In a thrilling first Test match held in Lahore, Pakistan brought an end to South Africa’s remarkable 10-match winning streak in Test cricket with a commanding 93-run victory. The Proteas, who had recently triumphed over Australia in the World Test Championship final in June, were bowled out for 183 while chasing a target of 277. The match, which marked the opening fixture of the 2025-27 Test Championship cycle, saw Pakistan climb to second place in the standings, trailing only Australia. South Africa’s pursuit began on a shaky note as they resumed their innings at 51-2. The early dismissal of Tony de Zorzi, who had scored a century in the first innings, by Shaheen Afridi set the tone for Pakistan’s dominance. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who claimed 10 wickets in the match, played a pivotal role by dismissing key batsmen Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis, who managed a brisk 54. Off-spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on the turning pitch to remove opener Ryan Rickelton after a resilient 45. Shaheen Afridi returned in the afternoon session to dismantle the tail with a masterful display of reverse swing, sealing the win by bowling out Kyle Verreynne, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kagiso Rabada. Pakistan’s victory was anchored by crucial contributions from opener Imam-ul-Haq and number seven Salman Agha, both scoring 93 runs to propel the team to a total of 378. The spinners, Noman and Sajid, exploited the home conditions effectively, reminiscent of their success against England last year. The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin on 20 October.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Egypt shuts down Grand Egyptian Museum in preparation for official opening
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental cultural landmark near the Giza pyramids, has announced a temporary closure from October 15 to November 3, 2025, in preparation for its highly anticipated official inauguration. The museum, which has been in a soft-opening phase for nearly a year, will host a grand ceremony on November 1, with public access resuming on November 4. During its trial phase, the GEM showcased 12 galleries featuring thousands of artifacts, including the Grand Staircase adorned with statues and relics from various eras of ancient Egyptian history. Notably, the Tutankhamun Hall, housing the complete collection of the young pharaoh’s treasures—including his golden mask, coffins, and over 5,000 other artifacts—was preserved as the centerpiece for the official opening. Spanning nearly 500,000 square meters, the GEM is recognized as the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This closure marks the final step in preparing for a historic event that promises to celebrate Egypt’s rich heritage on a global stage.
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UN’s World Food Program warns donor cuts are pushing millions more into hunger
The World Food Program (WFP), the United Nations’ primary food aid agency, issued a stark warning on Wednesday, highlighting the dire consequences of severe funding reductions from its major donors. The agency revealed that nearly 14 million people across six countries—Afghanistan, Congo, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—are at risk of facing emergency levels of hunger due to these cuts. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain described the situation as a ‘lifeline disintegrating before our eyes,’ emphasizing the gravity of the crisis. The agency anticipates a 40% drop in funding this year, reducing its budget to $6.4 billion from $10 billion in 2023. This shortfall is largely attributed to significant reductions in contributions from the United States under the Trump administration and other leading Western donors. The WFP stressed that global hunger is already at record levels, with 319 million people experiencing acute food insecurity, including 44 million at emergency levels. Famine has been declared in Gaza and Sudan, while in Afghanistan, food assistance reaches less than 10% of those in need. The funding crisis has also impacted other UN agencies, including those focused on migration, health, and refugees, leading to widespread aid and staffing cuts. The humanitarian aid community is grappling with the ripple effects of reduced support from traditional donors, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
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Former Kenyan premier Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, dies at 80
NAIROBI, Kenya — Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and a former prime minister, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80 due to a heart attack while in India. His death was confirmed by Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, where he was rushed after collapsing during a morning walk. Despite immediate medical intervention, Odinga succumbed to cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy of political activism and influence. Odinga, a perennial presidential candidate, ran for Kenya’s highest office five times over three decades, coming closest in 2007 when he narrowly lost to incumbent Mwai Kibaki in a contested election that sparked widespread ethnic violence. A member of the Luo ethnic group, Odinga spent his career navigating Kenya’s tribal political landscape, striving to unite diverse factions. Although he never achieved the presidency, his efforts were instrumental in transitioning Kenya from single-party rule to a multiparty democracy. Recently, he had forged a political alliance with President William Ruto, integrating his opposition party into key government roles. Odinga’s populist campaigns and ability to rally massive support made him a revered figure, symbolizing hope and resilience for many Kenyans. His death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, leaving a void that will be deeply felt across the nation.
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Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga dies aged 80
Kenya has lost one of its most prominent political figures, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80. According to family sources, Odinga died on Wednesday while undergoing medical treatment in India. His health had been the subject of recent speculation, though his family and political allies had refuted claims of critical illness. Odinga, a formidable political mobilizer, contested the Kenyan presidency five times without success, consistently alleging electoral fraud. His claims were partially validated in 2017 when Kenya’s Supreme Court nullified Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory and ordered a rerun, which Odinga boycotted, citing the need for electoral reforms. Despite his electoral defeats, Odinga often reconciled with incumbent presidents post-elections. Following his 2022 loss, he joined President William Ruto’s administration, bringing several of his allies into key government positions. Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, leaving a legacy of resilience and advocacy for democratic reforms. This is a developing story; updates will follow.
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An ancient tradition is helping girls in Zimbabwe fight child marriages
In the rural landscapes of northeastern Zimbabwe, a group of girls gathers inside a white tent with a wooden fireplace at its center. They remove their shoes, sit on mattresses, and prepare to engage in open discussions about sexuality, child marriage, teen pregnancy, gender bias, education, economic empowerment, and the law. This gathering is a modern revival of Nhanga, an ancient tradition once used to prepare adolescent girls for marriage. Today, it has been reimagined as a peer-led movement to resist child marriage, a pervasive issue in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
Nhanga, traditionally a female-only space in round thatched huts, was historically a place where girls were taught obedience, marital duties, and moral education, reinforcing patriarchal norms. However, the new Nhanga is a cultural innovation addressing contemporary challenges. ‘The new Nhanga is a safe space where girls can candidly discuss sensitive topics,’ said Nokutenda Magama, a programs officer with the Rozaria Memorial Trust, a nonprofit driving this revival.
The sessions, organized by age groups ranging from five-year-olds to women over 35, include practical skills like poultry raising, farming, and soap making. Elders and senior government officials are sometimes invited to provide mentorship. This initiative comes amid alarming statistics: one in three girls in Zimbabwe marries before 18, a situation mirrored across East and southern Africa. Despite laws outlawing child marriage, poverty, weak enforcement, and cultural practices perpetuate the problem.
For Samantha Chidodo, 26, the Nhanga revival offered a lifeline. Forced into an abusive marriage at 17, she escaped and, with support from the Rozaria Memorial Trust, returned to school and became a pioneer of the modern Nhanga. ‘Initially, we were only about 20 girls. Now, over 200 in my village participate,’ she said. The movement has spread to Zambia and Sierra Leone and gained recognition at African Union and United Nations forums.
To address the cultural roots of child marriage, girls have sought the support of chiefs and village heads. Xmas Savanhu, a local village headman, explained that offenders now face fines, such as paying a cow, which is held in trust for the girl’s education. Despite progress, poverty and entrenched attitudes remain challenges. ‘The gap lies with the adults,’ said Enet Tini, a teacher and mentor, emphasizing the need for girls-led initiatives to shift societal norms.
Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, deputy executive director at U.N. Women and founder of the Rozaria Memorial Trust, called child marriage ‘essentially rape and sexual exploitation,’ stressing that solutions must involve girls themselves, policymakers, and traditional leaders. ‘If we can pressure each other into behaving badly, then we can also influence each other to act positively,’ said Anita Razo, an 18-year-old mentor.
This grassroots movement demonstrates how ancient traditions can be reimagined to address modern challenges, empowering girls to shape their futures and challenge societal norms.
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UN urges decisive action as South Sudan crisis deepens
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights has issued a stark warning about the deepening crisis in South Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to restore peace, ensure accountability, and facilitate a credible political transition. Despite nearly a decade of regional efforts, the country remains mired in a worsening political and humanitarian crisis, with the breakdown of dialogue and escalating instability reigniting armed conflict on a scale not seen since the 2017 cessation of hostilities agreement. Civilians continue to suffer the most, enduring widespread human rights violations, mass displacements, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. The commission has cautioned that without immediate intervention, the situation could further destabilize the wider region. Commissioner Barney Afako highlighted the failure of leadership and consensus in implementing the peace agreement and political transition, citing ongoing political crises, increasing fighting, and systemic corruption as key issues. He stressed the need for immediate, sustained, and coordinated political engagement by the region to prevent South Sudan from sliding back into full-scale conflict, which would have devastating human rights consequences for its people and the broader region. Over a decade since the conflict began in December 2013, victims still await justice and reparations, with no tangible progress made on establishing a Hybrid court despite repeated calls from the AU Peace and Security Council. In 2025 alone, an estimated 300,000 South Sudanese fled the country due to rising conflict, with significant numbers seeking refuge in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The country also hosts 2 million internally displaced people and shelters 560,000 refugees fleeing the war in Sudan. UN Commissioner for Human Rights in South Sudan, Carlos Castresana Fernández, emphasized that stability and justice are essential for the country’s rebuilding process. He called for credible and independent mechanisms for justice and accountability to deter repeated cycles of atrocities, break cycles of impunity, and heal the wounds of war. He urged the AU and regional partners to act now to prevent another war and build the foundations of a just peace based on the rule of law.
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Madagascar crowds cheer as military unit seizes power
In a dramatic turn of events, an elite military unit in Madagascar has declared the seizure of power from the country’s president, sparking widespread jubilation among the populace. The streets of Antananarivo, the nation’s capital, were filled with cheering crowds as news of the military’s intervention spread. The unit, known for its strategic prowess, announced its takeover in a public statement, though details regarding the president’s current status remain unclear. This development marks a significant shift in Madagascar’s political landscape, raising questions about the future governance and stability of the island nation. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation, as the military’s actions could have far-reaching implications for both domestic and international relations.
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China, Kenya deepen security and law enforcement cooperation to tackle regional threats
China and Kenya have pledged to deepen their collaboration in security, law enforcement, and border management, expanding their partnership beyond traditional economic and trade ties. This renewed commitment was highlighted during a recent bilateral meeting between Kenya’s Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan. Murkomen emphasized that the partnership between the two nations has evolved to include critical areas of governance and security, alongside their ongoing socio-cultural and economic cooperation. He acknowledged China’s significant contributions to Kenya’s infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative, which has played a pivotal role in advancing Kenya’s modernization agenda. Both countries are now exploring ways to enhance their collaboration in security infrastructure, border management, and combating transnational crimes that threaten regional stability. Ambassador Guo reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Kenya in building institutional capacity and strengthening law enforcement mechanisms. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster cooperation in security, information exchange, and the use of technology to enhance public safety.
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Ghana rights group files lawsuit against government’s acceptance of US deportees
In a recent development, 14 West African nationals were deported from the United States to Ghana, bringing the total number of deportees under a bilateral agreement to 42. The deportation, which occurred on Monday, has sparked significant controversy and legal action. Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a lawyer representing migrants, revealed that his organization, Democracy Hub, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Ghanaian government. The lawsuit alleges that the deportation agreement with the U.S. is unconstitutional, as it was not approved by Ghana’s parliament, and may violate international conventions protecting individuals from being sent to countries where they could face persecution. Government spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the attorney general would defend the arrangement in court but offered no further comments. This deportation program is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration, particularly targeting individuals with criminal records who are difficult to deport to their home countries. Since July, dozens of deportees have been sent to various African nations, including Ghana, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Eswatini, under largely secretive agreements. Critics argue that the program lacks transparency and often sends individuals to countries where they have no ties, potentially denying them due process. Earlier deportations to Ghana saw migrants held in poor conditions at a military camp near Accra, with many later sent to other West African countries. The situation has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who argue that the program undermines international protections for migrants.