The small southern African nation of Lesotho, long plagued by one of the world’s highest HIV infection rates, is grappling with a deepening crisis following significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid. For years, nearly $1 billion in American assistance helped Lesotho build a robust health network that effectively slowed the spread of HIV. However, the decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to freeze foreign aid and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has left the country in chaos. Clinics have shut down, healthcare workers have been laid off, and patients have abandoned treatment, leading to a crumbling healthcare system. Despite the temporary reinstatement of some U.S.-funded programs, the damage has been severe, with experts warning of a potential resurgence of the epidemic. The impact of these cuts is felt most acutely by Lesotho’s 260,000 HIV-positive residents, who now face uncertainty and fear for their futures. Key prevention programs, such as those targeting mother-to-child transmission and high-risk groups, have been halted, and healthcare workers are struggling to provide care through informal networks. The situation has been described as a ‘crime against humanity’ by some advocates, who stress that the progress made over the past two decades is at risk of being undone. While Lesotho’s government has been urged to move toward self-reliance, the immediate need for international support remains critical to prevent further loss of life and to sustain the fight against HIV.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Former Congo leader Kabila appears at Kenya political meeting despite absentia death sentence
In a significant political development, former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila made his first public appearance in Nairobi, Kenya, since being sentenced to death in absentia for treason and war crimes. The event, attended by a dozen Congolese opposition leaders, marked the establishment of a new political movement aimed at challenging the current DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. Kabila’s presence in Kenya is anticipated to provoke diplomatic tensions, as the DRC government has previously accused Kenya of supporting the M23 rebel group. The newly formed political coalition declared its mission to unite Congolese citizens against what they described as a dictatorship, with goals to restore democracy, state authority, and national reconciliation. The DRC government in Kinshasa has accused Kabila of collaborating with Rwanda and the Rwanda-backed M23, which seized control of key cities in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region earlier this year. Kabila, who led the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy from 2001 to 2019, has denied the allegations, calling the death sentence politically motivated. His tenure, marked by delayed elections and extended rule, ended in 2019 with Tshisekedi’s election, which was the first peaceful transition of power since Congo’s independence in 1960. However, the relationship between the two leaders deteriorated, culminating in Kabila’s departure from the DRC earlier this year.
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The world is heading to add 57 superhot days a year, but study indicates it could have been worse
A groundbreaking study released on Thursday reveals that the world is on track to experience nearly two additional months of dangerously superhot days annually by the end of the century. The research, conducted by the international climate science group World Weather Attribution and U.S.-based Climate Central, highlights the disproportionate impact on smaller, poorer nations compared to major carbon-emitting countries. Using advanced computer simulations, the study underscores the critical role of the Paris climate agreement in mitigating the crisis. Without the emissions reductions initiated a decade ago, Earth would face an additional 114 days of extreme heat annually. The report, though not yet peer-reviewed, employs established climate attribution techniques to project future scenarios. If current emissions pledges are met, global temperatures will rise by 2.6°C (4.7°F) by 2100, adding 57 superhot days. However, the pre-Paris trajectory of 4°C (7.2°F) warming would double this figure. The study defines superhot days as those exceeding 90% of temperatures recorded between 1991 and 2020. Since 2015, the world has already gained an average of 11 such days annually. The report warns of severe health impacts, with heat waves already causing thousands of deaths yearly. Small, ocean-dependent nations like the Solomon Islands, Samoa, and Panama are projected to bear the brunt, experiencing up to 149 additional superhot days despite contributing only 1% of global emissions. In contrast, major polluters like the U.S., China, and India will see far fewer additional days. The findings underscore the inequities of climate change, with developing nations facing disproportionate suffering. Experts emphasize the urgent need for increased climate action to avert a catastrophic future.
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‘I can’t afford to save both twins’: Sudan’s war left one mother with an impossible choice
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has left a trail of devastation, with countless lives shattered and families torn apart. Among the victims is Touma, a 25-year-old mother whose life has been irrevocably altered by the conflict. Sitting in the malnutrition ward of Bashaer Hospital in Khartoum, Touma cradles her three-year-old daughter, Masajed, who is severely malnourished and too weak to cry. ‘I wish she would cry,’ Touma whispers, her voice filled with despair. The hospital, one of the few still operational in the capital, is overwhelmed with children suffering from acute malnutrition, their mothers helplessly watching over them. Touma and her family were forced to flee their home after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) looted everything they owned, leaving them with nothing but their lives. ‘We had livestock, milk, and dates. Now, we have nothing,’ she recalls, her voice trembling. The war has plunged Sudan into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with three million children under five acutely malnourished, according to the UN. Despite the hospital’s free basic care, lifesaving medicines must be paid for by families, leaving many, like Touma, to make impossible choices. She could only afford antibiotics for one of her twin daughters, choosing Manahil over Masajed. ‘I wish they could both recover,’ she sobs, cradling her dying child. The war has left families with nothing, no means to save their children, and little hope for survival. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has turned Khartoum, once a vibrant cultural and commercial hub, into a battlefield. The city is now littered with the remnants of war—burnt-out cars, tanks, and shattered homes. Amid the destruction, 12-year-old Zaher wheels himself through the wreckage, singing softly, ‘I’m coming home.’ Zaher, who lost both legs in a drone strike, dreams of prosthetic limbs so he can play football again. His mother, Habibah, recounts the horrors of living under RSF control, where they were constantly under threat. ‘We couldn’t switch on our lights at night,’ she says. The war has robbed children of their childhoods, leaving them to navigate a world of violence and loss. Ahmed, a 16-year-old who works clearing debris, has found human remains in a playground where he once played with his brothers. ‘I have been certain that I was destined to die,’ he says, his voice devoid of hope. Yet, amidst the despair, moments of resilience shine through. Zaher, despite his injuries, drags himself across a scarred football pitch, determined to play the game he loves. ‘Football and my friendships have saved me,’ he says, smiling for the first time. The war has left an indelible mark on Sudan’s children, but their spirit and determination offer a glimmer of hope in a land ravaged by conflict.
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‘You’ve been calling a lot!’: How 2 AP reporters landed an interview with Madagascar’s coup leader
In a dramatic turn of events, Madagascar witnessed a military coup led by Col. Michael Randrianirina, who toppled President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of widespread protests. The unrest, driven by issues such as water and power shortages, soaring living costs, and pervasive poverty, culminated in the ousting of the president. Randrianirina, head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, confirmed his intention to assume the presidency in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press (AP). The interview, conducted shortly after the coup, revealed his plans to be sworn in as the nation’s new leader within days. The AP’s coverage of the coup began with a chance encounter between Randrianirina and AP photographer Brian Inganga during an anti-government protest in the capital, Antananarivo. Inganga’s persistence in securing the interview provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the coup. The interview took place at the CAPSAT barracks, where Randrianirina, surrounded by his officers, outlined his vision for Madagascar’s future. Despite the tense atmosphere, the colonel maintained a calm demeanor, assuring the journalists of his intentions to stabilize the country. This coup marks a significant shift in Madagascar’s political landscape, raising questions about the nation’s future stability and governance.
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Madagascar’s president rose to power off youth discontent and was taken down by it
Andry Rajoelina, once a youthful and charismatic mayor, rose to prominence in Madagascar 16 years ago by leading popular protests against the government. These demonstrations culminated in a military-backed coup, propelling him to the role of transitional president at just 34 years old. After stepping down in 2014, Rajoelina returned to power in 2019 through democratic elections. However, on Tuesday, the same military unit that once supported his ascent declared it was ousting him following weeks of youth-led protests against his administration. This marks a dramatic turn in Rajoelina’s political journey, underscoring the pivotal role of both the military and the youth in his rise and fall. Rajoelina’s early career began as a radio DJ and entrepreneur, where he leveraged his media influence to form the Determined Malagasy Youth party. His anti-establishment message resonated with Madagascar’s disenfranchised youth, leading to his election as mayor of Antananarivo in 2007. By 2009, he led protests against then-president Marc Ravalomanana, accusing the government of corruption and authoritarianism. Backed by the military, these protests forced Ravalomanana into exile, and Rajoelina assumed the presidency. His tenure, however, was marked by international isolation and sanctions. After a brief hiatus, Rajoelina returned to power in 2019 but faced mounting criticism for failing to improve living standards. His controversial promotion of an unproven COVID-19 remedy further eroded public trust. Recent protests, fueled by issues like water and power shortages, corruption, and nepotism, saw widespread participation from civil society groups, unions, and government workers. The military’s support for the protesters ultimately sealed Rajoelina’s fate, highlighting the cyclical nature of political power in Madagascar.
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Who was the man who shaped Kenyan politics?
Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape despite never clinching the presidency. Over the course of his storied career, Odinga contested the presidency five times, each bid ending in defeat. Yet, his influence remained undiminished, cementing his status as one of Kenya’s most pivotal political leaders. Odinga’s journey is a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals. His advocacy for constitutional reforms and social justice has reshaped Kenya’s governance framework, earning him both fervent supporters and staunch critics. While his presidential aspirations remained unfulfilled, his legacy as a transformative force in Kenyan politics endures, inspiring future generations to strive for a more equitable society.
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War crimes alert as food runs out in besieged Sudan city
The besieged city of el-Fasher in Sudan has become a grim testament to the escalating humanitarian crisis and alleged war crimes committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Satellite imagery analyzed by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) reveals deliberate targeting of civilians, with over 60 new burial mounds appearing in just two weeks. Caitlin Howarth of HRL described the situation as ‘horrific,’ noting that munitions have been deployed to destroy shelters, mosques, hospitals, and markets, resulting in the deaths of at least 174 people and injuring 123 others. These actions, according to researchers, constitute prima facie war crimes and may rise to the level of crimes against humanity. The RSF, which originated from the notorious Janjaweed militia, has encircled the city with a 57-kilometer earthen wall, trapping an estimated 300,000 residents. Food supplies have completely run out, and even alternative sources like ‘ambaz,’ a peanut residue normally fed to animals, are unavailable. The resistance committee for el-Fasher has issued desperate pleas for international aid, but their calls seem to fall on deaf ears. With only four RSF-controlled exits remaining, civilians are forced into increasingly smaller zones of refuge, where they face repeated bombardments. The international community has yet to take significant action, leaving the city’s residents in a dire and life-threatening situation.
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From prison to presidential palace: Who is Madagascar’s new military ruler?
In a dramatic turn of events, Col Michael Randrianirina has emerged as Madagascar’s most influential figure, following a swift and unexpected ascent to power. Just days ago, Randrianirina was relatively unknown, but as the head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, he led his troops into the capital, joining thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. After Rajoelina fled and MPs voted to impeach him, Randrianirina announced to the world that CAPSAT was taking control. The constitutional court swiftly declared him the country’s new leader, despite Rajoelina’s claims of continued authority. Randrianirina’s background is shrouded in mystery, with limited public information available. Born in Sevohipoty, he served as governor of Androy and later led an infantry battalion in Toliara. A vocal critic of Rajoelina, he was imprisoned in 2023 without trial, accused of inciting mutiny, but was released in 2024 amid claims of political persecution. Randrianirina, described as ‘simple but tough’ and ‘patriotic,’ has pledged to prioritize social welfare in a nation where 75% live in poverty. He plans a two-year military-civilian government before elections. His swearing-in ceremony is imminent, marking the culmination of a whirlwind rise from obscurity to leadership.
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Kenyans gather to mourn Raila Odinga
The city of Nairobi has come together in a solemn gathering to honor the memory of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80. Odinga, a prominent political figure in Kenya, died while undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in India. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and reflection among citizens, who remember him as a pivotal leader in the nation’s history. The mourning event, held in the heart of Nairobi, saw a diverse crowd of supporters, political allies, and ordinary citizens paying their respects. Odinga’s legacy, marked by his contributions to Kenya’s democratic evolution and his role in shaping the country’s political landscape, continues to resonate deeply across Africa and beyond. The gathering not only commemorates his life but also underscores the profound impact he had on the nation and its people.