WORLD IN BRIEF:German airport malaria outbreak kills 2, Harry and Meghan return to UK, Africa-backed credit agency set for launch and other stories

Nepal-Tibet flash floods kill more than 150, hundreds missing

More than 150 people have been killed after a massive flash flood and mudslide struck areas along the Nepal-Tibet border, with hundreds of tourists and residents still missing.

Nepal’s tourist board said those missing include more than 100 Indian nationals, 54 Americans and 33 Britons, alongside more than 100 Nepalese. The affected area is popular with trekkers and pilgrims.

In Tibet, Chinese state media reported three deaths and 265 people missing after floodwaters swept through a border crossing, with footage showing a powerful wall of water and mud engulfing buildings.

Nepalese police officers, army personnel and power workers are also among those reported missing.

The disaster initially raised concerns that an earthquake may have triggered the flooding, but the US Geological Survey said the seismic energy was instead generated by a landslide.

António Guterres  the UN Secretary-General  expressed sadness over the destruction and said UN teams were mobilising supplies and personnel to support the Nepalese government’s response.

Meta agrees to $18bn settlement over child safety claims

Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle claims by US states and territories that Facebook and Instagram harmed children.

A California judge approved the settlement, which covers 48 states, Washington DC and three US territories, making it Meta’s largest payment arising from child safety litigation.

The agreement requires Meta to introduce measures aimed at protecting children online, including default daily time limits and night-time restrictions.

Meta denied wrongdoing and said the payment would be made in annual instalments over 10 years.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the settlement as a major step towards addressing the impact of social media on children.

The original lawsuit, filed in 2023 by 29 states, accused Meta of violating federal and state child privacy laws.

Two German airport workers die in suspected plane-borne malaria outbreak

Two workers at Frankfurt Airport have died after contracting malaria in an unusual outbreak that has infected six employees.

German public health officials believe mosquitoes carrying the disease may have arrived at the airport aboard an aircraft. The first infections were detected in July.

Authorities have installed mosquito traps around the airport and are analysing captured insects to determine their species and possible origin.

The affected workers were employed in different roles and areas of the airport. Officials are also examining blood samples to determine whether the infections came from a single mosquito or multiple sources.

Authorities said the risk to Frankfurt residents remains extremely low because malaria cannot be transmitted directly from person to person.

Prince Harry and Meghan return to UK with children

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have returned to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, according to reports.

The family is believed to have flown privately from California and arrived in Birmingham shortly before midday.

The couple reportedly plan to relocate to Britain but will not resume official royal duties. They are expected to live at a private property in the Cotswolds outside London.
Their children have reportedly been enrolled in school, with the new academic term due to begin next week.

The Sussexes have not publicly confirmed their arrival or provided details of their plans.

Iran and Oman continue talks over Strait of Hormuz deal

Iran and Oman are continuing negotiations over an agreement governing the Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier claims by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards that a deal had been reached.

A senior Iranian source told Reuters that no final agreement had been concluded and that discussions over the details were ongoing.

The strategically important waterway normally handles about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Traffic has been severely disrupted since the war between Iran and the US began in February, pushing up global energy prices.

Iran has demanded an end to the US blockade of its ports, compensation and the removal of sanctions as conditions for reopening the strait.

AFRICA

Guinea dismisses 173 soldiers, including former coup ally

Mamadi Doumbouya, Guinean President has dismissed 173 soldiers for alleged desertion, including a senior officer who helped him seize power in the 2021 military coup.

Michel Lamah, a Colonel, was a member of the elite Special Forces Group previously commanded by Doumbouya.

The dismissals were announced on state television without details on when or how the soldiers allegedly deserted.

Doumbouya initially promised not to seek political office after overthrowing President Alpha Condé, but later contested and won December’s presidential election.

The latest dismissals are widely viewed as part of efforts to consolidate his control over the military and prevent potential challenges to his leadership.

China tells citizens to leave Eswatini over security concerns

China has advised its citizens to leave Eswatini, citing security risks including cyber fraud and criminal activities linked to gambling.

The Chinese foreign ministry urged its nationals to relocate to safer neighbouring countries, including South Africa.

Eswatini is the only African country among Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies, making the advisory particularly sensitive amid longstanding tensions between Beijing and Taipei.

The warning follows reports that dozens of Chinese nationals have been detained in Eswatini in connection with alleged illegal online gambling operations.

Uganda military chief Muhoozi declares 2031 presidential bid

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief, has announced plans to run for president in 2031, strengthening speculation that he could eventually succeed his father, President Yoweri Museveni.

Kainerugaba, 52, said on social media that he would contest the presidency and predicted a victory with his father’s support.

He has previously been linked to Uganda’s succession plans and has built a prominent political following through the Patriotic League of Uganda.

His announcement comes as Museveni, 81, continues to dominate Ugandan politics after decades in power.

Algeria wildfires kill 12 as North Africa heatwave intensifies

At least 12 people have died in wildfires across several Algerian provinces as an intense heatwave continues to sweep North Africa.

Said Sayoud, the Interior Minister, said five people died in Jijel, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou. Another 54 people suffered burns, including six in critical condition.

Civil protection authorities recorded 154 wildfires across Algeria in a single day, including 36 in Bejaia.

The fires come amid exceptionally high temperatures affecting Algeria and neighbouring Tunisia, increasing the risk of further outbreaks.

African Union-backed credit agency to launch in October

The African Union-backed African Peer Review Mechanism plans to launch a continent-wide credit rating agency in October as part of efforts to reduce Africa’s high borrowing costs.

Paul Sikazwe, a technical adviser on debt to the African Union Commission, said the agency would be launched in Mauritius on October 5.

The initiative aims to provide African countries with an alternative assessment of their creditworthiness to major international agencies such as Fitch, Moody’s and S&P Global.

Supporters argue that a ratings institution focused on African economies could help address what they see as weaknesses and biases in the way the continent’s sovereign risks are assessed, potentially lowering financing costs for governments.