More than 21 Million Individuals Experience Severe Food Insecurity as the Conflict in Sudan Escalates, According to WFP Alerts Over 21 milli...
More than 21 Million Individuals Experience Severe Food Insecurity as the Conflict in Sudan Escalates, According to WFP Alerts
Over 21 million individuals in Sudan, almost half of the total population, were notgetting enoughto consume food as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces persisted, as stated by the World Food Programme. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted that hostilities had escalated, especially after the RSF took control of El Fasher following a prolonged siege. WFP Sudan stated that as families keep leaving the city, teams are still present on the ground offering immediate help. Famine has been confirmed in El Fasher and Kadugli, both largely isolated from aid, although sustained humanitarian access in nine other areas has improved conditions similar to famine. The WFP is reaching more than four million people each month and mentioned it could double that number with additional resources, cautioning that progress might rapidly deteriorate without further support. UNHCR separately expressed concern about civilians "running out of time," while UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an end to hostilities, unimpeded aid access, and renewed efforts toward a negotiated solution.
Ethiopia Examines Possible Cases of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
Authorities in Ethiopia initiated further investigationsand escalated their response following the reporting of eight suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in the South Ethiopia Region. The World Health Organization sent an initial team of responders and provided medical supplies to help identify the source of the infections and stop further spread. To date, eight suspected cases have been reported. Ongoing laboratory testing at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute aims to determine the exact cause. WHO dispatched a multi-disciplinary team of 11 technical experts to enhance surveillance, investigations, laboratory capabilities, infection prevention and control, clinical care, coordination, and community engagement. They also supplied essential items, including PPE and an isolation tent, along with $300,000 in emergency funding. Viral hemorrhagic fevers are a group of diseases that can cause outbreaks and are caused by various virus families. These include Marburg and Ebola virus diseases, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Lassa fever. All suspected cases should be reported immediately, even before the specific virus is confirmed.
Nigeria Abandons Native Language Instruction Policy, Brings Back English
The government has scrappedThe three-year-old policy that required the use of indigenous languages for teaching in the initial stages of schooling, rather than English. Education Minister Tunji Alausa stated that the program did not achieve its goals, pointing to weak exam results in areas that implemented mother-tongue instruction. As a result, English will be reintroduced as the primary language of instruction from pre-primary levels up to university. The policy was introduced by former minister Adamu Adamu, supported by UN research on early childhood education. However, the policy faced challenges due to wider issues within Nigeria's education system, such as substandard teaching, insufficient resources, low teacher salaries, and frequent strikes. The sudden termination of the policy has received varied reactions from education experts, analysts, and parents. Some have praised the government's decision, as the implementation had problems and led to declining standards. Others, however, feel that the policy was abandoned too quickly. They argue that such a major change requires significant investment in teacher training, the creation of textbooks and learning materials, and a longer period before it can be properly assessed and begin to show results.
Somaliland Redirects International Flights Due to Recently Implemented Airspace Regulations
Several international flights were divertedAircraft have been operating outside of Somaliland's airspace in recent days following their failure to secure permission under the recently implemented aviation regulations, as reported by aviation sources. The planes were redirected to Djibouti and Ethiopia as Somaliland started actively requiring airlines to get authorization before entering its airspace, a step that officials claim could lower overflight fees that were previously collected by Somalia. In diplomatic meetings, Somaliland accused Somalia of interfering with its airspace and immigration systems, with Presidency Minister Khadar Hussein Abdi stating that the region was taking action to protect its sovereignty. Civil Aviation Minister Fuad Ahmed Nuh mentioned that airlines had been informed about the new rules, adding that approximately 40% had followed them, while non-compliant aircraft were being rerouted. Somaliland's aviation committee warned that Somalia would be held accountable for any resulting safety or legal issues. Meanwhile, Somalia encountered a separate cybersecurity problem involving its new e-Visa system, after a significant data breach revealed sensitive personal information belonging to foreign nationals, including diplomats and aid workers, an issue that Somaliland stated raised serious privacy and security concerns and had no authority over travel to its territory.
Previous Zimbabwean leader Mugabe's son penalized for drug possession
The son of the late former President Robert Mugabe, Robert Tinotenda Mugabe Junior (33), wasfined A fine of US$300 was imposed on him following his conviction for illegal drug possession. He was required to either pay the fine or spend four months in jail. Mugabe was found guilty after requesting mercy. He was detained in October when officers reportedly discovered two packets of dagga, a pack of Rizla, and a white dagga grinder in his shoulder bag during a traffic stop for violating a one-way street rule in Harare.
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