Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Ahead of election, Uganda’s security forces are accused of using violence against the opposition

    Ahead of election, Uganda’s security forces are accused of using violence against the opposition

    In Uganda’s increasingly volatile political landscape, presidential challenger Bobi Wine campaigns under constant threat of state-sponsored violence. The opposition leader, whose legal name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, navigates the campaign trail wearing protective gear against potential gunfire while facing relentless tear gas attacks from security forces. His challenge against President Yoweri Museveni—who has maintained power since 1986 through constitutional manipulations and suppression of rivals—has triggered what human rights organizations describe as a systematic campaign of brutal repression.

    Museveni, Africa’s third-longest serving leader, has openly endorsed the deployment of tear gas against opposition gatherings, characterizing them as ‘criminal’ assemblies in his New Year’s address. While the president defends these measures as ‘legal and non-lethal’ alternatives to live ammunition, Wine reports at least three supporter fatalities during campaign events, including shootings and military vehicle incidents. Security forces routinely disrupt opposition rallies with military precision, while Museveni campaigns without obstruction.

    The political environment has further deteriorated with the recent arrest of government critic Sarah Bireete, director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, on charges related to allegedly sharing voter registry data. Her detention until January 21 has been widely condemned as politically motivated silencing ahead of elections.

    Academic and political analyst Gerald Bareebe notes that even members of Museveni’s ruling party have expressed outrage at the security forces’ brutal tactics against civilians. The situation is compounded by the prominent role of Museveni’s son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has openly aspired to succeed his father and previously threatened violence against Wine.

    This election represents a critical juncture for a nation that hasn’t witnessed peaceful presidential transition since independence six decades ago. With Museveni seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade and establishing what critics describe as military dictatorship, the January 15 vote faces serious questions about its legitimacy and potential for democratic change.

  • Butterfly Garden to become Abu Dhabi’s newest indoor wildlife attraction, set to open this week

    Butterfly Garden to become Abu Dhabi’s newest indoor wildlife attraction, set to open this week

    Abu Dhabi is poised to welcome an ambitious new wildlife attraction this week with the inauguration of The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi on January 9th. Located at the Al Qana waterfront development, this fully indoor facility represents a significant addition to the emirate’s tourism and conservation landscape.

    The centerpiece of the attraction comprises multiple climate-controlled biodomes housing over 10,000 butterflies within meticulously recreated tropical habitats. Drawing architectural inspiration from Asian and American ecosystems, the immersive walk-through experience features planted pathways, indoor water features including koi ponds, and carefully maintained environmental conditions.

    Beyond the butterfly populations, the facility will host an array of exotic species including a two-toed sloth, Palawan bearcat, tamandua anteater, Sri Lankan giant squirrel, and Cuvier’s dwarf caiman. The collection additionally incorporates various bird species such as finches and Gouldian finches, creating a comprehensive wildlife experience.

    Operating hours are scheduled from 10am to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 8pm on weekends, with admission priced at 55 AED. A combined ticket option with The National Aquarium, located directly opposite the facility, is available for 150 AED. The strategic location places the attraction approximately five minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s cultural tourism circuit.

    The project implements an ethically conscious sourcing model, obtaining butterflies through conservation-focused breeding programs in Costa Rica and the Philippines. These initiatives maintain partnerships with small-scale farming communities, providing sustainable livelihoods while supporting ecosystem protection. A portion of cultivated butterflies is regularly released into native habitats to bolster pollination efforts.

    Paul Hamilton, General Manager of the attraction, emphasized the innovative nature of creating a comprehensive nature experience within a completely indoor environment. This design enables year-round operation, including during summer months when extreme temperatures typically limit outdoor activities in the UAE.

    The development aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to expand its family-friendly attraction portfolio while promoting environmental education and conservation awareness.

  • Oman establishes global financial centre to drive economic diversification

    Oman establishes global financial centre to drive economic diversification

    In a landmark decision aimed at reshaping its economic landscape, the Sultanate of Oman has received cabinet approval for the creation of the Oman Global Financial Centre. This strategic initiative represents a comprehensive effort to diversify the nation’s economy beyond hydrocarbon dependencies while enhancing the financial sector’s contribution to gross domestic product.

    The newly established center will operate with complete legislative, administrative, and regulatory independence, creating a specialized environment tailored for international financial institutions. The framework will accommodate both conventional and Islamic banking operations, insurance services, and complementary financial support sectors. This autonomous status enables the center to develop a legal and judicial system aligned with global financial standards while maintaining operational flexibility.

    Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Oman’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Financial and Economic Committee, emphasized the center’s role within the nation’s broader economic vision. The institution will function as a catalyst for investment management, corporate establishment, and international business partnerships through streamlined capital movement procedures and financial innovation support mechanisms.

    The initiative leverages Oman’s established political stability and growing network of international economic partnerships to attract foreign capital. Additional benefits include knowledge transfer opportunities and the creation of high-value employment positions within the financial services sector, addressing both economic diversification and workforce development objectives simultaneously.

  • Milena Mendez dominates 120km Ladies Ride at HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

    Milena Mendez dominates 120km Ladies Ride at HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

    Argentine endurance specialist Milena Mendez delivered a masterclass performance at the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, securing a commanding victory in the 120km Ladies Ride event on Tuesday. The prodigious 21-year-old rider, competing aboard M7 Endurance Stables’ mount Goldstream, demonstrated exceptional strategic prowess by overcoming an early eighth-place position to dominate the grueling desert course.

    The competition, held under ideal conditions at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam, saw Mendez complete the four-loop challenge in 4 hours, 21 minutes, and 45 seconds—finishing more than three minutes ahead of her closest competitor. Her average speed of 27.51 kph reflected a perfectly executed race strategy that saw her seize control during the second loop and maintain an unassailable lead throughout the remaining distance.

    Mendez’s teammate Shamma Darwish Alshihi achieved a remarkable comeback aboard SW Ikran, climbing from 28th position to claim second place with a time of 4:24:49. Sara Mohammed secured third position riding Rushoz Lieutenant, completing the course in 4:25:11.

    The festival, established in 2008, stands as the UAE’s most prestigious endurance riding event and reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s personal dedication to the sport. The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, himself a world champion endurance rider having claimed the FEI World Endurance Championship individual title in 2012, created the festival to promote the sport globally while attracting top international talent.

    Endurance riding, often described as the equestrian equivalent of a marathon, tests the resilience, pace management, and symbiotic partnership between horse and rider across challenging desert terrain. Mendez’s victory adds to her growing reputation following previous wins at the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival (2025) and the Shaikha Fatma bint Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup in Abu Dhabi.

    The winners were honored by Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Group, alongside Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi of Dubai Equestrian Club and Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. The festival continues through Saturday with additional high-stakes competitions including the Private Stables 120km event and culminating with the elite 160km Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup.

  • Climate crisis: Africa’s forests sound a global alarm

    Climate crisis: Africa’s forests sound a global alarm

    A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports has uncovered a alarming climate reversal: Africa’s vast forest systems transitioned from carbon absorbers to net emitters between 2010 and 2017. This ecological transformation represents a critical juncture in global climate dynamics, with far-reaching implications for atmospheric stability and international environmental commitments.

    The comprehensive research documents an annual loss of approximately 106 billion kilograms of forest biomass across the continent during the seven-year study period. This degradation translates to 200 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions yearly—equivalent to the total output of a medium-sized industrialized nation like the Netherlands. The most severely impacted regions include the Congo Basin, Madagascar, and West Africa, where deforestation, mining operations, and shifting agricultural practices are accelerating forest depletion at unprecedented rates.

    Forest ecosystems become carbon sources when tree removal surpasses natural regrowth capabilities. The study identifies multiple contributing factors: widespread deforestation eliminating carbon-sequestering vegetation, agricultural and wildfire combustion accounting for nearly 20% of emissions, extractive industries destroying vegetative cover, and soil degradation releasing stored carbon through organic matter breakdown.

    This ecological shift carries profound consequences for global biodiversity, threatening more than 10,000 plant and animal species with potential extinction. Additionally, it jeopardizes the livelihoods of over 100 million people who depend directly on forest resources for sustenance and economic stability. The transformation undermines international climate agreements including the Paris Accord and 2050 net-zero ambitions, particularly as global atmospheric CO2 concentrations exceeded 420 parts per million in 2024—the highest recorded level in human history.

    Researchers emphasize that while Africa’s forest emissions constitute merely 0.5% of global totals, the critical danger lies in the loss of their natural carbon-sequestering function. This development compounds the planetary carbon burden and compromises pathways toward carbon neutrality. The study calls for immediate intervention through strengthened legal protections, large-scale reforestation initiatives capable of reabsorbing 50 million tons of carbon annually through 1.2 million hectares of restoration, community-based forest management, and integration of forest conservation into climate financing mechanisms.

    The findings challenge current carbon offset paradigms, suggesting that without substantial emission reductions, forest-based offsets risk becoming ineffective greenwashing measures. Conservation efforts must therefore form part of a comprehensive strategy prioritizing genuine emission reductions rather than permitting continued fossil fuel expansion.

  • Euro zone inflation dips, growth holds up, backing ECB’s sanguine narrative

    Euro zone inflation dips, growth holds up, backing ECB’s sanguine narrative

    The Eurozone economy is demonstrating remarkable resilience as it concludes 2025 with a favorable combination of moderating inflation and sustained economic expansion. Recent data reveals that price pressures have diminished more rapidly than anticipated across the bloc’s major economies while growth maintains its momentum, validating the European Central Bank’s optimistic assessment of regional economic conditions.

    Germany, Europe’s largest economy, witnessed a substantial deceleration in inflation, dropping to 2.0% from November’s 2.6%—significantly beneath economist projections of 2.2%. Concurrently, France experienced a modest decline to 0.7% from 0.8%, while Spain’s rate eased to 3.0% from 3.2%. This widespread disinflationary pattern suggests the Eurozone’s aggregate inflation reading could fall below the ECB’s 2% target when official figures are published.

    The economic landscape throughout 2025 has surpassed expectations as robust domestic consumption effectively compensated for declining export performance. This dynamic has created what financial analysts characterize as a ‘goldilocks scenario’—an ideal equilibrium where inflation stabilizes around central bank targets while economic activity remains buoyant.

    ECB policymakers have maintained a steady course, exhibiting minimal concern regarding projected below-target inflation readings in coming months. The central bank’s current stance reflects confidence in the economy’s underlying strength, with officials signaling no imminent adjustments to interest rates. Financial markets have aligned with this outlook, pricing in a stable 2% deposit rate throughout all eight of the ECB’s scheduled 2026 meetings.

    Supporting this positive narrative, Purchasing Managers’ Index data indicates the currency bloc completed 2025 with its most substantial quarterly growth in over two years. The services sector demonstrated particularly vigorous momentum, successfully counterbalancing continued manufacturing weakness.

    Nevertheless, potential risks persist within this generally favorable outlook. Energy price volatility, slowing wage growth, manufacturing stagnation, and Germany’s persistent recession threats present downward pressure on inflation. Conversely, geopolitical tensions disrupting global supply chains, expanding government expenditure, and tight labor market conditions could exert upward price pressures. These countervailing forces suggest economic conditions remain susceptible to sudden shifts, prompting ECB officials to maintain cautious forward guidance.

  • Swiss bar fire: Remains of UAE resident repatriated with honours

    Swiss bar fire: Remains of UAE resident repatriated with honours

    The remains of Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old Italian student and promising golfer residing in Dubai, were repatriated to Italy with full military honors on Monday. Galeppini was among the 40 victims of a catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire that erupted at a popular bar in the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.

    The tragic incident occurred during a celebratory event when an explosion, potentially ignited by sparkler candles placed on bottles too close to the ceiling, triggered a devastating flashover. This phenomenon caused the fire to engulf the entire enclosed space within seconds, resulting in significant casualties. Swiss authorities confirmed that all victims and 116 injured individuals have now been formally identified.

    Galeppini was returned to his homeland alongside four other Italian nationals who perished in the blaze: Achille Barosi and Chiara Costanzo from Milan, Giovanni Tamburi from Bologna, and another victim from Genoa. A military aircraft transported the coffins to Milan, where armed forces personnel rendered solemn salutes during the dignified transfer ceremony.

    The young golfer, ranked 3,454th in the world amateur golf rankings, was remembered by the Italian Golf Federation as “a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him.” The federation released an official statement expressing profound grief and extending condolences to his family and the wider sporting community.

    Tributes have emerged internationally, particularly from the United Arab Emirates where Galeppini had established his home. Stephen Deane, Dubai Golf Head International Development Coach who mentored Galeppini for several years, described him to Khaleej Times as both exceptionally talented and remarkably kind-hearted, emphasizing his genuine concern for others.

    While Italian officials and media have publicly confirmed the young athlete’s passing, Swiss police investigators continue their ongoing examination into the precise causes and circumstances surrounding one of Switzerland’s deadliest nightlife disasters in recent history.

  • India probe finds Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL breached antitrust law, regulatory order shows

    India probe finds Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL breached antitrust law, regulatory order shows

    In a landmark antitrust development, India’s competition regulator has determined that the nation’s leading steel producers—Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and state-owned SAIL—alongside 25 additional firms, engaged in unlawful price collusion practices. According to a confidential October regulatory order obtained by Reuters, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigation revealed systematic coordination on steel pricing between 2015 and 2023.

    The probe, initiated in 2021 following complaints from construction industry stakeholders, has expanded to encompass 31 companies and industry associations. The CCI’s findings indicate that 56 senior executives, including JSW’s billionaire managing director Sajjan Jindal and Tata Steel CEO T.V. Narendran, bear individual liability for antitrust violations during varying periods within the eight-year timeframe.

    Evidence examined by investigators includes WhatsApp communications between regional steel industry groups that allegedly demonstrate coordinated price-fixing efforts and production manipulation. The CCI has formally requested audited financial statements from all implicated companies covering fiscal years 2016 through 2023, typically a precursor to penalty calculations.

    India, as the world’s second-largest crude steel producer, maintains strict antitrust provisions that empower the CCI to impose penalties of up to three times annual profit or 10% of turnover—whichever is higher—for each year of violation. Individual executives also face potential financial penalties.

    Market response manifested immediately through share price declines: JSW Steel dropped 1.33%, SAIL fell 3.2%, and Tata Steel declined 0.7% following the revelation. All implicated companies either declined to comment or did not respond to Reuters’ inquiries regarding the allegations.

    The case now enters its final review phase, where companies and executives may present objections before the CCI issues its definitive ruling—a process expected to require several months given the investigation’s complexity and scale.

  • AU applauds Guinea’s peaceful electoral triumph

    AU applauds Guinea’s peaceful electoral triumph

    The African Union has formally recognized Guinea’s recent presidential election as a landmark achievement in the nation’s journey toward reestablishing constitutional governance. In an official statement, AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf commended the peaceful conduct of the December 28 vote, highlighting the demonstrated maturity of Guinean citizens throughout the electoral process.

    Youssouf extended congratulations to President-elect Mamady Doumbouya on his decisive victory, which was subsequently validated by Guinea’s Supreme Court following the release of provisional results by the General Directorate of Elections. The AU leadership specifically praised the collaborative efforts of national stakeholders—including election management bodies, political candidates, party coalitions, government institutions, and civil society organizations—for ensuring the electoral proceedings aligned with both international standards and Guinea’s domestic legal framework.

    Significantly, the AU chairperson called for a comprehensive reassessment of existing sanctions against Guinea, suggesting the peaceful transition warranted reconsideration of restrictive measures. The Union reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing support for Guinea’s democratic consolidation, rule of law enforcement, and national unity strengthening—elements deemed essential for sustainable development.

    The AU’s endorsement follows a period of political transition in Guinea and represents international recognition of the country’s progress toward institutional normalization through democratic mechanisms.

  • Israeli foreign minister visits Somaliland after contentious recognition of breakaway territory

    Israeli foreign minister visits Somaliland after contentious recognition of breakaway territory

    MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a groundbreaking diplomatic maneuver, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar conducted an official visit to Somaliland on Tuesday, marking the first high-level Israeli engagement since Israel’s formal recognition of the breakaway territory as a sovereign state in December. The controversial move has ignited international condemnation and raised geopolitical tensions across the Horn of Africa.

    The Somaliland Ministry of Information confirmed Saar’s arrival via social media, noting his reception by senior cabinet members at Hargeisa International Airport. The ministry characterized the event as a historic milestone in bilateral relations. Saar is scheduled to meet with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (commonly known as Irro) at the presidential palace later today.

    This diplomatic development has drawn sharp criticism from multiple quarters. The Federal Government of Somalia issued an official statement condemning what it termed an “unauthorized incursion” and “unacceptable interference in internal affairs.” Somalia maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of its sovereign territory.

    The African Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and more than twenty nations—primarily from the Middle East and Africa—have rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The United States, through State Department channels, reaffirmed its position recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity, which includes Somaliland.

    Unverified social media footage purportedly showed fighter jets flying over Hargeisa during Saar’s visit, though the aircraft’s origin remains unconfirmed. This development occurs against the backdrop of previously reported discussions between Israel and Somaliland regarding potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza—a plan since abandoned by the U.S. administration.

    Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid the country’s civil conflict. Despite maintaining its own government, currency, and security apparatus for three decades, no nation had previously recognized its sovereignty until Israel’s December 26th announcement.