Africa CDC Advisor Applauds Ethiopia’s Exemplary Triumph Over Marburg

Addis Ababa, 20 February 2026 —The Principal Advisor for Programmes Management at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Ngashi Ngongo has lauded Ethiopia’s swift and decisive containment of the Marburg Virus Disease as a testament to the nation’s burgeoning health sovereignty and resilient medical infrastructure.

Speaking to ENA, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Principal Advisor for Programmes Management at Africa CDC, praised the government’s decisive leadership and coordinated national response, which brought the outbreak under control within a short period. 

“Ethiopia has demonstrated strong leadership and an organized response that enabled the country to contain Marburg swiftly. This is a showcase of a resilient health system,” he said. 

On January 26, 2026, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health officially announced that Marburg Virus Disease had been eradicated from the country’s borders, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s public health efforts. 

Dr. Ngongo congratulated the Government of Ethiopia, noting that the response to the outbreak was immediate, well structured, and grounded in prior experience managing public health emergencies. 

According to him, Ethiopia’s handling of the virus provides valuable lessons for other African countries on managing health crises without causing major social and economic disruption. 

He highlighted the central role of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute in coordinating surveillance, laboratory testing, and response operations. The institute, he said, effectively applied its expertise while identifying gaps to further strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks. 

“There are important lessons to draw from Ethiopia’s experience, particularly in strengthening surveillance systems to ensure cases are detected early,” Ngongo noted. 

He added that the expansion of the health extension program has been critical in enabling surveillance to begin at the community level and flow through the entire system.

Ethiopia’s decentralized laboratory capacity also played a decisive role, allowing rapid detection and response. Well distributed laboratories across the country helped identify cases promptly and support immediate intervention, he explained. 

On Africa CDC’s collaboration during the outbreak, Dr. Ngongo said the continental body provided technical assistance, deployed experts, reinforced laboratory systems, and supplied essential reagents. 

“We are in Ethiopia and Ethiopia is our priority,” he said. “There is no doubt about the commitment to support the country.” 

He further emphasized the broader continental push to strengthen Africa’s health sovereignty. 

“Health sovereignty is no longer an option. It has become a necessity,” he stressed, underscoring the need for African nations to rely more on domestic resources to build sustainable and reliable health systems. 

The remarks come as health and finance leaders recently convened in Addis Ababa for a high-level forum focused on advancing Africa’s health security and strengthening collaboration between the health and finance sectors to build self-reliant systems across the continent.

Special Operations Command Marks 65th Anniversary With Grand Exhibition in Hawassa

Addis Ababa, 20 February 2026 —A major photographic exhibition tracing the history and operational strength of Ethiopia’s Special Operations Command has opened in Hawassa, marking the 65th anniversary of the elite unit’s establishment.                                                        

The exhibition, which forms the centerpiece of the anniversary celebrations, presents a detailed account of the Command’s evolution, showcasing historic milestones, operational achievements, and modern military equipment that reflect its growing capabilities.

The event was officially inaugurated by Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula. 

The ceremony brought together senior military leaders and regional officials, underscoring the national importance of the occasion.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Deputy Chief of Staff General Abebaw Tadesse, Ethiopian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, Special Operations Command Commander Lieutenant General Shuma Abdata, and Hawassa City Mayor Tiratu Beyene.

Speaking during the celebration, Deputy Commander for Operations of the Special Operations Command, Major General Abebaw Sayid, described the unit as a force that has safeguarded the country’s sovereignty through extraordinary sacrifice.

“The Command has cemented the sovereignty and stability of the country through immense sacrifice,” he said.

He noted that since its establishment, the unit has operated in multiple theaters under complex and demanding conditions, consistently demonstrating resilience and professionalism.

“We have overcome various complex and challenging circumstances to successfully safeguard the nation,” the Deputy Commander stated.

Major General Abebaw emphasized that the anniversary is not only a moment to commemorate past achievements but also an opportunity to reinforce operational readiness and address institutional gaps.

“This anniversary enables us to strengthen our capabilities, address shortcomings, and enhance our readiness for any mission entrusted to us,” he said.

In related remarks, officials underscored that the Special Operations Command is a unit that has “written history in blood and bone” in defense of the nation, paying tribute to members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

As part of the celebration, a commemorative book documenting the Command’s 65-year journey was launched. A panel discussion exploring the themes and historical insights contained in the publication is scheduled to follow the exhibition.

During the ceremony, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula officially unveiled and blessed the Command’s new emblem, symbolizing renewal and continued commitment to national defense.

The program also featured a documentary film highlighting the Command’s historical trajectory and current operational capacity. 

A display of military equipment offered invited guests and residents of Hawassa a closer look at the unit’s evolving technological strength.

The anniversary celebrations are set to continue with a series of events organized by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, honoring the legacy of heroism while reinforcing preparedness for future missions.

PM Abiy Hails 65 Years of Ethiopia’s Special Operations Command, Showcases Modern Military Strength

Addis Ababa, February 21, 2026 (ENA) –Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised Ethiopia’s Special Operations Command for its enduring legacy and modern capabilities as it celebrated its 65th anniversary.

In a message shared on social media channels, Prime Minister Abiy described Ethiopia as “a land of many heroes who have strengthened the country through generational continuity.”

 He commended the Special Operations Command for carrying out “outstanding missions that have made Ethiopia proud, demonstrating unbreakable resilience through numerous challenges” over the past six and a half decades.

The Prime Minister emphasized that ongoing defense reforms have modernized the command in terms of structure, personnel, and equipment. 

Today, the force integrates airborne, commando, and special counter-terrorism units, ensuring it is capable of responding effectively at any time and under any conditions, he pointed out. 

To mark the anniversary, the Special Operations Command conducted a public demonstration of its modern military capabilities, highlighting the readiness of its personnel and the tactical proficiency of its units. 

PM Abiy particularly noted the integrated waterborne exercise and coordinated operations between airborne and commando forces as proof of the high level of operational capability within the Ethiopian Defense Forces.

“The demonstrations today confirm that Ethiopia’s armed forces stand ready, capable, and modernized to meet the nation’s security needs,” he stated.

The event underscores Ethiopia’s continued focus on strengthening its defense institutions while honoring the legacy of those who have contributed to the country’s security over decades.

Prime Minister Abiy Highlights Progress of Corridor Development Projects in Hawassa

Addis Ababa, February 21, 2026 (ENA) –Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has emphasized that Ethiopia’s corridor development projects are playing a transformative role in reshaping cities and laying the foundation for a better future for coming generations.

The Prime Minister noted that the large-scale initiatives are designed to support the country’s rapid urban growth, ensuring that cities are better planned, more resilient, and capable of meeting the demands of a rising population. 

According to him, the projects are not only modernizing infrastructure but also contributing to long-term national development goals.

Speaking after a visit to Hawassa corridor projects in the early hours of the evening, Prime Minister Abiy observed the progress of the second phase of corridor development works underway in the city.

He commended the advancements made so far and reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable urban transformation.

“Today, we observed the corridor development works carried out in the second phase in the beautiful city of Hawassa,” the Prime Minister shared on his social media channels.

The corridor development program forms part of broader national efforts to prepare Ethiopia for the accelerating trend of urbanization while enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the country.

Dengue Fever Cases Rise to 69 in Sudan’s Northern State

21 February 2026

Patients wait at a hospital amid the spread of cholera and dengue fever cases, in Gedaref, Sudan, September. 27, 2023. AFP photo

February 20, 2026 (DONGOLA) – The Ministry of Health in the Northern State announced on Friday nine new cases of dengue fever in Merowe locality, bringing the total number of infections to 69 since monitoring began, with no deaths reported so far.

Several areas in the Northern State have recently experienced a surge in dengue cases, driven by environmental conditions conducive to mosquito breeding. This has prompted health authorities to intensify field surveillance, response activities, and awareness campaigns.

In a statement issued today, the Northern State Ministry of Health media office clarified that the majority of cases were recorded in the Al-Ghuriba area, with 67 infections, in addition to one case in Al-Basa and another in Al-Arak.

The statement confirmed that field teams are continuing their interventions across several localities, while health emergency rooms have been activated to curb the spread of the disease.

The ministry noted that interventions include controlling disease vectors, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito, as well as health promotion activities through various media platforms and electronic channels.

Health authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to preventive guidelines and urged citizens to cooperate with control teams and report any suspected cases.

On Wednesday, the federal Ministry of Health announced an increase in dengue fever cases across six states, while Hepatitis E infections continue to be recorded in Al-Jazirah State, amid a shortage of some medicines and medical supplies required to combat epidemics.

Sudan Darfur Residents Displaced Face “Tragic” Conditions as Famine Looms

21 February 2026

A group of displaced people fleeing El Fasher arrived in Tawila after a long ordeal.

February 20, 2026 (TAWILA, North Darfur) – The General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur revealed on Friday a humanitarian situation it described as tragic across displacement camps, warning of an escalating risk of famine and deteriorating living conditions amid food aid shortages.

Displacement camps in several Sudanese states have faced worsening humanitarian conditions for months due to a decline in international response and difficulties in delivering aid. This has widened the gap in basic needs, particularly food, water, health services, and education.

Adam Rajal, the spokesperson for the General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur, told Sudan Tribune that displacement camps in Darfur, Kordofan, and the Blue Nile are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, as vast numbers of displaced people rely entirely on relief to meet their daily needs.

He confirmed that the World Food Programme has reduced food rations by 50%, doubling the suffering of those who depend on these supplies. Rajal noted that current conditions are worse than in the past and have contributed to widespread famine.

Rajal added that malnutrition rates among children, along with diseases linked to food insecurity, are rising significantly. He warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe during the upcoming month of Ramadan, when families’ food and living costs typically increase.

Rajal highlighted that the lives of millions have turned into a cycle of continuous suffering due to repeated displacement and the loss of basic survival requirements. He called on international and local organizations to urgently provide food, shelter, safe water sources, and livelihood support to the camps.

Furthermore, he urged support for children’s education, noting that many have been out of school for nearly three years, depriving them of one of their most fundamental rights.

Sudanese Army, Allies Repel RSF Attack on Border Town of Tina

21 February 2026

Sudanese soldiers stand outside the municipal building in Tina, on Feb 21, 2026

FEBRUARY 21, 2026 (TINA) – The Sudanese army and its allies on Saturday repelled a large-scale attack launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the border town of Tina in North Darfur State.

Tina is strategically important due to its location on the border between Sudan and Chad. Any military escalation in the area could have regional implications amid ongoing security tensions in Darfur.

Military sources told Sudan Tribune that the RSF launched a surprise attack on army and Joint Force positions in Tina, initially seizing control of the area after the army and its allies withdrew into Chadian territory.

The sources reported that the army and the Joint Force later launched a counter-offensive, regaining control of Tina and inflicting casualties and equipment losses on the RSF.

Platforms loyal to the Joint Force posted videos showing the destruction of military vehicles and the capture of others in good condition. These clips appeared shortly after RSF members shared footage showing their presence in front of the local government headquarters in Tina.

The sources noted that the clashes in Tina coincided with an incursion by RSF elements into Chadian territory, where they attacked a Chadian army outpost.

According to the sources, the incursion resulted in the death and injury of several Chadian soldiers. There was no immediate official comment from Chadian authorities, and Sudan Tribune was unable to independently verify the incident.

The RSF has repeatedly crossed the border into Chad. The last such incursion occurred in January, for which the group later apologized, describing it as an “unintentional mistake.”

The RSF ground assault on Tina came hours after a drone attack targeted army and Joint Force sites at the former UNAMID mission camp and the local government headquarters, resulting in casualties.

War Losses in Sudan Mining Sector Hit $7 Billion

22 February 2026

February 21, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – A Sudanese minerals official said on Saturday that the sector’s losses have reached $7 billion due to the ongoing 34-month war.

Sudan’s public and private sectors have been subjected to looting and sabotage due to the conflict, leading to the total or partial loss of infrastructure and losses ranging from millions to billions of dollars across various sectors.

Ahmed Haroun al-Tom, Director of the General Authority for Geological Research, said in a statement that “the losses of the mining sector in Sudan due to the war amounted to about $7 billion.”

He revealed that the authority’s activities have shrunk from 18 states before the outbreak of the war to only 6 states currently, directly affecting research, exploration operations, and public revenues.

He stated that the authority has begun importing modern technologies and advanced machinery to enhance its technical capabilities, following the resumption of its operations in the capital, Khartoum, rather than Port Sudan.

State institutions that moved to Port Sudan in eastern Sudan after the outbreak of the war have returned to resume their activities in Khartoum, including the Sovereign Council and the Council of Ministers.

Ahmed Haroun al-Tom explained that before the war, the authority possessed “above-average” technologies in research and exploration, but these were lost due to the conflict. The new technical package includes geophysical devices, remote sensing techniques, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in addition to specialized technologies in geo-engineering and geophysical studies.

He pointed out that the effects of the war were not limited to a decline in field activity but also extended to the disruption of evaluation and exploration programs, which negatively affected investment flows and revenues associated with the minerals sector.

Sudan ranks third in Africa and thirteenth globally in terms of the diversity and volume of mineral wealth. According to the Sudanese General Authority for Geological Research, about 75% of the country’s mineral resources still require detailed exploration and evaluation.

In December last year, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, the regulatory arm of the Ministry of Minerals, announced a surge in gold production, with total output reaching 70 tonnes, the highest in the previous five years.

WHO Warns of Collapse of Sudan’s Health System Amid Attacks on Facilities

22 February 2026

A ransacked emergency room at Ibrahim Malik Hospital illustrates the severe damage to Khartoum's medical infrastructure.

FEBRUARY 21, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Saturday that Sudan’s health system is on the brink of collapse due to ongoing attacks that continue to claim the lives of health workers and patients.

Health facilities have faced four attacks during February alone. Three targeted health centres in Kordofan resulted in 30 deaths, while the fourth struck Al-Mazmoum Hospital in Sennar State. All of these incidents were attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In a post on the X platform, the WHO stated that “attacks continue on the health sector, pushing Sudan’s health system to the edge of collapse.” The organization noted that these attacks result in the death and injury of patients and health workers, in addition to damaging facilities.

According to a United Nations report issued on February 4, 37% of health facilities are out of service, while 63% are only partially functional. This situation deprives large segments of the population, particularly pregnant women, of access to essential healthcare.

The WHO requires $97.7 million this year to assist 20.4 million people, including 4.9 million displaced persons. Furthermore, 8.1 million women and girls of reproductive age require urgent reproductive health services in 2026.

The organization reported that the most recent attack on a hospital in Sennar, on February 15, resulted in the deaths of three people and left seven others injured, including a health worker. The WHO demanded an immediate end to attacks on healthcare facilities.

On February 9, the organization “Insecurity Insight” reported that it had monitored 689 incidents of violence against healthcare or the obstruction of access to it since the outbreak of fighting in April 2023 through December 30, 2025. More than two-thirds of these incidents were attributed to the RSF, resulting in the deaths of 175 health sector workers.

UN Chief Commends China's Zero-tariff Treatment for Africa

Source: Xinhua| 2026-02-15 19:54:30|Editor: huaxia

ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday commended China's zero-tariff treatment for Africa, appealing to all developed countries and nations with large economic potential to take exactly the same measure.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, the UN chief underscored his firm stance against restrictive trade barriers.

When asked by Xinhua about the significance of China's zero-tariff policy on Africa's trade and economic development, Guterres emphasized that Africa urgently needs free trade for its goods.

"Africa cannot be penalized, being a continent with enormous economic difficulties, by trade policies that are restrictive and by tariffs that do not allow African products to be competitive," Guterres said.

"We have witnessed the multiplication of tariffs in recent times, and I am a strong supporter of free trade, and I am a strong supporter of reducing the tariff levels at global level in order to be able to provide for global prosperity," he added.

China announced on Saturday that it will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, starting from May 1, 2026.

At the same time, China will continue to push forward the negotiation and signing of agreements on economic partnership for shared development, and further expand access for African exports to China by upgrading the "green channel" and other facilitation measures.

Beyond Aid: China's Zero-tariff Strategy and Africa's Development Path

Source: Xinhua| 2026-02-16 17:09:00|Editor: huaxia

by Maya Majueran

At the 39th African Union Summit on Saturday, China announced that it will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China starting from May 1, 2026.

It is not only a routine trade policy update but also a signal of how Beijing understands development, partnership and influence in the Global South.

By institutionalizing full market access for African exports, China is positioning itself not only as Africa's largest trading partner, but also as a key driver of economic cooperation, offering an alternative pathway for integration into the global economy -- one less conditioned on political alignment or governance benchmarks traditionally imposed by Western-led systems. This marks a significant milestone in South-South cooperation and offers a tangible blueprint for building what China terms "a community with a shared future for humanity."

Far from being symbolic, the policy has the potential to trigger a transformative cycle of economic development across Africa while aligning closely with China's own economic evolution.

At its core, the zero-tariff initiative strengthens African economic sovereignty. By removing tariff barriers, it directly addresses one of the continent's most persistent constraints: limited export competitiveness. African products from Ethiopian coffee and Kenyan avocados to Senegalese fish and Ghanaian cocoa will gain smoother, more competitive access to the world's second-largest consumer market. Crucially, this is not merely about exporting raw materials, but about creating stable and predictable demand that incentivizes production, scaling, and value-chain development.

The broader economic effects could be substantial. Expanded access to the Chinese market can translate into higher export volumes and more stable foreign-exchange earnings. Such inflows are essential for macroeconomic stability: they ease balance-of-payments pressures, reduce exposure to currency volatility, and expand fiscal space for public investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Over time, this stability can reduce reliance on emergency financing and conditional lending from the International Monetary Fund and other Western-dominated institutions, allowing African states to move beyond cycles of austerity-driven debt management rather than perpetually reshuffling liabilities.

Employment effects are equally significant. Meeting Chinese demand will require African producers to scale up operations, generating jobs across the value chain from farms and processing facilities to logistics, transport, and marketing. For a continent with the world's youngest population and persistently high unemployment, this labour absorption carries both economic and political weight. Trade policy thus becomes a visible instrument for improving livelihoods, easing social pressures, and translating growth into tangible outcomes rather than abstract statistics.

China's accompanying pledge to strengthen skills training and support agriculture, biotechnology, and manufacturing reinforces the impact of tariff liberalization by addressing long-standing supply-side constraints. The objective is clear: to move African economies beyond a narrow raw-material export model. Beijing is signalling support for industrial and agricultural upgrading, not merely market access in isolation.

The emphasis on agriculture is particularly vital. By offering a vast and relatively stable market for African agricultural produce, China incentivizes investment in productivity and food security. Reliable export income enables farmers to invest in improved inputs, technology, and production techniques, raising yields for both export and domestic markets. A more productive and resilient agricultural sector thus becomes a first line of defence against chronic food insecurity.

For China, the policy dovetails with domestic economic priorities. A wealthier Africa with a growing middle class represents a significant future market for Chinese exports, from consumer goods to industrial equipment. At the same time, China's transition toward consumption-driven growth increases demand for imports, especially food, agricultural products, and intermediate goods. In this sense, the policy reflects Beijing's conception of a "shared future": deeper integration that supports African development while reinforcing China's own economic rebalancing. Properly managed, it constitutes a genuinely win-win arrangement rather than a zero-sum trade relationship.

This is the practical meaning of a "shared future." It is not aid, but an empowered partnership. China gains a stable and growing partner region, diversifies supply chains, and advances its strategic economic objectives. Africa gains unprecedented market access, technology, and investment to build its industrial and agricultural base, generate employment, and strengthen financial stability.

In a world increasingly fragmented by protectionism and geopolitical rivalry, this model of development-focused cooperation stands out. It demonstrates that globalization can be reshaped to deliver more inclusive outcomes. By focusing on Africa's productive capacity, China is laying the foundations for mutually beneficial partnerships that will fuel its future economic growth. The zero-tariff policy may well be the key that unlocks this virtuous cycle, proving that shared prosperity is not merely aspirational, but economically achievable.

Editor's note: Maya Majueran serves as the director of the Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka, an independent and pioneering organization with strong expertise in Belt and Road Initiative advice and support.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.

East African Business, Investment Summit to Be Held in Nairobi

Source: Xinhua| 2026-02-22 00:07:45|Editor: huaxia

DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The East African Business and Investment Summit and Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026) will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from Feb. 24 to 25, the East African Business Council (EABC) said Saturday.

The summit, co-organized with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the East African Community (EAC) secretariat, is expected to draw over 500 participants, including regional ministers, investors, and business leaders.

The forum aims to foster private sector-driven integration to boost trade and investment within and beyond the eight-member bloc. Organizers said the event comes as the continent advances the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement.

The agenda includes discussions on regional prosperity, infrastructure connectivity, industrialization, and digital innovation. Breakout sessions will cover digital tax, e-commerce, and financing for small enterprises.

Regional value chains in textiles, leather, and edible oils will also showcase products and hold business-to-business meetings with continental partners.

South African President Reaffirms Non-alignment Policy on Armed Forces Day

Source: Xinhua| 2026-02-22 02:18:00|Editor: huaxia

JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday paid tribute to the country's soldiers and reaffirmed the nation's foreign policy of non-alignment while addressing Armed Forces Day commemorations in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province.

Speaking at the annual event, Ramaphosa honored members of the South African National Defence Force who "paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the Republic both abroad and in internal operations."

"This day is a tribute to the courage of those who wear uniform, and we bow our heads in memory of those who never returned from the horizon. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and comrades of those who made the ultimate sacrifice," he said.

Against the backdrop of rising global geopolitical tensions, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa's longstanding policy of non-alignment during the event.

"South Africa remains steadfast in our policy of non-alignment," he stressed, adding that the country conducts all its operations under strict civilian oversight and in absolute adherence to international humanitarian law, underscoring its sovereignty and independent decision-making.

South Africa's Armed Forces Day is observed annually to commemorate the members of the Native Labour Corps, who lost their lives when the troopship SS Mendi sank on Feb. 21, 1917, during World War I.

Dragon Dances and Dumplings: Cape Town Locals Embrace Chinese New Year at Vibrant Temple Fair

Source: Xinhua| 2026-02-21 23:45:02|Editor: huaxia

CAPE TOWN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- An annual Chinese New Year temple fair was held in South Africa's legislative capital of Cape Town on Saturday, offering local residents a vibrant feast of Chinese culture and cuisine while highlighting cultural exchange and integration between the Chinese and South African peoples.

The event kicked off in the morning at Central Park in Century City, drawing thousands of visitors. Booths showcasing traditional Chinese medicine, tea art, calligraphy and paper-cutting proved especially popular, with many locals eager to participate and experience Chinese traditions firsthand.

Food stalls selling dumplings, liangpi, pan-fried buns and roujiamo saw long queues, at times struggling to meet demand. Meanwhile, dragon and lion dances, live band performances and group fitness shows drew repeated rounds of applause, pushing the festive atmosphere to a climax and bringing a touch of Chinese New Year spirit to Cape Town's summer.

Notably, the dragon dance troupe was made up entirely of local South Africans. Among them was 27-year-old Sinazo Mxeli, who has practiced dragon dancing for three years and participates in the temple fair annually. The group underwent two weeks of special training ahead of this year's performance.

"I do enjoy doing it. It's very fun," said Mxeli. "The more we do it, the more we get to understand it."

Speaking about the Spring Festival and temple fair, Mxeli said, "South Africa is rare to have festivals like this," adding that she loves the food, the cool drinks and also the dragon dance at the temple fair.

"Events like this ... will help people to get to know, get to taste and get to feel how it feels," she said. "They're going to get to learn that we are all the same people, it doesn't matter where we come from. But we all have the same (humanity), even though we believe in different things and do things differently, but the more they come, the more they're going to understand and to get to know the cultures that we all have."

For 15-year-old local high school student Esona Tomsana, this year's temple fair was her first visit.

"The reason why I'm here today is because I love the Chinese culture," she said. "The Chinese food is very, very delicious. I do wanna taste it again and I love everyone here. They are so nice."

Tomsana has been learning Chinese for two years. She said Chinese and South African cultures share many similarities.

"I would say they're very similar since both cultures are very bright, colorful, and everyone is like very welcoming," she said. "More and more people would love to learn Chinese and would love to go to China."

Tomsana told Xinhua that she plans to visit China next year and is particularly interested in exploring Chinese temples, history and ancient emperors.

"I really love it because I love that they are all willing to learn each other's cultures and come together as one big culture and one big family. I really love it," she added, noting that cultural events like the temple fair help promote exchanges between the two peoples.

Her schoolmate, Awethu Malusi, who has studied Chinese for three years, also attended the temple fair for the first time this year. He said Chinese calligraphy is his favorite aspect of Chinese culture and plans to travel to China in June, including visits to Beijing and Zibo.

"I'm expecting lots of, you know, a modern twist with a mix of culture in the buildings. I really like Chinese architecture," he said.

Sixteen-year-old Aaron Li, who moved to South Africa with his family at the age of two, helped his parents set up a game booth at the fair. Reflecting on why he participates in the celebration, Li said, "Most of my life, I've been here. I think it is very important that I come to more of these Chinese events, because I am myself Chinese."

"These Chinese events can influence the younger generation, specifically the local Chinese population. It can influence them through the traditions, through art and music work," he said. "It's a great learning opportunity and teaches them about their traditions ... it's a good place to learn more about what they are. And they can teach more to the local population about what China is."

"So I think this is like very important and beneficial for everyone. For all Chinese people and all people to learn more about China, this is like a very good place to learn," Aaron said. "I think it helps people to understand each other through music, culture, food, and different arts."

Wu Changhong, chairperson of the "Chinese Bridge" Club in Cape Town and organizer of the event, said this marked the fourth consecutive year the group has hosted Spring Festival temple fair, providing overseas Chinese communities with opportunities to celebrate the Chinese New Year together with local people.

"In these four years, I have felt deeply that not only have our language teaching and cultural promotion efforts expanded, but economic and trade cooperation between China and South Africa, or even China and Africa, has also grown. At the same time, local people's understanding of Chinese culture has become increasingly profound," Wu said.

Wu noted that 2026 has been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. She believes that in such a special year, cultural activities like the Spring Festival temple fair will offer meaningful experiences to local communities and attract growing participation.

"If we only celebrate within a single institution or school with our own students, the reach would be limited. But when you bring it to the wider community and let local people celebrate together with us, I think that is the most genuine and practical experience for them," Wu said.

"I think this kind of New Year celebration is the best embodiment of China-Africa people-to-people exchanges, and we will organize more activities like this in the future," she concluded.

Tanzania Launches 20,000 Solar Home Systems to Electrify 120 Islands

Source: Xinhua| 2026-02-21 23:45:00|Editor: huaxia

DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania on Saturday launched a solar electrification project targeting 120 islands across eight regions bordering major lakes and the Indian Ocean.

The initiative aims to install 20,000 solar home systems at a total cost of 8 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 3.2 million U.S. dollars).

The project, implemented by the Rural Energy Agency (REA), was officially inaugurated by Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba on Bezi Island in Lake Victoria, located in the Ilemela district of Mwanza region.

Other regions set to benefit from the program include Geita, Kagera, and Mara along Lake Victoria; Rukwa along Lake Rukwa; and Lindi, Mtwara, and Coast along the Indian Ocean.

Makamba said the government would provide subsidies covering up to 75 percent of connection costs to ensure affordable electricity access in remote areas.

She added that the project would directly support Tanzania's blue economy agenda by enabling fishermen to add value to fish products before marketing, while also boosting aquaculture, seaweed farming, and beach tourism.

US Announces New 10 pct Global Tariff After Supreme Court Rules Sweeping Tariffs Illegal; Experts Warn of Turmoil in Tariff Policy

By Chu Daye

Feb 21, 2026 02:02 PM

The US Capitol Photo: VCG

In a ruling with deep significance for global trade, companies and the pocketbook of every US citizen, the US Supreme Court ruled on Friday that US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs under a law meant for use in national emergencies are illegal,according to local media.

A Chinese expert said the ruling has fundamentally and irrevocably rendered the Trump administration's so-called reciprocal tariffs unlawful, sending an encouraging signal to the world and to some extent bolstering multilateralism, which has been severely challenged by rising unilateralism and protectionism since last year. However, he also warned that the issue of the Trump administration's broad tariffs will remain complex and is unlikely to be resolved in the short term as the administration seeks to prolong its tariffs measures by any means it can find.

Following the Supreme Court ruling, President Donald Trump said he would sign an order imposing a 10 percent global tariff to replace some of the emergency duties the Court ruled illegal, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

On Friday evening, the White House said it will impose a temporary import surcharge of 10 percent on goods imported into the US through an executive order, for a period of 150 days and effective February 24, 2026. The new tax measure exempts a number of goods such as critical minerals and pharmaceuticals.

The executive order was based on federal law, including section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (section 122), according to the White House.

In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court said the tariff policies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unconstitutional, officially striking down the global tariffs Trump has introduced since April, per Xinhua.

The justices ruled that the president did not have the authority under IEEPA to impose import tariffs on goods from nearly all the US trading partners.

The voting upheld that it is the right of Congress to impose taxes, not the president.

He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, told the Global Times on Saturday that the ruling could be considered as a win for the US legal system as the US Supreme Court upheld the US Constitution, which maintains that the right of imposing tariffs lies within the Congress.

Trump announced on April 2, 2025 that the US has established a "minimum baseline tariff" of 10 percent on practically all imported goods, plus even higher rates on certain trading partners, claiming that higher tariffs would help bring in revenue for the government and revitalize US manufacturing.

A coalition of 12 US states subsequently sued over the decision, and the Court of International Trade ruled against the administration. The Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court in September.

International markets reacted positively to the ruling by the US Supreme Court.

The Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq jumped to post weekly gains as the Supreme Court stroke down the Trump administration tariffs, according to industry portal yahoo.com. South Korean equities advanced on Friday, with the benchmark KOSPI closing at 5,808.53, up 131.28 points, or 2.31 percent, according to Business Today.

The ruling was also welcomed by US small-business groups, with some calling for refunds for their tariff payments, according to NBC.

Responding to a Global Times inquiry, the US National Retail Federation (NRF) said the ruling provides "much-needed certainty for US businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity."

"We urge the lower court to ensure a seamless process to refund the tariffs to US importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost," the NRF said in its statement.

Michael Pearce, chief US economist at Oxford Economics, said in a research note to the Global Times on Saturday that the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs immediately lowers the effective tariff rate down sharply, from 12.8 percent to 8.3 percent.

However, Pearce said any boost to the economy from lowering tariffs in the near term is likely to be partly offset by a prolonged period of uncertainty. With the administration likely to rebuild tariffs through other, more durable, means, the overall tariffs rate may yet end up settling close to current levels, the expert said.

US President Trump on Friday blasted the US Supreme Court after it struck down his signature tariff policy, calling the decision "ridiculous." "To show you how ridiculous the opinion is, however, the court said that I'm not allowed to charge even one dollar," Trump told reporters, according to a video footage released by the NBC.

Following the Supreme Court ruling, Trump responded by saying on Truth Social that "Today I will sign an Order to impose a 10% GLOBAL TARIFF, under Section 122 (of the 1974 Trade Act), over and above our normal TARIFFS already being charged, and we are also initiating several Section 301 and other Investigations to protect our Country from unfair Trading practices."

He Weiwen said the new tariff move reflects the US administration's stubbornness in clinging to unilateral tariff measures despite the Supreme Court ruling against most of its tariffs. He predicted that any across-the-board tariffs will be subject to litigation by various entities in the US and a period of turmoil in US tariff policy is highly likely.

The Supreme Court ruling on Friday did not specify whether tariffs that have been paid under the higher rates will be refunded, according to Xinhua.

The amount of the IEEPA-specific tariffs equates to about $129 billion as of December 10, according to Xinhua.

Trump noted that issue, saying he believes the matter will be litigated for years.

He, the Chinese expert, said the question of refund should be something that "goes without saying" as the premise of the tariffs is nullified by the Supreme Court ruling but the real problem is that the Trump administration may have spent the money.

A Federal Reserve Bank of New York report released on February 12, using data from the US Census Bureau through November 2025, found US consumers and firms paid for nearly 90 percent of the tariffs in 2025.

Latest Round of Trilateral Talks on Ukraine Ends Without Agreement on Key Issues, New talks to Be Held Soon

By Xinhua

Feb 19, 2026 08:40 AM

Participants in the trilateral talks among Ukraine, the United States and Russia left the venue after the first day of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 17, 2026.  (Xinhua/Ma Ruxuan)

Days before the fourth anniversary of the start of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the two-day talks among Ukraine, the United States and Russia, marking the third round of trilateral talks this year, concluded on Wednesday with no breakthrough on key issues.

The first-day talks lasted six hours in both bilateral and trilateral formats, while the second-day talks lasted two hours, Russian media reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that no agreement on key issues was reached, according to media reports.

"We can see that some groundwork has been done, but for now, positions differ because the negotiations were not easy," Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp chat on Wednesday.

Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, also Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary, said that the work was intense and subjective.

"There is progress, but no details at this stage," He wrote in a Facebook post.

Zelensky also told Ukrainian media that monitoring of a ceasefire with U.S. participation, as well as sensitive political issues such as Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, were all discussed during the talks.

Describing the talks as difficult but business-like, Russia's presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky noted that a new round of negotiations will be held in the near future.

No documents were signed during the talks, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that the Russian delegation had clear instructions to act within the framework of understanding from the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump that was held in the U.S. city of Anchorage, Alaska in August last year.

Umerov said on Facebook that the next stage is to reach the required level of consensus to make well-known decisions for the presidents' consideration. He emphasized that the ultimate goal remains unchanged: a just and sustainable peace.

A separate meeting with representatives of the United States and European countries, including France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, was also held on Tuesday, Umerov wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Two previous rounds of trilateral talks, held in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24 and Feb. 4-5, did not resolve key territorial issues.

Fighting even continued between Russia and Ukraine before Tuesday's talks.

Safet Music, a security expert in Bosnia and Herzegovina, told Xinhua that diplomacy serves more as a tool of conflict management than resolution, as the situation has entered a prolonged conflict of attrition in which neither Moscow nor Kiev can achieve a decisive breakthrough without enormous costs.

"The Ukraine-Russia conflict is exhausting all parties concerned and draining both Russian and European human and material resources, with no end in sight," Nasser Saidi, founder and president of Nasser Saidi & Associates, shared his view with Xinhua.

US Supreme Court Rules Trump Administration's Sweeping Tariffs Illegal

By Xinhua

Feb 21, 2026 07:27 AM 

The US Supreme Court ruled on Friday that US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs under a law meant for use in national emergencies are illegal.

In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court said that the tariff policies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unconstitutional, officially striking down the global tariffs Trump has introduced since April.

The justices ruled that the president did not have the authority under IEEPA to impose import tariffs on goods from nearly all the US trading partners.

The voting upheld that it is the right of Congress to impose taxes, not the president.

The ruling is expected to affect global trade, companies, inflation and the pocketbook of every US citizen, local media reported Friday.

Trump announced on April 2 that the United States has established a "minimum baseline tariff" of 10 percent on practically all imported goods, plus even higher rates on certain trading partners, claiming that higher tariffs would help bring in revenue for the government and revitalize the US manufacturing.

On April 23, a coalition of 12 US states sued the Trump administration over the "illegal tariffs" in the US Court of International Trade in New York.

A federal appeals court on Aug. 29 upheld the ruling by the Court of International Trade, saying that Trump wrongfully invoked IEEPA to issue the tariffs.

In September, the Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of the tariffs.

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration's interpretation of IEEPA would intrude on the powers of Congress and violate a legal principle called the "'major questions' doctrine," which requires actions of "vast 'economic and political significance'" by the government's executive branch to be clearly authorized by Congress.

Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the opinion of the court, saying the president must "point to clear congressional authorization" to justify his extraordinary assertion of the power to impose tariffs.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh dissented in the vote.

The ruling did not specify whether tariffs that have been paid under the higher rates will be refunded.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it had collected more than 200 billion dollars between Jan. 20 and Dec. 15, 2025.

For the IEEPA-specific tariffs, the Trump administration said it had collected about 129 billion dollars in revenue as of Dec. 10.

A Federal Reserve Bank of New York report released last week, using data from the US Census Bureau through November 2025, found US consumers and firms paid for nearly 90 percent of the tariffs in 2025.

The US National Retail Federation said the ruling provides "much-needed certainty for US businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity."

Similarly, the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America welcomed the ruling as "an important step toward creating a more predictable and competitive environment for American businesses and consumers."

Gunmen on Motorcycles Kill at Least 50 in Northwest Nigeria: Report

Nigerian lawmaker reports ‘at least 50 people dead’ after attack as list of missing is still being compiled.

By David D. Lee and Reuters

21 Feb 2026

Gunmen killed at least 50 people and abducted women and children in an overnight assault on a village in northwestern Nigeria’s Zamfara State, authorities and residents said.

The attack started late on Thursday night and continued into Friday morning in Tungan Dutse village in the Bukkuyum area of Zamfara when armed men arrived on motorcycles and began setting fire to buildings and abducting residents.

“They have been moving from one village to another … leaving at least 50 people dead,” said Hamisu A Faru, a lawmaker representing Bukkuyum South.

Faru, speaking to the Reuters news agency by phone on Friday, said the number of people abducted remained unclear as local officials were still compiling lists of the missing.

Residents say warning signs were visible before the attack.

Abdullahi Sani, 41, said villagers alerted security forces after spotting more than 150 motorcycles carrying armed men a day earlier, but no action was taken.

“No one slept yesterday; we are all in pain,” Sani said, adding that three members of his family were killed in the attack.

Areas of Nigeria’s north and west continue to grapple with overlapping security threats, including armed criminal gangs and rebel fighters.

Just last week, at least 46 people were killed in raids in the Borgu area of northwest Niger State. The deadliest assault occurred in the village of Konkoso, where at least 38 residents were shot or had their throats cut, according to reports.

The crisis has drawn increased international involvement.

Nigeria recently expanded security cooperation with the United States after President Donald Trump accused the country of failing to halt the killing of Christians and threatened military intervention.

On December 25, the US launched air strikes on the northern state of Sokoto, conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

Earlier this week, Nigeria’s military confirmed the arrival of 100 US soldiers tasked with training local forces.

Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, said the US troops would offer “technical support” and “intelligence sharing” to help combat “terrorist organisations”, along with “associated equipment”.

He stressed the US personnel would not engage directly in combat and would share technical expertise under Nigerian command.

Nigerian Police Say Armed Group Killed 33 in Fresh Simultaneous Attacks

Police officers patrol during the gubernatorial and state Assembly elections in Lagos, Nigeria, Saturday, March 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, file)

By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN

5:53 AM EST, February 20, 2026

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — At least 33 people have been killed after Islamic militants launched simultaneous attacks on a district in northwest Nigeria, according to the police.

The attack took place on Wednesday in the Biu community of Kebbi state, police spokesman Bashir Usman said in a statement late Thursday night.

The assailants crossed from Sokoto state, parts of which are occupied by the Lakurawa insurgent group, Usman said.

“Preliminary investigations confirm that armed Lakurawa militants entered the area to rustle cattle,” he said, adding that security personnel have been deployed to restore calm and maintain order.

The Lakurawa group operates in parts of northwestern Nigeria, particularly around communities in the northwestern state of Sokoto. The armed group is known to engage in cattle rustling, raids on villages and kidnappings for ransom.

Northern Nigeria is in the grip of a complex security crisis featuring both Islamic militants and armed criminal gangs kidnapping people for ransom.

The West African nation is in security cooperation with the U.S. after initial diplomatic tensions. Earlier this week, the Nigerian military announced the arrival of 100 U.S troops in Nigeria to help train its military in its fight against armed groups.

Drone Strike Hits Sudan’s Al-Kurmuk Near Ethiopian Border, Official Says

19 February 2026

Wreckage of a suicide drone that attacked Al-Damar on July 29, 2024

February 19, 2026 (ED DAMAZIN) – A drone strike by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) killed at least one civilian and wounded several others in the strategic border town of Al-Kurmuk, a local official said on Thursday.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening, targeted residential neighbourhoods and disabled a local flour mill, according to a statement from Al-Kurmuk Commissioner Abdel Ati al-Faki.

Al-Faki said that the Sudanese army remains in control of the district in the Blue Nile region and described the current situation as calm. He condemned the joint assault by the RSF and the SPLM-N, a rebel group that has recently coordinated movements with the paramilitary forces in the southeast.

The strike follows a February 3 offensive by the same groups against three locations in the Blue Nile region, including the town of Diem Mansour. Local officials have previously accused Ethiopia of facilitating the passage of these forces through Assosa in the Benishangul-Gumuz region to enter Sudanese territory.

Diem Mansour, located 17 km (10.5 miles) south of Al-Kurmuk, is viewed as a critical buffer zone. Military analysts warn that its fall could jeopardize the army’s hold on Al-Kurmuk itself. The commissioner had earlier warned of a buildup of rebel and paramilitary fighters south of the town.

Al-Kurmuk has historically been a flashpoint in Sudan’s decades of internal conflict. It changed hands several times between government forces and the SPLM during the civil war that preceded the 2005 peace deal, underscoring its strategic importance on the frontier with Ethiopia.

Burhan Rejects Truce Without RSF Withdrawal, Bars UAE From Mediation

20 February 2026

Al Burhan arrives in Tiba el-Sheikh Abdel-Baqi area of Al Jazirah state on Feb 6, 2026

January 19, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Thursday reaffirmed his refusal to agree to a truce before the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) withdraw from cities, while maintaining his rejection of mediation by the United Arab Emirates.

Government officials have consistently welcomed efforts by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, provided that the UAE is excluded from the quadrilateral mechanism mediating the conflict, which is nearing the end of its third year.

Speaking to a crowd during the national holiday celebrating the liberation of Omdurman, Burhan addressed ongoing sessions at the UN Security Council, stating that Sudan would not accept mediation from the UAE or any country supporting the RSF “militia.” He added that any proposal not satisfying the Sudanese people would be rejected.

The army commander reiterated his opposition to any ceasefire plan that does not include an RSF withdrawal from controlled areas and the consolidation of its forces in specific designated zones.

The RSF and its allies currently control most of the Darfur region, along with West Kordofan state and parts of North and South Kordofan. Last year, the army succeeded in pushing the paramilitary group out of central Sudan, Khartoum state, and portions of North Kordofan.

While Burhan welcomed any nation wishing to assist the Sudanese people and facilitate the return of displaced persons, he cautioned that Sudan would not accept involvement from countries that previously backed the militia and now seek a diplomatic role.

He accused the RSF of committing murder and rape, destroying infrastructure, and waging war against the Sudanese population.

“We tell them to return as Sudanese citizens like others, but returning while carrying arms is completely rejected. We will fight them until they surrender,” Burhan said.

The general also called on politicians abroad to return and help rebuild Sudan, noting his intention to involve all Sudanese in managing the transitional phase.

He added that efforts are underway to establish a legislative council, including youth and local councils, to participate in shaping the future and peace, stating that the army requires the input of patriots and thinkers to move forward.

Toxic Gas Leak at Mine in Nigeria Kills 37 People

By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN

3:50 AM EST, February 19, 2026

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A toxic gas leak at a mine in north-central Nigeria killed 37 people and led to the hospitalization of 26 others, according to police.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kampani Zurak community, located in the Wase area of Plateau state, police spokesman Alfred Alabo said in a statement.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the miners were affected due to a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases like sulphur and carbon monoxide which are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly ventilated environment,” he said. “The corpses of the deceased victims have been released to their families for burial according to their religious practices.”

The Nigerian government has closed the mining site and an investigation into the leak is underway.

The miners were unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions and continued their operations, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake said in a statement.

It’s not clear what was being mined at the site and whether the mine was operating legally. Nigeria is trying to rein in illegal gold mining operations across the country that have killed hundreds of people over the years.

A Beloved Teacher in Morocco Unmasked: Frenchman Investigated Over Abuse of 89 Boys

8:07 AM EST, February 19, 2026

KHENIFRA, Morocco (AP) — For decades in the Moroccan town of Khenifra, Jacques Leveugle was simply known as the thin Frenchman who swept the streets at dawn, offered free language lessons and organized outings for schoolchildren.

He spoke fluent Arabic and Morocco’s dialect, as well as Tachelhit, an indigenous language widely spoken by the region’s ancient Berber people — skills that neighbors said helped him integrate into the community. He rode his bicycle to the local market, dressed simply in jeans and a button-down shirt, and opened a small library for children in the working-class Lassiri neighborhood.

Now the 79-year-old is behind bars and under formal investigation in France, accused of raping and sexually assaulting 89 boys over more than five decades across several countries, a case made public by prosecutors in France last week. They said Leveugle also acknowledged smothering his mother to death when she was in the terminal phase of cancer, and later killing his 92-year-old aunt.

Many of the sexual abuses occurred in North Africa, where Leveugle spent much of his life and built a reputation as a devoted teacher and a respectful man.

The crimes were discovered when a relative of Leveugle’s found his digital memoir on a USB drive and turned it over to authorities.

Shock in Morocco and Algeria

In Morocco, where Leveugle lived until his arrest in 2024, he is suspected of abusing more than a dozen boys, Grenoble Prosecutor Etienne Manteaux told The Associated Press. In neighboring Algeria, where Leveugle worked as a foreign language teacher for eight years in the 1960s and 1970s, he is suspected of abusing at least two children.

The revelations have sent shock waves in both countries, and renewed attention to child exploitation in a region where activists say abuse remains persistent and underreported.

“This case is of exceptional seriousness and naturally provokes deep indignation,” Najat Anwar, president of Moroccan child protection association Don’t Touch my Child, told the AP. “We are prepared to join the case as a civil party … if Moroccan witnesses or victims come forward.”

The AP spoke with a dozen people who directly knew Leveugle, including his neighbors in Morocco and former students in Algeria, as well as Moroccan officials briefed on the case. Those who knew him described a man widely viewed as discreet, helpful, and who loved to spend time with kids.

On the narrow streets of Khenifra’s Lassiri neighborhood, home to many conservative Moroccans, the crisp sweetness of a winter morning contrasts sharply with what residents describe as a sense of shame they feel since prosecutor’s revealed Leveugle’s alleged crimes last week.

They feel insulted and humiliated. Many are now considering moving out. They all spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of harassment or retribution.

They pointed toward Leveugle’s house, an unfinished, unpainted, single-story building surrounded by fig trees, sitting alongside a river. Children play nearby.

Residents said ‘’Monsieur Jacques,’' as he was known, funded local projects and helped people find jobs, sometimes even giving out cash. Khenifra has long had one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, and many residents work in the informal sector. People often leave town in search of better prospects.

Residents described how Jacques once took children to a well-known regional lake, Agelmam Agezga, and told them to swim naked, starting by himself and claiming it was healthy. In Moroccan culture, and more broadly in Islamic tradition, men are not permitted to be naked in front of one another.

One neighbor said his ability to trust people is so shaken by the news that he refused to let his 5-year-old son sleep at his brother’s house.

Leveugle was born in the 1940s in the French city of Annecy, and first arrived in Morocco in 1955, according to a Moroccan official with knowledge of the case. Leveugle’s father worked at the French Embassy, and Leveugle attended school in the Moroccan capital during the final years of the French protectorate, the official said.

Leveugle later held Moroccan residency and had no known criminal complaints filed against him in the kingdom, according to a Moroccan justice official. Both officials were not authorized to be publicly named according to Moroccan government rules.

A teacher who never raised suspicion

Neighbors said Leveugle moved in the early 2000s to Khenifra, settling in the Lassiri neighborhood. Residents said he frequently spent time with teenage boys between 13 and 15.

He worked as a private tutor and, according to neighbors, offered free lessons, organized school outings and sometimes provided financial assistance to families. Some neighbors said he also bought houses and vehicles for local residents and helped people immigrate to Europe.

His frequent time with teenage boys occasionally prompted questions about his limited interaction with adults.

French investigators identified 89 victims of Leveugle, boys aged 13 to 17, after examining a 15-volume digital memoir found on a USB drive that one of his relatives turned over to police, the Grenoble prosecutor said. He said Leveugle’s victims in Morocco date back to at least 1974.

French authorities suspect there are more victims, and have issued an international appeal for witnesses. The prosecutor told The AP that French investigators are expected to travel to Morocco to gather evidence. Moroccan authorities have not made public comments.

The French prosecutor did not say whether an investigation had been opened in Algeria, where Leveugle taught at three schools. The revelations have left his former students reeling.

“I was stunned when I learned that,” Ali Bouchemla, who studied French under Leveugle in the late 1960s at a school in northern Algeria told the AP. He recalled a “devoted and very good teacher” who never raised suspicion.

Another former student, Lahlou Aliouate, similarly described a dedicated instructor with a professional demeanor.

Child protection advocates say Leveugle’s profile reflects patterns seen worldwide.

“Perpetrators often present themselves through educational or cultural activities, cultivate a respectable image and leverage social or cultural prestige to gain trust,” said Najat Anwar of Don’t Touch my Child. “They then target children in vulnerable emotional or social situations.”

US Gathers Largest Air Force Group in Region Since Iraq Invasion — Media

This buildup would allow Washington to conduct military operations against Iran for several weeks, the newspaper said

NEW YORK, February 19. /TASS/. The United States is deploying its largest air force to the Middle East since 2003, when it invaded Iraq, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The news outlet notes that the US is continuing to build up its military presence in the region, sending F-22 and F-35 fighter jets. In addition, a second aircraft carrier and command post aircraft are en route. This buildup would allow Washington to conduct military operations against Iran for several weeks, the publication said, citing US officials.

According to The Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to strike the Islamic republic.

Russian Troops Strike Ukrainian Army’s Energy Infrastructure Over Past Day — Top Brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

© Alexey Konovalov/TASS

MOSCOW, February 19. /TASS/. Russian troops struck a fuel depot and energy infrastructure facilities used by the Ukrainian army and enemy deployment sites over the past 24 hours in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.

"Operational/tactical aircraft, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck a fuel depot, energy infrastructure facilities used to support the Ukrainian army’s operations, and also temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 156 locations," the ministry said in a statement.

Kiev loses 1,265 troops along engagement line in past day – latest figures

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,265 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours, according to the latest data on the special military operation in Ukraine released by Russia’s Defense Ministry.

The latest figures show that the Ukrainian army lost roughly 220 troops and two armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup North, about 185 troops, a tank and an armored combat vehicle in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup West and over 115 troops and two artillery guns in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup South.

During the last 24-hour period, the Ukrainian army also lost roughly 350 troops and three armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup Center, about 375 troops and seven armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup East and around 20 troops and five motor vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup Dnepr, the latest figures show.

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts 220 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 220 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup North units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian army and two territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Pisarevka, Bereza, Mikhailovka and Miropolye in the Sumy Region," the ministry said.

In the Kharkov direction, Battlegroup North units inflicted losses on formations of four mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry brigade of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Kazachya Lopan, Verkhnyaya Pisarevka, Kolodeznoye, Veterinarnoye, Aniskino and Ternovaya in the Kharkov Region, the ministry reported.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 220 personnel, two armored combat vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, six artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations, a counterbattery radar station, an ammunition depot and a materiel depot in those frontline areas over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts 185 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 185 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and an armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units improved their tactical position and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of two mechanized brigades, an airmobile brigade of the Ukrainian army and two National Guard brigades in areas near the settlements of Lesnaya Stenka, Petrovka and Novoosinovo in the Kharkov Region and Brusovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 185 personnel, a tank, an armored combat vehicle, 17 motor vehicles and three artillery guns in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed two ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts over 115 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 115 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup South units improved their forward positions and inflicted losses on formations of three mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry brigade of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Belokuzminovka, Kondratovka, Konstantinovka and Artyom in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 115 personnel, nine motor vehicles and two artillery guns, including a foreign-made weapon in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed an ammunition depot and four materiel depots of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts 350 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Center units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of two mechanized brigades, an infantry brigade, an air assault brigade, an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and two National Guard brigades in areas near the settlements of Annovka, Belozerskoye, Novoaleksandrovka, Sergeyevka and Vodyanskoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Novopavlovka, Gavrilovka and Raipole in the Dnepropetrovsk Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 350 personnel, three armored combat vehicles and eight motor vehicles in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts 375 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 375 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units continued advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses and inflicted losses on formations of a mechanized brigade, an assault brigade, three air assault brigades and two assault regiments of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Voskresenka, Komsomolskoye, Vozdvizhevka, Samoilovka, Barvinovka and Verkhnyaya Tersa in the Zaporozhye Region, Velikomikhailovka, Aleksandrovka and Pokrovskoye in the Dnepropetrovsk Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 375 personnel, seven armored combat vehicles, 13 motor vehicles, two multiple rocket launchers, including a Czech-made Vampire multiple rocket launcher, two artillery guns and an electronic warfare station in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr eliminates 20 Ukrainian troops in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr eliminated roughly 20 Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy motor vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Dnepr units improved their tactical position and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of a mechanized brigade, a mountain assault brigade and a coastal defense brigade of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Lyubimovka, Shcherbaki and Orekhov in the Zaporozhye Region," the ministry said.

"Up to 20 [Ukrainian] military personnel, five motor vehicles and a materiel depot were destroyed," the ministry said.

Russian air defenses intercept 301 Ukrainian UAVs, 10 HIMARS rockets in past day

Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 301 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 10 US-made HIMARS rockets over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported.

"Air defense capabilities shot down two guided aerial bombs, 10 rockets of the US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and 301 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said.

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 670 Ukrainian combat aircraft, 283 helicopters, 115,432 unmanned aerial vehicles, 650 surface-to-air missile systems, 27,768 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,668 multiple rocket launchers, 33,376 field artillery guns and mortars and 54,769 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.