Kebbi Government Moves to Transform Argungu into Investment Hub.

The Kebbi State Government has unveiled plans to transform Argungu into a major commercial and investment hub by leveraging its cultural heritage, fishing industry, tourism and hospitality sector to attract local and foreign investors.

For decades, Argungu has been widely known for its rich cultural traditions and the internationally recognised Argungu International Fishing Festival. However, the state government is now seeking to expand the town's economic prospects beyond its annual cultural celebration.

Governor Nasir Idris, through his Special Adviser on Media, Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru, disclosed the plan while briefing journalists on the state's economic blueprint.

He explained that the administration was determined to reposition the Argungu Fishing Festival to meet international standards and make it a strategic platform for attracting foreign direct investment, creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth.

According to the governor, Kebbi State possesses enormous economic potential, including fertile agricultural land, extensive water resources and a rich cultural heritage. However, much of these resources remain underutilised.

The administration, he said, intends to convert these natural and cultural assets into productive economic ventures that would benefit residents and strengthen the state's economy.

Road Infrastructure to Boost Commercial Activities

As part of efforts to make Argungu more attractive to investors, the state government is undertaking the dualisation of the Argungu Township Road.

Idris described the project as a deliberate intervention aimed at improving the town's appearance, easing transportation and facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.

The project is expected to improve accessibility during the annual fishing festival while supporting commercial activities throughout the year.

The government believes that developing essential infrastructure will be critical to attracting investors and establishing Argungu as a sustainable business destination.

Government Woos Investors in Tourism and Fisheries

Beyond road development, the Kebbi State Government is engaging local and international investors interested in fisheries, tourism and hospitality.

The proposed investments are expected to diversify the state's economic base, generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and increase government revenue.

The strategy also reflects the administration's intention to complement agriculture with tourism and other commercial activities capable of generating sustainable economic growth.

Argungu Targets Year-Round Economic Growth

If successfully implemented, the initiative could transform Argungu from a town primarily associated with its annual fishing festival into a year-round destination for tourism, business and investment.

The government hopes that combining cultural promotion with infrastructure development and private-sector investment will unlock the town's economic potential and strengthen Kebbi State's position as an emerging investment destination.

Ultimately, the initiative seeks to turn Argungu's cultural heritage into a sustainable source of economic prosperity, employment and development for the state.

Grynspan Maintains Narrow Lead in Race for Next UN Secretary-General

Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan has maintained a narrow lead in the race to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, although opposition from powerful Security Council members has left the contest without a clear frontrunner.

An informal ballot conducted by the UN Security Council on Friday showed Grynspan leading the candidates seeking to succeed outgoing Secretary-General António Guterres, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026.

According to diplomats familiar with the process, Grynspan secured nine votes encouraging her candidacy, five opposing it and one expressing no opinion. Two of the opposing votes came from the council's five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The results indicate that no candidate has yet secured sufficient support to guarantee the council's recommendation, raising the possibility that additional contenders could enter the race.

Guyana's UN ambassador, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, received eight favourable votes, six opposing votes and one expressing no opinion. International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi recorded a similar result, although his candidacy received support from one fewer permanent Security Council member.

Friday's ballot was the sixth informal poll conducted by the council as diplomats intensify efforts to identify a successor to Guterres before the end of the year.

Under the selection process, a candidate needs at least nine votes from the 15-member Security Council and must avoid opposition from any of the five permanent members, whose veto power can effectively block a nomination.

The latest ballot introduced a colour-coded system designed to identify whether a candidate faces opposition from a permanent member, making the results more significant as the selection process enters its decisive phase.

Although Grynspan has led four of the five previous polls conducted in recent months, the absence of a clear consensus has encouraged speculation that new candidates could join the contest.

Several senior diplomats, former foreign ministers and current political leaders are reportedly considering entering the race. However, they would face considerable challenges in securing sufficient support within the limited time available.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said countries remained free to nominate additional candidates.

The selection process has attracted international attention partly because the United Nations has never had a female secretary-general in its more than 80-year history.

In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Grynspan acknowledged that her candidacy could face a veto but argued that such opposition would not necessarily end her chances.

She said negotiations could continue despite resistance from powerful member states, adding that the process was far from over.

Grynspan, a 70-year-old economist, has also called for significant reforms within the UN, arguing that the organisation has become too cautious in responding to international challenges.

She believes the next secretary-general must be willing to take diplomatic risks, learn from unsuccessful initiatives and continue pursuing solutions to global crises.

Her proposed reforms include reducing senior management positions, cutting excessive bureaucracy and eliminating duplication of responsibilities among UN agencies.

The next secretary-general will inherit a range of challenges, including ongoing armed conflicts, declining financial contributions from the United States and concerns about the organisation's diminishing political influence.

Washington's withdrawal from several UN-related agencies has added to concerns about the institution's funding and effectiveness.

With the selection process approaching its final stages, Security Council members face mounting pressure to reach an agreement before Guterres completes his tenure on December 31.

The outcome remains uncertain as Grynspan and other candidates continue seeking the support required to lead the world's largest international organisation.

Egypt’s Sisi Seeks Parliamentary Approval to Provide Defence Support to Saudi Arabia

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has called for an emergency parliamentary session to seek authorisation to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia if the kingdom formally requests support amid escalating Houthi attacks.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy on Saturday, October 17, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia and maintaining regional security.

The Egyptian leader said Cairo was prepared to take necessary measures to defend the kingdom, subject to the directives of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Sisi explained that parliamentary approval would be required before Egypt could formally authorise such assistance.

He stressed that Egypt’s intention was strictly defensive, insisting that the country had no plans to initiate hostilities or attack any party.

Houthi Attacks Raise Security Concerns

Sisi’s request comes amid an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, with airports and oil facilities among the reported targets.

According to reports, recent attacks have increasingly targeted critical infrastructure around Riyadh, raising concerns about the security of the Saudi capital.

The strikes have also reportedly affected airports in Dammam, Abha, Jazan and Najran.

Earlier this month, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces launched a military campaign aimed at recapturing territories controlled by the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of encouraging the attacks, although Tehran has rejected the allegation and offered assistance towards ending the conflict.

Egypt Links Saudi Security to National Interests

Egypt’s support for Saudi Arabia is closely linked to concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea and the economic importance of the Suez Canal.

During a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo on September 15, Sisi backed Riyadh’s call for safe and uninterrupted navigation in the Red Sea.

The Egyptian presidency subsequently described the security of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states as an integral part of Egypt’s national security.

The concerns have intensified following the Houthis’ reported seizure of parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, strengthening their position near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategic maritime passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Disruptions along the route could affect international shipping and threaten revenue from Egypt’s Suez Canal.

Saudi Arabia has also strengthened its regional defence cooperation. In August, the kingdom signed a defence agreement with Pakistan and Türkiye under the Mecca Alliance for Defence.

The three countries agreed earlier this month to activate deterrence measures and facilitate the rapid deployment of forces to Saudi Arabia in response to Houthi attacks.

Analysts believe Egypt could become an important partner in efforts to protect Saudi territory and secure vital maritime routes.

Sisi Rules Out Extending Presidency Beyond 2030

Separately, Sisi reaffirmed that he would not seek to remain in office beyond 2030, saying his decision was final.

Addressing military academy recruits, the Egyptian president said his current tenure would end in 2030, provided he remained alive, and ruled out any further discussion about extending his presidency.

Egypt amended its constitution in 2019, extending presidential terms from four to six years and allowing Sisi to seek another term in 2023.

His current term is therefore scheduled to end in 2030, with the constitutional provisions governing his tenure not permitting another presidential run.

Sisi insisted that Egypt’s constitution would not be amended again to extend his time in office.

How Fuel Subsidy Fraud Investigation Triggered My Mother’s Kidnap — Okonjo-Iweala

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has revealed that her efforts to uncover an alleged $2.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud in Nigeria triggered threats against her and the abduction of her mother in 2012.

Okonjo-Iweala, who served as Nigeria’s finance minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, disclosed this during an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua on the Leaders programme.

According to her, the investigation began after officials noticed a sharp increase in claims submitted by fuel importers under Nigeria’s petroleum subsidy programme.

At the time, Nigeria depended heavily on imported refined petroleum products to meet domestic demand, while the government paid importers subsidies to enable them to sell petrol at regulated prices.

However, the growing subsidy claims raised concerns, prompting Okonjo-Iweala to seek presidential approval for an audit.

She said the investigation uncovered approximately $2.4 billion in alleged fraud, leading the government to withhold the disputed payments.

“I went to the president and said, look, something is going on here. Could we audit the accounts? And he said, yes, go ahead. And we found about $2.4 billion worth of fraud. So we refused to pay,” she recalled.

The former finance minister said she subsequently received threats before her mother, Kamene Okonjo, was kidnapped from her home in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, in December 2012.

She disclosed that the abductors demanded her resignation from office and her departure from Nigeria as conditions for her mother's release.

“I was told that for her to be released, I should resign and leave the country,” she said.

Describing the incident as one of the most traumatic experiences of her life, Okonjo-Iweala said she struggled with the fear that her efforts to tackle corruption could cost her mother her life.

She explained that her mother was held in a forest for five days before escaping during the night.

“She was held in the middle of a forest, and one night she escaped. She’s still alive. She’s 96 now,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala added that her mother remains distressed whenever the incident is discussed.

The WTO chief admitted that she considered resigning to secure her mother's release, saying she would have prioritised her mother's life over retaining her ministerial position.

“Between my mother, having my mother alive and staying in a job, I would pick my mother any day,” she stated.

However, she recalled that her father encouraged her not to surrender to the kidnappers' demands, insisting that she should continue her work despite the threats.

According to her, the experience left her with a lingering sense of guilt, although it also strengthened her determination to confront corruption and find solutions to difficult challenges.

“I feel that this is a real fight that has to be waged. If you are a country that is not that rich, every single penny counts,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala became the WTO director-general in March 2021, making history as the first woman and the first African to hold the position.

Her mother's abduction in 2012 attracted widespread national attention and raised concerns about the safety of the families of public officials involved in sensitive government investigations.

Explosion at Iraqi Paramilitary Headquarters Kills One, Injures Four

An explosion at the headquarters of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Baghdad has killed one member of the paramilitary group and injured four others, according to security and medical sources.

The explosion reportedly occurred when a stockpile of obsolete ammunition detonated, triggering a fire at the facility. The group confirmed that five people were injured in the incident, while the resulting fire has since been brought under control.

Following the incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi ordered an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion, according to an official statement.

The Popular Mobilization Forces, also known as Hashd Al-Shaabi, is an umbrella organization comprising predominantly Shiite paramilitary factions. The group has been formally incorporated into Iraq’s state security structure and includes several factions aligned with Iran.

Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the explosion and establish whether any safety violations contributed to the incident.

At Least 17 Dead, 25 Injured in Stampede at Religious Festival in India

At least 17 people have died and 25 others sustained injuries following a stampede at a Hindu religious festival in Kolkata, West Bengal State, eastern India.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026, at a temporary religious pavilion set up for the annual Durga Puja festival, which attracts thousands of worshippers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed the casualties, revealing that a seven-year-old girl was among those who lost their lives. He added that six of the victims had been identified as of the time of reporting.

According to police, the stampede occurred amid heavy rainfall and a large gathering of devotees visiting the festival venue.

A senior police officer told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency that an announcement triggered confusion among the crowd after the rain began. People waiting outside the pavilion reportedly started pushing and rushing forward, causing several individuals to fall and triggering the deadly incident.

The injured victims were subsequently taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

In a statement shared on X, Modi said the West Bengal government was providing assistance to the affected families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The prime minister's office also announced financial compensation of 200,000 Indian rupees (approximately $2,106) for the families of each deceased victim, while those injured would receive 50,000 rupees (approximately $527) each.

Interior Minister Amit Shah said the authorities were working to ensure that the injured received the necessary medical care.

Deadly stampedes have occurred repeatedly at major public gatherings across India, particularly during religious festivals and other large events, with overcrowding and inadequate crowd management frequently identified as contributing factors.

In 2025, a stampede at the Kumbh Mela religious gathering killed 30 people, while 11 people died during celebrations in Bengaluru following a local cricket team's first Indian Premier League title.

Earlier incidents include a stampede at a political campaign rally in Tamil Nadu that claimed 36 lives and a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh in 2024, where 121 people were killed.

The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about crowd control and public safety at large religious gatherings in India.

EU to Provide €20m Defence Support to Nigeria to Tackle Insecurity

The European Union is set to provide €20 million in defence assistance to Nigeria to strengthen the Armed Forces' capacity to tackle insecurity across the country.

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), disclosed this during a meeting with the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

The assistance will be provided under the European Peace Facility, with an EU technical delegation expected to visit Abuja in November to finalise arrangements for delivering the support.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the minister's aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the meeting focused on bilateral defence agreements and the review of security cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union.

Musa expressed appreciation to the EU for its continued support for Nigeria's security efforts and reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to protecting lives and property.

The defence minister said relative peace was gradually returning to parts of the country through the efforts of the military and other security agencies. However, he acknowledged that kidnapping along major highways and attacks on isolated communities remained significant security challenges.

He added that Nigeria was expecting 10 attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and other essential military equipment through the efforts of President Bola Tinubu's administration.

On regional security, Musa raised concerns about the shrinking of the Lake Chad Basin, which supports more than 50 million people, warning that the development could contribute to instability in the region.

He stressed the importance of preventing terrorist groups from accessing operational bases on islands within Lake Chad, noting that the Multinational Joint Task Force remained committed to addressing the threat.

The minister also called for greater attention to personnel affected by conflicts under the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme, emphasising that military personnel who had suffered from conflict should receive adequate support.

In his remarks, Mignot commended the Nigerian government's efforts to improve the country's security situation and invited Musa to attend a meeting of defence ministers scheduled to take place in Brussels later this year.

The EU ambassador also praised a recent conference involving former and serving commanders of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which brought together representatives of the African Union and the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

The planned November visit by the EU technical delegation is expected to help finalise the arrangements for delivering the €20 million assistance to Nigeria's Armed Forces.

Czech PM Babis Suffers Major Setback as Opposition Parties Dominate Senate Elections

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has suffered a significant political setback after opposition parties secured the most victories in the country's Senate elections, dealing a blow to his ruling ANO party.

The election results announced on Saturday showed that Babis' ANO party failed to win any of the seats it contested, marking one of its first major electoral challenges since returning to power last year.

The party had hoped to strengthen its position in the 81-member Senate, where one-third of the seats were contested. However, opposition parties maintained their majority in the upper legislative chamber.

Babis described the outcome as "catastrophic", although the results are not expected to threaten the stability of his coalition government, which includes right-wing and far-right political parties.

Since taking office, the government has ended direct state military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia and challenged several European Union climate policies.

Despite the setback, ANO remains ahead in national opinion polls, suggesting that the party continues to enjoy substantial public support.

The Czech Senate plays an important role in approving constitutional amendments, confirming presidential nominees to the Constitutional Court and electing its speaker. However, its legislative powers are limited because the lower house can override Senate vetoes.

The pro-European Mayors and Independents party emerged as the strongest performer, winning 10 of the 14 seats it contested, including two secured in the first round. The Civic Democrats also recorded a strong performance, winning seven seats.

The latest results followed municipal elections held the previous weekend, in which ANO won six of the country's 13 regional capitals, compared with eight in the previous election four years ago.

Meanwhile, voter turnout during Friday's and Saturday's Senate run-offs was low. Under the Czech electoral system, the two leading candidates advance to a second round unless a candidate secures more than 50 per cent of the vote in the first round.

Babis' government has also faced criticism over its relaxed fiscal policies, which are intended to increase wages and pensions while expanding investment in transport infrastructure.

The election outcome represents a setback for the prime minister but is unlikely to immediately undermine his government's hold on power.

Latin American Nations Move Closer to Israel as Right-Wing Leaders Gain Power

Several Latin American countries are strengthening diplomatic relations with Israel following the emergence of right-wing governments, reversing policies adopted by previous administrations in response to Israel’s war on Gaza.

The growing diplomatic shift has been reflected in decisions to restore diplomatic relations, appoint ambassadors, expand security cooperation and relocate embassies to Jerusalem, a city claimed as a capital by both Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, welcomed Colombia’s decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, describing the development as an important diplomatic victory for Israel.

Saar also suggested that Brazil could eventually follow Colombia and other countries in relocating its embassy to the disputed city.

Political Changes Drive Diplomatic Realignment

The shift in Latin America's relationship with Israel has coincided with the rise of conservative leaders who favour closer relations with the United States under President Donald Trump.

Analysts say the development reflects a combination of political calculations, ideological similarities, religious influence and sustained lobbying by pro-Israel organisations.

Marta Tawil Kuri, a research professor at the College of Mexico, said the changing diplomatic landscape was being shaped by right-wing leaders seeking closer alignment with Washington, evangelical Christian constituencies and Israel's diplomatic outreach.

Colombia provides one of the clearest examples of the transformation.

Former President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, halted coal exports to the country and suspended military and security cooperation.

However, his successor, Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office in August 2026, has moved quickly to reverse those policies.

His administration has announced plans to relocate Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, restore diplomatic representation and recognise Israel's claim to the occupied Golan Heights in Syria.

The two countries have also introduced visa-free travel arrangements for their citizens, signalling a further improvement in bilateral relations.

Similar developments have occurred elsewhere in the region.

Argentina's President Javier Milei has emerged as one of Israel's strongest supporters, while Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has reversed the diplomatic position adopted by previous left-wing governments.

Chile's President José Antonio Kast has also appointed an ambassador to Israel, while Honduras's President Nasry Asfura has restored diplomatic representation.

Venezuela, meanwhile, announced plans to restore consular relations with Israel in August, ending nearly two decades of hostility under former leaders Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro.

Brazil's Election Could Further Strengthen Israel's Position

Brazil has become a major focus of attention as its presidential election campaign brings the country's relationship with Israel into the political spotlight.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a prominent supporter of Palestinian rights, is facing a strong challenge from right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro has openly promoted closer relations with Israel, received public support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and appeared alongside Argentina's Milei during his presidential campaign.

Netanyahu has described Bolsonaro as a friend and a strong supporter of relations between the two countries.

Analysts believe Bolsonaro's campaign is seeking to position itself within a broader conservative political alliance associated with Trump and Israel.

Alexander Main, director of international policy at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, said the prominent involvement of foreign leaders in Latin American election campaigns represented a notable development in the region's politics.

According to analysts, closer relations with Israel could also provide Latin American governments with access to military equipment, intelligence cooperation, security training and surveillance technologies.

These potential benefits have become increasingly relevant as conservative governments emphasise counterterrorism and regional security.

Trump's Influence Shapes Regional Alliances

The diplomatic realignment is also linked to Washington's efforts to strengthen its influence across the Western Hemisphere.

Several Latin American countries have joined the US-led Shield of the Americas security initiative, which focuses on combating drug trafficking and organised crime.

The alliance brings together governments from across the region and forms part of Trump's broader strategy to limit the influence of rival global powers, particularly China.

Analysts say some participating governments share security priorities with Israel, creating opportunities for closer political and military cooperation.

However, the shift has also deepened divisions between conservative administrations and political movements that view Israel's military campaign in Gaza as a violation of Palestinian rights.

Before the recent political changes, several Latin American governments condemned Israel's actions and supported international legal efforts seeking accountability over the war.

Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Belize and Nicaragua have all, at different points, supported or participated in initiatives connected to South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Evangelical Christian Groups Expand Pro-Israel Campaigns

Religious influence is another important factor behind the growing ties.

In Brazil, the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, a coalition of pro-Israel evangelical legislators, represents a substantial bloc in both chambers of Congress.

Its political influence has encouraged presidential candidates and other politicians to strengthen their relationships with Israel in an effort to appeal to evangelical voters.

Christian Zionism, which supports Israel partly on religious grounds, has also gained influence in countries such as Honduras and Guatemala.

Both countries have moved their embassies to Jerusalem, reflecting their governments' support for Israel.

Pro-Israel organisations based in the United States have also intensified their engagement with Latin American political leaders.

One such organisation, the Latino Coalition for Israel, has organised delegations and held meetings with officials across the region to promote closer relations with Israel.

The groups argue that their support is rooted in religious beliefs concerning the Jewish people's connection to the land of Israel and Jerusalem.

Isaac Accords Seek to Expand Israel's Regional Influence

Argentina's Milei has also launched an initiative known as the Isaac Accords to encourage stronger relations between Israel and Latin American countries.

The initiative was established following the Genesis Prize Foundation's decision to award Milei $1 million in 2025 in recognition of his support for Israel.

Modelled partly on the Abraham Accords, which facilitated the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, the Isaac Accords seek to promote diplomatic, economic and civil society cooperation.

The initiative also supports pro-Israel organisations and monitors political developments that demonstrate governments' changing positions towards Israel.

In late September, Netanyahu met with the leaders of Bolivia, Panama and Paraguay on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and urged them to join the initiative.

The meeting formed part of Israel's broader effort to build new international partnerships at a time when its military campaign in Gaza has attracted widespread international criticism.

A Region Divided Over Israel

Despite the diplomatic gains, Latin America's changing relationship with Israel remains politically contested.

Conservative leaders increasingly view cooperation with Israel as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Washington, attract security partnerships and consolidate support among religious constituencies.

Meanwhile, critics continue to raise concerns about the humanitarian consequences of Israel's war on Gaza and the implications of moving embassies to Jerusalem, whose status remains internationally disputed.

The direction of the relationship will depend partly on future elections, changes in government and the ability of pro-Israel political movements to maintain their influence.

For now, the growing number of governments restoring ties with Israel marks a significant shift in Latin America's diplomatic landscape, where support for Palestine had become a prominent feature of several left-wing administrations.

Albania Protests Turn Violent as Police Deploy Rubber Bullets Against Anti-Rama Demonstrators

Albanian police have fired rubber bullets at anti-government protesters in the capital, Tirana, as demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama entered their fifth consecutive day.

The protests intensified on Saturday after high school and university students joined the wider demonstrations, accusing the government of corruption and failing to address rising education costs, unemployment and inadequate educational facilities.

According to reports by AFP and The Associated Press, protesters threw stones, petrol bombs and fireworks at security personnel near the prime minister's office and other locations in central Tirana. Some demonstrators also set vehicles and rubbish bins on fire, creating burning barricades along major streets.

Police responded with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges to disperse the crowds. The use of rubber bullets was reported for the first time since the demonstrations began.

Albanian National Police Chief Skender Hita confirmed that officers had deployed rubber bullets, describing their use as limited.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reported that nine protesters and four police officers received medical treatment following Saturday's clashes.

Hita also disclosed that 167 people had been arrested during the five days of unrest, while 132 police officers had sustained injuries. Meanwhile, seven officers were suspended pending investigations into allegations that they had exceeded their authority.

Rama, who has been in power since 2013 and is serving his fourth term, has rejected calls to resign. He visited businesses damaged during the violence on Saturday, promising to listen to students' concerns and protect their right to peaceful demonstrations.

However, the prime minister accused his conservative political opponents of encouraging the violence.

Students Demand Better Education and Employment Opportunities

The student-led protests have highlighted growing frustration over expensive university fees, inadequate educational facilities, limited employment opportunities and allegations of corruption within the government.

During Saturday's demonstration, protesters reportedly set fire to a suitcase and threw it into the courtyard of the Ministry of Education. The action symbolised their determination to remain in Albania rather than leave the country in search of better opportunities.

“We are demanding our rights, our future and a better country,” journalism student Sinan Billa told AFP.

The demonstrations have added to months of anti-government rallies organised by the Flamingo movement, which initially emerged in opposition to a luxury tourism development planned along Albania's southern coast.

The project is linked to an investment company founded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.

The movement has since broadened its campaign, calling for Rama's resignation amid allegations of corruption against his administration.

Protests Spread Beyond the Capital

The unrest has also extended beyond Tirana, with local media reporting that protesters in the coastal city of Durres damaged a post office and blocked roads using burning barricades.

The escalating demonstrations have increased pressure on Rama's government as students and other protesters demand political accountability, improved public services and better economic opportunities.

Despite the growing unrest, Rama has shown no indication that he intends to step down, while authorities continue to face the challenge of containing the protests.

Kenya Confirms Four New Ebola Cases as Outbreak Toll Rises to Seven

Kenya has confirmed four additional cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of infections recorded in the East African country to seven, according to the Ministry of Health.

Three of the newly confirmed patients are healthcare workers who treated the country's first Ebola patient, while the fourth is a relative of the initial victim, who died from the disease.

The Ministry of Health announced the latest infections on Saturday, October 17, raising concerns about the potential spread of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

The newly infected relative had reportedly been in quarantine since October 6 as part of measures to prevent further transmission.

The announcement came a day after Kenyan authorities confirmed three cases linked to the country's first Ebola patient.

Outbreak Linked to Democratic Republic of Congo

Health authorities said the infections in Kenya are connected to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where more than 9,000 cases and over 4,300 deaths have been reported since the outbreak was officially detected in May.

Kenya's first recorded patient died on October 5 after reportedly spending a month ill in the DRC before travelling to Nairobi on October 3.

The subsequent infections represent the first known instances of Ebola transmission within Kenya.

According to the Health Ministry, authorities identified 130 people who had contact with the initial patient. Of these, 128, representing 98.5 per cent, had been placed in quarantine.

The ministry said the proportion exceeded the international benchmark of 85 per cent considered necessary to help interrupt transmission.

Authorities also maintained that nearly all known contacts of the initial patient had been traced and quarantined, adding that there was currently no evidence of widespread community transmission.

Government Intensifies Containment Measures

Kenyan authorities have stepped up efforts to contain the outbreak through enhanced health screening and the establishment of a hotline for individuals who suspect they may have been exposed to the virus.

However, concerns have emerged over how the first patient was able to enter the country without being detected during health screening and subsequently come into contact with numerous people.

Ebola is a serious infectious disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as contaminated objects such as clothing and bedding.

No Approved Vaccine for the Bundibugyo Strain

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment is currently available, complicating efforts to control the disease.

Researchers are working to develop vaccines capable of protecting against the strain, with some candidates already undergoing early-stage human trials.

Health authorities continue to monitor exposed individuals and strengthen containment measures to prevent further infections.

The latest cases have heightened concerns about the possibility of cross-border transmission, particularly given the scale of the ongoing outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

WAEC Records 56,000 Registrations for 2026 Private WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that approximately 56,000 candidates registered for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, Second Series.

WAEC’s Head of National Office, Suleiman Kum, disclosed the figure on Saturday during an inspection of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) English Language examination in Lagos.

The inspection took place at the council’s Training and Testing Centre on Ijaiye Road, Ogba, where candidates were taking the examination.

According to Kum, the registered candidates included approximately 272 walk-in candidates who enrolled to improve their results in specific subjects.

Lagos State recorded more than 22,000 candidates, including about 50 walk-in candidates, making it a major examination centre for the exercise.

WAEC Highlights Benefits of Computer-Based Testing

Kum said the introduction of computer-based testing had significantly reduced examination malpractice while improving transparency, security and the credibility of the examination process.

He explained that WAEC introduced CBT in 2024 and had continued to refine the system to strengthen examination administration and protect the integrity of its assessments.

The WAEC official also disclosed that candidates were thoroughly screened before entering examination halls to prevent them from bringing unauthorised materials into the examination centres.

He stressed that the screening process was intended to prevent malpractice rather than deliberately create difficulties for candidates.

Kum reaffirmed the council’s commitment to adopting innovative methods to improve examination delivery and maintain its reputation for credible assessments.

WAEC Advises Candidates on Examination Preparation

The WAEC national office head urged candidates to prepare thoroughly for their examinations by studying diligently, practising past questions and familiarising themselves with marking schemes.

He also recommended reading chief examiners’ reports, which provide insights into candidates’ common mistakes, areas of strength and weaknesses, as well as guidance on answering questions effectively.

The 2026 private candidates’ examination forms part of WAEC’s ongoing transition towards computer-based testing, an initiative aimed at improving examination security, transparency and efficiency.