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The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights faces severe funding cuts after Western donors, including the US, reduced contributions in 2025. This has led to fewer monitoring missions, job cuts, and diminished capacity to address global human rights violations amid mounting crises.
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Eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco over AFCON hooliganism are protesting their pre-trial detention by fasting. Their lawyer states they are waiting for charges, while authorities deny hunger strike claims. The trial resumes next week amid legal delays.
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Otto, a veteran opposition figure in Uganda, advocates for national dialogue following recent elections, warning of public dissatisfaction and weakened opposition. Meanwhile, Nigeria's electoral commission faces pressure to enable real-time result uploads, and Tanzania's opposition leader remains detained after protests. These stories highlight ongoing political unrest across Africa.
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Iran has declared it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, disrupting Gulf shipping and stranding hundreds of Indian sailors. Several Indian vessels remain stuck east and west of the strait amid escalating tensions following US-Israeli attacks and Iran's retaliatory actions. India is coordinating efforts for safe passage.
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As of February 2026, the FDA, led by Dr. Vinay Prasad, has refused to review Moderna's new mRNA flu vaccine application, citing trial design issues, specifically the comparator vaccine used. Despite late-stage trials showing improved efficacy, the FDA demands comparison against a high-dose vaccine for seniors. Moderna plans to meet with regulators to clarify next steps. This decision reflects heightened vaccine scrutiny under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has cut mRNA vaccine funding and rolled back vaccine recommendations.
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The UK government is developing a plan to share control of some taxes with regional leaders, aiming to boost local investment and growth. The move, announced by Chancellor Reeves, will be detailed in the autumn budget and includes investment funds for northern England and Oxford, alongside closer EU ties.
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Heavy rains have caused deadly floods in Kenya, displacing thousands and killing over 81 people. Meanwhile, drought persists in Somalia and Turkana, with millions facing hunger and water shortages. Climate variability is intensifying, creating contrasting weather patterns across the region.
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African governments are taking steps to address fuel shortages and rising prices amid global tensions. Madagascar has declared a state of emergency, South Africa has cut fuel levies, Ethiopia has introduced rationing, and Senegal has restricted foreign travel for ministers. These actions respond to recent global disruptions affecting oil supplies.
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Joseph McCann is being questioned by police after his partner, Ashly Robinson, was found dead in Zanzibar. Authorities are investigating her death, which appears to be a suicide, amid conflicting family accounts and ongoing forensic analysis. The case remains unresolved as police seek transparency.
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Tanzania has released a report attributing post-election violence to planned protests, with hundreds injured and dozens unaccounted for. The commission suggests the violence was coordinated and planned, with some victims shot inside their homes. The government has not acknowledged casualties publicly, and the report indicates the death toll may be higher than recorded.
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Tanzania's commission has released a report on recent unrest, documenting extensive violence, property damage, and political manipulation. The inquiry highlights systemic issues, social tensions, and external influences, with a provisional death toll of 518. The government aims to promote national healing and prevent future violence.