Mpox cases surge in Africa despite vaccines
The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time.
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Africa
Egypt denies being involved in Sudan conflict
Egypt on Wednesday denied claims by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), of its involvement in his country’s ongoing conflict. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the accusations come at a time when Egypt is making considerable efforts to stop the war, protect civilians and strengthen international response efforts for humanitarian relief to those affected by the conflict. The ministry called on the international community to examine the evidence which would verify the validity of the claims made by Dagalo. Egypt also reaffirmed its commitment to the security, stability and unity of Sudan. The statement added that Egypt will continue to spare no effort in providing all forms of support to its Sudanese “brothers” as they face the severe consequences of the ongoing war. Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have been engaged in a conflict that has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced nearly 10 million people, according to the United Nations. There has been a growing call from the UN and international bodies to end the conflict, as the war has pushed millions of Sudanese to the brink of famine and death due to food shortages, with the fighting spreading to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.
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Panel on historical studies of Islam in Africa held at ISAM
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.
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Global business travel set to reach record $1.5T in 2024
After a prolonged period of decline, global business travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 6.2%, hitting a historic $1.5 trillion in 2024, a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) showed Thursday. The resurgence, which outpaces previous predictions, reflected the renewed importance of face-to-face interactions in global commerce after years of remote working and virtual meetings, according to the WTTC’s 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report. Last year, leisure travel was 2.9% below the 2019 peak, while business travel continued to struggle, remaining 5.4% behind, it said. The world’s two largest business travel markets, the US and China, led the hike. Business travel spending in the US, which made up nearly 30% of the global total in 2019, is projected to reach $472 billion this year, marking a 13.4% rise above 2019 levels. China, the second-largest market, is set to follow closely, with business travel spending forecast to grow by 13.1% to $211 billion. European markets also saw significant growth, with Germany, the third-largest market, projected to see business travel expenditures hit $87.5 billion. The UK and France are expected to see record-breaking levels of $84.1 billion and $42.1 billion, respectively. “After a challenging few years, business travel is not only back on track, but it is recovering much faster than expected, highlighting the importance of international travel for businesses around the world,” Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, said at the global tourism body’s 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia. “Many business powerhouses such as the US, China and Germany are expected to reach record numbers this year. While virtual meetings played a crucial role during the pandemic, keeping people and businesses connected, today’s report shows that business is better face to face,” she added. Speaking at the summit, Paul Abbott, CEO of American Express Global Business Travel, said the travel restrictions due to the pandemic highlighted the unique value of travel and in-person connections. “We always said travel was a force for good, driving economic and societal progress. When travel stopped, GDP plummeted, unemployment soared, and mental health issues escalated. The benefits of travel are now no longer in doubt,” he said. Abbott underlined the growing trend of companies investing in managed business travel as part of their strategies to foster growth and culture in the post-pandemic era. Other factors have also fueled the resurgence of business travel, such as the rise of “blended travel,” where professionals mix business trips with leisure vacations. Moreover, the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry has seen a strong recovery, resuming in-person events after long periods of cancellations.
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Egypt: New customs duty for corn imports to secure food supply
The customs duty applicable to corn imports, which is one of the main production inputs in the feed and starch sectors, has been redefined to be in effect until the end of the year. A presidential decree on the matter was published in the Official Gazette. In a statement from the Ministry of Trade, information regarding the implementation was provided. The ministry emphasized that it is taking necessary measures in coordination with relevant institutions and organizations by using all trade policy tools to prevent speculative pricing and ensure supply security for essential food products, while considering the welfare of both producers and consumers. It noted that corn is a significant production input in the food industry, particularly due to its use in poultry feed and the starch sector. The statement included the following remarks: “In the 2024 harvest, a significant decline is expected in both our country and globally due to adverse climate conditions, as well as regional and global developments. This matter is being closely monitored by our Ministry of Trade in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Therefore, in order to prevent the potential impact of supply issues for this product on food prices, a new regulation has been established by our Ministry of Trade, in agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, for the part of our country’s needs that cannot be met by domestic production until the end of the year. With this regulation, a 5% customs duty tariff quota has been opened for only 1 million tons of corn, ensuring that our corn-producing farmers are not harmed, balancing supply and demand, and protecting consumers from potential speculative price movements in the food sector. For imports exceeding 1 million tons during this period, a customs duty of 130% will continue to be applied.” The statement also emphasized that the Ministry of Trade will continue to closely monitor the supply, demand, and price levels in the market, in consultation with other institutions and organizations, and will implement necessary regulations in a timely manner. A communiqué on the matter has also been published in the Official Gazette.
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Turkish Airlines pilot dies mid-flight, forcing emergency landing
A Turkish Airlines flight traveling from Seattle to Istanbul had to make an emergency landing in New York after one of the pilots collapsed during the flight, the airline confirmed on Wednesday. The incident took place shortly after takeoff from Seattle on Tuesday evening. Despite swift attempts at first aid, the 59-year-old pilot sadly passed away before the plane could reach its destination, as reported by Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun on social media. The Airbus A350, operating as flight TK204, was diverted to New York by the co-pilot and remaining flight crew. The pilot, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, had recently passed a routine medical examination in March with no reported health issues.
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Nigeria receives 600,000 doses of cholera vaccine
Nigeria received 600,000 additional doses of cholera vaccine Tuesday to contain an outbreak of the infectious disease in northeastern Borno State caused by devasting floods. UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria Rownak Khan said the vaccine and other medical items were part of a global response to halt the spread of cholera, a waterborne disease which hit the state weeks after massive flooding damaged sanitary facilities and water supply. “This oral cholera vaccine was a joint effort between the government and the partners. UNICEF is one of the partners. We also have other partners who also put a lot of effort to bring the cholera vaccine to Nigeria,” Khan told Anadolu in the state capital Maiduguri after handing over the items to the government. The donation also included acute water diarrhea kits and hospital beds worth $69,000, she added. Last month, UNICEF delivered the first 300,000 doses of cholera vaccine to the state, starting massive vaccination in the area. Abubakar Hassan, special adviser to the Borno State governor on Health, said the state is yet to record any cholera-related deaths days after the outbreak of the disease was reported. Authorities said 451 suspected cases of cholera were recorded in Borno on Oct. 4, with 128 cases testing positive after a rapid diagnostic process.
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Mozambique Elections: Frelimo set to maintain power
Mozambique is set to welcome 17 million voters for elections on October 9, determining the makeup of 250 parliamentary members and provincial assemblies. The ruling Frelimo party, in power since independence from Portugal in 1975, is expected to nominate its next presidential candidate from within its ranks. Daniel Chapo, a former radio announcer and law teacher, is anticipated to succeed Filipe Nyusi as president. Local resident Julio Macamo expressed hopes for progress, stating, “We aspire for a better future. Given our past experiences, we want the new government to succeed.” At least four candidates are vying for change in a nation grappling with a jihadist insurgency and severe climate challenges, including flooding. The insurgency has displaced over 1.3 million people, while many others face significant food shortages due to drought. Sheila Duarte Timana from Maputo remarked, “If the president-elect delivers the improvements we’ve been asking for, I believe the people will be very happy.” Last year’s local elections were marred by serious allegations of vote-rigging and fraud, leading to violent protests in Maputo and its vicinity. This time, however, concerns appear to be less pronounced.
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Rabat named World Book Capital for 2026 by UNESCO
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.
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21 feared dead after boat collision in Nigeria
At least 21 people drowned after two unregistered passenger boats capsized after colliding in Nigeria’s Lagos state, police confirmed Tuesday. The incident occurred in the town of Imore in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. The boats, each carrying 16 passengers, capsized in the middle of a lagoon. Lagos state police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the incident occurred on Monday. He said 11 passengers with injuries were rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija. Police teams, local divers and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene. Hundeyin confirmed that efforts are underway to recover the bodies of those who drowned, adding an investigation into the incident is being conducted. Last week, 48 people died and around 150 others went missing when a boat capsized in Kebbi state. The boat was carrying around 300 passengers.
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