Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Friday, Jan 09, 2026

Guinea Football Match Stampede Highlights Political Tensions; US and Canada See Migrant Arrests Drop; Southeast Asia Prepares for More Flooding; Saudi Arabia Leads COP16 on Environmental Initiatives

Tragedy in Guinea: Stampede at Football Match Highlights Political Tensions Amidst Doumbouya's Presidential Aspirations
In a tragic turn of events, a stampede at a football match in N'Zerekore, Guinea, led to the loss of 56 lives, fueling already tense political situations. This incident occurred amid protests during a tournament honoring junta leader Mamady Doumbouya, highlighting the political undertones as he eyes a potential presidential run.

Meanwhile, in North America, both the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders saw a significant drop in migrant arrests, hitting a three-year low in November 2024. Policy shifts, including the US tightening asylum claims and Mexico enhancing immigration enforcement, likely contributed to this decrease despite criticisms from President-elect Donald Trump.

Over in Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Thailand brace for more heavy rains even as they recover from devastating floods that affected over half a million households. As water levels recede, the region remains vigilant with warnings of further flooding on the horizon.

Turning our attention to global environmental efforts, Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role at the COP16 UN conference in Riyadh, focusing on combating drought and desertification through initiatives like the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative. This highlights the pressing issue of land degradation, which affects a large portion of the Earth.

At the same conference, Riyadh's Mayor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf showcased the city’s significant green projects, underscoring urban areas' vital role in sustainability. Efforts such as planting millions of trees and the rehabilitation of local environments illustrate Riyadh's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable development.

In alignment with its ambitious Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has assumed leadership at COP16, presenting initiatives to tackle land degradation globally. By introducing strategies centered on renewable energy, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture, the Kingdom aims to rehabilitate millions of hectares and strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience worldwide.
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