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Egypt’s ancient ‘zar’ ritual puts exorcism on stage

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Relaxnews

A stage, lights, a mesmerised audience: it looks like an Egyptian folkloric concert but Umm Sameh is singing to heal the sick by driving out the demons that possess them. The music and dance ritual known as “zar”, with centuries-old roots in Ethiopia and Sudan, is traditionally performed to ward off or exorcise jinn or evil spirits. “We’re not quacks or witches,” said Umm Sameh, aged in her 70s, with kohl-lined eyes, large hoops swaying in her ears and gold bracelets tinkling on her arms. “The singing is spiritual and brings out negative energies,” said the lead singer of the Mazaher ensemble,… Continue reading “Egypt’s ancient ‘zar’ ritual puts exorcism on stage”

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MbZ becomes UAE president after brother’s death

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Al-Araby

The UAE’s long-time de facto ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was named as president on Saturday, confirming his rise to power a day after the death of former leader Sheikh Khalifa. The 61-year-old, who has run the oil-rich Gulf state from behind the scenes since his half-brother was sidelined by ill health in 2014, was “unanimously elected” by rulers of the country’s seven emirates, the official WAM news agency said. His ascension was widely expected. It came after he led funeral prayers and helped carry the body of Sheikh Khalifa, 73, who was buried at Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen cemetery … Continue reading “MbZ becomes UAE president after brother’s death”

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Protests in Sudan resume as moves for political deal falter

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Al-Araby

Security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters who rallied against Sudan’s military rulers on Thursday, as diplomatic moves to broker a political solution to a post-coup crisis showed little sign of progress. Thousands marched towards the presidential palace in Khartoum amid high temperatures and a heavy security presence, in the first major demonstration since the fasting month of Ramadan and the biggest turnout for several weeks. Crowds in the capital – and others filmed in other cities on social media – could be heard chanting “Kill us, we’re not afraid,” and “The people’s g… Continue reading “Protests in Sudan resume as moves for political deal falter”

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Sudan junta allows Russia ‘Victory Day’ celebrations

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Al-Araby

Sudanese and Russian expatriates rallied outside Moscow’s embassy in Sudan’s capital last week to celebrate Russian Victory Day, despite authorities’ violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the country. Dozens on Friday marched through Khartoum to mark Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany, the first time the event has been celebrated in Sudan. It comes amid international outrage over Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which has led to sanctions on Moscow by dozens of countries, including the US. Sudanese activists circulated videos showing the march with people carrying Russian fl… Continue reading “Sudan junta allows Russia ‘Victory Day’ celebrations”

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Many fear South Sudan may return to conflict, say UN experts

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Al-Araby

Many political leaders and civilians in South Sudan are “deeply skeptical” a 2018 peace agreement can deliver stability to the world’s newest nation and worry it may be heading back into conflict, UN experts said in a report circulated Monday. The experts pointed to political disputes between former rivals now leading the government – President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar – that have gridlocked much of the peace deal they signed more than three and a half years ago. Since January, people in communities around Leer, South Sudan, have been caught up in a spiraling conflict. Peaceke… Continue reading “Many fear South Sudan may return to conflict, say UN experts”

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Why are food prices going up? Key questions answered

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Reuters UK

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Why are food prices rising? Global food prices started to rise in mid-2020 when businesses shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, straining supply chains. Farmers dumped out milk and let fruits and vegetables rot due to a lack of available truckers to transport goods to supermarkets, where prices spiked as consumers stockpiled food. A shortage of migrant labor as lockdowns restricted movement impacted crops worldwide. Since then, there have been problems with key crops in many parts of the world. Brazil, the world’s top soybean exporter, suffered from severe drought in 202… Continue reading “Why are food prices going up? Key questions answered”