GLIC Daily Report Series 2.12
Health
WHO declares mpox outbreak in Congo a global emergency, highlighting severity of symptoms
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring African countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration, the highest level of global health alert, underscores the seriousness of the outbreak, particularly the troubling symptoms associated with the virus. Mpox is a viral illness that usually begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. However, the most distinctive and concerning symptoms are the rashes and lesions that develop on the skin. These lesions typically start on the face and hands but can spread to other parts of the body, including the torso and limbs.
African News: WHO declares mpox outbreak in Congo a global emergency. August 16, 2024
Politics
DRC: At least 16 dead in fighting between militias and rebels
Clashes between local rebels and pro-government militias in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) killed 16 villagers, a government official said, the latest violation of a ceasefire announced to help millions of displaced people in the region.
African News: DRC: At least 16 dead in fighting between militias and rebels August 16, 2024
Politics
South Sudan: Security law ‘automatically’ in force
South Sudan’s controversial security bill allowing people to be arrested without warrants has become law even though the president has not signed it.
African News: South Sudan: Security law ‘automatically’ in force August 16, 2024
Politics
Is Africa experiencing a protest-led revolution?
Not long after widespread, and deadly, protests against tax hikes rocked Kenya in June and forced a sharp government turnaround, Ugandans assembled for anticorruption protests, before Nigerians too began clamouring for demonstrations. The timing of the multi-country agitations, the palpable anger of the young people leading them, and the brutal responses by their governments have held the world transfixed. The seeming linearity of the events is prompting speculation that the wheels of something much bigger are already turning.
Aljazeeral: Is Africa experiencing a protest-led revolution August 16, 2024
Politics
Sudan peace talks start – but neither side shows up
Fresh peace talks aimed at ending Sudan’s 16-month war have started although neither warring side has entered the negotiating room. Fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed thousands, driven about 10 million people from their homes. The RSF on Tuesday night said its arrival in Geneva was “a powerful testament to our resolve and determination to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people”. The group called on the army to attend the talks. However, the RSF were not present at the start of the talks on Wednesday. The group has not publicly given a reason for withdrawing.
BBC News: Sudan peace talks start – but neither side shows up
Security
Israel war on Gaza: New Israeli evacuation orders as ‘safe zone’ hit
Israel has issued new evacuation orders for south Gaza, covering some areas it previously dedicated as a “humanitarian safe zone”. Al-Mawasi, also called a “safe zone” by Israel, was hit by airstrikes, killing two Palestinians.
Aljazeeral: Israel war on Gaza: New Israeli evacuation orders as ‘safe zone’ hit August 16, 2024
Security
Gaza death toll surpasses 40,000 with no let-up in Israel’s war
Gaza death toll surpasses 40,000 with no let-up in Israel’s war Israel’s brutal war has now killed more than 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Aljazeeral: Gaza death toll surpasses 40,000 with no let-up in Israel’s war August 16, 2024
Environment
Yemen Flooding Leaves 57 Dead, Thousands Affected
Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Yemen, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 57 lives, according to the United Nations. The flooding, which began in late June and intensified in early August, has affected over 34,000 families, with many more reported missing or injured. The hardest-hit regions include Hodeidah, Ta’iz, and Ma’rib, where torrential downpours have overwhelmed infrastructure and homes, leaving thousands without shelter or access to necessities.
The Whistler: Yemen Flooding Leaves 57 Dead, Thousands Affected August 16, 2024
Economics
Oil markets may soon get hit by a global supply glut, weakening crude prices further
Some of the top US oil refiners are throttling back operations at their facilities this quarter, adding to concerns that a global glut of crude is forming. Marathon Petroleum Corp. owner of the largest US refinery plans to operate its 13 plants at an average of 90% of capacity this quarter, the lowest for the period since 2020. At the same time, global supplies of crude are expected to rise through the end of the year, even as new refineries ramp up. The US has been able to ship some of its surplus to Nigeria’s Dangote mega refinery which has been feasting on oil from the Permian formation and Mexico’s Dos Bocas refinery is slated to start production this year. The market is no longer willing to pay a huge premium for that because the tensions haven’t so far resulted in a loss of barrels, said Dwivedi, who sees benchmark Brent oil averaging $75 a barrel in the fourth quarter and dipping to $64 in the second quarter.
Fortune: Oil markets may soon get hit by a global supply glut, weakening crude prices further
August 12, 2024
