prohibition

A lab technician carefully cradles a cluster of indigenous seeds at the Genetic Resources Research Institute seed bank in Kiambu, Kenya, Nov. 14, 2024. KIKUYU, Kenya — Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Kikuyu town, the National Seed Bank stands as an unsung hero in the quest to preserve Kenya's agricultural heritage and future. But why is this unassuming institution so critical? Behind the walls of this governmental edifice lie two chilled chambers that house over 50,000 varieties of seeds—a veritable treasure trove…

ADDIS ABABA - A river of resistance wove its way through Mekelle, the pulsating heart of Tigray, where thousands gathered in a fervent protest. Their unified voice rose against a controversial hijab ban affecting schoolgirls, defying a court mandate that should have curbed such actions. Imagine that: a city, bustling with history, now echoing with chants for justice. In the storied lands of Axum, educational authorities bucked against the court's ruling, reinforcing the ban and sending ripples…

In a bold move aimed at tackling Spain's escalating housing crisis, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has put forth a proposal to tighten the reins on who can buy property in the country. This initiative stems from pressing concerns about affordability, as countless individuals and families are increasingly being priced out of the housing market. Just a week earlier, Sanchez stirred the pot by suggesting a hefty tax—potentially reaching 100%—on property transactions. This recommendation comes amid a backdrop of rampant demand…

Mogadishu (AX) — A recent decision by school authorities in Axum, Ethiopia, has sparked significant controversy by prohibiting Muslim girls from donning hijabs while at school, driving over 159 students away from their education. This directive has ignited a firestorm within Ethiopia's Muslim community, who have condemned the move as a blatant breach of religious liberty.The Supreme Islamic Council of Tigray emphatically criticized the decision, branding it both discriminatory and unconstitutional."This ruling dramatically…

Tigray Muslims Speak Out on Hijab Ban in Schools ADDIS ABABA - The Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council is sounding the alarm over a new prohibition on hijabs in the Axum area, and they're not just going to sit back. They are brainstorming "further peaceful steps in consultation with believers" to tackle this quandary. "We urge for adherence to the dress code regulations set forth by the Federal Ministry of Education for Muslim students," the Council advised in a communiqué from Mekelle, Tigray's regional capital. The…

UN Secretary-General Reaches Out to Netanyahu Over UNRWA Restrictions In a significant move, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has formally communicated his concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the recent decision to impose restrictions on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This agency has served as a vital pillar of support for millions of Palestinian refugees, providing essential services like education, healthcare, and social…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has decided to bid farewell to single-use plastic bags, aiming to cut down on pollution and join hands with international environmental crusades. "Plastic bags are no longer welcome here. Anyone caught in the act—using or selling—will be met with the full force of the law," declared the Police Spokesman Abdifitah Adan Hassan. The announcement of this ban in February 2024 marks a turning point. It outlaws the import, creation, sale, and use of these pesky plastics. While fines are still a bit…

South Africa on Monday tightened COVID-19 restrictions, banned alcohol sales and extended a nationwide curfew, as infections shot through a million marks due to a faster-spreading variant of the disease detected in the country. South Africa has recorded the highest number of coronavirus infections on the continent, with 1,044,413 cases reported and almost 27,000 deaths. Daily cases began to increase rapidly at the end of November to between 10,000 and 14,000. The new variant, called 501.V2, was…