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My stupid recipe, Doctor Restrepo, achieved the highest employment rate, the lowest rates of hunger and poverty of the 21st century, and some of the highest levels of per capita income in the last quarter of my government in the entire history of Colombia. You and Abelardo today, just as you did in Duque's government during the first month of his administration, shot up unemployment almost to the double-digit figures that you handed over to my government. That's called a step back! It's unfortunate that a part of the Colombian electorate believes that Colombia's destiny is to go backward. Again the IMF, again over-indebtedness that you promoted, Dr. Restrepo, by giving subsidies to the rich and imposing a gasoline subsidy paid with the budget. These days, that is called economic ignorance and anachronism. I propose my support from the opposition to make a great agreement for the equitable progress of Colombia. What allowed us to have the best social economic figures of the century was: 1. Leaving hydrocarbon extraction and moving to real production in industry, commerce, and tourism. Prioritizing production, that is, the transformation of materials to make other materials for a good life for people, automatically raises employment levels and overall productivity. 2. Raising the minimum wage every year to the level of the vital basket for a family. This was demanded by the social doctrine of the Catholic Church in the encyclical "Rerum Novarum" by Leo XIII, and you, as a fervent Catholic, should apply it. In that encyclical and in that of Francis I about the "common home," and in that of Leo XIV about "a dignified Humanity," you would find a comprehensive agreement with the progressivism I lead. 3. A leading role of the state in the economy in strategic matters such as tariffs for industrialization, abundant and cheap credit for small and medium-sized industries, cheap credit for industry, food production, exports, and zero-interest credit for any national industry that produces an increase in Colombia’s computational capacity, energy, and railroads. 4. Leading the decarbonization of the economy through a 100% clean electricity generation matrix, replacing the prohibitively expensive gas with extremely cheap and abundant solar energy in Colombia. Remember that in my government I managed to increase growth in the four years by 500% in the naval industry and 200% in the electric automotive industry. 5. Redistributing another million hectares among farmers and doubling food production in the country to lower the prices of the family basket and increase real wages. You and we can lower the interest rate set by the Board of the Bank of the Republic by configuring another majority in the board that is friendly to production and work. 5. And if you don’t want, Mr. Restrepo, to reach agreements given the mind-numbing sectarianism that predominates, then just remember my advice: work and nature are the sources of wealth, and in Colombia, the real wage as an expression of the value of work allows the expansion of the internal market, both formal and informal, and increases the number of companies and workforce. When the country decides to return to legitimate institutions, it might be too late for you, but these will be the economic bases already experienced with positive data for a national agreement. (translated)

Iran’s cognitive warfare – when AI becomes the operating layer of state propaganda Iranian state-linked influence operators were not using artificial intelligence simply to write faster social-media posts. According to Anthropic’s September 2026 threat intelligence report, three separate operations connected to Iranian propaganda institutions were using Claude to help construct the machinery behind what the operators themselves called “soft war” and “cognitive warfare” – non-military efforts intended to shape public opinion inside Iran and abroad. Anthropic linked the activity to the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization (ICCO), which operates under Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance; the Islamic Propaganda Office of Khorasan Razavi; and the Bina Cultural Observatory, part of the Islamic Propaganda Organization. The company said each operation was run by someone working within or on behalf of the named institution. The attribution was based on a combination of account telemetry, institutional references disclosed during conversations, branded documents and open-source corroboration. Anthropic subsequently removed the accounts. AI as an operational headquarters The most significant feature of the operation was the role assigned to AI. Claude was used to develop campaign plans, doctrine manuals, coded project portfolios, persona systems, target databases, early-warning protocols, amplification schedules and ministerial planning documents. Anthropic described the model as the principal administrative and operational layer supporting the three campaigns, allowing relatively small groups of operators to create organisational structures and planning material that would otherwise have required a much larger staff. This distinction matters. The reported use of AI went considerably beyond content generation. Operators were using the model to help organise how influence activity should function: which audiences to target, which identities should deliver particular narratives, how official material should be repackaged and when amplification should take place. Human operators still determined objectives and supplied the underlying political doctrine; AI helped translate those decisions into an operational system. Anthropic found that all three operations explicitly connected their activity to Jihad al-Tabyin, often translated as “explanatory jihad”, a concept used within the Iranian state system to frame information activity as both a strategic and ideological responsibility. In internal planning material examined by the company, this doctrine was not merely rhetorical: it informed manuals and campaign structures used by the operators. ‘Not the narrator, but the director’ One sentence contained in the ICCO material captures the model particularly clearly. According to Anthropic, an operator described the role of Iranian cultural attachés as being “not to be the narrator, but the director” of the narrative. The distinction reveals the logic of attribution laundering. Instead of publishing an overt state message and asking foreign audiences to believe it, the operator attempts to create the appearance that the same narrative emerged independently from journalists, activists, foreign writers or ordinary citizens. Anthropic found that Claude was used specifically to make content appear to come from foreign authors or independent media organisations and to design hashtag campaigns that looked grassroots rather than centrally organised. The ICCO operation reportedly used the organisation’s international cultural network as part of this structure. Anthropic found ministerial-level documents carrying official ICCO branding, including a nine-part international influence portfolio. This makes the operation particularly significant because the infrastructure was not limited to anonymous social-media accounts; it intersected with formal state institutions and an existing network of cultural representation abroad. A multilingual content factory A second operation was associated with the Islamic Propaganda Office of Khorasan Razavi and what Anthropic described as a “cognitive warfare command room” operating from a seminary in Mashhad. Its organisers ran a multi-province content production system known internally as Manjanegh, or “Catapult”. According to Anthropic, dozens of activists were involved in repackaging publicly available reporting from Iranian security institutions under different personas so that the material no longer appeared directly connected to those institutions. The network used Claude to transform official government intelligence bulletins into customised material in Farsi, Arabic, Urdu, Malay, Spanish and English, while planning expansion into a total of 20 languages. Distribution extended across Iranian platforms such as Eitaa, Bale and Rubika and international services including X, Instagram, Telegram, TikTok and YouTube. Anthropic also documented paid amplification across more than 100 Iranian channels, including channels associated with IRGC narratives. The scale should nevertheless be interpreted carefully. Anthropic documented production infrastructure and some real-world dissemination, but it did not demonstrate that all planned campaigns were fully deployed or that they meaningfully changed public opinion. The company placed the operation in Category Three of its Breakout Scale, indicating multi-platform activity with content observed in external distribution channels, rather than evidence of strategic impact on entire populations. From security bulletins to apparently independent voices The Bina Cultural Observatory operation provides another example of the same architecture. Anthropic linked a director-level official at Bina to activity in which Claude generated messaging in the voice of an IRGC spokesperson. During the 2026 US–Israel–Iran war, the network also attributed false claims to Western institutions including CSIS, Brookings and RAND. The apparent objective was to make Iranian state-aligned claims look as though they had been independently validated by respected foreign research organisations. That technique is more sophisticated than simply publishing propaganda under a false name. It attempts to manufacture a chain of external validation: official information is transformed into apparently independent commentary, which can then be recirculated as evidence that outside observers have reached the same conclusion. Anthropic also found target databases naming international officials and Iranian opposition figures, as well as aggressive counter-narrative material directed against the Bahá’í community. These findings show that the infrastructure was designed not only for broad messaging but also for targeted influence activity against specific groups and individuals. What AI changed The Iranian operations described by Anthropic did not create a new doctrine of influence. Iran has used cultural institutions, official media, aligned organisations and covert or semi-covert online networks for years. What AI changed was the economics and organisational capacity of that model. A relatively small team could use the system to draft doctrine, create personas, translate material, structure target databases, produce campaign calendars and generate multiple versions of the same message for different audiences. The operator remained responsible for intent, political direction and selection of targets. AI reduced the amount of human labour required to turn those decisions into a functioning influence operation. The most revealing part of the case is therefore not that an Iranian propaganda network used a chatbot. It is that AI was being treated as part of the back office of information warfare – a system for converting state doctrine into apparently decentralised, multilingual and plausibly independent voices. Sources Anthropic — Detecting and countering misuse of AI: September 2026 https://www.anthropic.com/threat-intelligence-report-september-2026 Iran International — Iran state-aligned accounts used Claude to push IRGC narratives https://www.iranintl.com/en/202609105561 BNE IntelliNews — Yemen missile cell used AI to write guidance software, Anthropic says https://new.intellinews.com/articles/yemen-missile-cell-used-ai-to-write-guidance-software-anthropic-says-467296 This is Beirut — Anthropic report details Iranian propaganda operations https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/news/politics/anthropic-report-details-iranian-propaganda-operations-and-yemen-missile-development-using-claude Anthropic report — PDF mirror https://static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2026/09/anthropic-detecting-and-countering-091026-1.pdf Keywords #DISINFORMED #Episode11 #Iran #IranianInfluence #IranianPropaganda #CognitiveWarfare #SoftWar #JihadAlTabyin #Disinformation #InformationWarfare #InfluenceOperations #ForeignInterference #FIMI #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AIPropaganda #GenerativeAI #ClaudeAI #Anthropic #SyntheticMedia #NarrativeManipulation #NarrativeLaundering #AttributionLaundering #PersonaNetworks #Astroturfing #SocialMediaManipulation #DigitalInfluence #StatePropaganda #IslamicCultureAndCommunicationsOrganization #ICCO #IslamicPropagandaOrganization #KhorasanRazavi #IRGC #MultilingualInfluence #Targeting #Amplification #OSINT #WRLD

Africa Daily Report — 1 October 2026 Major developments reported during the previous 24 hours 1. Kenya / East Africa — $16 billion Dangote refinery breaks ground in Lamu. Five African heads of state joined the groundbreaking of Dangote Group's planned $16 billion refinery in Lamu. The plant is designed to process 700,000 barrels per day and is expected to take about 40 months to complete. It is intended to reduce East Africa's dependence on imported refined petroleum, but the project still faces land-rights litigation and environmental concerns. Importance: VERY HIGH — the project could materially reshape East African fuel supply, trade flows, infrastructure investment and regional industrialisation. Direct source: https://apnews.com/article/a0ae7108ae4f4144222aea101baed3a5 2. South Africa — Ramaphosa announces response to gender-based violence. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced additional measures after the discovery of multiple murdered women in Ekurhuleni. Measures include a 60-day local-government safety audit and reviews of unresolved murder, rape and other gender-based-violence cases. Police have not established that the recent killings were committed by a single perpetrator. Importance: VERY HIGH — gender-based violence remains a major public-safety and criminal-justice challenge in South Africa. Direct source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/violence-against-women-south-africa-is-national-shame-president-says-2026-09-30/ 3. DR Congo — Mistrust complicates Ebola response after politician killed. Congolese politician Marie-Célestin Karondwa was killed after publicly supporting the government's Ebola response, according to AP. The killing illustrates the severe community mistrust confronting health authorities as the Bundibugyo-virus outbreak continues. Congo has recorded more than 8,000 confirmed infections and nearly 4,000 deaths in the current outbreak. Importance: CRITICAL — the combination of rapid transmission, very high mortality, insecurity and resistance to health measures poses a major regional public-health risk. Direct source: https://apnews.com/article/1ff629474298a62db44438c6eb178270 4. Zambia — Government opens talks with IMF on a new programme. Zambia began discussions with a visiting IMF mission on a successor lending programme. The country's previous $1.7 billion IMF arrangement expired in January, and Lusaka wants a new agreement before year-end. The IMF mission is scheduled to remain through October 10. Importance: HIGH — a new IMF programme could affect Zambia's fiscal policy, investment environment and economic strategy after its sovereign-debt restructuring. Direct source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zambia-starts-talks-with-visiting-imf-mission-new-loan-programme-2026-09-30/ 5. South Africa / United States — Pretoria summons US ambassador. South Africa's foreign ministry summoned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III over what it described as “undiplomatic conduct.” It was the third such summons in nine months, reflecting continuing strain in bilateral relations. Both governments have nevertheless indicated that dialogue is continuing. Direct source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africa-summons-us-ambassador-again-over-undiplomatic-conduct-official-says-2026-09-30/ 6. South Africa — Anti-immigration protests held in Durban. Hundreds of demonstrators marched in Durban calling for more deportations of undocumented migrants and tighter border controls. The demonstration comes amid heightened tensions over migration and previous violence against foreign nationals. Authorities did not recognise an ultimatum previously issued by organisers demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. Direct source: https://apnews.com/article/c086e617b555643510541f9c9906ca4b 7. Africa — WHO data show sharp increase in cholera deaths. New WHO surveillance data show that reported cholera deaths globally rose by about 30% in 2025 despite fewer reported cases. The African Region experienced a particularly sharp deterioration: reported cases increased by 34% and deaths by 58%. Angola, DR Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and Sudan were among seven countries accounting for roughly 90% of reported global cases and deaths. Importance: VERY HIGH — the figures highlight persistent weaknesses in water, sanitation, surveillance and access to timely treatment across several African states. Direct source: https://allafrica.com/stories/202609300113.html 8. Zambia — New cholera outbreak reaches 304 cases and 11 deaths. Zambian health authorities reported 304 cholera cases across seven districts in five provinces as of September 29, with 11 deaths. Lusaka was among the affected areas. The government said eight deaths occurred in communities, pointing to delays in patients reaching treatment. Importance: HIGH — Zambia only recently ended its previous outbreak, making renewed transmission a significant public-health concern. Direct source: https://www.mwebantu.com/11-die-as-cholera-hits-seven-districts-in-five-provinces-says-ministry-of-health/ 9. Burkina Faso — Country opens its first gold refinery. Burkina Faso inaugurated its first domestic gold refinery, RAFFINOR-BF, in Ouagadougou. The facility cost more than 11 billion CFA francs and has an initial annual refining capacity of about 164 tonnes, with plans for substantial expansion. The project is intended to retain more value from the country's gold production through domestic refining, certification and processing. Importance: HIGH — the refinery is part of a wider African trend toward local mineral beneficiation and greater domestic control of commodity value chains. Direct source: https://apnews.com/article/f39f714232e1784bb5051cdf44f0b992 10. Zimbabwe — Helicopter crash reported with six people aboard. A helicopter carrying four passengers and two crew members crashed in Zimbabwe's Marondera district southeast of Harare. Government and police officials said initial information indicated there were no survivors. Authorities had not immediately released all identities or a cause for the crash. Importance: MODERATE — a significant domestic aviation accident, with investigation and identification of those aboard still pending. Direct source: https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/helicopter-6-aboard-crashes-zimbabwe-survivors-officials-136898678 #Africa #AfricaNews #TopNewsOfAfrica #DRCongo #Ebola #EbolaOutbreak #PublicHealth #HealthSecurity #CommunityTrust #DiseaseResponse #Zambia #IMF #InternationalMonetaryFund #EconomicReform #DebtRestructuring #FiscalPolicy #AfricanEconomy #SouthAfrica #CyrilRamaphosa #GenderBasedViolence #Femicide #PublicSafety #CriminalJustice #Ekurhuleni #ViolenceAgainstWomen #AfricanSecurity #RegionalStability #Geopolitics #AfricaToday #wrldorg

La creación de European Network for Payments demuestra la capacidad del sector bancario europeo para unir fuerzas y construir un sistema de pagos soberano, eficiente e innovador al servicio de los ciudadanos. En Bizum, estamos orgullosos de contribuir, junto con nuestros socios europeos, a una infraestructura interoperable que permita realizar pagos transfronterizos sencillos, inmediatos y seguros, preservando al mismo tiempo la confianza y la experiencia de usuario de cada solución local. Esta iniciativa refuerza la autonomía estratégica de Europa y allana el camino hacia una nueva generación de pagos digitales conectados, diseñados para responder a las necesidades de consumidores y comercios de todo el continente«La creación de European Network for Payments demuestra la capacidad del sector bancario europeo para unir fuerzas y construir un sistema de pagos soberano, eficiente e innovador al servicio de los ciudadanos. En Bizum, estamos orgullosos de contribuir, junto con nuestros socios europeos, a una infraestructura interoperable que permita realizar pagos transfronterizos sencillos, inmediatos y seguros, preservando al mismo tiempo la confianza y la experiencia de usuario de cada solución local. Esta iniciativa refuerza la autonomía estratégica de Europa y allana el camino hacia una nueva generación de pagos digitales conectados, diseñados para responder a las necesidades de consumidores y comercios de todo el continente», ha afirmado Fernando Rodríguez, director general adjunto de Expansión Internacional de Bizum. #BizumEuropeo #PagosTransfronterizos #Madrid

“La creación de European Network for Payments demuestra la capacidad del sector bancario europeo para unir fuerzas y construir un sistema de pagos soberano, eficiente e innovador al servicio de los ciudadanos. En Bizum estamos orgullosos de contribuir, junto con nuestros socios europeos, a una infraestructura interoperable que permita realizar pagos transfronterizos sencillos, inmediatos y seguros, preservando al mismo tiempo la confianza y la experiencia de usuario de cada solución local”“La creación de European Network for Payments demuestra la capacidad del sector bancario europeo para unir fuerzas y construir un sistema de pagos soberano, eficiente e innovador al servicio de los ciudadanos. En Bizum estamos orgullosos de contribuir, junto con nuestros socios europeos, a una infraestructura interoperable que permita realizar pagos transfronterizos sencillos, inmediatos y seguros, preservando al mismo tiempo la confianza y la experiencia de usuario de cada solución local”, ha dicho el director adjunto general de Expansión Internacional de Bizum, Fernando Rodríguez. #Bizum #Europa #PagosInstantáneos

The cause of the yield expansion is that oil from the OIL GLUT 2.0 is flowing all over the markets. It is literally pouring INTO bond yields and causing them to RISE! UNPRECEDENTED! https://t.co/OQLLSWOwVw #OilGlut #BondYields #MarketTrends #Nospecificcountriesarementionedinthetweet.

"The central argument is that the West has misunderstood the nature of the conflict. The prevailing approach treats Russia as an expansionist power that can be deterred through increasing military pressure. But another possibility is that the conflict represents an escalating security spiral in which each side interprets the other’s actions as threatening." https://greatereurasia.substack.com/p/george-beebe-nato-lost-ukraine-and <:+--

Okay, sometimes you really do have to go back to basics. So how could Russia have genuinely feared NATO’s eastward expansion if Russia knew perfectly well that NATO was not going to attack it? One indication of this is that even now Russia openly mocks the West’s fear of war and, #NATO #Russia #EastwardExpansion #RU

MAS SOBRE EL DERRAME DE VACA MUERTA (VM). Generó discusión el comentario de @alfonsopratgay sobre que VM no genera derrame sobre la economía. Se suma así a un coro de analistas que, más que nada para criticar al gobierno, dicen que la minería y la energía no crean empleo. Creo que el análisis es equivocado. Veamos. Obviamente, en cada industria están los empleos directos en esa industria. También sabemos que esa producción y esos empleados necesitan “insumos”. En petróleo serán las maquinas, equipos, caños, vehículos, infraestructura y servicios necesarios para producir. Y los empleados necesitan, comercios, salud, esparcimiento, educación para sus familias, etc. Son los llamados encadenamientos hacia atrás. Luego están los encadenamientos hacia adelante: los empleos que se posibilitan por la disponibilidad del insumo (energía o minerales) para otras industrias. Acá, por ejemplo, podríamos sumar a la petroquímica, fertilizantes, o cualquier producción que use de manera intensiva energía o minerales. Todo esto es bastante entendido. Y estos efectos se pueden medir. Por ejemplo, la matriz insumo producto nos indica que por cada puesto en la producción petrolera se generan 5 puestos adicionales en sus encadenamientos hacia atrás, y así. Pero aun sumando todo eso, no identificamos todavía a lo más importante, que son los empleos que crea la riqueza que crean esas industrias. Aun si la energía y la minería no crearan ningún empleo, ni generaran ningún encadenamiento, si generarían riqueza. Esa riqueza se la llevan, en parte, los proveedores a esas empresas, en parte el estado con los impuestos, en particular el impuesto a las ganancias y las regalías, y por último los accionistas. Y ese dinero se gasta en otras cosas. Y al gastarlo genera empleo. Una manera de verlo es analizando el mercado laboral de Arabia Saudita, como comentó ayer el presidente @JMilei en un reportaje televisivo. Sabemos que en Arabia Saudita todo lo que existe existe por el petróleo. Sin embargo, en Arabia Saudita en la industria trabajan entre 100.000 y 200.000 trabajadores (según la definición). Pero la riqueza generada sostiene una fuerza de trabajo de 10 millones de empleos. Esos empleos no están ni en la industria, ni en los encadenamientos: son empleos que se sostienen por la riqueza que creó la industria. Ya estamos viendo este tipo de efecto en las bajas impositivas que muchos gobernadores están pudiendo implementar gracias a los mayores ingresos provenientes de estas industrias. En particular, en Neuquén, Río Negro y Catamarca. Las dos primeras ya eliminaron IIBB para varias actividades, como la turística y Catamarca a la producción industrial. Esas bajas, a su vez, crean espacios de expansión en otras industrias. Mis alumnos en la @UdeSA estimaron que unos 4 millones de personas se mudarán del AMBA a Neuquén, Rio Negro, San Juan, Catamarca, Salta y Jujuy. Vaya si hay derrame. Argentina está construyendo ventajas competitivas de clase mundial en energía y en minería. Si el Congreso acompaña podremos también crearlas en las aplicaciones de inteligencia artificial (con supervisión humana). Ya las tenemos en agro y ganadería. Quizás estamos tan acostumbrados al tango y al fracaso, que ni siquiera podemos darnos la oportunidad de aceptar lo que está ocurriendo (y mucho menos celebrarlo). Pasar del lamento a la acción es un proceso, y es difícil. Recuperar el entusiasmo y creer que el progreso es posible es también parte del cambio cultural que el país necesita. VLLC! #EconomíaArgentina #Empleo #DesarrolloSostenible

Data centres are putting huge demands on our electricity system and infrastructure while households face rising costs and pressure on public services. The question of who pays for this expansion is also a question about what kind of economy we want, and who it is being run for. https://t.co/Lko7USLwx8 #DataCentres #Electricity #EconomyDebate #Therearenospecificcountrycodesinthetweetprovided.

Los ministros europeos del Interior han acordado en la conferencia de Múnich medidas para abordar la crisis de Ceuta, incluyendo la expansión de la vigilancia de Frontex y un mecanismo acelerado de deportaciones, aunque el ministro español Marlaska no asistió a la reunión. #CrisisDeCeuta #Inmigración #Frontex

AFRICA DAILY REPORT — 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 Major developments reported during the previous 24 hours. 1. DR CONGO — Ebola outbreak expands to two additional health zones Importance: 10/10 (Critical) WHO reported that the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has expanded to Bulu in Sud Ubangi and Dungu in Haut-Uélé, bringing the total to 63 affected health zones across seven provinces. As of 23 September, DRC had reported 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths; the geographic expansion increases cross-border transmission risk. Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON618 2. ETHIOPIA — Heavy fighting continues in the north Fighting involving federal and Tigrayan forces has intensified, disrupting communications and raising concerns that the renewed conflict could spread beyond Tigray. Ethiopia's president has also accused unspecified external actors of interference as the 2022 peace framework comes under severe strain. Source: https://www.africanews.com/2026/09/25/ethiopian-president-warns-of-interference-amid-renewed-tigray-fighting/ 3. SUDAN–CHAD — Sudanese refugee arrivals accelerate sharply Importance: 9/10 (Very High) UNHCR says more than 55,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to eastern Chad this year, with arrivals through Adré and Tiné recently rising to more than 400 people per day — around 20 times the rate seen during previous months. Funding remains far below requirements, increasing pressure on shelter, water and protection services. Source: https://www.unhcr.ca/news/unhcr-in-its-fourth-year-sudan-conflict-drives-new-displacement-into-chad-as-funding-falls-short/ 4. DR CONGO — At least 41 killed in Lake Tanganyika boat disaster Importance: 8.5/10 (Very High) At least 41 people died after a vessel carrying roughly 100 passengers and cargo capsized on Lake Tanganyika while travelling from Kigoma, Tanzania, toward Kalemie in DRC. Forty-nine people were reported rescued while search operations continued. Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/25/at-least-41-die-as-boat-capsizes-in-drcs-lake-tanganyika 5. ZIMBABWE–UNITED STATES — U.S. health funding set to end after talks collapse Importance: 8.5/10 (Very High) The United States is set to end health-programme funding for Zimbabwe at the end of September after negotiations over a new agreement failed, including disagreement over provisions concerning health data and biological samples. The change could affect HIV, tuberculosis and malaria programmes. Source: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-09-25/data-sharing-clause-derailed-u-s-zimbabwe-health-talks-now-all-funding-ends-this-month 6. SOUTH SUDAN — Kiir opens political dialogue ahead of December elections President Salva Kiir opened an inter-party dialogue in Juba after dissolving the transitional unity government. Elections are scheduled for 22 December and would be South Sudan's first national vote since independence, while opposition groups have raised concerns over the process, security and political conditions. Source: https://www.africanews.com/2026/09/25/south-sudan-kiir-opens-political-dialogue-ahead-of-december-elections/ 7. SENEGAL — First criminal charges filed over 2021–2024 political unrest Four people have become the first defendants charged in connection with violence during Senegal's political unrest between 2021 and 2024. The proceedings concern alleged unlawful confinement, abduction, torture and violence; the accused contest the allegations. Source: https://www.africanews.com/2026/09/25/senegal-lays-first-criminal-charges-over-political-unrest-between-2021-and-2024/ 8. ETHIOPIA–DJIBOUTI — $660 million petroleum pipeline announced Importance: 7.5/10 (High) Ethiopia, Djibouti and Dangote interests are backing a planned $660 million refined-petroleum pipeline. The 120-kilometre link between Damerjog port and Dewele is intended to lower logistics costs and strengthen fuel supply for landlocked Ethiopia. Source: https://www.africanews.com/2026/09/25/ethiopia-djibouti-and-dangote-to-build-660m-petroleum-pipeline/ 9. UGANDA–SOUTH SUDAN — New 400 kV cross-border electricity connection Importance: 7.5/10 (High) A planned Uganda–South Sudan power interconnection will establish roughly 299 kilometres of 400-kV double-circuit transmission infrastructure. The project is intended to connect South Sudan to the Eastern Africa Power Pool and create an export market for Uganda's surplus electricity. Source: https://www.ugandaradionetwork.net/story/new-400kv-cross-border-electricity-connection-to-serve-uganda-and-south-sudan 10. MOZAMBIQUE — Drug use rises as trafficking routes increasingly feed domestic consumption Importance: 7/10 (High) Mozambican officials say the country is increasingly becoming a consumer market as well as a transit route for illicit drugs. Government figures show drug-related hospital admissions rose 38% last year to more than 32,280, while authorities report growing concern about methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl flows. Source: https://www.africanews.com/2026/09/25/mozambique-faces-rising-drug-use-as-trafficking-routes-fuel-local-addiction/ #Africa #AfricaNews #TopNewsOfAfrica #DRCongo #Ebola #EbolaOutbreak #BundibugyoEbola #PublicHealth #HealthEmergency #WHO #CentralAfrica #Ethiopia #Djibouti #EthiopiaDjibouti #PetroleumPipeline #EnergyInfrastructure #FuelSecurity #Logistics #RegionalTrade #AfricanEconomy #Dangote #Tigray #NorthernEthiopia #EthiopiaConflict #ArmedConflict #SecurityCrisis #HornOfAfrica #RegionalSecurity #AfricanSecurity #Geopolitics #CrossBorderTrade #EnergySecurity #AfricaToday #wrldorg

They want you to believe that Israel is isolated on the world stage. Here we list what the leaders of 75 nations around the world have said about strengthening relations with Israel since 2023. It is difficult to think of any other country as small as Israel inspiring such warm friendship and admiration from around the world. Whether you are a friend of Israel or not, you owe it to yourself to sit down, have a cup of tea and scan down our list! Northern Ireland Friends of Israel Albania Name & Title: Edi Rama, Prime Minister Date: 26 January 2026 Quote: Albania is ""a serious and reliable friend of Israel and the Israeli people across the entire political spectrum." Angola Name & Title: Leo Vinovezky (representing the newly established, active diplomatic mandate on behalf of the State) Date: November 2025 Quote:"Angola and Israel have much to do together. The future is prosperous... We are together, and this will translate into action." Argentina Name & Title: Javier Milei, President Date: 10 March 2026 Quote: "I am sincerely proud to be the most Zionist president in the world." Armenia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia Date: 21 April 21 2026 Quote: "Armenia stands ready to expand Armenia-Israel ties and explore new opportunities for cooperation." Azerbaijan Name & Title: Jeyhun Bayramov, Foreign Minister Date: 26 January 2026 Quote: "Relations between our two states are steadily improving and are strategically significant." Bhutan Name: Prime Minister's Office (PMO) / Royal Government of Bhutan Date: September 23, 2024 Quote: "...reiterate the shared desire of the two countries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation to the benefit of both peoples." Bolivia Name & Title: Rodrigo Paz, President Date: October 2025 Quote: I wish “to lead Bolivia toward a reopening to the world and re-establishing ties with Israel.” Bulgaria Name & Title: Rosen Zhelyazkov, Prime Minister Date: 23 September 2025 Quote: "Bulgaria regards the State of Israel as a key strategic partner, and the excellent relations between the two countries will provide a strong impetus in trade, innovation, education, agriculture and tourism." Burundi Burundian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Date: 21 March 2024 Quote "Burundi and the State of Israel maintain good diplomatic relations. Israel supports Burundi in the education sectors... in the field of agriculture, in the field of defense, in the field of energy production... social entrepreneurship, community development, health, and hydrometeorology." Cambodia Name & Title: Hun Manet, Prime Minister Date: June 2026 Quote:"...reaffirmed the Royal Government's continued support for existing partnerships while encouraging greater connectivity and cooperation in emerging areas." Cameroon Name & Title: Dr Taïga, Minister acting on behalf of the Cabinet Date: 13 February 2026 Quote: "The Republic of Cameroon and the State of Israel have maintained cooperative ties since Cameroon's independence... Israel's willingness to promote economic relations between Israel and Cameroon will further take root in agriculture and livestock." Chile Name & Title: José Antonio Kast, President Date: December 15, 2025 Quote: [Agreed] "to work together to put Israel-Chile relations back on track for the good of both nations." (Following his election, Kast moved to rapidly strengthen ties, stating his intent to increase cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, AI, technology, and security). Colombia Name & Title: Abelardo de la Espriella, President Date: 14 September 2026 Quote: "I will never stop defending Israel because it is the people of God, and I will always stand with Israel." Costa Rica Name & Title: Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President Date: 11 May 2025 Quote: "Our historical alliance with Israel remains an unbreakable pillar of Costa Rican democracy and values." Cote d'Ivoire Name & Title: Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice-President Date: July 2023 Quote: "The historical ties linking Côte d'Ivoire and Israel are excellent and deep, and our government is resolutely committed to bringing this strategic partnership into a dynamic new phase of modern economic and technological development." Cyprus Name & Title: Nikos Christodoulides, President Date: 10 September 2026 Quote: "I am looking forward to our discussion on how to enhance our strategic partnership at all levels. Tourism, trade, security, energy, defence." Czech Republic Name & Title: Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister Date: 14 April 2026 Quote: "Our support follows a very long tradition... it is a moral partnership that has been proven by time." Democratic Republic of the Congo Name & Title: Félix Tshisekedi, President Date: 3 September 2026 Quote: "I reaffirm [our] shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations between our countries and relocating our embassy to Jerusalem." Ecuador Name & Title: Daniel Noboa, President Date: 4 May 2025 Quote: the President stressed that “Israel and Ecuador have the same enemies” while pledging his country's “unwavering support and friendship.” El Salvador Name & Title: Nayib Bukele, President Date: 18 April 2025 Quote: "As a Salvadoran with Palestinian ancestry, I'm sure the best thing that could happen to the Palestinian people is for Hamas to completely disappear…" Equatorial Guinea Name & Title: Eustaquio Nseng Esono, Ambassador to Israel (representing President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and the state executive) Date: 13 March 2024 Quote:"We want to enhance the friendship between our countries." Estonia Name & Title: Margus Tsahkna, Foreign Minister Date: 18 March 2026 Quote: "Estonia understands the battlefield... and offers full, unequivocal support for Israel." Ethiopia Name & Title: Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister Date: 14 November 2025 Quote: "We look forward to expanding our historic bilateral ties and technology cooperation with Israel." Fiji: Name & Title: Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister Date: July 16, 2026 Quote: The opening of Fiji's new embassy in Jerusalem marks"a new chapter in our relations and reaffirms our commitment to deeper diplomatic engagement." Gabon Name & Title: Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Deputy Prime Minister Date: May 3, 2025 Quote: "Israel's relations with African countries are a strategic asset and an integral part of our effort to strengthen Israel's standing internationally." Georgia Name & Title: Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister Date: August 2025 Quote: "We want to strengthen the bond between our countries and peoples." Germany Name & Title: Olaf Scholz, Chancellor Date: 12 October 2024 Quote: "...there is only one place for Germany: alongside Israel..." Ghana Name & Title: Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources (representing the Presidency and the Government of Ghana) Date: 5 May 2026 Quote:"...reiterate Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through sustained dialogue, meaningful partnership and a shared sense of purpose." Greece Name & Title: Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister Date: 6 September 2026 Quote: "Greece will press ahead with its strategic defense cooperation with Israel..." Guatemala Name & Title: Bernardo Arévalo, President Date: 24 July 2026 Quote: "Today, standing on its oldest ground, we reaffirm the enduring friendship between Guatemala and Israel..." Honduras Name & Title: Xiomara Castro, President Date: 29 January 2025 Quote: "Honduras seeks to maintain respectful and progressive cooperation frameworks with Israel." Hungary Name & Title: Sándor Pintér, Acting Premier / Interior Minister Date: 12 May 2026 Quote: "Hungary remains Europe's safest partner for Israel, dedicated to deepening our strategic defence and cultural ties." India: Name & Title: Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Date: February 25, 2026 Quote: "India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond... Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world." Kazakhstan Name & Title: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President Date: 6 November 2025 Quote: "Kazakhstan's accession to the [Abraham] accords represents a new chapter... we are turning the page toward more peace, economic development, and deep cooperation in the region." Kenya Name & Title: William Ruto, President Date: 6 June 2024 Quote: "We believe in the existence of Israel as a nation and as a friend..." Kosovo Name & Title: Albin Kurti, Prime Minister Date: 18 June 2024 Quote: "Mutual visits and agreements signed in different fields and sectors between us are the result of the expansion of relations between Kosovo and Israel." Lesotho Name & Title: Mpotjoane Lejone, Minister of Foreign Affairs Date: August 2025 Quote:"...strengthen diplomatic, economic, and religious connections with Israel... driven by shared values like freedom, faith, and innovation." Liberia Name & Title: Joseph Boakai, President Date: 15 September 2025 Quote: "Liberia is certainly among the closest allies of Israel... and the sky is the limit in our cooperation in agriculture, education, defense, and strategic engagement." Malawi Name & Title: Lazarus Chakwera, President Date: 7 April 2025 Quote: "Malawi is a true friend of Israel, and our relationship is built on shared goals and values." Micronesia Name & Title: Wesley Simina, President Date: 5 March 2025 Quote: "At the bilateral level, the FSM is keen on re-engaging with Israel to explore a more progressive and productive partnership." Moldova Name & Title: Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Date: 28 May 2025 Quote: "The embassy opening is a clear sign that our relationship is moving in a positive direction... through thick and thin, we've supported Israel's right to defend itself..." Morocco Name & Title: Nasser Bourita, Foreign Minister in a Joint statement by Governments Date: 16 September 2026 Quote: "...establishment of full diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations between Morocco and Israel is in the common interest of both countries and will advance the cause of peace." Nauru Name & Title: Lionel Aingimea, Foreign Minister & Vice President Date: 7 September 2026 Quote: "Our motto is 'God first,' and Israel has always held a special place in our hearts. We believe with all our hearts that supporting Israel brings us God's blessing." Nepal Name & Title: Sushila Kari, Prime Minister Date: 12 January 2026 Quote: the Prime Minister urged "continued efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties” while celebrating 65 years of Nepal–Israel relations. Nigeria Name & Title: Bola Tinubu, President Date: 22 June 2025 Quote: "Nigeria is ready to advance partnership with Israel in agricultural technology and security innovation." North Macedonia Name & Title: Timčo Mucunski, Foreign Minister Date: 25 August 2026 Quote: "Since the formation of our government, we have made the bilateral relationship with Israel one of the priorities of our foreign policy...My nation and Israel – both on the basis of political ideology, but also on the basis of our global outlook – have more things that unite them rather than divide them." Palau Name & Title: Surangel Whipps Jr., President Date: 12 September 2025 Quote: "Palau's friendship with Israel is deep-rooted, and we will continue to stand firmly by its side on the international stage." Panama Name & Title: José Raúl Mulino, President Date: 6 May 2026 Quote: "This encounter represents much more than a ceremonial act, it is the reaffirmation and renewal of a solid relationship between our two nations, built on trust, mutual respect, and cooperation..." Papua New Guinea Name & Title: James Marape, Prime Minister Date: 10 June 2026 Quote: "We will advance bilateral relations! And offer moral support to the good citizens of Israel " Paraguay Name & Title: Santiago Peña, President Date: 12 December 2024 Quote: "The present brings us together. But the future will have us more closer that we've been ever before." Peru Name & Title: Dina Boluarte, President Date: 30 August 2025 Quote: "Peru wishes to strengthen our traditional bonds of friendship and cooperative development with Israel." Romania Name & Title: Nicușor Dan, President Date: 29 June 2026 Quote: "The Romania-Israel relationship is strong... Romania and Israel have a solid collaboration in several fields - economy, security, defence industry, agriculture and information technology." Rwanda Name & Title: Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Date: July 6, 2026 Quote: "Rwanda and Israel share strong ties that go beyond diplomacy. What defines us is the resilience of our peoples and our determination to turn adversity into progress, to transform the tragedy of genocide into socio-economic transformation, resilience and innovation." Samoa Name & Title: Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Prime Minister Date: 18 September 2025 Quote: "So diplomatically, religiously, culturally, we stand with Israel... in my time as Prime Minister, I will declare this, that Samoa will not withdraw from supporting Israel as the country of God's people." Serbia Name & Title: Aleksandar Vučić, President Date: 5 June 2025 Quote: "We will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people..." Sierra Leone Name & Title:: Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Date: 5 June 2025 Quote:"...expressed mutual interest in deepening technical and development cooperation between their countries [specifically targeting agriculture, fisheries, and human capital development]" Slovakia Name & Title: Robert Fico, Prime Minister Date: June 26, 2025 Quote: "The bilateral relations between Slovakia and Israel are constructive, have a historical background, and there is a large Slovak diaspora living in Israel." Slovenia Name & Title: Janez Janša, Prime Minister (represented by Foreign Minister Anže Kajzer) Date: 9 September 2026 Quote: "Today sends a clear message that we seek more concrete cooperation... in new partnerships, investments, joint projects and tangible results... we want today's opening [of the new Israeli embassy] to mark the beginning of a period of greater dialogue, stronger cooperation and, above all, more tangible results for the benefit of our people." Somaliland Name & Title: Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), President Date: 14 September 2026 Quote: "Somaliland chose to pursue this relationship [with Israel]... to support an organized economic, institutional and security relationship." South Sudan Name & Title: James Pitia Morgan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Date: 28 June 2026 Quote: "Israel is South Sudan’s best friend in the world.” Taiwan Name & Title: Lai Ching-te, President Date: 28 October 2025 Quote: "Israel's determination and capacity to defend its territory provides a valuable model for Taiwan..." Tajikistan Name & Title: Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Foreign Minister Date: September 2025 Quote: "tourism is a bridge between peoples" (stated during the signing of their first-ever bilateral treaty with Israel) Tanzania Name & Title: Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister for Foreign Affairs Date: March 27, 2026 Quote: "Israel has been an important partner across various sectors, including agriculture, health, defense, and security, contributing to the strengthening of longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries." Togo Name & Title: Faure Gnassingbé, President Date: 4 November 2025 Quote: "Togo values its historical friendship with Israel and remains committed to strengthening our economic partnership." Tonga Name & Title: Dr. 'Aisake Eke, Prime Minister Date: 3 October 2025 Quote: "Tonga has always supported what we believe is right for us, in that regard we have always supported Israel." Trinidad and Tobago Name & Title: Kennedy Swaratsingh Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Date: 30 July 2026 Quote: "We acknowledge Israel's global leadership in innovation and sustainable development, and wish to deepen collaboration in economic diversification, food security, digital transformation, and climate resilience." Uganda Name & Title: Yoweri Museveni, President Date: 24 June 2025 Quote: "Iran and the Islamists should listen to our advice to recognise Israel..." Ukraine Name & Title: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Date: August 2026 Quote:"Ukraine shares deep bonds with Israel, rooted in shared security challenges and historic connections. Emphasizing those ties sends a clear message: Ukraine sees Israel as more than just another international partner." United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs Date: 8 September 2026 Statement:"[UAE and the Israeli government] have maintained open and direct lines of communication since the inception of our relationship more than five years ago. When necessary, all relevant intelligence has been and continues to be communicated between the relevant entities." United States Name & Title: Donald Trump, President Date: 20 January 2026 Quote: "We will continue to stand firmly with Israel and ensure its absolute security and peace." Uruguay Name & Title: Luis Lacalle Pou, President Date: 19 November 2025 Quote: "Uruguay is firmly committed to furthering our commercial and technology exchange with Israel." Uzbekistan Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Date: December 30, 2025 Quote: "Following the talks, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening practical cooperation and continuing constructive dialogue on key areas of the bilateral agenda." Venezuela Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela / Ministry of Foreign Affairs Joint Declaration (issued with Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally resume consular ties after a 17-year break) Date: 11 August 2026 Quote: "Both governments recognize the importance of the relationship between the State of Israel and the Jewish community in Venezuela, which constitutes an important historic bridge of friendship between the two countries." Vietnam Name & Title: Bùi Thanh Sơn, Minister of Foreign Affairs Date: 2 July 2026 Quote: "Vietnam values its friendship and broad-based cooperation with Israel... call on both nations ... to scale up investment." Zambia Name & Title: Hakainde Hichilema, President Date: 13 November 2025 Quote:"To the people of Israel, I say — you are welcome in Zambia. Come discover our natural wonders and build with us a shared future."

La clase media se acabó en Argentina Votaron mayoritariamente por Milei y Milei los volvió pobres. En Colombia la clase media mayoritariamente votó por Abelardo. La opción del fraude electoral creció al acercar a Abelardo a Cepeda y eso lo permitió la clase media bogotana que estrechó el diferencial en 600.000 votos y permitió que fuera fácil el fraude por algoritmos introducidos en el sistema de computo electoral desde el extranjero. La prueba estadística de Wald Wolfowitz, o análisis de rachas, practicada por expertos peritos estadísticos, a los datos electorales demostró el uso de patrones matemáticos en el resultado de decenas de miles de mesas electorales, es decir la ausencia de azar que es normal en la concurrencia de electores humanos a las mesas. En Colombia no operó el azar de la libertad humana al votar sino una formula matemática, suplantando a los electores, aplicada segundos después de la recepción de resultados sin publicar. Para eso desde el 2023 el actual registrador, que debería ser procesado penalmente, permitió quitar el candado Hash a todos los formularios E14 que se presentan al público haciéndolos ilegalmente modificables en cualquier momento en el escrutinio. Este fraude se hacia más fácil entre menor fuera la distancia con la que aventajaba Cepeda a Adelardo, que hasta el 88% de la votación era de 500.000 votos a favor de Cepeda. La votación mayoritaria hacia la extrema derecha de la clase media bogotana permite entonces la facilidad del fraude electoral. Para desgracia de esa misma clase media, al no lograr hacerles comprender desde mi gobierno que su bienestar económico crecía gracias al aumento del salario vital de trabajadores mas pobres, porque hacía crecer la demanda y el número de pequeñas y medianas empresas y que crecía su ingreso de clase media también por el aumento de los gastos del estado en los salarios, por primera vez, otorgados a los soldados y el aumento salarial a la policía, más el incremento sustancial del gasto a educación y salud vía transferencias a los municipios, al contrario, la clase media bogotana se creyó el cuento falso que Cepeda era un guerrillero sanguinario y no, un filisofo buscador de la verdad, que el gobierno había arruinado la economía cuando los datos demostraban todo lo contrario, y que el aumento del salario vital arruinaba las empresas. Esa distopía contada falsamente a la clase media y trabajadora del país ahora si se volverá realidad al aplicarse el programa económico de Milei en Colombia. Lo que hace ya Abelardo es permitir que crezca el precio de los alimentos al atacar la economía campesina y no mitigar los efectos sociales del terremoto y la megasequía. Esto reduce en términos reales los salarios e impacta hacia abajo la demanda disminuyendo ventas. Al mismo tiempo paraliza el gasto del estado y disminuye transferencias a las regiones y directamente a la gente más pobre, esto lleva a la quiebra de familias enfrentadas al alza de su endeudamiento al detenerse el crecimiento de su ingreso real y ver crecer sus deudas. La clase media queda herida de muerte, la misma que votó mayoritariamente por Abelardo. El programa económico de Abelardo es el mismo que el de Milei. Una copia exacta. Abelardo desconoce que nosotros llevamos el crecimiento económico de cero a 3,5% anual, quizás el más alto de la OCDE, gracias al crecimiento de los ingresos de los hogares por la expansión del salario mínimo vital que elevó el porcentaje de la clase media colombiana a ser el sector social más grande del pais. Ahora veremos lo contrario al tener un presidente ilegítimo que le gusta usar pistola y golpear cadáveres pero que no logra pensar el desarrollo económico del país sino que sigue los dictados de fundamentalistas de la Casa Blanca y el Departamento de Estado lo mismo que hace Milei. #Colombia #ClaseMedia #FraudeElectoral

L'ambassadeur de France au numérique, Adrien Abecassis, affirme qu'un consensus international minimisé sur la régulation de l'intelligence artificielle est possible, malgré les rivalités entre grandes puissances, afin de prévenir les risques liés à cette technologie en pleine expansion. #IntelligenceArtificielle #GouvernanceInternational #SécuritéNumérique

🚨 🇨🇳 Chinese auto brands came close to 12% market share in Europe in August as they are adapting their product mix to European constraints. 📊 As the EU decided to impose additional tariffs on Chinese-made EVs to slow their expansion, they simply shifted part of their offensive https://t.co/EOndLUG9lY #ChineseAutos #EVs #EuropeanMarket #CN #EU