Britain is facing increasing pressure to consider reparatory justice for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, which reached its peak in the 1700s, resulting in millions of Africans being forcibly transported to British colonies across the Americas and the Caribbean. As leaders of the Commonwealth, a group of 56 nations largely rooted in Britain’s colonial past, gather in Samoa, discussions are expected to include reparations, despite British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating the topic is not on the agenda. Diplomatic sources suggest that negotiations are underway to address the issue. Britain has yet to issue a formal apology for its ties to slavery, and estimates indicate that reparations could amount to trillions of pounds. The debate over reparations, while longstanding, has gained renewed global attention. Supporters argue that contemporary racial inequalities are a direct result of historical injustices, while opponents contend that nations should not be held accountable for past wrongs. Notably, all three candidates vying for the Commonwealth’s next Secretary-General from Ghana, Lesotho, and Gambia have advocated for financial reparations.

Human-caused climate change has intensified seasonal rains across the Niger and Lake Chad basins this year, leading to catastrophic flooding, according to a study released by international scientists on Wednesday. Researchers from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) initiative reported that floods in Chad, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan have resulted in over 2,000 deaths and displaced millions. The heavy rains also overwhelmed dams in Nigeria and Sudan. The study found that rainfall this year was 5 to 20 percent more intense in the affected regions, which encompass four of the five countries. Scientists indicated that such extreme rainfall patterns are becoming the new normal due to climate change and are likely to continue annually if global warming persists. Factors such as poverty, rapid urbanization, and poor water management have worsened the impact of these floods. Ongoing conflict has further complicated the situation, displacing millions in Chad, Nigeria, and Sudan, who now live in makeshift shelters with heightened vulnerability to flooding. The WWA noted that the severe flooding from June to September exacerbated an already critical humanitarian crisis in Sudan, overwhelming the response capabilities of aid organizations and governments. The scientists emphasized the need for the region to prepare for even heavier rainfall in the future and to urgently improve water management systems. They called for increased investment in early warning systems and dam upgrades, as well as meaningful financial contributions from wealthier nations. Additionally, they urged delegates attending the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan to act decisively in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are responsible for over 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced that Morocco firmly rejects any proposals for the division of Western Sahara, asserting that this issue is not open to negotiation. Speaking at a press conference in Rabat alongside Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Bourita addressed a recent suggestion from UN Special Representative for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. During de Mistura’s visit to Morocco last April, the Moroccan delegation made it clear that proposals for dividing the territory would not be entertained, reaffirming that Western Sahara is an integral part of Morocco. Bourita emphasized that Morocco does not negotiate its sovereignty and territorial integrity concerning Western Sahara but engages in discussions related to regional disputes with neighboring Algeria. He reiterated that the status of Western Sahara, tied to the country’s sovereignty, cannot be a subject of negotiation or agreement. He also called for transparency from de Mistura about the origins of his proposal, questioning who inspired it and whether it was his initiative or influenced by external parties. Reports suggest that de Mistura proposed the division of Western Sahara between Morocco and the Polisario Front, envisioning a state for the Polisario in the south and Moroccan governance in the north. Background on the Western Sahara Issue The tensions between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front date back to Morocco’s annexation of the former Spanish colony of Western Sahara in 1975. While Morocco maintains that the region is under its sovereignty, the Polisario Front asserts that it is an independent state. The Polisario Front conducted an armed struggle against Moroccan forces until a UN-mediated ceasefire in 1991, but subsequent negotiations over the territory’s status have not been successful. Roundtable Discussions In recent years, UN-supervised roundtable discussions have occurred between Morocco and the Polisario Front, with participation from neighboring Algeria and Mauritania. The first meeting was held in Geneva in December 2018, followed by another in March 2019. A planned third meeting in May 2019 was canceled after the resignation of then-UN representative Horst Köhler due to health issues. Staffan de Mistura was appointed as the new UN Special Representative for Western Sahara on October 6, 2021, following Köhler’s resignation. Algeria announced its withdrawal from the roundtable discussions on October 22, 2021.

A significant mystery in the history of the United Nations remains unsolved: the 1961 plane crash that claimed the life of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld and everyone on board as he sought to negotiate peace in the Congo. A new assessment released on Friday reveals that “specific and crucial” information is still being withheld by several Member States. Hammarskjöld, who became the youngest UN Secretary-General at the age of 47, was renowned as a visionary diplomat and reformer, playing a vital role in elevating the UN’s stature during a tumultuous period marked by decolonization in Africa and Asia. Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq noted that “the Secretary-General emphasizes that the Eminent Person is nearly certain that significant undisclosed information exists in the archives of Member States. With progress being made, the Secretary-General urges all parties to reaffirm their commitment to uncovering the complete truth about the events of that tragic night in 1961.” Hammarskjöld’s leadership was pivotal during the crisis of 1956, where he led a ceasefire mission in the Middle East and effectively managed the Suez Crisis, facilitating the withdrawal of foreign troops from Egypt and overseeing the UN’s first emergency peacekeeping operation, the UN Emergency Force. Celebrated for his integrity and dedication to public service, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in transforming the UN into a dynamic and effective international organization that upheld the principles of the UN Charter. Hammarskjöld served as Secretary-General from April 1953 until his untimely death at age 56. On the night of September 17-18, 1961, the Douglas DC6 aircraft he was aboard, registered as SE-BDY, crashed near Ndola in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). He was en route to negotiate a ceasefire between UN peacekeepers and separatists in the Congolese region of Katanga, aiming to establish a broader peace agreement for the newly independent Congo. The crash on September 18 resulted in the immediate deaths of 15 other passengers, while the sole survivor succumbed to injuries days later. An initial inquiry by Rhodesian authorities attributed the crash to pilot error, a conclusion that has since been contested. Haq stated, “The Secretary-General has sent the report from the Eminent Person, former Chief Justice of Tanzania, Mr. Mohamed Chande Othman, to the President of the General Assembly… At this point, the Eminent Person believes it remains plausible that an external attack or threat contributed to the crash; other possibilities include sabotage or unintentional human error.”

Climate change and ongoing conflict in northeastern Nigeria have led to a sharp rise in severe malnutrition cases. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports a 24% increase in young children suffering from malnutrition compared to last year, highlighting the struggles families face in the Lake Chad region. Rabiatu Jubrilla shared her experience of bringing her son to the ICRC’s Mubi stabilization clinic, stating he was unable to sit up on his own. After stopping breastfeeding at 1 year and 9 months, he began to lose weight, raising concerns about his health. The protracted conflict has displaced millions and destroyed livelihoods, severely impacting access to agricultural land. Paul Ezra, a farmer from Adamawa State, lamented that violence from groups like Boko Haram has made farming nearly impossible. The ICRC’s Nigeria Head of Delegation, Yann Bonzon, noted a 58% increase in fighting in the Lake Chad region in the first half of 2024, coinciding with rising food insecurity. The area’s reliance on subsistence farming makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change, which has caused irregular rainfall and devastating floods that destroyed crops. The ICRC estimates that over six million people in the Lake Chad region will face food shortages in the coming months due to the combined effects of conflict and climate change.

US chipmaker AMD announced on Thursday its third-generation commercial artificial intelligence mobile processors. The new Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series is designed to transform business productivity with Microsoft’s Copilot+ features, including live captioning and language translation in conference calls and advanced AI image generators. The processor has up to three times the AI performance than the previous generation, it said, touting its latest offering. According to the chipmaker, the new Ryzen offers up to 40% higher performance, and up to 14% faster productivity performance, than Intel’s Core Ultra 7 165U, comparing its product with those by one of its chief rivals. “Enterprises are increasingly demanding more compute power and efficiency to drive their everyday tasks and most taxing workloads,” said Jack Huynh, senior vice president and general manager of Computing and Graphics Group at AMD. “Our third generation AI-enabled processors for business PCs deliver unprecedented AI processing capabilities with incredible battery life and seamless compatibility for the applications users depend on,” he added.

A panel titled “Historical Studies of Islam in Africa” was held at the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs (TDV) Islamic Research Center (ISAM) Conference Hall. The 19th panel of ISAM’s scholarly meetings was moderated by Kübra Nugay, featuring speakers Prof. Dr. Anne K. Bang and Prof. Dr. Knut S. Vikor from the University of Bergen. Prof. Dr. Bang expressed her honor and pride in being at ISAM. In her speech, she discussed topics such as Islam in East Africa during the 19th and 20th centuries, contemporary readings of the period’s written works, and the impact of Muslims who migrated from Oman and Yemen to Africa in the post-Islamic period. Using maps and visuals, Bang stated, “For those unfamiliar with Africa and the Swahili coast, I can briefly say that the East African coastal region was Islamized very early, particularly through migration patterns from Southern Arabia and the Shiraz region of Iran to various parts of East Africa.” Prof. Dr. Vikor, in his presentation on “The Continuity of Islamic Law in Muslim Africa,” noted that discussions continue in the region about what happens when Islamic law must adapt to modern legal systems. He highlighted that Islamic law exists within the modern state system in Africa, shaping today’s legal framework, and commented, “I believe the most significant change that occurred during the colonial period is not the form of the law but having reference sources.” After the talks, ISAM Vice President Assoc. Prof. Yaşar Çolak presented the speakers with books and took a commemorative photo.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded Wednesday to American biochemist David Baker and British scientists Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, recognizing their pioneering work in protein design and AI-based protein structure prediction, according to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Baker was awarded half of the prize for his achievements in “computational protein design.” His research, which began in 2003, achieved the previously unattainable: creating entirely new proteins. Baker’s work has since led to the production of numerous innovative proteins, opening up potential applications for pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nanomaterials, and precise molecular sensors. “David Baker has succeeded with the almost impossible feat of building entirely new kinds of proteins,” the Academy stated. His initial designs have spurred a wave of imaginative research, producing unique proteins that could transform various fields in health and technology.  The other half of the prize went jointly to Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, and John M. Jumper, also from DeepMind, for solving a 50-year-old scientific challenge: predicting complex protein structures. In 2020, Hassabis and Jumper introduced AlphaFold2, a revolutionary AI model capable of predicting the structures of nearly all 200 million known proteins, according to the Academy. Since its release, AlphaFold2 has been accessed by over two million researchers across 190 countries, proving indispensable to scientists seeking to understand the biological roles and applications of various proteins. The Nobel Committee emphasized the global impact of AlphaFold2, describing it as an invaluable resource for advancing biological research on an unprecedented scale.

The Director-General of UNESCO announced on Tuesday (Oct. 8) that Morocco’s capital, Rabat, will be designated as World Book Capital for 2026. This decision follows the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will host the event in 2025. Rabat, known for having Africa’s third-largest international book and publishing fair, will begin its year of celebrations on April 23, 2026, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day. Rabat is the fifth African city to receive this honor, following Alexandria (Egypt), Port Harcourt (Nigeria), Conakry (Guinea), and Accra (Ghana). As part of the designation, Rabat will implement a range of activities to promote books and reading for all ages. The initiatives aim to foster sustainable economic growth and social benefits by improving access to literature and supporting the local publishing sector. UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay emphasized the importance of Rabat’s book industry in democratizing knowledge. Strasbourg, France, was named the World Book Capital for 2024.

While Israel’s main benefactors during its ongoing war on Gaza have been major Western nations, it has also found support in parts of the African continent, including the East African nation of Kenya. The Kenyan government has consistently backed Israel with words and diplomatic actions, including votes at the UN, despite a clear divide in public opinion within the country. This support is rooted in diplomatic relations dating back to the 1960s, but the two countries have deepened ties in various sectors over the years, including security, technology and agriculture, while Israel is also viewed as a strategic counterterrorism ally in East Africa. Kenya’s relationship with Israel has existed “long before it became official,” going back to the days when apartheid still plagued South Africa and many African nations were vocally opposed to Israel, according to Herman Manyora, a political analyst and University of Nairobi lecturer. “Kenya has a very interesting relationship with Israel. Long before this relationship became official, when Israel was not recognized by most of Africa, Kenya had silent relations with Israel and apartheid South Africa,” he told Anadolu. However, while Kenya “came out strongly in support of Israel” after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack, the government was forced to “quickly retract, seeing as it wasn’t sitting well with many African countries,” he said. On multiple occasions, the Foreign Ministry issued statements condemning rocket attacks on Israeli cities, framing Israel’s military response as legitimate self-defense, while President William Ruto has reaffirmed that Kenya views Israel as a “great friend.” ​​​​​​​- Divisions within  Kenya’s close relationship with Israel has, at times, drawn muted criticism within Africa, particularly when it comes to Nairobi’s diplomatic support to Tel Aviv. On several resolutions brought before the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, Kenya either abstained or voted against the motions, aligning with Western powers. Standing with Israel, which is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has made Kenya an outlier in Africa. Esther Mwai, a political analyst based in Nairobi, said Kenya “has suffered negatively across Africa” because of its support to Israel.  “Many African countries have traditionally supported Palestine, and Kenya’s position placed it at odds with the broader African consensus,” she said. Public opinion within Kenya is also divided as many feel a strong sense of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, seeing parallels between their struggle and Africa’s own historical battles against colonialism and oppression. “I’m disappointed that our government continues to support Israel despite the atrocities being committed in Gaza,” said Movicks Ogalo, 29, a laboratory technician in Nairobi. “The images we see every day of children and families suffering are heartbreaking. It feels like we’ve abandoned our principles of fighting for justice and human rights.” Ogalo’s sentiments are shared by many in Kenya’s civil society and activist groups, but not all Kenyans are critical of the government’s position. Some view Israel as an important ally in Kenya’s fight against terrorism, particularly in dealing with groups like al-Shabaab, which operates across the region. “I fully support our government’s stance with Israel,” said Vincent James Kamau, a businessman in Nairobi. “Israel has helped Kenya with intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism efforts.” Kamau’s views echo those of Kenya’s political establishment, which sees Israel as a key partner in ensuring regional stability and security cooperation between the two nations, especially in intelligence and military training, as critical in combating terrorism threats.  – A diplomatic pivot? Despite the government’s initial support for Israel, recent events suggest that Kenya may be reassessing its position. During a UN General Assembly session last month, Kenyan Ambassador Ekitela Lokaale condemned the humanitarian atrocities in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza. This marked a significant departure from Kenya’s position, suggesting that the government may be moving toward a more balanced approach. While the Kenya Foreign Ministry did not respond to multiple Anadolu queries on the subject, analysts see a potential shift as a response to growing international and domestic pressure over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where Israel has killed or wounded more than 140,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The relentless Israeli assault has devastated almost the entire Gaza Strip, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, while it has also imposed a crippling blockade on food, water, medicine and all essentials. “Kenya has always been an ally and friend of Israel, even when many African countries are against it,” said Manyora. However, he emphasized that recent actions such as the government backtracking on its post-Oct. 7 support to Israel reflect “a need to align with broader African sentiment.”

The family of “Good Times” star John Amos is in mourning following his passing. Amos’ publicist, Belinda Foster, confirmed that the 84-year-old actor died of natural causes on August 21. He was best known for his role as James Evans Sr. on “Good Times,” one of television’s first Black two-parent families in the 1970s. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, noted that many fans regarded him as their “TV father.” Born John Allen Amos Jr. on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, he graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in sociology and played on the school’s football team before turning to acting. Amos’ first significant TV role was as Gordy Howard, the weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” from 1970 to 1973. His portrayal of the family patriarch on “Good Times” garnered critical acclaim and high ratings. Although he was fired after three seasons, he quickly rebounded by playing an adult Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed miniseries “Roots,” which earned one of its 37 Emmy nominations. Amos claimed to have roots in Liberia and shared that he brought his children to Liberia during their childhood, where they made friends in the country.

Cameroon soccer legend Samuel Eto’o was banned by FIFA on Monday from attending any national team matches for six months. Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation since 2021, faced two charges stemming from an incident during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11. FIFA did not disclose specific details about the incident that occurred during Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16. According to FIFA, Eto’o was found to have violated disciplinary rules related to “offensive behavior, fair play principles, and misconduct towards officials.” The ban prohibits him from attending any men’s or women’s matches involving Cameroon across all categories and age groups. This suspension extends through March, encompassing crucial matches for the men’s national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Eto’o, 43, represented Cameroon in four World Cups from 1998 to 2014, scoring a record 56 goals for the Indomitable Lions. He was part of two Africa Cup of Nations title-winning teams in 2000 and 2002 and boasts three Champions League titles, including back-to-back wins in 2009 with Barcelona and 2010 with Inter Milan, solidifying his status as one of soccer’s greatest forwards.

The hand-carved domes and brick arches of the Great Mosque of Tinmel had nearly been restored when a powerful earthquake struck Morocco, causing them to collapse and crash to the ground. After almost 900 years, the mosque now lay in ruins—its minaret toppled, prayer hall filled with debris, and outer walls shattered. Yet, despite the devastation, it remained sacred to the residents of Tinmel. Villagers carried the sheet-covered bodies of 15 community members who perished in the quake down the hillside, laying them before the ruined mosque. Historic sites in the High Atlas region have long attracted tourists, but the recent earthquake has highlighted significant disparities in this primarily agricultural area. Poverty and illiteracy rates here exceed the national average, as noted in a government report from October 2023 on the five affected provinces. “The mountainous areas most impacted were already suffering from geographical isolation,” stated the Civil Coalition for the Mountain, a group of Moroccan NGOs, marking the earthquake’s anniversary. “The tragedy exposed structural inequalities stemming from development policies that have overlooked the mountains.” Najia Ait Mohannad, the coalition’s regional coordinator, remarked, “There’s a Morocco in Rabat and Marrakech, but another Morocco exists in the mountains. The immediate priority is rebuilding homes.” The government has promised a comprehensive reconstruction plan that includes strengthening infrastructure and improving public services. Officials vowed to rebuild in a manner that honors the region’s heritage and respects local customs. For the villagers, these efforts could symbolize renewed investment in one of Morocco’s poorest regions and pay tribute to its rich history. Currently, however, the area remains in disrepair, with enchanting ruins supported by wooden scaffolding, while villagers live in plastic tents amidst the remnants of their former homes.

 The Serbian capital of Belgrade held a traditional zombie-themed march Saturday with hundreds filling the streets with colorful costumes. The “zombies” attracted attention with their costumes and make-up. Characters from films such as “Lord of the Rings” and “Silent Hill” were also portrayed. Some of the make-up required six hours of professional work and cosmetics as streets became the scene of a “zombie walk” with colorful costumes. The march is to draw attention to a significant segment of film art that deals with masks, make-up and special effects, according to organizers. The march, held as part of the Serbian Fantasy Film Festival, attracted the attention of children. Proceeds from the march will be used for children receiving cancer treatment.

Botswana is hosting representatives from 33 African elephant range states to discuss the trade in live elephants and develop a unified approach to elephant population management. Environment and Tourism Minister Nnaniki Makwinja emphasized the need for a collective voice, acknowledging the diverse challenges faced by different regions. “While we recognize that solutions are not one-size-fits-all, we urge countries to collaborate before implementing measures that could hinder wildlife conservation efforts,” Makwinja stated at the opening of the four-day meeting. Previous talks in Panama highlighted divisions among African nations regarding elephant management. Southern African countries seek relaxed trade measures, while regions like Eastern and Western Africa advocate for stricter regulations. Conservation scientist Dan Challender noted that while the meeting offers a platform for dialogue, achieving consensus on all issues may be challenging due to varying elephant populations and policies across the continent. Local conservationist Isaac Theophilus expressed hope that delegates opposing elephant trade would engage with communities affected by human-wildlife conflict to gain a better understanding of the issues. Veterinarian Dr. Eric Verreynne pointed out the logistical hurdles of transporting elephants, stressing the complexity and cost involved, especially when relocating family groups. Currently, Africa’s elephant population stands at approximately 415,000, with over half residing in southern Africa.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) delivers mostly grim news about climate change, reporting that greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record levels, contributing to rising temperatures. Their new “United in Science” report issues a “red alert for the planet.” Despite the challenges, there is some hope from emerging technologies. Professor Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, emphasizes that advances in natural and social sciences, alongside innovation, could transform our approach to climate change, adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. Artificial intelligence (AI) is highlighted as a promising tool in this fight. WMO scientific coordinator Lauren Stuart notes that AI and machine learning are revolutionizing weather forecasting, making it cheaper and more accessible for developing countries. The report stresses the importance of strong global governance to ensure that AI benefits everyone. Additionally, advancements in space-based Earth observations offer optimism. Satellite technology enhances our ability to forecast extreme weather and monitor greenhouse gas emissions, critical for meeting Paris Agreement goals. However, the WMO insists that more international collaboration, governance frameworks, and financing are needed to effectively support these space-based efforts. The report also points to the potential of immersive technologies like virtual reality, which can simulate climate-related events and predict environmental changes. Despite these technological advancements, the authors caution that they are insufficient on their own to mitigate climate change’s impacts. officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

UN officials have warned that as the digital landscape evolves, developing regions risk being left behind. While celebrating progress in digital government, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, Navid Hanif, noted ongoing disparities between regions. “The development of digital government is on the rise globally, enhancing government services and public engagement,” Hanif stated. However, he emphasized that 1.37 billion people still lack access, remaining on the wrong side of the digital divide. The UN also presented data highlighting the world’s top digital performers, with Denmark leading the pack. Vincenzo Aquaro, Chief of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Digital Government Branch, pointed out that Germany, Spain, and Saudi Arabia are also among the top 18 countries. The UN is urging increased support for developing nations, particularly in Africa, to help bridge digital inequalities.

South Africa is setting its sights on increasing visitor numbers from China and India with the introduction of a new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) scheduled to launch in January 2025. The TTOS will invite vetted and approved tour operators from these countries to register with the Department of Home Affairs. This initiative aims to streamline the process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for tourists, particularly targeting large tour groups and business delegations. In 2023, South Africa welcomed 93,000 Chinese visitors. However, Minister Leon Schreiber noted that the country has been underperforming in attracting tourists from China and India. He attributes this partly to the existing red tape that complicates the visa process. The TTOS is designed to address these issues by providing a dedicated team to expedite visa applications, ensuring a more efficient and reliable process. Currently, Indian tourists represent only 3.9% of South Africa’s international visitors, while Chinese tourists account for just 1.8%. The TTOS is expected to make significant strides in improving these figures, with strong support from South Africa’s hospitality industry. Angela Wu, Director of the Travel Service Department at upGrowth, a South African marketing company, emphasized that a simplified visa process would greatly enhance the attraction of Chinese clients, particularly for business and customized leisure tours. South Africa, one of the top five most-visited countries on the continent, anticipates that a 10% annual increase in tourism could boost the nation’s economic growth by 0.6% and generate thousands of new jobs. The TTOS will also focus on tourists from non-visa exempt countries, as announced by the Department of Home Affairs on September 2.

 A recent study on Friday revealed that nearly 60% of Muslim students in New York have experienced bullying at school by their peers, especially after Israel’s onslaught in the Gaza Strip. The survey “Feeling The Hate In Our Schools” was conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in New York, and revealed that “58.2% reported being bullied at school by another student because they were Muslim.” “Almost half (44.7%) of students who wear a hijab reported their hijab was tugged, pulled, or offensively touched by another student rarely, sometimes, often, or very often,” the findings said. The survey also revealed that “64% of students have witnessed a Muslim student at school being bullied by another student,” and nearly 65% of students have seen “their school make offensive comments or posts about Islam or Muslims online.” According to the survey, many students (43.6%) did not feel it was necessary to report them, believing it would not make a difference. The survey noted that “74.6% of students said that they did not report to an adult at their school about being bullied by another student for being Muslim.” The CAIR report also included a special note on Palestine, highlighting a surge in “anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian sentiment within the fabric of New York City” when the conflict in Gaza escalated in October 2023. “In 2023 alone, CAIR-NY received 555 requests for legal assistance, with 43% directly linked to Palestinian solidarity, highlighting the urgency of this issue,” it added. It further stated that 32% of students reported school silencing for voicing opinions on Palestine, while 13% faced unwanted attention from staff, 11% from authorities, 10% experienced online harassment or doxing, and 9.5% reported social isolation. The report was based on a survey of 500 Muslim students, 91.7% of whom attend public schools, 4.6% attend charter schools, and 3.8% attend non-Islamic private schools.

For the past 30 years, the Phelophepa train has been a lifeline across South Africa, offering free medical care to those in remote communities. What started as a single three-carriage train has expanded to two 16-carriage trains, serving patients who often struggle with overcrowded or distant local clinics. The train recently arrived in Tembisa, a township east of Johannesburg. Thabang, a local resident, shared his experience: “I’ve been suffering from my eyesight. I heard the train was coming to help people. They see around 150 people a day, and some of us stay overnight because we live far away.” The Phelophepa train provides a crucial service in a country where about 84% of people rely on an overstretched public health system. With only 16% of South Africans covered by health insurance, many face significant barriers to accessing care in a country with over 32% unemployment. In addition to healthcare professionals, the train is staffed by managers, translators, and security personnel. Operated by the Transnet Foundation, the social responsibility branch of Transnet, South Africa’s state-owned railway company, the train began in 1994. Originally focused on eye care, it quickly expanded its services to meet broader health needs. Now serving areas around Pretoria and Johannesburg, the train will spend two weeks in Tembisa. Despite its impact, the train is not a panacea for South Africa’s healthcare challenges. Public health expert Alex van den Heever notes that while there have been increases in the healthcare budget and staffing since 1994, the public health system still faces significant pressures. In Gauteng province, which includes Pretoria and Johannesburg, the health department’s budget has surged from 6 billion rand ($336 million) in 2000 to 65 billion rand ($3.6 billion) today. However, public health expert Alex van den Heever attributes the challenges facing the public sector to the African National Congress, the ruling party since the end of apartheid. For many South Africans who have witnessed the decline in healthcare services firsthand, the arrival of the Phelophepa health train offers a welcome reprieve. Thethiwe Mahlangu, who visited the clinic for an eye exam and pap smear, expressed her gratitude: “This train is truly helpful. I hope it doesn’t end here today. They should come back, even if it’s next year. There are so many of us who are really sick and in need.” Hundreds of residents walked away satisfied with the care they received, underscoring the train’s vital role in addressing health disparities.

 The EU, US, and UK are among the countries that signed the first-ever international legally binding treaty addressing risks of artificial intelligence (AI), the Council of Europe said Thursday. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law was opened for signature during a conference of Council of Europe ministers of justice in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania.
 The treaty is the first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed at ensuring that the use of AI systems is fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In a statement, the Council of Europe said that the Framework Convention was signed by Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, the UK as well as Israel, the US and the EU. Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric said that they must ensure that the rise of AI upholds “our standards, rather than undermining them.” “The Framework Convention is designed to ensure just that. It is a strong and balanced text – the result of the open and inclusive approach by which it was drafted and which ensured that it benefits from multiple and expert perspectives,” she said in the statement.
 Buric noted that the Framework Convention is an open treaty with a potentially global reach, hoping that these will be the first of many signatures and that they will be followed quickly by ratifications so that the treaty can enter into force as soon as possible. The treaty provides a legal framework covering the entire lifecycle of AI systems, promoting AI progress and innovation while managing the risks it may pose to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

 The Palestinian cause, especially in Gaza, has long attracted global attention, particularly regarding human rights and media coverage. This focus has driven many activists and support groups to Gaza to offer aid and observe the situation firsthand. International solidarity peaked during the Second Intifada, which began in 2000, and continued through events like the Gaza blockade starting in 2006 and the latest assault on October 7. Anadolu has compiled a list of 14 prominent activists who have been killed by Israeli forces over the past 20 years: Aysenur Ezgi Eygi – September 6, 2024: A Turkish-American activist, shot during a protest against Israeli settlements in Beita, West Bank. Her death occurred amid a continuing Israeli offensive on Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 40,900 deaths and over 94,400 injuries since October 7 last year. Rachel Corrie – March 16, 2003: An American activist, killed in Rafah while attempting to block a military bulldozer demolishing homes. Her death led to widespread international solidarity. James Henry Miller – May 2, 2003: A Welsh journalist and activist, killed while filming a BBC documentary in Gaza. Tom Hurndall – January 13, 2004: A British peace activist, shot by an Israeli sniper while shielding a child in Rafah. His story was documented in a biography published in 2007. Mavi Marmara Attack – May 31, 2010: An Israeli naval assault on the Turkish vessel “Mavi Marmara” resulted in 10 deaths and over 56 injuries. The ship was carrying humanitarian aid and activists from 37 countries.

A new University of Leeds study, published in Nature, reveals that the world generates 57 million tonnes of plastic pollution annually. This pollution reaches every corner of the globe, from the deepest oceans to the highest peaks, with over two-thirds originating from the Global South. Using AI to analyze waste management across over 50,000 municipalities, researchers found that much of the pollution comes from areas where waste is poorly managed. Notably, 15% of the global population lacks adequate waste collection services, contributing significantly to plastic pollution in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Among the worst offenders, Lagos, Nigeria tops the list, followed by New Delhi, Luanda, Karachi, and Cairo. Nigeria is second in the global rankings, with the Democratic Republic of Congo also making the top 10. Dr. Costas Velis, lead researcher, emphasizes that the issue stems from inadequate resources and infrastructure rather than the actions of any particular region. He argues that effective waste collection should be considered a fundamental aspect of sanitation. With global plastic production expected to triple, the UN warns that “our planet is choking in plastic.”

The iconic building, dating back to the 19th century, was completely destroyed by the torrential rains.