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Egyptian president calls for international efforts to end Gaza war

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 Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called Thursday for international efforts to push for an agreement that would end Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip. The move came during a phone call he received from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, according to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency. The statement said that El-Sisi, during his conversation with Macron, highlighted Egypt’s “intensive communications” with all parties to halt the escalation in the region and avoid slipping into “a new cycle of uncalculated conflict,” which “threatens to spark a full-scale regional confrontation.” He stressed the importance of international efforts to press forward towards a cease-fire agreement in Gaza, as the continuation of the war in the region is the “main driver” of the current escalation. According to the statement, the two presidents agreed to intensify efforts and coordination in the coming period to ensure the security and stability of the region and to prevent the expansion of the conflict, which threatens the welfare of the region’s people. In a related context, El-Sisi held a phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in which he reviewed the latest Egyptian efforts to end the war in Gaza and the exchange of detainees, according to a second statement from the Egyptian Presidency. He emphasized the “priority of delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, alleviating their suffering and advancing a political process based on the two-state solution.” El-Sisi also expressed Cairo’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations and increase trade between the two countries. The region is currently gripped by fears of war, particularly amid threats of military retaliation by Lebanon’s Hezbollah group following the assassination of its top commander, Fuad Shukr, in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on July 30 and Iran’s threats to retaliate after the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in the capital Tehran on July 31, an attack attributed to Tel Aviv. The escalation comes against the backdrop of an Israeli onslaught against the Gaza Strip which has killed nearly 39,700 people since last October following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. Tel Aviv is continuing the war, ignoring the UN Security Council’s resolution to immediately cease hostilities, as well as the International Court of Justice’s orders to take measures to prevent acts of genocide and to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

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U.N. counterterrorism chief sounds alarm on ISIS in Africa

Africa /

The Islamic State extremist group is intensifying its activities amidst the political turmoil in West Africa and the Sahel, with a continued focus on international attacks. On Thursday, a senior U.N. counterterrorism official warned the Security Council that the Islamic State and related terrorist groups could extend their influence over a significant portion of Africa. In his briefing, Vladimir Voronkov, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Counterterrorism, revealed that IS affiliates have expanded their operational areas in West Africa and the Sahel. He described the situation as “challenging and complex,” noting that these groups are causing high casualties and destabilizing the region. Voronkov highlighted that two key IS affiliates, the Islamic State West Africa Province and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahel, have grown their influence. If their reach extends further into northern states, they could control territory stretching from Mali to northern Nigeria. He also noted that IS affiliates have increased their activities in other African regions, including Mozambique, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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11 killed in armed attack on mining site in Nigeria

Africa /

 Eleven people were killed Wednesday in an armed attack on a mining site in Nigeria’s Zamfara state Gunmen on motorcycles attacked the site in the Anka area, according to local media reports. Several people were also wounded in the attack. Nigeria has long faced attacks from armed gangs as well as terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, the West African branch of the Daesh/ISIS, in various parts of the country. Despite a mandatory death penalty for kidnapping in Nigeria, abductions for ransom are common. Armed groups often target villages, schools and travelers in the northern part of the country to demand ransom.

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Egyptian pound falls against foreign currencies

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The Egyptian pound is declining against foreign currencies, nearing 50 per U.S. dollar following recent hikes in metro fares and fuel prices. On Tuesday, the currency was valued at 49.16 per U.S. dollar, according to the Central Bank of Egypt. After fluctuating between 47 and 48 per dollar in June and July, the pound has lost approximately 60% of its value since its initial public offering in March, falling to around 30 per dollar. This new exchange rate comes a week after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed its third review of Egypt’s financial situation, authorizing the release of $820 million as part of an $8 billion bailout package. This loan aims to support Egypt’s struggling economy, which faces challenges such as a foreign currency shortage, soaring inflation, and unrest in the Red Sea due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The IMF noted last week that while inflation remains high, it is decreasing, and a flexible exchange rate is central to the country’s economic strategy. Egyptians are dealing with significant inflation, with the oil ministry recently announcing a 10% increase in fuel prices. The last fuel price hike occurred in March, attributed to rising costs due to Red Sea attacks and the currency’s depreciation. The Houthis have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, impacting global trade routes. Oil, natural gas, and grain passing through these sea lanes are crucial to the Suez Canal, which handles 12% of world trade. Additionally, Cairo Metro fares increased last week, now ranging from 2 to 5 Egyptian pounds, as reported by the National Tunnels Authority. This fare increase aligns with Egypt’s agreement with the IMF to double its bailout, which now totals $8 billion. The price adjustments are part of the conditions set by the IMF for continued financial aid.

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Global wind energy plans fall short of reaching the 2030 target

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Countries aim to increase global wind energy capacity 2.4-fold by 2030, but national plans fall short of the UN’s COP28 commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity. London-based think tank Ember analyzed the 2030 wind energy targets of 70 countries and the EU, which account for 99% of the current installed wind capacity, to see if they align with the COP28 goal. The report found that while national targets would double global wind capacity by 2030, they are insufficient to meet the COP28 pledge. Current targets would expand wind energy capacity from 901 gigawatts at the end of 2022 to 2,157 gigawatts by 2030. Achieving the tripling goal requires an additional 585 gigawatts worldwide. Most of the expected increase will come from China, which is projected to triple its wind capacity by 2030 and account for over half of the global increase in wind capacity from 2024 to 2030. However, the U.S. and India face significant gaps between their current targets and the needed increase. Not all countries are falling short. Brazil needs to build 0.3 gigawatts of new wind capacity annually from 2024 to 2030 to meet its 2030 targets. Last year, Brazil set a record by adding 5.3 gigawatts of wind capacity, and the IEA predicts it will add an average of 2.4 gigawatts annually until 2030. Turkey has nearly achieved its goal of generating 12% of its electricity from wind by 2030 and has the potential to set higher targets. Ember Electric Analyst Katye Altieri noted, “Governments are not ambitious or proactive enough, especially in onshore wind capacity. Despite its role in providing cheap electricity and complementing solar energy, wind energy isn’t receiving adequate attention.” Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), emphasized that wind energy must be central to the clean energy transition. “Every gigawatt installed is a step towards a greener world. Targets play a crucial role in guiding our direction, but only real actions that meet these targets can effectively address climate change, drive clean industry, and ensure secure energy,” he said.

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Tunisia’s president fires prime minister, appoints successor

Africa /

Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani on Wednesday, just a year into his tenure. Saied appointed Kamel Maddouri, the Minister of Social Affairs, as the new Prime Minister, according to a presidential statement. Hours before his dismissal, Hachani claimed in a video message that the government had made progress despite challenges with high food and energy prices. The dismissal comes amid widespread discontent over water and electricity outages across the country. The government blames these issues on a severe drought, leading to water rationing. The agriculture ministry reports that dam levels are critically low at 25 percent, while Saied views the water shortages as a conspiracy against him, asserting that the dams are actually full. Saied has announced his intention to run for president in October, facing strong opposition and criticism from human rights organizations and rivals who accuse him of suppressing and intimidating opponents to secure a second term.

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South Africa to enact national health insurance bill despite opposition

Africa /

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to advance the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill despite significant opposition. He signed the contentious Bill into law just before his party, the African National Congress, lost its parliamentary majority in May. The NHI aims to overhaul the country’s two-tier healthcare system to provide universal coverage and gradually reduce the role of private health insurance, currently held by fewer than 16% of South Africans. While supporters view the Bill as a step towards addressing apartheid-era inequalities, critics argue that the funding model is flawed and fear that corruption and budget constraints may hinder its success. On the final day of the ANC policy meeting, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that some sections of the Bill would be implemented immediately, including forming advisory committees and updating health laws. However, he acknowledged that the full rollout would be phased over several years and might face delays due to legal challenges.

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World Bank: 100+ Countries Trapped in “Middle-Income Trap”

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The World Bank announced on Thursday that over 100 countries risk falling into a “middle-income trap” unless they implement bold economic growth strategies. Countries such as South Africa, India, Brazil, and China face significant challenges that could impede their progress toward becoming high-income nations in the coming decades. The World Development Report 2024: The Middle Income Trap reveals that as countries become wealthier, they often encounter a “trap” when their GDP per capita reaches approximately 10 percent of the annual US GDP per person. Somik Lall, Senior Advisor to the World Bank Group Chief Economist and Director of the report, noted that the outlook for these countries is bleak. “Over the past 30 years, only 34 middle-income economies have successfully transitioned to high-income status, while others remain trapped,” he said. The study highlights that middle-income countries face tougher challenges compared to their predecessors, including rapidly aging populations, increasing protectionism in advanced economies, and the urgent need for faster energy transitions. It presents a “comprehensive roadmap” to help developing countries escape the “middle-income trap” and achieve high-income status. Lall suggests that countries should abandon outdated methods and adopt a “3i strategy” involving a phased approach with progressively sophisticated policies tailored to their development stage. Low-income countries should focus initially on investment policies (the 1i phase). As the benefits of investment diminish, they should then shift to “infusion,” incorporating global ideas and integrating them into local economies. For upper-middle-income countries, the final phase involves “innovation,” where they strive to become global leaders and producers. Lall emphasized that success will depend on how well societies manage the balance between creation, preservation, and destruction. “Countries that avoid the discomfort of reforms and openness will miss out on the benefits of sustained growth,” he concluded.

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