Wildfires Kill 12 in Northern Algeria Amid Heatwave
At least 12 people have died and dozens more suffered burn injuries as wildfires tore through several provinces along Algeria's northern coastline, authorities said yesterday, Wednesday, August 27. Firefighters battled 69 blazes as the country endures a severe heatwave, following a similar wave of fires last month that killed at least six people amid more than 2,000 blazes across Algeria in July alone.
Chad Accuses Sudan of Air Strike on Its Territory, Raises Alert Level
Chad has accused Sudan's army of bombing a military convoy more than 100 kilometers inside its eastern Ennedi region last week, raising its alert level to maximum and deploying around 100 armored vehicles near the border. Sudan says it's investigating without confirming responsibility, insisting its forces are only protecting national sovereignty, as the African Union urges restraint to prevent Sudan's civil war from spilling across borders.
Tunisia Recovers Final Bodies From Migrant Boat Sinking, Death Toll Hits 14
Tunisian authorities said today, Thursday, August 27, they've recovered the last missing bodies from a migrant boat that sank off the coast last week, bringing the death toll to 14. The boat carried mostly young people, including seven members of one family and a pregnant woman, and search and rescue operations have now ended with bodies handed over to relatives.
Parents, Teachers Urge Delay to School Reopening in DR Congo's Ebola Epicenter
Teachers and parents in DR Congo's Ituri province are pushing authorities to delay schools reopening on September 1, warning that the region's out-of-control Ebola outbreak still poses too great a risk to children. Case fatality rates run as high as 60% among children under five, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the international response plan is only 48% funded, with an additional $1.1 billion urgently needed.
Zambian Opposition Leader Mundubile Handed Over to Police
Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who had gone into hiding after disputing his election loss, has been handed over to police for questioning over alleged threats to national security, state broadcaster ZNBC reports. Mundubile and his running mate had been under United Nations protection in Lusaka since a raid on a property linked to him left a former cabinet minister dead, and he was unable to legally challenge the election after courts were sealed off on the filing deadline.
Nigeria Football Federation Leadership Resigns Amid Crisis
The Nigeria Football Federation's president, general secretary, and full executive committee have resigned, leaving the organization in turmoil following the Super Falcons' shock exit from World Cup qualification and years of scrutiny over governance. Outgoing president Ibrahim Gusau stepped down just 34 days before his term was set to expire, as an emergency congress convenes in Abuja to determine next steps, including the possibility of a FIFA-backed transition committee.
South African Airlines Scramble to Avoid Jet Fuel Shortage
South African airlines, led by FlySafair, are taking emergency steps to secure jet fuel after maintenance problems at the Natref refinery in Sasolburg raised fears of a supply crunch. The airline is sourcing extra fuel from alternative providers and using "fuel tankering" to reduce refueling needs, as authorities held an emergency meeting to address risks to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport.
