearly HIV prevention shot
Eswatini has made history by becoming the first African nation to introduce lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly HIV prevention injection. Developed by Gilead Sciences, this groundbreaking drug has shown near-total protection in clinical trials and is hailed as a transformative tool in combating HIV, a virus that has claimed millions of lives across the continent. The rollout is part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in collaboration with the Global Fund, aiming to benefit at least 2 million people in 10 high-risk African countries by 2027. Eswatini, with the world’s highest HIV incidence, received the drug in the same year as its U.S. approval, marking a significant milestone. Zambia also received its first shipment, while regulatory approvals are pending in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The U.S. initially planned to distribute 250,000 doses in 2024 but increased this to 325,000 due to high demand. In Eswatini, approximately 6,000 high-risk individuals, particularly mothers and newborns, will benefit from the initial rollout. Despite its potential, concerns over limited supplies and manufacturing rights have sparked debates, with South Africa’s health minister highlighting the need for broader access. Gilead has significantly reduced the drug’s price for lower-income countries, making it more accessible. However, civil society groups in South Africa have criticized the exclusion of local manufacturers from licensing agreements, despite their contributions to clinical trials.
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UAE vs Iraq: Basra announces public holiday for Fifa World Cup qualifier
In a significant move to rally support for the national football team, the Iraqi Governorate of Basra has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. This decision coincides with the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup qualifier between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Basra International Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 65,000 spectators. Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant atmosphere to bolster the Iraqi team, as reported by Iraq’s official news agency.
The match, scheduled for 8pm UAE time, marks the second leg of the fifth-round playoff. The first leg, held in Abu Dhabi on November 13, ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. The stakes are high, as the victor will advance to the six-team intercontinental playoff in March 2026, hosted in Mexico. The top two teams from this playoff will secure the final spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
To facilitate UAE fans’ attendance, the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has arranged eight private planes to transport supporters to Basra. UAE national team coach Cosmin Olaroiu faces the challenge of leveraging his squad’s depth to keep the nation’s World Cup aspirations alive. This match not only highlights the intense rivalry between the two teams but also underscores the unifying power of football in the region.
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How AI turns horror scenes into viral ‘nightmare fragrance’
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now making waves in the fragrance industry, transforming the way scents are created and experienced. From crafting spine-chilling ‘nightmare fragrances’ inspired by horror scenes to enabling consumers to design personalized perfumes, AI is redefining the boundaries of olfactory innovation. This groundbreaking shift is particularly significant in Dubai, a global hub for fragrances, where the next iconic Arabian oud might be co-created by AI. Alex Wiltschko, Founder and CEO of Osmo, recently highlighted these advancements at the Dubai Business Forum – USA Edition in New York City. Osmo’s Olfactory Intelligence (OI) platform, which originated from Google Brain, allows brands and consumers to design fragrances digitally. Wiltschko explained how AI can interpret sensory inputs, such as movie scripts, to create unique scents. For instance, Osmo developed a viral ‘nightmare fragrance’ for a horror film, combining notes of mildew, metallic edges, and blood. Wiltschko’s journey into the world of scent began in his Texas childhood, where he became fascinated by the transformative power of fragrances. His dual passions for coding and neuroscience eventually led him to pioneer AI-driven scent technology. Today, AI-designed fragrances are already available in stores, including a vibrant electric-guitar-inspired scent created for Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture. Wiltschko’s vision is to democratize perfume design, empowering individuals and brands to craft bespoke scents. This innovation marks a new era in the fragrance industry, blending art, science, and technology.
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Netanyahu slams ‘extremist’ Israeli settlers in West Bank
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denounced the actions of extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank, following a surge in violence that has exacerbated tensions in the region. On Monday evening, homes and vehicles in the Palestinian village of Jab’a were set ablaze, marking the latest in a series of attacks attributed to Israeli settlers. Netanyahu labeled the perpetrators as ‘a handful of extremists’ who do not represent the broader settler community and vowed to address the issue personally. He called on law enforcement to act decisively against the rioters, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law. The incident occurred hours after Israeli security forces clashed with members of the Hilltop Youth movement while dismantling an illegal settler outpost in the Gush Etzion area. The settlers, who oppose government policies, aim to establish unauthorized settlements by displacing Palestinian residents. The UN has reported that October 2025 was the worst month for settler violence in the West Bank since records began in 2006, with 264 attacks causing casualties or property damage. Despite international condemnation, few perpetrators have faced accountability. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have condemned the violence, with Katz pledging to continue developing settlements while maintaining regional stability. The West Bank remains a flashpoint, with over 500,000 Israeli settlers living alongside three million Palestinians. The ongoing violence has claimed the lives of at least 1,006 Palestinians and 43 Israelis since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
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‘Not fair’ how South Africa are treated, says coach
South Africa’s assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, has voiced concerns over what he perceives as unfair treatment of the Springboks following a series of red-card incidents in recent matches. Speaking to reporters in Dublin ahead of South Africa’s Test against Ireland, Stick highlighted the suspensions of key players, including Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert, as evidence of biased officiating. De Jager received a four-game ban for a high tackle on France’s Thomas Ramos, while Mostert was sent off for a shoulder-to-head challenge on Italy’s Paolo Garbisi. Both incidents have sparked controversy, with Stick questioning the consistency of disciplinary decisions. ‘Every week we are losing players, and it’s sad,’ Stick lamented. He also referenced recent bans for South African players Makazole Mapimpi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels in the United Rugby Championship, suggesting a pattern of disproportionate punishment. Stick defended Mostert’s actions, arguing that the tackle was not intentionally dangerous and that the physical nature of rugby sometimes leads to imperfect outcomes. He also criticized the officiating in the match against Italy, claiming that 20 out of 21 decisions in the first half went against South Africa. Despite the controversies, Stick emphasized the Springboks’ commitment to fair play and expressed regret over the impact on Italy’s performance. The Springboks, reigning world champions, continue to face scrutiny as they navigate these challenges on the international stage.