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News from October 29, 2025

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Now is the time to start preparing ewes for the 2026 lambing season
Technology

Now is the time to start preparing ewes for the 2026 lambing season

Despite the fact that 2025 has been a good grass growing year in many parts of the country, grazing quality will take its usual drop as the shorter days of late autumn and winter beckon. Metabolisable energy (ME) values below 10.5 MJ/kg of dry matter (DM) are already being widely reported for many grass swards, with protein values corresponding lower as well. However, grazed grass remains the key nutrient source for all breeding ewes at this time of the year. While ground conditions remain good, flock owners will commit to keeping their flocks out at pasture for as long as possible. So, the need to maximise the nutritional value of the grass that is available remains a priority. Sheep buckets For flock owners with ewes now in lamb or about to go the ram, the priority management challenge centres on the need to make best use of the forages available to sheep over the coming weeks and months - grazed grass and silage. Making this happen will require the strategic use of Crystalyx Extra High Energy sheep buckets. Luke Morgan from Caltech Crystalyx explained: “Crystalyx Extra High Energy is a feed tub that can be used all year round to provide supplementation for ewes, rams, and lambs. “The tubs are high in protein, energy and with a full complement of minerals, trace elements and vitamins. “Extra High Energy buckets and forage can be all that’s required to operate a highly effective and profitable sheep rearing system.” He outlined the impact insufficient nutrient intakes can have on ewes. “Trials conducted at Newcastle University have found that ewes with access to Crystalyx Extra High Energy buckets maintained better condition than ewes on forage alone. "In addition, their lambs subsequently had a 5% higher growth rate," he said. The Crystalyx representative also confirmed that demand for Extra High Energy feed blocks has risen consistently across the island of Ireland over in recent years. He said: “This is due to the consistent level of performance secured from the tubs. "They add real value to the nutrient intakes secured by sheep of all ages and at all stages across the production cycle.” Significantly, the Crystalyx Extra High Energy buckets are eligible for Ireland’s National Sheep Welfare Scheme, now worth €13/ewe. Independent trials Morgan highlighted that independent trial work has shown that Crystalyx increases the rate of forage digestion by rumen bacteria (by up to 10%). In turn, this stimulates forage intakes due to a reduced gut fill effect, increasing grass intake rather than replacing it. He added: “Crystalyx also increases forage digestibility, so animals actually get more energy out of what they eat. “The Extra High Energy buckets provide all the minerals, trace elements and vitamins needed to balance grass, which is essential for optimum animal performance and health. “The rumen bugs also need minerals to help them digest the grass and the 'little and often' trickle feeding system supplied by Crystalyx is an ideal method of ensuring this. “Crystalyx also provides a concentrated source of sugar, which is important to help maintain rumen digestive efficiency. All of this can be achieved for as little as 5c/ewe/day. Year-round use Luke also confirmed that Extra High Energy buckets can be used the year round. He said: “There is plenty of grass available on farms around the country at the present time. “Flock owners can use the Extra High Energy buckets prior to breeding, in the run up to lambing and, again, after the ewes have gone out to the fields with their newborn lambs. It’s all about improving performance from grazed grass.” Luke made these comments while on a recent visit to the Co. Donegal sheep farm of Gerard Breslin. The farmer has consistently used the Extra High Energy sheep buckets as an invaluable source of supplementary feed for his ewes. Gerard manages a flock of 70 pedigree Blackface sheep on 80ac close to the town of Ardara. He has worked diligently over many years to build up the quality of his sheep bloodlines. Gerard explained: “I am trying to breed the best bloodlines while also achieving the highest levels of performance from the sheep. “Tup lambs from the flock are sold on an annual basis at sales, both in Northern Ireland and Donegal.” The Co. Donegal farmer spoke of the benefits he has seen from using the Extra High Energy feed buckets. “In the first instance, the Extra High Energy feed buckets are acting to boost the quality of the colostrum produced by the ewes," he said. Gerard traditionally scans his ewes in early January. At this stage the Extra High Energy feed buckets are put in with the flock. Gerard works closely with his brother Laurence, who also manages the Homeland farm store in Ardara. The business has a strong commitment to Donegal’s extremely important sheep sector. Laurence said: “We stock the entire range of Crystalyx feed buckets in our stores throughout Donegal and beyond. “Sheep farmers are very happy with the quality of the Extra High Energy feed bucket. “They just look out for the red tub. That’s because they know it will do the job for them.” Gerard added: “I have been using the Extra High Energy feed blocks for the past 13 years. And I have always been very happy with them." Meanwhile, 2026 beckons with the promise of sustainable sheep prices remaining a strong possibility. According to Luke Morgan: “It’s important that ewe fertility levels are maximised and, thereafter, that every lamb is born without difficulty and reared successfully. “Crystalyx High Energy feed buckets have a proven track record in allowing these objectives to be met. “They perfectly complement the nutritional imbalanced found in grazed grass and silages. “Added energy, fats, minerals and vitamins ensure optimal levels of fertility, ease of lambing and a more than significant reduction in levels of twin lamb disease. “It all adds up to a win/win scenario for Irish sheep farmers.”

Agriland Team
Authorities to pursue death penalty for suspect in deadly gas station explosion
Technology

Authorities to pursue death penalty for suspect in deadly gas station explosion

— Venezuelan man confesses to the crime AUTHORITIES have asserted that a case will be made for the death penalty against Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodom, who has been identified as the prime suspect in Sunday night’s deadly explosion at the Mobil Fuel Station on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, which claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four others injured. This was disclosed on Tuesday evening by Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, during a press conference. “A young, innocent child has been murdered. Had this man been able to put the device in that bin, more lives would have been lost, but one Guyanese life is still too much. I am sure that our Commander-in-Chief and my President will sign off on that order,” Walrond told reporters. She noted that the government has since committed its full support to the bereaved family as they grapple with the loss of a child and care for other relatives injured during the explosion. WHO IS THE PRIME SUSPECT? Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told reporters that the suspect was positively identified by one of his accomplices and has since confessed to the crime. According to police, Peodom arrived in Guyana at about 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning—the same day of the explosion—and is believed to be a member of a well-known “Syndicato” gang in Venezuela called “Tren de Aragua” The suspect allegedly entered Guyana illegally with the explosive device just hours before the attack. “What we can confirm is that he came last Sunday at 8 a.m. and he was supported by other accomplices, both Venezuelans and Guyanese,” Blanhum said, adding that investigations are ongoing and the suspect has been cooperating with local police. Investigators were informed that Peodom was armed with a switch, which he activated shortly after placing the device and exiting a vehicle parked near the gas station. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the Spanish-speaking suspect walking into the compound with two bulky black plastic bags before 19:30 hours. When he was prevented from dumping them in a nearby bin, he walked toward the western side of the premises. Moments later, a massive explosion erupted near the bottled cooking gas storage area, ripping through the compound and destroying the vehicle in which little Soraya Bourne and four of her relatives-Jenica Hooper (27), Yvonne Jonas (71), Seddia McIntosh, and Reshard Lord (11)—were seated. The blast also damaged several other vehicles and nearby buildings. CCTV analysis led to the interception of a silver motor car (license plate PSS 7874) used to transport Peodom. Earlier on Tuesday, investigators tracked evidence to Vergenoegen, Region Three, where Peodom was arrested. Nine persons remain in custody as the probe continues. Blanhum said he could not comment on the motive for the attack or whether it is connected to previous incidents reported at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) site earlier this year, noting that investigations are still ongoing. SAFE CITY INTELLIGENCE AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken revealed that a Special Investigative Task Force has been established to lead the probe. The team includes members of the Major Crimes Investigation Unit, the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, and Regional Divisions 3, 4A, and 4B, working alongside other key national agencies. The Commissioner said that modern surveillance tools under the Safe City Command Centre played a crucial role in tracing and identifying the suspect. The Safe City initiative, a comprehensive surveillance and security network, was launched to reduce crime and enhance public safety using CCTV cameras and AI-driven monitoring systems connected to integrated command centres along the East Coast Corridor and in Regions Two, Three, and Six. “This success underscores the integration of modern policing technology with traditional investigative work, demonstrating the Force’s growing capacity in counter-terrorism and digital intelligence operations,” Hicken stated. He disclosed that allied intelligence agencies utilised video-forensic analysis, digital tracking and data correlation to trace the suspect’s movements before and after the explosion. “An AI-enhanced image captured the perpetrator, and the CCTV footage recovered at the crime scene was used to aid the investigation. As a result, the police received some data on the identity of the prime suspect, which ultimately led to the successful apprehension of the suspect,” Hicken said. As investigations deepen, persons currently in custody are being questioned to determine whether the act was part of a larger organised network or a lone-wolf operation. “I reaffirm that the Guyana Police Force remains resolute and relentless in its duty to protect the public, ensuring that any act of terror is met with decisive and lawful action,” the Commissioner declared. Hicken added that local investigators are also working with regional and international partners, including INTERPOL, to verify the suspect’s background and possible affiliations. According to the Commissioner, the evidence gathered so far will be used to establish charges under Sections 309A and 309B of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, which address acts of terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism. Additional charges including murder, attempted murder, arson, and malicious damage to property are expected, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Prior to his capture, police had issued a Wanted Bulletin for Peodomo and announced a $5 million reward for credible information leading to his arrest. The Government will cover funeral and wake expenses for Soraya, according to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in a demonstration of compassion and continued support. The ministry visited the grieving family on Monday to assess their needs and offer support. It is in this regard that the ministry promised to cover all funeral and wake expenses, ensure that the family receives the necessary financial relief during this difficult period and conduct daily hospital visits to monitor the progress of the injured children who remain hospitalised.

Naomi Parris
Rama në Riad: Europa ka harruar planin e paqes
World

Rama në Riad: Europa ka harruar planin e paqes

Kryeministri Edi Rama kritikoi qasjen e Europës ndaj luftërave moderne, duke thënë se “kontinenti është fokusuar tek armatimi dhe ka harruar planin e vet të paqes”, gjatë fjalës në forumin “Future Investment Initiative” në Arabinë Saudite. Në edicionin e 9-të të forumit global, ku morën pjesë mbi 7 mijë liderë politikë, investitorë dhe inovatorë, Rama theksoi se “Europa për vite me radhë e ka vendosur veten në autopilotin e SHBA-së” dhe tani “po rizbulon fjalën armëpushim”. Gjatë vizitës dyditore në Riad, Rama u prit në Pallatin Mbretëror nga Princi i Kurorës dhe Kryeministri Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, me të cilin diskutoi për bashkëpunimin dypalësh dhe vizitën e planifikuar të princit në Shqipëri vitin e ardhshëm. Në rrjetet sociale, Rama u shpreh se ishte “i nderuar” të merrte pjesë në një prej paneleve kryesore të forumit që mblodhi figura nga të gjitha kontinentet.

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Innovation, energy and human capital will define Guyana’s global competitiveness
Technology

Innovation, energy and human capital will define Guyana’s global competitiveness

—President Ali tells world leaders in Saudi Arabia GUYANA is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic developing economies, leveraging its newfound oil wealth to drive sweeping transformation across energy, technology and human-capital development. Speaking at the ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, President, Dr Irfaan Ali outlined an ambitious vision to position the South American nation as a competitive force in the global economy powered by innovation, sustainable growth and strategic investment. With the discovery of vast oil reserves, Guyana has entered a new era of prosperity that is fuelling unprecedented infrastructural expansion and social development. The government is channelling revenues into critical sectors such as education, healthcare and digital technology, laying the foundation for long-term resilience and inclusive growth. “We recently discovered oil and that has really ignited the pace of transformation, and it has also allowed us to make the right set of investments in human capital, health care, education and technology. “To compete in a global system, regardless of how big or small you are, you have to have the right infrastructure, the right education system, health care, and food system that will keep your people out of starvation and hunger. You have to do these things,” President Ali said. Central to this transformation is the creation of a modern energy infrastructure designed to deliver affordable and competitive power. This shift is set to underpin Guyana’s aspirations to become a regional hub for technology, with investments in artificial intelligence, data centres and digital innovation at the heart of its growth strategy. “We are now able to have energy that will be competitive and allow us to compete in the energy infrastructure of which digitisation [and] AI will be a big part,” President Ali said. Already, Guyana has touted plans to establish a hyper-scale data centre that could power Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital services across the Caribbean. The government is actively advancing opportunities that would position Guyana with the technological evolution of the world, especially in the areas of AI, digitisation and data infrastructure. Just recently, President Ali announced that Guyana will begin the large-scale implementation and distribution of the electronic identification system. The President also assured citizens that there will be public awareness and education as the government looks to roll out the initiative. Dr Ali was the first to receive his E-ID back in August. The biometric cards will not only offer citizens preferential treatment in certain areas, but will also strengthen border control by monitoring who is entering the country. The cards will be important for daily transactions, including opening bank accounts and are a critical part of Guyana’s wider digital transformation agenda. At the same time, the administration is ensuring that traditional industries remain central to national progress. Significant investments are being made to strengthen Guyana’s position as a global leader in sustainable agriculture and food security, while protecting its vast forests as part of a wider commitment to environmental stewardship and climate responsibility. “We are also investing in the traditional sectors, ensuring that we position ourselves as a food capital of the world, investing to ensure that we keep our standing forest standing for the sake of humanity, we’re investing to ensure that we have the most skilled population,” President Ali told world leaders on Tuesday. Further, recognising the constraints of a small population, Guyana is actively seeking international partnerships to accelerate its development. The government’s strategy focuses on attracting skilled talent, advanced technologies and proven investment models to fast-track progress rather than build from the ground up. “We know like Qatar, we have to bring in talent, we have to bring in investment. We have to bring in technology. So that is what we’re doing. We don’t have the time or the human-resource assets in terms of numbers to start from scratch; we have to bring in the models that are proven and then advance it for our own development,” Dr Ali said.

Staff Reporter
Hamilton: Monster college football buyouts are costing big bucks ... and spoiling some big games
Technology

Hamilton: Monster college football buyouts are costing big bucks ... and spoiling some big games

And that’s what could happen after their Week 11 meeting in Jordan-Hare Stadium, particularly if the favorited Tigers cover the 10.5-point spread. The Wildcats have lost 15 of their last 17 SEC games, including a run of 10 straight. Those are bad numbers even for an historically mediocre program. Most recently was a 56-34 loss to Tennessee during which the Volunteers rolled up 504 yards. But most troubling: Kentucky coach Mark Stoops' questionable decision to chase points in the third quarter, going for two while trailing 49-27. Actually, that’s not true. His explanation was even more puzzling. “That’s what the analytic book said,” Stoops, the winningest coach in Kentucky history, said. “I thought it was stupid, too, quite honestly. But that’s what the analytics book said. When I had time to reevaluate afterward, I said, ‘Well, that’s a stupid book.’ But that’s what it said.” So was that the first time he had ever taken the time to glance at that seemingly important book? And, if so, why wait until you’re in third quarter against the then-No. 17 team in the country? HOT TICKETS: Sensible overtime formats … Southern Miss … Wake Forest K Connor Calvert … Oregon’s passing defense … South Carolina State QB William Atkins IV … Missouri Valley Conference … North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker … Cincinnati’s pass protection … Oregon’s Grateful Duck uniforms … SEC Shorts.

By Scott Hamilton
Tregu i bonove, në duart e qytetarëve

Tregu i bonove, në duart e qytetarëve

Gjatë nëntë muajve të parë të 2025-s, mbi 98 për qind e tregtimit të titujve të shtetit është bërë nga qytetarët, jo nga bankat apo kompanitë financiare, sipas të dhënave zyrtare. Shumica e parave ka qarkulluar jashtë Bursës, në ankandet ku shteti shet tituj për të marrë hua dhe në pagesat për obligacionet e maturuara. Më shumë se gjysma e tregtimeve ka qenë me obligacione, ndërsa pjesa tjetër me bono thesari. Obligacionet kanë sjellë vlera më të mëdha, por bonot janë përdorur më shpesh për shkak të kthimit të shpejtë në para. Ndryshe nga individët, bankat dhe shoqëritë tregtare kanë ulur ndjeshëm aktivitetin, duke bërë më pak shitje dhe vetëm pak më shumë blerje. Në disa segmente, nuk është regjistruar asnjë veprim. Në total, tregtimi i titujve të shtetit ka qenë rreth 5 miliardë lekë më i ulët se një vit më parë.

admin
Intense thunderstorm hits Aranos, leaving 200 residents displaced
Technology

Intense thunderstorm hits Aranos, leaving 200 residents displaced

Staff Reporter AN intense thunderstorm struck Aranos in the Hardap Region on Tuesday, leaving several residents injured and displaced, while also causing significant property damage in the southern town. According to the Ministry of Information in the Hardap Region, Aranos recorded approximately 30 millimetres (mm) of rain on Tuesday, accompanied by extremely strong winds. The severe weather damaged between 60 and 70 homes — some suffered roof damage, while others were completely destroyed. THUNDERSTORMS: Photos and videos of recent rainfall. Photos: Aranos Town Council and Facebook (MICT Hardap Region, Rus En Vrede Safaris, John Lucas, Rheta Kruger Smeer, F.J Visser). “About 200 residents have been displaced, with the local church providing temporary shelter. Minor injuries were treated at the hospital, and slight damage was reported at some schools, including the private Jesus Centre. The Hardap Regional Council has dispatched a team from the Disaster Risk Management Unit to conduct an assessment,” the Ministry of Information in the Hardap Region revealed. Aranos was not the only area affected by recent thunderstorms, though the town experienced the most severe conditions. On a lighter note, several areas across the country — from the northern to the southern regions — have experienced light to moderate rainfall, and in some cases, hail. Towns such as Tsumeb in the Oshikoto Region, Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region, Gobabis in the Omaheke Region, and Stampriet in the Hardap Region all reported rainfall. Gobabis also saw some hail. This follows a recent forecast by the Namibia Meteorological Service, which predicted widespread showers across much of the country. More rainfall is expected today in all the mentioned regions, and possibly in parts of the Khomas Region as well.

Staff Reporter
Shqipëria spikat në Dubai me pavijonin “Albanian Soundscapes”
Technology

Shqipëria spikat në Dubai me pavijonin “Albanian Soundscapes”

Shqipëria po tërheq vëmendje në “Future Hospitality Summit 2025” me pavijonin “Albanian Soundscapes”, një instalacion që ndërthur natyrën, tingullin dhe arkitekturën moderne për të prezantuar potencialin turistik të vendit. Pavijoni, i kuruar nga Agjencia Kombëtare për Planifikimin e Territorit dhe Agjencia e Zhvillimit të Territorit, është vlerësuar si një nga më të mëdhenjtë dhe më tërheqësit mes mbi 50 vendeve pjesëmarrëse. Kryeministri Edi Rama ndau pamje nga ekspozita, duke theksuar “kërshërinë dhe interesin që ngjallën projektet spektakolare të Tiranës dhe zonave të tjera turistike”. Në Dubai, Shqipëria paraqitet si “një histori suksesi dhe një ftesë për të gjithë ata që duan të bëhen pjesë e së ardhmes së saj turistike”, sipas përshkrimit zyrtar.

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$450M Tissue Culture Lab commissioned to increase crop production
Technology

$450M Tissue Culture Lab commissioned to increase crop production

GUYANA has taken a major step towards advancing sustainable agriculture, by commissioning its first biotechnology plant-tissue culture laboratory that was inaugurated on Tuesday by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. The state-of-the-art facility, established with an investment of approximately $450 million, represents a key component of the government’s broader agenda to modernise and strengthen the agricultural sector. Delivering the feature address at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Mustapha emphasised that the government continues to prioritise agriculture as a cornerstone of Guyana’s non-oil economy. He noted that the sector has recorded steady growth in recent years, contributing significantly to GDP expansion, job creation, and export diversification. “Over time, this increases the national supply of key crops such as plantains, pineapples, citrus, and root crops, which will strengthen domestic food security and sustain the local agro-processing industries, such as fruit processing, packaging and export,” Minister Mustapha explained. Developed in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) of India and financed through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme (SADP), the laboratory is expected to transform the country’s crop-production capabilities. The facility is designed to produce over one million plantlets annually, a significant leap from the previous output of 15,000. These plantlets will be clean, high-yielding, and disease-free, supporting crops such as pineapple, citrus, plantain, sweet potato, breadfruit, sugarcane, and even exotic fruits such as strawberries and blackberries. The biotechnology lab marks a major milestone in Guyana’s efforts to enhance food security, agricultural innovation and sustainable economic growth, laying the foundation for a more resilient and diversified agricultural future.

Staff Reporter
Confidence in Guyana’s private sector is strong
Technology

Confidence in Guyana’s private sector is strong

— Minister McCoy says partnerships driving national digitisation and SME growth MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, has reaffirmed the government’s strong confidence in Guyana’s private sector, noting that local businesses continue to play a major role in advancing the country’s development and digitisation agenda. Minister McCoy made the remarks on Tuesday evening during the launch of Huawei’s e-Kit line at the Royal International Hotel, where he underscored government’s unwavering commitment to building a modern, technology-driven economy. “The emphasis on digitising government and ensuring greater efficiency through technology and all the opportunities that come with digitisation has been a key national priority,” McCoy stated. He noted that since assuming office in 2020, the administration has launched several initiatives to modernise public services and enhance connectivity, positioning technology as a core enabler of growth and transparency. PRIVATE SECTOR AT THE CENTRE OF TRANSFORMATION Minister McCoy emphasised that private-sector partnership remains essential to achieving the country’s modernisation goals. “From the government’s perspective, the private sector plays a central role in the realisation of this national aspiration. Confidence in Guyana’s private sector is strong,” he said. He added that the administration is committed to ensuring the right business environment, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “The government continues to promote entrepreneurship through access to credit and training, and we are advancing plans for SME, and you heard reference to our development bank, as articulated during the election campaign, on the platform and included in our manifesto,” he stated. He went on to note that the planned development bank will provide critical financial and technical support to small businesses. “This will provide microloans at zero interest and guidance to help small businesses grow, training programmes that are being developed to help entrepreneurs prepare business plans and qualify for bank financing under the scheme,” he said. McCoy added that that kind of support for local businesses is exactly what enables local businesses to expand their impact and further link with global technology players. Further to this, Minister McCoy added that the government’s policies aim to ensure inclusivity, transparency and efficiency in business development. To this end, he added that they must ensure that the right business environment exists, and as such, the government is supporting this through multiple channels.

Staff Reporter
Iran Accelerates Afghan Repatriation, Granting Residency to Only Half of its Six Million Afghan Migrants
Technology

Iran Accelerates Afghan Repatriation, Granting Residency to Only Half of its Six Million Afghan Migrants

Tehran, [dawatmedia, 29.11.2025] – Iran has confirmed the expulsion of nearly 1.5 million Afghan nationals this year, while announcing a stark new policy that will grant legal residency to only half of the estimated six-million-strong Afghan population living within its borders. The moves signal a dramatic hardening of Iran’s stance on a decades-old migration crisis, raising urgent humanitarian and security concerns for the region. Official Announcement and New Policy The figures were disclosed by Nader Yarahmadi, head of the Centre for Foreign Nationals and Migrants of Iran’s Interior Ministry, during the fourth ministers’ meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) on Tuesday. Yarahmadi stated that 1.456 million Afghan migrants have been deported since the beginning of the year. He further revealed that of the six million Afghans currently in Iran, a government plan will grant residence permits to only 50 percent—approximately three million people. This suggests that the other half, some three million individuals, now live under the imminent threat of deportation or exist in a legal limbo without rights or protections. According to Yarahmadi’s breakdown, around 4.5 million Afghan nationals currently reside in Iran, indicating a significant portion of the six-million figure may be unregistered. He also highlighted a critical demographic challenge, noting that 26 percent of Afghan-led households in Iran are headed by women. In a partial concession, he clarified that these female-led households are not subject to forced expulsion and that their departure would be strictly voluntary. Deepening Humanitarian Crisis The scale and speed of the returns have triggered alarms among international humanitarian organizations. “The mass deportations are happening at an alarming rate, overwhelming the already fragile support systems inside Afghanistan,” a spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stated. The IFRC has warned that up to one million more Afghans could be returned by the end of the year, a influx that would place an unbearable strain on a nation grappling with widespread poverty, a collapsed healthcare system, and a Taliban administration unable to provide basic services. The situation creates a dire dilemma for the returnees. Many have lived in Iran for years or even decades, and their children have never known Afghanistan. Forced to return to a homeland they may not remember, they often arrive with few resources, no home, and no immediate prospects for employment or integration. Context and Driving Factors The Afghan presence in Iran is the result of successive waves of migration, driven by decades of conflict, drought, and economic collapse in Afghanistan, starting with the Soviet invasion in 1979. Iran has historically hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations, but public patience has worn thin amid a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by international sanctions. The new policy appears to be a response to several pressures: Economic Strain: With Iran’s economy struggling, Afghan migrants are often scapegoated for unemployment and depressed wages. Security Concerns: Iranian authorities have long expressed worries about the potential for militancy and instability spilling over the border. Political Posturing: Taking a hardline stance on migration can be a tool for the government to rally domestic support. Regional Implications The shifting migration dynamics between Iran and Afghanistan now pose a critical challenge for regional stability. A massive, sudden influx of deportees risks further destabilizing Afghanistan, potentially fueling recruitment for armed groups and creating a new cycle of displacement. Neighboring Pakistan, which has also begun large-scale expulsions of Afghans, and Central Asian nations are watching closely, as the crisis threatens to have a domino effect across the region. With Iran tightening residency rules and accelerating expulsions, millions of Afghan migrants face profoundly uncertain futures. The international community is now tasked with responding to a rapidly escalating humanitarian emergency, even as the political will for a coordinated solution remains in short supply. Support Dawat Media Center If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668 Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668 Vipps: #557320 Donate Here

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Complete list of teams that will be at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Technology

Complete list of teams that will be at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification campaign came to a close on Tuesday with 12 teams including hosts Morocco confirming their slots at the binennal event. Reigning Champions Nigeria breezed past Benin 3-1 on aggregate to secure a record 11th successive appearances. Despite the return leg in Abeokuta ending in a one-all draw, the damage had already been done in the reverse fixture. Nigeria’s Super Falcons are seeking to extend their dominance by clinching the 11th title. 2022 Champions South Africa got better of Democratic Republic of Congo, 2-1 on aggregate. The first leg in Kinshasa ended 1-1 but Thembi Kgatlana scored a stoppage time winner in the return leg to guide Banyana Banyana to victory. Elsewhere, Ghana were too superior for Egypt winning the tie 7-0 on aggregate. Zambia too made light work of Zambia to qualify. The tournament will see two debutants in Cape Verde and Malawi who edged Mali and Angola respectively. Other teams that qualified include Kenya, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Algeria. Whereas there were reports of CAF expanding the tournament to 16 teams starting with the 2026 edition, for now, only 12 will take part at next year’s event in Morocco. 1- Morocco – Hosts2- Nigeria- Defending Champions3- South Africa4- Ghana5- Zambia6- Algeria7- Malawi8- Cape Verde9- Kenya10- Tanzania11- Senegal12 – Burkina Faso

Joel Muyita
Zambia and Namibia strengthen defence and security cooperation
Technology

Zambia and Namibia strengthen defence and security cooperation

Staff Reporter NAMIBIA and Zambia strengthened defence and security cooperation at the 26th Session of the Zambia–Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS), which was held in Chilanga, Zambia, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to peace, stability, and regional cooperation. The Zambian delegation was led by Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Namibia Stephen Katuka, and other senior officials. The Namibian delegation was headed by Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi, supported by Executive Director Annely Haiphene, Home Affairs Executive Director Nghidinua Daniel, and Acting High Commissioner to Zambia Nomsa Uushona, among others. The Commission commended Namibia for the peaceful 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections that brought President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to office and expressed appreciation to both President Nandi-Ndaitwah and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia for their continued leadership in fostering bilateral cooperation. Video: Ministry of Defence – Zambia Photos: Ministry of Defence – Zambia Both countries reiterated their dedication to implementing resolutions from the session and to strengthening their longstanding diplomatic ties. The Commission also welcomed President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s working visit to Lusaka in May 2025, where the two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to improving livelihoods and advancing regional economic development. With Namibia’s Regional and Local Authority elections set for November 2025 and Zambia’s general elections scheduled for August 2026, the Commission commended both nations for upholding democratic values and promoting peace within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The two delegations exchanged condolences on the passing of Founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma of Namibia and Former President Edgar Lungu of Zambia earlier this year, honouring their legacies as leaders who shaped their nations’ histories. Discussions also covered regional and cross-border security matters, including transnational crimes such as illegal migration, smuggling, poaching, stock theft, and human and drug trafficking. Both sides agreed to intensify joint operations and intelligence-sharing efforts to address these challenges. The Commission welcomed progress toward operationalising the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post and the establishment of a Permanent Corridor Secretariat for the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi Corridor, which is expected to improve trade facilitation and regional connectivity. On regional issues, the Commission noted continued peace and stability across southern Africa but expressed concern over political unrest in Madagascar following a recent military takeover. It reaffirmed support for the SADC Organ Troika’s efforts to restore democratic governance there and commended ongoing peace initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Namibia was also praised for hosting the 25th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security earlier this month, and Zambia was commended for successfully hosting the SADC Aviation Exercise “Blue Lugwasho 2025.” As the meeting concluded, Namibia extended best wishes to Zambia on the occasion of its 61st Independence Anniversary on 24 October 2025. The Zambian delegation expressed gratitude for Namibia’s continued partnership and accepted the invitation to host the next session of the Commission in Namibia. The session was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation, reflecting the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Staff Reporter
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