Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has voiced his support for a traditional Ghanaian outfit, the "fugu," after online criticism of the attire worn by Ghana's president during a recent visit. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating a new message potentially linked to the suspected abduction of the mother of US news presenter Savannah Guthrie, and the European Union has ordered TikTok to modify its "addictive design" or face significant fines. Additionally, thousands of businesses in Malawi have closed in protest over new tax changes, and a Nigerian village chief has recounted a horrific attack by jihadists.
President Hichilema's comments came in response to social media users in Zambia who mocked the "fugu," a traditional Ghanaian garment, as a "blouse." According to BBC World, the Zambian leader shared his appreciation for the design, stating he would be "ordering more of that stuff" for himself. The comments were made during the Ghana-Zambia Business Forum held in Lusaka this week. Ghana's foreign minister noted that the online discussion indicated young people's interest in reclaiming their cultural roots.
In the United States, police are examining a new message sent to a local TV news station that may be connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie. BBC World reported that authorities are "inspecting the information provided in the message for its accuracy." The development follows public pleas from the Guthrie family for proof of life and the passing of the first deadline in an alleged ransom letter.
The European Union has also taken action, ordering TikTok to alter its design to address concerns about user safety. BBC Technology reported that the European Commission found the video-sharing platform had breached online safety rules, specifically regarding features like autoplay and their potential impact on user well-being, including children. The Commission's preliminary findings stated that TikTok did not "adequately assess" these risks and failed to implement sufficient mitigation measures. A TikTok spokesperson told the BBC that the findings were a "categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform" and that the company planned to challenge them.
In Malawi, thousands of businesses closed in protest over the new Electronic Tax Invoicing System (EIS). The Guardian reported that demonstrations across the country's four main cities led to a delay in implementing the new tax regime, which business owners fear will harm their livelihoods. Tens of thousands of people had signed petitions that were presented to tax authorities this week.
Finally, in Nigeria, the chief of a village in Kwara state recounted a night of terror following an attack by jihadists. The Guardian reported that Umar Bio Salihu, the local head of Woro, said gunmen "just came in and started shooting," killing two of his sons and kidnapping his wife and three daughters. The attack occurred earlier this week.
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