Day

Access to safe water is transformative for communities, enhancing health, boosting agricultural productivity, and providing women and girls with the precious time needed to focus on education, careers, and leadership roles. This year, World Water Day emphasizes this critical connection with the theme, "Where water flows, equality grows," drawing attention to the essential relationship between water security and gender equality. More on the AfDB AllAfrica page.

Saudi authorities said the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on March 18, 2026, meaning Ramadan will run for a full 30 days, while officials also announced four-day Eid holidays for private sector workers. Saudi authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal had not been sighted, leading to a decision that the holy month of Ramadan would complete 30 days. A moon-sighting committee convened to verify the beginning of the new lunar month, in line with Islamic traditions that…

Iran war enters seventh day as Israel expands strikes to Beirut and Tehran The regional war involving Iran, Israel and the United States entered its seventh day after Israel announced a “next phase” of operations and bombed Beirut’s southern suburbs, while blasts were heard in Tehran following what Israel said were strikes on “regime infrastructure” in the Iranian capital. Residents in Beirut’s southern districts fled after the Israeli military issued an unprecedented warning to evacuate “immediately.” In Tehran, AFP…

Israel strikes Beirut hotel as war enters fifth day Israel carried out a strike on a hotel in Beirut as the war entered its fifth day, according to initial updates from the scene. Immediate details on the location within the capital, the extent of damage and whether there were casualties were not available. The strike underscores the volatility and speed at which events are unfolding in Lebanon’s capital, where hotels can house travelers, aid workers and residents alongside commercial tenants. With the conflict now five days…

Johannesburg residents are embroiled in a worsening water crisis that is triggering community conflict and stretching relief efforts, while authorities in the Western Cape urge conservation as municipalities confront failing infrastructure, according to local reports. In Johannesburg, shortages have forced people to queue for hours at water tankers only for supplies to run out. The breakdown is reportedly driving arguments and physical fights as some residents collect far more water than others. Some neighbourhoods remain…

BAIDOA, Somalia — Heavy gunfire and mortar blasts rocked Baidoa for a second straight day on Thursday as Southwest State security forces clashed with armed militias in the city, an escalation regional authorities allege is being fueled by the federal government in Mogadishu. Residents and local officials said the fighting has centered around the residence of Hassan Eelay, Somalia’s federal minister for Livestock, Forestry and Range, in a densely populated neighborhood of the interim state capital. Southwest security…

Eurostar cancels all London–Europe trains as Channel Tunnel closes over power failure Eurostar has suspended all services between London and mainland Europe after a power failure and a failed LeShuttle train forced the closure of the Channel Tunnel on Saturday, the high-speed operator said, urging passengers not to travel to stations. “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed LeShuttle train the Channel tunnel is currently closed,” Eurostar said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this means we…

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves: Wirtz breaks duck as Slot’s side hold off late surge after Jota tribute ANFIELD — Florian Wirtz finally opened his Liverpool account and Ryan Gravenberch struck the opener before a nervy finish, as Liverpool edged Wolves 2-1 in a match framed by a moving tribute to the late Diogo Jota and a bleak milestone for the visitors’ winless season. Wolves, competitive throughout and adventurous after the break, fell to a record that underlines the scale of their struggle. Their 18th match without a win from the…

Irish troops to spend Christmas on peacekeeping duty in south Lebanon as UNIFIL observes fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire More than 300 Irish soldiers will spend Christmas Day on peacekeeping duties at Camp Shamrock in south Lebanon, serving with the UNIFIL mission to observe the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in the region. The deployment means hundreds of service members will mark the holiday away from home. Their work will continue through the day, focused on maintaining stability and…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s civil aviation regulator will shut Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport for a full day on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, as the capital holds local council elections, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority said Monday. The SCAA said no flights will arrive or depart during the one-day closure, describing the suspension as a security and technical measure designed to safeguard the public and ensure the vote proceeds smoothly. Airlines, passengers and travel agencies were advised to adjust plans and…