Kenya Celebrates Sabastian Sawe’s Historic Marathon Feat
Sabastian Sawe returned home to a hero’s welcome in Kenya after becoming the first person to officially run a marathon in under two hours, with celebrations including a water cannon salute, traditional dancers, and a formal ceremony hosted by President William Ruto. The president awarded Sawe $61,000 and a car, while the record-breaker said he is already aiming to run even faster.
Meta Faces Questions After Ending Kenya AI Contract
Meta is under pressure after abruptly ending its contract with outsourcing firm Sama, a move that could cost 1,108 Kenya-based workers their jobs, shortly after workers raised concerns about reviewing graphic footage captured by Meta’s AI smart glasses. Regulators in both Kenya and the UK are now looking into privacy concerns tied to the glasses, while worker advocates allege the contract was cut after staff spoke out.
Burkina Faso Tightens Security After Mali Attacks Shake Region
Burkina Faso has launched a major security operation in Ouagadougou and other parts of the country after the large-scale attacks in neighboring Mali raised fears of regional spillover. Authorities have increased patrols, deployed units to key intersections, and urged citizens to report suspicious activity near airports, military bases, and other sensitive sites.
Ghana Cracks Down on Smuggled Ivorian Cocoa Entering Supply Chain
Ghana’s cocoa regulator says some officials at licensed buying companies are using state funds to buy cheaper cocoa smuggled in from Côte d’Ivoire, undercutting local farmers and risking Ghana’s premium cocoa reputation. Authorities have begun arrests and seized more than 100 bags of Ivorian cocoa as part of a wider crackdown along the border.
South Sudan’s President Fires Foreign and Trade Ministers in Cabinet Shake-Up
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed his foreign and trade ministers, along with a top internal security official, in another round of leadership changes. No reason was given, but analysts say Kiir often reshuffles senior positions as he manages conflict and questions around succession.
Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia Strike Deal to Share Sahara Water Reserve
Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia have agreed to jointly manage one of the world’s largest underground water reserves, aiming to prevent overuse and pollution of the vast Sahara aquifer they share. The new pact includes water quotas, monitoring systems, and closer coordination as climate pressures and water demand continue to rise.
U.S. Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Claim Over Western Sahara
The United States has again backed Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, calling for a swift resolution to a conflict that has dragged on since 1975. Washington supports Morocco’s autonomy plan for the territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front continues to push for self-determination.
