Ancient Yemeni port city; current events focus on southern Yemen politics
The IEA has warned Africa risks remaining energy-poor unless investment in energy infrastructure increases significantly. Nigeria remains at the center of Africa’s energy challenge, with 85 million people lacking electricity. Despite major World Bank-supported projects and several reforms, the grid remains unreliable and industrial activity suffers. The government has cancelled undisbursed World Bank funding, aggravating liquidity constraints and pushing manufacturers to rely on costly generators.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's campaign targets officials accused of embezzlement and corruption. Authorities have detained dozens, with immunity removals enabling more arrests. The operation is expanding to Wasit, Kirkuk and Anbar as the government seeks to recover state funds and lock out faction-linked networks.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi forces are mobilising along multiple fronts amid renewed clashes near Hodeidah. Reports confirm deadly exchanges in Jabal Dabbas and Hays district, with a sharpened U.N.-brokered truce under pressure. The government has reinforced positions on the western coast while the Houthis threaten airports and shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The Yemeni government has asserted that Iranian-backed Houthi militias have prevented a Yemeni national aircraft from landing in Sanaa and pressed for an Iranian plane to enter Yemeni airspace, leading to the targeting of the airport runway. The Houthis, however, claim the Iranian plane has landed, carrying patients and officials. The situation is developing as regional actors exchange accusations and warn of consequences.