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Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak in capital Kampala with one death
The health ministry announced on Thursday that Uganda has confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola in Kampala. It was confirmed on Wednesday that the first confirmed case died from the disease. After developing symptoms similar to fever, the patient, an nurse working at Mulago Referral Hospital in the capital city, sought treatment from various hospitals, including Mulago. The patient died of the disease at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Mulago on 29 January. The ministry stated that post-mortem samples had confirmed Sudan Ebola Virus Disease. Contact with bodily fluids or tissue infected by the hemorrhagic virus can cause it. Headache, nausea, bleeding, and muscle pain are all symptoms. Uganda declared the outbreak over on January 11, 2023, after nearly four months of fighting to contain it. Six health workers were among the 55 people who died in the last outbreak. (Reporting and writing by Elias Biryabarema, Editing by Bate Felice)
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Los Angeles has a moonshot opportunity to rebuild after fires
Los Angeles is recovering from the devastating wildfires. Environmental engineers, urban planners, and experts in natural disasters are all casting visions for what might come next. Where parking lots and strip malls once existed, apartment buildings could be built, and locals would walk to shops, offices, and cafes on the ground floor, European-style. It would be better to "infill" the city vertically with affordable housing in safe downtown areas rather than spreading outwards and adding more single-family houses on fire-prone hillside. Some blocks could become buffer zones where building is prohibited. The city's palm trees that burn like Roman Candles could be replaced by native fire-resistant trees. Here are some bold ideas that academics have to help Los Angeles recover from the Eaton & Palisades Fires. These fires killed 28 people, damaged or destroyed 16,000 buildings and caused significant damage. The blazes combined charred an area of 59 square miles (152 square kilometers), which is larger than Paris. Many people are only just now allowed to return to their destroyed neighborhoods. Few of the dozen experts interviewed expected that their dream plans would be implemented when construction began. They cited factors such as lack of insurance coverage in the future and political pressures to rebuild like before. Experts in housing, urban development and climate change said Los Angeles still has the chance to think out of the box. There was also a consensus that there shouldn't be a rush to rebuild. Residents of Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding areas should have time to dream and decide on the future look of their communities. Emily Schlickman is an assistant professor of landscape design and environmental planning at the University of California Davis. She suggests moving away from areas that are prone to fire. MODEL CITIES Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, of Columbia University, suggested that Los Angeles could take a lesson from Kobe, Japan. The city was decimated in 1995 by an earthquake and officials there imposed a building moratorium for two months. "Giving yourself enough time to develop a solid solution is important," said Schlegelmilch. He's the director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, located at the climate school of the university. Houston's Harris County, Texas and San Antonio, Texas have both purchased homes and property to reduce the risk of future flooding. Harris County authorities demolished homes that were flooded by Hurricane Harvey and offered them pre-flood values to willing sellers. Char Miller, professor of environmental history and analysis at Pomona College, Claremont, California is one of those who point out Texas' experience. Miller stated that while purchasing properties in Pacific Palisades or Altadena could be expensive, they would be feasible with financial support from the city, the county, the state, and perhaps insurers. Miller envisions converting burned-out lots into fire buffer zones. Miller believes that while the move would disrupt residents, many would use the money for relocation. People say, "Yeah. I don't wanna be in danger. And you're buying my out." Miller replied, "Thank you. He is frustrated by the city's and state's efforts to speed up redevelopment of areas where similar density housing was burned. Miller continued, "They have just stopped the moonshot." Alice Hill, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations for energy and environment, would like to see more green space, such as playing fields and bicycle paths, between areas with high fire risk and homes. In an essay published on Jan. 14, Hill said that it was "simply unsafe" to rebuild the communities in their original locations. Retreating could be the best approach. A LITTLE PANACHE Some experts recommend rebuilding communities in a manner that is resistant to fire. Michael Gollner is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California in Berkeley. Gollner tests the flame resistance of prototype homes. He said that homes can be made fire-resistant by moving the wooden fence five feet back (1.5 meters), encircling a home with gravel, and placing mesh over attic ventilation to stop embers. There is also landscaping, which can be a controversial topic for some homeowners. Who wants to cut their juniper down? "But if there is a wildfire your juniper will be a torch," Gollner said. Los Angeles ecologists recommend that residents replace palms, junipers, and eucalyptus trees with California oaks. These trees have evolved to survive fires. The species is characterized by thick bark which resists fires, and leathery leaves which burn slowly. Alexandra Syphard is a wildfire ecologist with the Conservation Biology Institute in San Diego. Hussam Mahmoud is a professor of civil and environmental engineering, at Colorado State University. He believes that the key to predicting future fires lies in predicting their path. He developed a model to calculate which buildings would burn. This allows a community, instead of adapting every home to resist wildfires, to harden the "super-spreader" structures. To harden a house, use metal or concrete as a roof material and fire retardant materials for the walls. The heat is less likely to cause the glass to crack and burn a house from the inside if you use multi-paned windows. Mahmoud said, "When the fires struck L.A. it was clear that no one knew what would happen. Which buildings were most likely to burn." Reporting by Andrew Hay and Brad Brooks, Colorado and New Mexico respectively; editing by Paul Thomasch and Sandra Maler
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Abu Dhabi wealth fund ADQ and Orion invest $1.2 billion in metals, mining
ADQ, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, has formed a joint venture with Orion Resource Partners that will invest primarily in metals and minerals. The fund is expanding its portfolio of critical minerals. The fund announced that under the 50-50 joint venture, which will be located in Abu Dhabi's capital city, ADQ will invest an initial $1.2 billion in four years into mining companies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The partners will invest in different asset classes including equity, senior loans and production-linked instruments such as royalties. ADQ was established in 2018 and has a wide range of assets including energy, healthcare as well as transportation and logistics, such as the Abu Dhabi state airline Etihad Airways. At the end of June, the fund managed $225 billion worth of assets. It has invested in sectors which could assist oil-rich Abu Dhabi in accelerating economic diversification plans to reduce reliance on oil revenue. ADQ stated that "downstream sectors like manufacturing and clean energy will directly benefit" from the sourcing critical raw materials through the JV. The Australian infrastructure investor Plenary Group will also be part of this cluster. Philip Clegg will lead the new office, having previously served as Orion’s managing partner. (Reporting by Federico Maccioni. (Editing by Jason Neely, Mark Potter and Mark Potter.
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Market awaits details on tariffs, which could lead to a rise in copper and aluminium prices
Investors awaited the outcome of President Donald Trump's threat to implement tariffs on this weekend. By 1030 GMT, the London Metal Exchange's (LME) three-month copper was up by 0.5% to $9,114 per metric ton, while aluminium gained 0.3% to $2 628. Since hitting a peak of $10158 in September last year, LME copper is down 10%. Nitesh Sha, commodity strategist at WisdomTree, said: "The problem is that all base metals are in a waiting mode to see what happens with tariffs." It's difficult to hear anything else above the noise that's being created by the stock market right now. Trump's spokesperson said on Tuesday that he was still planning to fulfill his promise on Saturday to slap tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as China, which is the largest metals consumer in the world. Citi stated in a report that "we continue to expect LME flat metal prices to weaken in response to confirmations of larger tariffs." Investors are trying to factor in the impact of the tariffs. U.S. Comex Copper Futures increased 0.6% to $4.307 a lb, or $9,495 per ton. This is a $381 premium over the LME. The metals market has been helped by a slightly lower dollar index. It had risen on Wednesday, after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated that there was no rush to reduce rates again. The dollar is weaker, making commodities priced in U.S. dollars less expensive for buyers of other currencies. After a 1.8% increase on Wednesday, the price of aluminium paused in response to the news that the European Union had proposed a ban on imports from Russia as part of retaliatory sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. There is uncertainty, because Hungary could vote against it. Shah added that this is another worry hovering over aluminium markets. Lead increased 0.3%, while nickel fell 0.5%. Tin was up 0.3%, at $30,185. The Shanghai Futures Exchange will be closed during the Lunar New Year holidays. Reporting by Eric Onstad, Additional reporting by Anushree Mukerjee in Bengaluru. Editing by Tomasz Janovowski
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Nigeria union rejects telecom tariff hike, plans nationwide protest
The main Nigerian labour union rejected a government-approved increase of 50% in telecommunications rates and announced plans to protest nationwide on February 4. Last week, the telecoms regulator approved an increase in mobile rates, the first in over a decade. This was in response to the pressure of operators who are struggling with rising costs due to high inflation and currency devaluation. At a late-night meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), union leaders referred to the rise as "insensitive, unfair, and an assault on the citizens" who are already dealing with the worst crisis in cost-of living for a generation, caused by the reforms implemented by President Bola. In a press release, NLC President Joe Ajaero cited high food prices and increases in petrol and electricity costs as examples of the dangers that come with imposing an unfair price increase on a population already struggling. The union called for a dialogue with the government, regulators and union leaders to discuss the suspension of tariff adjustments. Ajaero has threatened to boycott telecommunications and even strike if the authorities refuse to engage in dialogue. The NLC represents millions of workers and has clashed repeatedly with the government about economic reforms. Officials argue that the measures are needed to stabilize the economy. (Reporting and writing by Camillus Eboh, Editing by Kirsten Doovan).
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Gold as a safe-haven amid Trump tariff fears
Gold prices in safe-havens rose on Thursday, as investors worried over potential import tariffs by U.S. president Donald Trump. Investors also awaited an important inflation report to gauge Federal Reserve policy. As of 1020 GMT, spot gold was up 0.7% to $2,776.79 an ounce. U.S. Gold Futures rose 0.8% to $2791.70. Rhona O’Connell, StoneX analyst, said: "Despite the fact gold tariffs in the States is extremely unlikely as it is a valuable reserve asset for risk managers to take a chance and move metal into the States." The exchange of physical for futures (EFP) is the element most affected, but it contributes to spot support. Two sources with knowledge of the situation said that London bullion players are racing to borrow from central banks which store gold in London. This is due to a spike in gold deliveries into the U.S. Even though Trump didn't mention gold in tariff plans, traders worried about possible risks led to more gold being shipped to New York. The White House announced earlier this week that Trump planned to impose steep tariffs against Mexico and Canada on Saturday, while also weighing some for China. The Fed also held rates constant on Wednesday. Chair Jerome Powell stated that there was no hurry to reduce rates again. Investors are now awaiting the U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index report for December on Friday. Spot silver rose 0.8% to $31.05 an ounce. Ole Hansen is the head of commodity strategy for Saxo Bank. He said that silver has seen a renewed strength in relation to gold, after the ratio gold-silver was once again rejected at 91. The market is pricing a higher level of risk for silver import tariffs than gold." Palladium rose 1.8%, to $979.45. Platinum increased 1.1% to 956.79. (Reporting by Anjana Anil in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)
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Daughter of South Africa’s former president Zuma is charged with 2021 riots
Duduzile Zuma Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, was charged on Thursday with inciting violence in riots that took place in 2021, during which over 300 people died. Zuma-Sambudla's lawyer said that she will plead not guilt. The prosecution alleges that Zuma-Sambudla prompted others to commit violent acts in social media posts in July 2021 when unrest broke after her father's arrest for refusing to comply with a court order. The anger that began over Zuma’s imprisonment turned into rage against poverty and inequality. This led to looting thousands of stores, extensive damage to infrastructure, and the death of approximately 350 people. Estimates of the financial damages caused by the riots ranged from 50 billion rand to 2.70 billion dollars. Jacob Zuma was with Zuma-Sambudla at the court in Durban. She was released with a warning, until her next court appearance in March. Zuma backed a political party called uMkhonto we Sizwe in 2022 after his contempt of Court sentence was overturned. This new party caused a lot of disruption in the national elections last year. MK gained 58 parliamentary constituencies, which contributed to a dramatic drop in the support for Zuma's African National Congress. The ANC had to form a coalition with a number of smaller parties. Zuma-Sambudla represents MK in the lower chamber of parliament. $1 = 18.4982 Rand (Reporting and editing by Alexander Winning, Bernadettebaum, and Sfundo parakozov)
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A man is shot dead in Sweden before a court ruling on Koran burning
A Swedish court document revealed that an Iraqi refugee who was a vocal opponent of Islam was killed in Sweden on Wednesday night, just hours before his court trial for burning the Koran was to be concluded. Salwan Momika (38), was shot at a house near Stockholm in Sodertalje, according to SVT, which cited unnamed sources from the police. Momika burned copies of the Koran (the Muslim holy book) in protests against Islam in 2023. The Stockholm court was due to announce the verdict on Momika's case and that of another man in a criminal prosecution for "offences against an ethnic group or nationality" but the decision has been delayed. The other defendant, in the same case, posted a message to X saying "I'm Next". The police confirmed that an unidentified man was killed in Sodertalje on Wednesday at 2200 GMT, but declined to comment further. Security Service spokeswoman said that they are closely monitoring the events to determine the impact on Swedish security. She added that the police were in charge of the investigation. Swedish media reported Momika streaming live on TikTok when he was shot. Video footage showed police ending a livestream from Momika’s TikTok. In 2023, Sweden raised its terror alert level to the second highest and warned about threats against Swedes both at home and abroad. This was after Momika's Koran burnings outraged Muslims, and triggered threats by jihadists. The Swedish government has condemned the wave in 2023 of Koran-burnings, but it was originally viewed as a form of protected free speech. In 2023, Sweden's immigration agency wanted to deport Momika because he had given false information in his residency application. But they couldn't do it as he would have been subjected to torture and inhumane treatments in Iraq. Muslims consider burning the Koran a blasphemous action because they believe it is the literal word from God. (Reporting and editing by Terje Sollvik and Bernadettebaum, with contributions by Johan Ahlander and Isabelle Yr Carlsson)
US tariff concerns remain in the spotlight as copper edges up from a three-week low
The copper price edged upwards after reaching its lowest level in three weeks on Wednesday in London, but concerns that U.S. president Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could harm the global demand outlook held gains in check.
The benchmark copper price on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.8% by 1701 GMT to $9,059 per metric ton after it had fallen to $8,957, its lowest level since January 8.
U.S. Comex Copper Futures rose 1.1% to $4.195 per lb. This keeps the premium above the LME contract at $400 a tonne.
Trump said that he will announce 25% tariffs against Mexico and Canada starting on February 1 if they do not help the United States tackle the twin problems of fentanyl and immigration. He announced on Monday that he would be imposing tariffs on aluminum, copper and steel.
The market is very reactive right now, due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and possible retaliatory measures, especially in China. Alice Fox is a global metals analyst at Macquarie.
The introduction of tariffs may negatively impact the global growth, and therefore the copper demand.
Investors were looking for clues on the amount of interest rates that might be cut this year. The dollar remained steady in advance of the next U.S. Federal Reserve policy decision.
Aluminium on the LME rose 2.0%, to $2,623 per ton, after rebounding from a 2-week low.
Discount for LME Cash Contracts against Three-Month Aluminium
BNP Paribas believes that this spread will swing to a premium during the first half 2025, as China's limited production capacity and its own cap on growth in other countries tightens physical supply despite a slower demand.
Lead rose by 1.3% at $1,967 per ton. Tin was up by 1.4% to $30,000; zinc gained 0.3% to 2,783; and nickel gained 0.2%, to $15,480.
Chinese metals markets are closed until February 5 for the Lunar New Year. (Reporting from Polina Deitt in London, Additional reporting by Anushree Mukerjee in Bengaluru. Editing by David Goode and Nick Zieminski.
(source: Reuters)