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Benin is set to choose a new head of state on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in an election that appears to favor the governing coalition’s nominee, finance minister Romuald Wadagni. The 49‑year‑old, a former Deloitte executive, has been hand‑picked by outgoing President Patrice Talon, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term after a decade in power. With roughly eight million eligible voters on the rolls, the contest requires a candidate to secure more than 50 % of the vote; otherwise a runoff would be scheduled for May 10. In practice, only two names appear on the ballot: Wadagni, representing the Progressive Union Renewal‑Republican Bloc alliance, and Paul Hounkpe, the 56‑year‑old former teacher and culture minister who runs under the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE) banner. Wadagni’s campaign emphasizes continuity of Talon’s economic reforms. Under Talon, Benin’s budget tripled and the country posted its strongest GDP growth in over twenty years, with the International Monetary Fund estimating a 7 % expansion in 2025. Investment in trade, agriculture and the Cotonou port has driven this performance, though benefits remain uneven, especially in the poorer northern regions. Security concerns dominate the northern frontier, where al‑Qaeda and IS‑linked militias from the Sahel have intensified cross‑border raids. Recent attacks by the JNIM network killed 54 soldiers in 2025 and another 15 in early 2026. A failed coup attempt in December 2025, allegedly motivated by neglect of troops in the north, left about 100 suspects awaiting trial. Wadagni has pledged to create municipal police forces to protect border towns, while Hounkpe warns that the current administration has sidelined citizens despite macro‑economic gains. Beyond economics and security, the election raises questions about Benin’s democratic health. Talon’s government has been criticized for suppressing protests, extending presidential terms from five to seven years, and enabling the president to appoint Senate members—moves that have effectively eliminated opposition representation. In the January parliamentary vote, Talon’s allies captured all 109 seats, and the main opposition party, the Democrats, failed to field a presidential candidate. Observers note that voter turnout will be a key barometer of public sentiment. The last presidential election saw only about 50 % participation. Al Jazeera reporter Ahmed Idris described the atmosphere at a governing‑party rally in Cotonou as “lively,” but cautioned that it may not reflect the broader mood in a nation where democratic space appears to be shrinking. Should Wadagni win, he pledges to build on a decade of “economic transformation,” expanding development hubs and healthcare access while maintaining fiscal discipline. Hounkpe, positioned as a moderate alternative, promises to lower basic commodity prices and secure the release of political prisoners detained under Talon’s rule. The outcome will shape Benin’s trajectory at a critical juncture: balancing sustained economic growth, confronting escalating security threats from the Sahel, and navigating the tension between authoritarian tendencies and the country’s reputation as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies.

The new academic term began in Gaza in late March, but the usual bustle of students catching buses to campus has been replaced by the stark reality of displacement.Israel’s relentless campaign has turned most university buildings into rubble and shelters, forcing a shift to online learning that many students in tents cannot access due to lack of electricity, water, food and reliable internet.Against this backdrop, a glimmer of hope has emerged. In the overcrowded al‑Mawasi district of Khan Younis, the US‑based NGO Scholars Without Borders has erected a makeshift “University City,” a wooden and metal structure designed to bring students back into a real lecture hall."Our mission is to bring education closer to students in a better environment," said Hamza Abu Daqqa, the organisation’s Gaza representative.The facility houses six halls that can accommodate up to 600 students each day. Powered by solar panels, it offers internet access, improvised green spaces and even a small business incubator to help students explore entrepreneurial ideas.University City operates on a rotating weekly schedule, allocating each day to a different institution so that multiple universities can share the limited space. Priority is given to courses that require hands‑on instruction, such as practical labs and discussion‑based classes.Prominent Gaza institutions—including the Islamic University, Al‑Azhar University and the Palestine College of Nursing—have already begun using the site.For many students, this is the first time in years they have set foot in a space that feels like a real university. "When I saw this place, I was amazed," said 20‑year‑old nursing student Mariam Nasr, who fled Rafah and now travels four kilometres on foot to attend classes.Another first‑year student, Amr Muhammad, echoed the sentiment: "Being here with other students, discussing and engaging in class makes a huge difference."The broader picture remains grim. UN experts have labeled Israel’s systematic targeting of Gaza’s academic sector as “scholasticide.” More than 7,000 university students and staff have been killed or injured, and over 60 university buildings have been completely demolished, according to the Euro‑Med Human Rights Monitor.Materials for University City were sourced entirely within Gaza, a testament to the community’s resilience amid soaring costs and scarce resources. Yet the initiative is hampered by the same blockade that restricts reconstruction supplies, fuel and safe transport.Students still face daily hurdles: damaged roads, limited cash, and unreliable transport—often relying on worn‑out vehicles, donkey carts or long walks. "My father could only give me eight shekels (about $2.64) for a ride," Mariam explained, highlighting the economic strain.Even once inside the halls, challenges persist. Power outages and unstable internet make it difficult to print materials or follow online lectures, forcing many to rely on old phones and intermittent connections.Nevertheless, the atmosphere inside University City is one of determination. "For medical education, in‑person learning is essential," said Dr Essam Mughari of the Palestine College of Nursing. "Seeing students gather again restores something vital."For students like Mariam, the drive to continue studying is deeply personal. "My cousin, a nurse, was killed when an airstrike destroyed her family’s house. I study to heal others and honor her memory," she said.While University City now serves hundreds daily, thousands of Gaza’s students remain without comparable facilities. Abu Daqqa stresses that the project is only the beginning: "We have built dozens of makeshift schools, but the need is far greater. Imagine what could be done if the needed resources were allowed through."

Djibouti's longtime President Ismail Omar Guelleh has claimed a landslide victory in the country's latest elections, ushering in his sixth consecutive term in the Horn of Africa country.Guelleh secured 97.81 percent of the votes cast on Friday, according to official results published by Djibouti's state-run news agency.His sole opponent, Mohamed Farah Samatar, earned just 2.19 percent of votes. Samatar's Unified Democratic Centre (CDU) opposition party has no seats in parliament, and he struggled to gain recognition ahead of the polls.Guelleh, 78, wrote on X as early results arrived: “Reelected”. Politicians last year removed presidential age limits, allowing him to seek another five years in power.Voter turnout was 80.4 percent on Friday, according to Djibouti media outlets. Roughly a quarter of the population – about 256,000 people – were registered to vote.Guelleh has ruled Djibouti's population of roughly one million since 1999. Neighbouring Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, the country is strategically located at the Bab al-Mandeb strait, which provides access to the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden.Even as voters turned in their ballots on Friday, few doubted who would win. Thousands had gathered at Guelleh's campaign rallies ahead of the election, while his posters could be seen plastered across the capital.

The Artemis II mission has achieved a historic milestone with a successful Pacific splashdown, marking the first time humans have traveled to the moon in over 50 years. The mission's dramatic conclusion followed a voyage that unveiled previously unseen expanses of the lunar far side, a total solar eclipse, and a celestial display of planets. The four astronauts – commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada's Jeremy Hansen – surfaced from their floating capsule into daylight off San Diego's coast. The lunar explorers' journey was a significant step towards establishing a permanent human presence on the moon. The Orion capsule, named Integrity, executed its entire descent automatically, striking the atmosphere at Mach 33 – 33 times the speed of sound – a scorching velocity unseen since the Apollo era. The capsule endured thousands of degrees during re-entry, with the heat shield performing crucially during this phase. The successful mission paves the way for NASA's planned moon landing by another crew in two years, followed by establishing a permanent lunar base within the decade. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew, saying, “These were the ambassadors from humanity to the stars that we sent out there right now, and I can’t imagine a better crew.” NASA's Mission Control erupted in celebration, with hundreds pouring in from the back support rooms. “We did it,” NASA’s Lori Glaze rejoiced at a news conference. “Welcome to our moonshot.”

I Am Maximus is now being considered for a potential run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next year, with its connections eager to see it compete at the highest level once again. The horse's unpredictable nature and impressive performance have made it a fan favorite, drawing comparisons to legendary horses like Red Rum and Tiger Roll.

After a turbulent week that saw Liverpool suffer cup defeats to Manchester City and Paris Saint‑Germain, manager Arne Slot finally found a morale boost when 17‑year‑old winger Rio Ngumoha opened the scoring on his second Premier League start. Ngumoha’s strike, followed by a second‑half finish from Mohamed Salah, secured Liverpool’s first league win since February. Fulham, under Marco Silva, were passive and struggled to create clear chances, allowing Liverpool to dominate possession and reach the historic milestone of 1,500 league victories at Anfield. The win marked only the second triumph in six matches after a demanding Champions League away fixture, offering a needed lift before the upcoming quarter‑final second leg against PSG. Slot praised Ngumoha’s performance, saying, "He has a special quality that you don’t see very often in football any more – dominating the one‑on‑one." The manager added that the teenager’s power and finishing have been evident in training, making his impact on the pitch "pleasing". Outside the stadium, a banner reading ‘No to ticket price increases’ was displayed on the Kop, reflecting fan unrest after the club announced ticket hikes tied to inflation for the next three seasons. The protest underscored concerns that Liverpool could alienate its traditional fanbase in favour of a more tourist‑focused model. The opening half saw early chances from Jeremie Frimpong and Salah, but it was Ngumoha who changed the complexion of the game. After a loose ball from Florian Wirtz, Ngumoha received the ball on the left, dazzled Timothy Castagne with a series of step‑overs, and curled a precise shot around Joachim Andersen into the far corner. The goal was historic: at 17 years and 225 days, Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest league scorer at Anfield, breaking a 14‑year record previously held by Raheem Sterling. The achievement highlighted the club’s emerging talent pipeline at a time when senior players are under intense scrutiny. Slot hinted that Ngumoha could feature in the upcoming Champions League tie, noting, "I think he’s ready. The question is can he do it again two days later? But would he be able to perform at that level? Yes." The manager’s confidence reflects a strategic shift as he balances youth integration with the demands of elite European competition. Six minutes after the break, Ngumoha assisted Cody Gakpo, whose cross was turned home by Salah for Liverpool’s second goal, cementing a comfortable two‑goal cushion. Fulham attempted to revive their game with substitutions, introducing Emile Smith Rowe and Sasa Lukic, but Liverpool’s dominance persisted. A further setback for Liverpool came when Curtis Jones suffered a groin injury, forcing a halftime substitution and likely ruling him out of the PSG match. Silva admitted his side’s lack of aggression, stating, "The game was decided in five minutes and by our approach in the first half." The result not only restores confidence for Liverpool but also sets the stage for a high‑stakes encounter with the European champions.

Willie Mullins has made the seemingly impossible look easy, securing his third consecutive win at the Grand National with I Am Maximus. This victory not only cements Mullins' reputation as a master trainer but also etches his name in the history books alongside Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain with his fourth Grand National win.The road to victory was far from straightforward. I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, faced significant challenges, including being blocked multiple times during the race. However, Townend's calm and strategic riding ultimately paid off, allowing I Am Maximus to secure a thrilling win.This achievement is all the more impressive given the challenging conditions. Mullins noted that this winter was the wettest he had experienced in 40 years, which made preparing his horses particularly difficult. Despite these obstacles, Mullins' team successfully primed I Am Maximus for the big event.The victory also marks a significant milestone for owner JP McManus, who has now secured his fourth Grand National win, a record. McManus expressed his admiration for Mullins and Townend, while also hinting at ambitions to equal Red Rum's legendary three consecutive National victories.Mullins, who will turn 70 in September, shows no signs of slowing down. He emphasized his passion for racing and his desire to continue building on his successes. With a clear focus on creating more history-making moments, Mullins and his team are already looking ahead to the next challenge.

Brian Cox’s latest live show, ‘Emergence’, draws its spark from Johannes Kepler’s 1609 treatise ‘The Six‑Cornered Snowflake’. Cox explains that Kepler’s wonder at the symmetry of snowflakes, written during a Prague snowstorm, embodies the modern scientific quest to understand the origins of patterns we observe.He says the show explores three realms: what we know, what we don’t know, and what may remain unknowable. This framework sets the stage for his reflections on the biggest unanswered questions in science.If he could answer any scientific mystery, Cox would choose the existence of life beyond Earth. He points to current missions—two spacecraft heading to Jupiter’s moons and the James Webb Space Telescope probing exoplanet atmospheres—as promising avenues that might soon reveal a biosignature.When asked about the future of technology, Cox warns that the trajectory of artificial intelligence is still opaque, making it both thrilling and potentially hazardous. He adds that quantum computing is another frontier with wildly divergent timelines—some experts see breakthroughs within five years, others doubt they’ll arrive in a lifetime—highlighting the revolutionary yet unpredictable nature of these tools.Cox also reflects on his shifting stance toward social media. He admits moving from early optimism about its democratizing power to a more critical view of its noise and misinformation, while acknowledging its complex impact on politics and public discourse.On personal advice, Cox stresses the importance of following one’s passion: “Do what you most enjoy,” he says, recalling his own journey from a teenage musician to a celebrated astronomer, supported by parents who encouraged his interests.He shares a memorable fan encounter: at an ELO concert, a man introduced himself as Paul McCartney after asking a question about Saturn’s moon Enceladus—an encounter that left Cox “overwhelmed” as a lifelong Beatles fan.When asked about a pop‑culture stance, Cox admits he is largely out of touch, but notes that musical innovation seems to have plateaued since the 1980s, contrasting the rapid evolution of earlier decades.One of his favorite astronomical facts is the staggering number of observable galaxies: about two trillion. He highlights how, within a century, humanity moved from debating whether other galaxies existed to quantifying an immense cosmos, also measuring its age at roughly 13.8 billion years.Brian Cox will tour ‘Emergence’ across Australia from 5 to 30 May 2026.

Eamonn Holmes, the 66‑year‑old presenter of GB News’s breakfast programme, is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke last week.A GB News spokesperson confirmed that the Northern Irish broadcaster is responding well to treatment and has requested privacy while focusing on his recovery. The network added that “his colleagues and everyone at GB News wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.”In Holmes’s absence, the channel said that Alex Armstrong will co‑anchor the morning slot alongside Ellie Costello for the coming week.Holmes, who previously fronted ITV’s This Morning and co‑presented with his former wife Ruth Langsford for 14 years, has a documented history of serious health issues. He has undergone spinal surgery, a double hip replacement, and endured multiple falls, including a live on‑air incident when a studio chair collapsed.Speaking about that on‑air fall, Holmes recalled, “It was a bit of a shock for me because I’d had a fall in my bathroom two weeks earlier that hospitalised me, and it hit me again right in the back.” He described the aftermath as “really, really sore.”His health struggles have also impacted his personal life. In 2022, Holmes told the Sun that chronic pain and mobility problems strained his marriage to Langsford, and he later disclosed a dislocated pelvis in 2021 that led to three slipped discs.Holmes is now in a relationship with 44‑year‑old counsellor Katie Alexander. The pair were photographed together at a recent event, with Holmes using a wheelchair.GB News chief executive Angelos Frangopoulos expressed support, stating, “Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we’re with him every step of the way as he recovers.”