Mali, a landlocked West African nation, is grappling with a severe fuel crisis that has disrupted daily life and exposed the government’s vulnerabilities. The crisis stems from a blockade orchestrated by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group, which has targeted fuel convoys entering Mali. Over the past two months, JNIM fighters have kidnapped drivers, torched more than 100 trucks, and effectively cut off fuel supplies to the capital, Bamako. This economic warfare has paralyzed the country, forcing schools and universities to close, driving up food prices, and leaving hospitals struggling with power cuts. The crisis has also sparked international concern, with the US and France advising their citizens to avoid or leave Mali. The fuel shortage has led to long queues at petrol stations, with some drivers resorting to sleeping at stations in hopes of refueling. Public transport fares have tripled in some areas, forcing many to walk long distances to work. Traders report that food prices have surged due to increased transport costs and dwindling supplies of imported goods. The blockade has highlighted the government’s inability to secure key transport routes and maintain public confidence. In response, the military-led government has implemented emergency measures, including escorting fuel convoys with army trucks and negotiating a fuel supply agreement with Russia. However, critics argue that the junta’s reactive approach has failed to address the root causes of the crisis. The fuel shortage has also deepened Mali’s reliance on Russia, potentially alienating Western aid and investment. For ordinary Malians, the crisis has brought immense hardship, raising fears of increased crime and a worsening security situation. Amidou Diallo, a welder, warns that prolonged shortages could lead to dangerous consequences. As Mali struggles to navigate this crisis, the government faces mounting pressure to restore stability and regain public trust.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Sharjah Book Fair takes ‘blind date’ route to lure buyers
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has introduced an innovative approach to engage readers with its ‘Blind Date with a Book’ initiative. At the Little Puffin Publishing House stand, visitors are enticed by a stack of brown paper-wrapped books tied with twine, challenging them to purchase a book without knowing its title or cover. This concept encourages readers to break free from the habit of judging books by their covers and instead embrace the unknown. Hanes Medanceli, the booth sales manager, emphasized that the initiative aims to help indecisive customers choose books spontaneously, free from the influence of social media trends. The books, which are standalone and span various genres like romance, mystery, thriller, crime, and fantasy, are available in two formats: soft paperback for Dh35 and hardbacks for Dh45. Medanceli reported that the concept has been a hit, with 50% of the batch sold by Monday, and similar success at the Riyadh International Book Fair, where the entire stack was sold out within three days. The ‘Blind Date with a Book’ idea, while not new, has been well-received by visitors who appreciate the opportunity to discover hidden literary gems. The books are carefully curated by the staff, considering both old and new releases suitable for a wide range of readers. The initiative has garnered positive feedback, with many praising the quality of the stories inside, despite the unassuming covers.
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McIlroy, Penge share spotlight in final group as DP World Tour Championship tees off
The highly anticipated DP World Tour Championship, boasting a $10 million prize purse, commenced on Thursday, November 13, at the prestigious Earth Course in Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai. The tournament features a star-studded field of 52 players, including the top 50 available competitors from the season-long Race to Dubai, alongside Ryder Cup exemptions Shane Lowry (IRE) and Ludvig Aberg (SWE).
The spotlight was firmly on the final group, teeing off at 12:40 pm, where Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy (NI) and second-ranked Marco Penge (ENG) faced off in a thrilling duel to set the tone for the season finale. Earlier in the day, the opening pairing at 8:15 am saw Lowry and Aberg take to the course, though neither is eligible for Race to Dubai points.
Other notable pairings included Dubai-based Ewen Ferguson (SCO) paired with Johannes Veerman (USA) at 8:55 am, and the much-anticipated matchup between Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner Aaron Rai (ENG) at 12:00 pm. This duo had previously played together in the final group at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their pairing.
With dual PGA Tour cards on the line for the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai who do not already hold them, the stakes are higher than ever. The second-round draw, based on Thursday’s scores, will see leaders tee off last on Friday, with the schedule published on Thursday evening. For full round 1 tee times, visit www.europeantour.com.
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Young UAE athletes secure 11 gold medals at Gymnastics Cup
The Gymnastika Solo Cup, a globally renowned gymnastics tournament, concluded with remarkable success for young athletes from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Held at the Al Nasr Sports Complex from October 22 to 27, 2025, the event attracted over 790 international participants, including Olympic medalists and world champions such as Liubou Charkashyna, Eva Brezalieva, and Carol Michelotti. This marked the first major championship hosted in the UAE since the establishment of the UAE Gymnastics Federation. The tournament witnessed 40 podium finishes, with UAE gymnasts securing an impressive 11 gold medals. Notably, the youngest local winner was just four years old, highlighting the nation’s burgeoning talent in gymnastics. The event received strong support from the Dubai Sports Council and the Sports for All Federation, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to advancing youth and women’s sports. Anastasiya Zakreuskaya, Founder & CEO of Gymnastika UAE, emphasized the rapid growth of rhythmic gymnastics in Dubai, from one club to approximately 60 in just five years. She highlighted the tournament’s role in building confidence and fostering international friendships among young athletes. Hessa Al Kous, Head of Women in Sports at the Dubai Sports Council, expressed pride in the establishment of the UAE Gymnastics Federation, aligning with the nation’s vision to empower youth and provide world-class hospitality. The event underscored the UAE’s dedication to fostering inclusive and community-focused sporting excellence.
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Is motherhood the end of career? 28% of UAE mums start businesses after childbirth
A groundbreaking study in the UAE has revealed that motherhood is far from a career-ending phase for many women. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for ambition and entrepreneurship. The ‘State of Motherhood & Ambition in the UAE 2025’ report, conducted by researchers Constanze Munz and Anushka Kalyanpur De Luca, surveyed over 180 professional mothers across the country. The findings challenge the outdated notion that women scale back their professional aspirations after having children.
According to the study, 28% of mothers in the UAE have started their own businesses at various stages of motherhood, from the first year after childbirth to over a decade later. Furthermore, 70% of working mothers reported maintaining or even strengthening their ambition post-childbirth. Rather than leaving the workforce, many are redefining success on their own terms, prioritizing autonomy, purpose, and flexibility over traditional career trajectories.
The research highlights that one in five mothers switched industries to pursue more meaningful work, while another 20% returned to their roles with renewed clarity and drive. Nearly half (46%) expressed plans to start a business in the future, signaling a growing trend of female-led entrepreneurship in the UAE.
Support systems emerged as a critical factor in sustaining ambition. Among mothers satisfied with childcare arrangements, 84% reported steady or increased ambition, compared to 55% among those without adequate support. Flexible work arrangements, financial security, and reliable childcare were identified as essential enablers for mothers to thrive professionally.
The researchers emphasized that the findings should shift the national conversation from ‘working mothers’ challenges’ to ‘societal opportunities.’ Supporting mothers, they argue, is not only a social good but also an economic strategy that benefits families, employers, and the broader economy. ‘When mothers thrive, everyone thrives,’ Munz stated.
The study, conducted between June and November 2025, included mothers from diverse industries and stages of motherhood. It concludes that ambition does not diminish with motherhood; instead, it evolves and, with the right support, can flourish.
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Airport to home in minutes: Abu Dhabi unveils flying taxi network with over 10 vertiports
Abu Dhabi is set to revolutionize urban transportation with the introduction of a cutting-edge flying taxi network. Abu Dhabi Airports announced on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the development of over 10 vertiports across strategic urban and transit locations, forming the foundation of an innovative air taxi ecosystem. These vertiports will serve as hubs for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional helicopters. The battery-powered eVTOLs, capable of carrying up to four passengers, are designed to be significantly quieter and environmentally friendly, with a noise footprint 100 times lower than conventional helicopters. The initial phase of the project will focus on Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI), establishing point-to-point routes to enhance airport-city connectivity. While current battery technology limits the range of these flights, future advancements are expected to enable inter-emirate travel, including routes to Al Ain. The first flights are anticipated to launch in 2026, with Abu Dhabi Airports overseeing infrastructure, operations, and commercial readiness. The initiative is a collaboration between Abu Dhabi Airports, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Integrated Transport Centre, and the General Civil Aviation Authority. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with Skyports Infrastructure for the design, construction, and operation of the vertiports. This ambitious project aligns with the UAE’s vision for sustainable, low-emission transport innovation and marks a significant step toward redefining urban mobility.
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UN rights chief calls for a probe into killings in Tanzania and allegations of concealing evidence
The United Nations has issued a call for a thorough investigation into the reported deaths of hundreds of individuals during protests against the disputed Tanzanian presidential election. The election, held on October 29, saw the exclusion of candidates from the two main opposition parties, sparking widespread unrest. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concerns over what he described as ‘an apparent attempt to conceal evidence,’ citing reports that police removed bodies from mortuaries to undisclosed locations. Türk urged Tanzanian authorities to release the bodies to families for proper burial. The primary opposition party, Chadema, claims that approximately 2,000 people were killed over three days of protests, though the government has not provided an official death toll. The UN statement referenced ‘hundreds’ of fatalities but noted the difficulty in verifying exact numbers due to Tanzania’s volatile security situation and a six-day internet blackout following the election. Videos purportedly showing security forces shooting protesters circulated online once internet access was restored, prompting the government to warn citizens against sharing such content, threatening arrests and treason charges. Additionally, hundreds of individuals have been charged with treason in connection with the protests. The UN has called for the unconditional release of all detained opposition officials, including Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, whose treason trial was postponed due to security concerns. Meanwhile, newly elected members of parliament were sworn in on Tuesday, with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party maintaining its dominant majority. Mussa Zungu, a member of the ruling party, was elected as the new speaker of parliament. Tensions remain high in Tanzania as the ruling party continues to suppress opposition voices and consolidate its long-standing grip on power.
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Ruud Gullit brings AC Milan Golf Collection to Dubai
Dutch football icon Ruud Gullit, renowned for his 1988 Ballon d’Or win and pivotal role in AC Milan’s history, has brought the AC Milan Golf Collection to Dubai for its Middle Eastern debut. The three-day event, held at Jumeirah Golf Estates, coincides with the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Launched earlier this summer, the premium collection merges Milanese elegance with high-performance golf apparel, reflecting AC Milan’s legacy as a cultural and sporting powerhouse. During his visit, Gullit participated in the Rolex Pro-Am on the Earth course, donning the stylish collection, and will engage in a Short-Game Challenge alongside American golf influencer Bradford Wilson as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30 initiative. The AC Milan Golf Collection is the first release under Clubhouse, AC Milan’s innovative platform bridging football with fashion, design, music, and the arts. Valerio Rocchetti, AC Milan’s Director of Licencing, Retail and E-Commerce, emphasized the collection’s alignment with the club’s identity and its growing presence in the Middle East. AC Milan’s regional ties are further solidified through partnerships like Emirates Airline and the establishment of Casa Milan Dubai in 2023, a hub dedicated to engaging the club’s expanding fanbase in the region.
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King of Pop is back: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ climbs to Hot 100
Michael Jackson’s iconic album ‘Thriller’ has made a triumphant return to the Billboard Hot 100, securing the No. 10 spot following the 2025 Halloween season. This remarkable achievement solidifies Jackson’s unparalleled legacy, making him the first artist in history to achieve Top 10 hits across six consecutive decades—spanning the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and now the 2020s. Rising from No. 32, ‘Thriller’ has not only re-entered the charts but also set a new record for chart longevity, surpassing the previous record held by Andy Williams, who had Top 10 hits across five decades. Jackson’s journey to the Top 10 began in November 1971 with his solo debut ‘Got to Be There.’ Over his illustrious career, he amassed 30 Top 10 hits, including 13 chart-toppers. His last Top 10 appearance was in 2018 as a featured artist on Drake’s ‘Don’t Matter to Me.’ The resurgence of ‘Thriller’ coincides with the upcoming release of the highly anticipated biopic ‘Michael,’ directed by Antoine Fuqua and set to premiere on April 24, 2026. The film, starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, promises to delve into the life and legacy of the global icon, offering fans an intimate portrayal of his journey to becoming the King of Pop. With a stellar supporting cast including Miles Teller, Larenz Tate, and Laura Harrier, and produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McLain, ‘Michael’ is poised to be a cinematic tribute to an artist whose influence continues to resonate worldwide.
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Investigators blame bad weather for helicopter crash that killed two ministers in Ghana
A devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others has been attributed to adverse weather conditions and outdated aviation systems, according to an investigative committee. The Z9 military helicopter, en route from Accra to Obuasi in August, crashed in a dense forest, leaving no survivors. The two-month investigation revealed that the aircraft experienced a ‘downdraft,’ a downward air current, causing it to lose altitude and lift. While the helicopter was deemed airworthy, the report highlighted the lack of modern safety and navigational systems, such as the terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), which could have alerted the pilots to potential ground collisions. Captain Paul Forjoe, a retired commercial pilot and aviation engineer who led the investigation, emphasized the need for modernizing the Ghana Air Force fleet. The probe was conducted by Ghanaian authorities with assistance from US aviation experts and the Chinese manufacturer of the helicopter. The passengers were traveling to Obuasi for an event addressing illegal mining. An eyewitness reported the helicopter was flying at an unusually low altitude before the crash, describing hearing a loud sound followed by a bang. Upon reaching the scene, the witness found no survivors. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced aviation safety measures in Ghana.