In the wake of a devastating conflict in Sudan, Abdu-Rabbu Ahmed, a laboratory technician at the Saudi Maternity Hospital in el-Fasher, has shared his harrowing experiences with the BBC. Ahmed, who fled to a displaced persons camp in Tawila, 70 kilometers west of el-Fasher, described the loss of his colleagues and the pervasive sense of despair that now engulfs him. ‘I have lost the people whose faces I used to see smiling… It feels as if you lost a big part of your body or your soul,’ he lamented.
标签： Africa
非洲
-
UAE got world’s tallest hotel, sent a probe to Mars, and gamers are still waiting for ‘GTA 6’
As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the release of ‘Grand Theft Auto 6’ (GTA 6), now delayed until November 19, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making headlines with a series of groundbreaking achievements. From technological advancements to cultural milestones, the UAE has accomplished a remarkable array of feats while Rockstar Games continues to perfect its highly anticipated open-world game. Here’s a look at some of the UAE’s most notable accomplishments since the release of ‘GTA 5’ in 2013. In 2017, the UAE appointed the world’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, signaling its commitment to innovation. The country’s ‘Hope Probe’ successfully reached Mars in 2021, capturing stunning images of the Red Planet. Meanwhile, the world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, is set to open in November 2025, boasting 1,000+ rooms and standing at 365 meters tall. The UAE has also hosted major events like COP28 and Expo 2020, while pioneering advancements in driverless and airborne taxis. Additionally, the country has seen cultural phenomena such as Coldplay’s sold-out concerts in Abu Dhabi and the global popularity of Dubai’s viral chocolates. In the sports world, Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia and Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory have captivated fans. As the UAE continues to innovate and achieve, gamers worldwide are left wondering if the country will unveil even more marvels before ‘GTA 6’ finally hits the shelves.
-
Biovac starts trials on South Africa’s first domestically developed cholera vaccine
South Africa has taken a monumental step in public health by initiating clinical trials for its first locally developed oral cholera vaccine. The vaccine, created by Cape Town-based pharmaceutical company Biovac, is currently being tested for safety in adults. Subsequent trials will compare its efficacy to existing cholera vaccines already available globally. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that, pending successful results, the vaccine could be approved and distributed across Africa by 2028. This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing vaccine accessibility and self-reliance on the continent. Motsoaledi emphasized that while South Africa has experienced relatively low cholera rates, many African nations frequently devastated by outbreaks stand to benefit immensely. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored Africa’s vulnerability to pandemics due to its reliance on imported vaccines. Cholera outbreaks in South Africa are often fueled by cross-border movements and inadequate access to clean water, particularly in regions like Hammanskraal, near Pretoria. The 2023 cholera outbreak resulted in 47 deaths and over 1,400 reported cases, with neighboring countries like Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe facing even higher tolls. Motsoaledi highlighted that local vaccine production reduces vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical pressures, and vaccine nationalism, which were evident during the pandemic. Trials are being conducted in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, areas previously affected by cholera. Biovac CEO Morena Makhoana stressed that this initiative addresses a critical global need amid recurring cholera outbreaks and vaccine shortages. Participants like Lerato Maleka and Shadrack Makutu shared their motivations for joining the trials, citing water quality issues and personal experiences with cholera outbreaks. The World Health Organization estimates that cholera affects up to 4 million people annually, causing between 21,000 and 143,000 deaths worldwide.
-
Iwobi ready to face ‘big brother’ Aubameyang
Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a dismal start to their qualifying campaign, which saw the Super Eagles secure just three points from their first four matches, their hopes were reignited by a dramatic injury-time goal in their final group game against Benin. Brentford’s Frank Onyeka’s strike sealed a 4-0 victory, propelling Nigeria into the African play-offs as runners-up in Group C on goal difference. Now, the team faces a new challenge: stopping Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their play-off semi-final in Morocco. Aubameyang, a former Arsenal teammate of Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi, has been in stellar form, scoring seven goals in World Cup qualifying, including four in a single match against The Gambia. The 36-year-old Gabon captain is determined to lead his nation to their first-ever World Cup appearance. Iwobi, who shared the pitch with Aubameyang during their time at Arsenal, spoke highly of his former teammate, describing him as a ‘great person off the pitch’ and a mentor who encouraged him to express himself on the field. Despite the camaraderie, Iwobi acknowledged the difficulty of containing Aubameyang, stating, ‘I don’t know how we’re going to lock him up.’ Nigeria’s path to the World Cup remains arduous. After missing out on automatic qualification by finishing second in Group C behind South Africa, they must first overcome Gabon and then the winner of the Cameroon vs. DR Congo match to advance to an intercontinental qualifier in March. Should they succeed, Nigeria’s world ranking would likely pit them against a team from Asia, Oceania, South America, or the Concacaf region, with the victors securing a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Nigeria’s resurgence under coach Eric Chelle has been pivotal. Appointed in January, Chelle has led the team to an unbeaten run in six competitive games, fostering a positive atmosphere within the squad. Iwobi praised Chelle’s leadership, likening him to a ‘big brother’ who motivates the players to fight for both Nigeria and their coach. Despite the challenges, Iwobi remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances, emphasizing the team’s determination to prove their worth on the international stage.
-
Messi and Argentina’s soccer team are special guests for Angola’s independence anniversary
In a grand celebration of its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal, Angola is set to host Lionel Messi and the World Cup-winning Argentina national soccer team as special guests this week. The festivities, which commenced on Wednesday, will feature an exhibition match between Angola’s national team and Argentina on Friday at the iconic 11 November Stadium in Luanda, named in honor of the country’s independence day. Reports indicate that Angola has invested a staggering $13 million to secure the participation of the reigning world champions. The Argentine squad is scheduled to arrive in Angola on Thursday, as confirmed by the Argentine soccer federation. The celebrations kicked off with a ceremonial event at Republic Square in Luanda, where President João Lourenço presided over the raising of a massive Angolan flag by soldiers. Angola gained independence on November 11, 1975, but the nation was soon engulfed in a brutal civil war that claimed the lives of an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people before finally concluding in 2002. Since independence, the oil-rich nation has been governed by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the sole ruling party.
-
Egypt kicks off 1st phase of parliamentary elections
Egypt has officially commenced the first phase of its 2025 House of Representatives elections, marking a significant step in the nation’s democratic process. The voting period, which began on Monday, November 10, 2025, and concluded on Tuesday, saw the participation of over 35 million eligible voters across 14 governorates. These regions include Giza, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, New Valley, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, Alexandria, Beheira, and Matrouh. The House of Representatives, consisting of 568 members, is elected through a dual system: 284 members via a closed-list system and another 284 through an individual system, with additional members appointed by the president. Notably, Egyptian expatriates cast their votes on November 7 at embassies and consulates worldwide. The second phase of the elections is scheduled for November 21-22 for expatriates and November 24-25 for citizens in the remaining 13 governorates. This electoral process underscores Egypt’s commitment to fostering political participation and representation.
-
Join the global efforts against climate change, says UAE
The Belém Climate Summit, held on November 6-7, 2025, in the Brazilian Amazon, marked a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change. Convened by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the event brought together heads of state, ministers, and international leaders to address pressing environmental challenges and solidify commitments to sustainability. Representing the UAE, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Nature, underscored the nation’s leadership in climate action. Dr. Al Dahak delivered the UAE’s national statement, emphasizing transparency and the inclusion of all six greenhouse gases in the country’s climate reporting. She highlighted the UAE’s comprehensive efforts, including clean energy projects, agricultural transformation, and infrastructure initiatives, as a model for global sustainability. The minister urged nations to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and embrace adaptation indicators to measure collective progress. Razan Al Mubarak, at the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), reiterated the UAE’s commitment to halting deforestation by 2030, a goal aligned with the COP28 UAE Consensus. The summit also focused on energy transition, with Dr. Al Dahak advocating for universal energy access and security while reaffirming the UAE’s pledge to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. The event served as a precursor to COP30, set to take place in Belém from November 6-21, 2025, where global leaders will discuss progress on climate finance and NDCs.
-
Anger over ‘wanted notice’ for Nigeria’s ex-oil minister Timipre Sylva
Nigeria’s former oil minister, Timipre Sylva, has been issued an arrest warrant by the country’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of diverting $15 million in public funds intended for an oil refinery project. Sylva’s spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, asserting that the refinery project was legitimate and fully documented. Bokoru revealed that Sylva is currently in the UK for a medical check-up and plans to engage with the EFCC upon his return. He criticized the agency for not contacting Sylva directly and accused them of using social media to ‘inflame public sentiment’ by issuing a ‘wanted notice.’ The EFCC’s notice follows a warrant issued by a High Court in Lagos last Thursday. Sylva, who served as petroleum minister from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has a long political history, including a term as governor of Bayelsa state, a key oil-producing region. The case has sparked debate over the transparency of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and the potential politicization of such investigations.
-
Sudan relief operations are ‘on the brink of collapse,’ UN migration agency warns
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued a stark warning on Tuesday, highlighting the dire state of humanitarian operations in Sudan’s war-torn North Darfur region. The agency emphasized that unless immediate funding and secure access for relief supplies are guaranteed, aid efforts could grind to a complete halt.
-
Ghana’s Asante king welcomes return of artefacts from the UK and South Africa
In a significant move towards cultural restitution, Ghana’s Asante king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has received 130 gold and bronze artefacts returned from the UK and South Africa. These items, some of which were looted during colonial times and others acquired through legitimate means, include royal regalia, drums, and ceremonial gold weights dating back to the 1870s. The artefacts highlight the profound cultural significance of gold in Asante society. The return ceremony, held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, saw contributions from British art historian Hermione Waterfield and South African mining company AngloGold Ashanti. AngloGold Ashanti’s gesture was described as an act of cultural respect and reconciliation, addressing past tensions with local residents over resource exploitation. King Osei Tutu II expressed gratitude, emphasizing the goodwill and respect shown towards the Asante kingdom’s legacy. This event follows a broader trend of African countries reclaiming looted artefacts, with recent successes including the return of Benin bronzes to Nigeria by Germany in 2022. The ongoing efforts underscore a growing global recognition of the need to address colonial injustices and restore cultural heritage.