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Showing posts with the label Middle East

South Africa's Inflation Hits Two-Year High as Fuel Costs Surge Amid Middle East Tensions

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CAPE TOWN-South Africa's annual consumer inflation accelerated to 5.0% in June 2026, up from 4.5% in May, marking the highest reading since June 2024 . In my opinion, this number is a fairly clean illustration of how little control a country like South Africa actually has over its own cost of living. A woman uses a trolley as she shops at a Pick n Pay store at the Dobson Point Shopping Centre, in Soweto, South Africa, March 19, 2024.  Fuel Is Doing Most of the Damage Statistics South Africa said transport was by far the biggest driver of the increase, with the annual transport inflation rate accelerating to 12.7% in June from 9.4% in May. Fuel prices themselves climbed 34.3% over the past year, driven by a 50.8% jump in diesel prices and a 31.7% rise in petrol prices . From my perspective, that surge into passenger transport inflation, up 8.1% in June alone, is the part of this story that matters most, since minibus taxi fares jumped 11.5% and that's the mode of transport mos...

A Gesture of Solidarity: UAE Extends Humanitarian Aid to Chad

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 In a heartwarming display of international solidarity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended a helping hand to the people of Chad through a generous humanitarian donation. The event, marked by a sense of partnership and shared humanity, took place in the presence of Aid Al Katebi, the representative of the UAE Ambassador to Chad. His speech highlighted the importance of this contribution in addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable communities in the country. Strengthening Humanitarian Efforts The ceremony witnessed heartfelt gratitude from Mahamat Abdelkerim Bagari, who expressed the deep appreciation of the Chadian government and its people for this remarkable gesture. “In a global context where humanitarian challenges are multiplying, with economic and social crises affecting many vulnerable families, initiatives such as this are of paramount importance,” he emphasized. The donated food and non-food items will provide critical support to Chad’s ongoing humanitarian aid ...

Mauritius President Highlights CEPA with UAE, Positioning Mauritius as Africa’s Gateway for the Middle East: WAM Interview.

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  DUBAI, February 15, 2024 (WAM) — President Prithvirajsing Roopun of Mauritius expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE will play a crucial role in establishing Mauritius as a gateway to Africa from the Middle East. During an exclusive interview with WAM at the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, President Roopun underscored the unanimous belief among top UAE officials that the CEPA will significantly enhance bilateral relations. CEPA: Facilitating Access to Africa from the Middle East President Roopun emphasized that the benefits of the CEPA go beyond the UAE and Mauritius, as it will open up new opportunities for the entire African continent. By leveraging the agreement's provisions, Mauritius aims to solidify its position as a strategic link between Africa and the Middle East, resulting in a mutually advantageous outcome for all stakeholders. Building on a Firm Foundation Concluded in December, the CEPA represents a his...