http://www.africanews.com/feed/rssReceive free and in real-time all news published by africanews.com, by subscribing to our RSS feeds.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:07:02 +0000http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/iran-conflict-fuels-farm-crisis-as-costs-soar-in-south-africa/South African wheat farmers are facing mounting financial pressure as the conflict involving Iran disrupts global fuel and fertilizer markets. With diesel and fertilizer prices surging, producers warn that shrinking profits could push some farms to the brink.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:07:02 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/iran-conflict-fuels-farm-crisis-as-costs-soar-in-south-africa/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/kenyan-activists-protest-rising-cases-of-gender-based-violence-femicide/Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Kenya’s capital on Monday, calling for the government to urgently investigate rising cases of gender-based violence and femicide, or the killing of women.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:17:43 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/kenyan-activists-protest-rising-cases-of-gender-based-violence-femicide/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/mexico-sets-record-with-giant-augmented-reality-world-cup-mural/A collective of Mexican artists set a Guinness World Record for the world's largest augmented reality football mural, unveiling a 625.68-square-meter interactive artwork in the city of La PazMon, 01 Jun 2026 15:15:57 +0000editorial@africanews.comhttp://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/mexico-sets-record-with-giant-augmented-reality-world-cup-mural/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/ethiopia-votes-as-abiy-seeks-stronger-mandate-amid-democratic-concerns/Millions of Ethiopians headed to the polls on Monday in legislative elections expected to extend Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rule, as opposition parties and analysts raised concerns about political freedoms, ongoing conflicts and the competitiveness of the vote.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:45:49 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/ethiopia-votes-as-abiy-seeks-stronger-mandate-amid-democratic-concerns/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/nigeria-teachers-in-oyoo-state-down-tools-over-the-kidnapping-of-colleagues/The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) called an open-ended strike from Monday in the state of Oyo, in protest at the kidnapping in mid-May of dozens of children and their teachers.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:35:21 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/nigeria-teachers-in-oyoo-state-down-tools-over-the-kidnapping-of-colleagues/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/five-health-workers-recover-from-ebola-in-dr-congo/The World Health Organization said Sunday that five people in total have recovered from the disease and dischargedMon, 01 Jun 2026 12:19:21 +0000editorial@africanews.comhttp://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/five-health-workers-recover-from-ebola-in-dr-congo/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/hundreds-of-kenyan-youths-protest-outside-the-ebola-quarantine-center-for-us-citizens/Hundreds of youths in Kenya’s central town of Nanyuki on Monday demonstrated against the establishment at the Laikipia Air Base of an Ebola quarantine center for American citizens exposed to the virus.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:19:22 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/hundreds-of-kenyan-youths-protest-outside-the-ebola-quarantine-center-for-us-citizens/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/trionda-the-most-advanced-world-cup-ball-ever-made/When the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City, billions of eyes will be fixed on the players. Yet another star of the tournament will already be on the pitch. It is called TRIONDA.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:31:19 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Kwabena Adu-Gyamfi)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/trionda-the-most-advanced-world-cup-ball-ever-made/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/world-cup-dream-brings-hope-to-haiti-amid-violence-and-instability/The excitement follows Haiti’s qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 and only the second time in the country’s historyMon, 01 Jun 2026 10:43:27 +0000editorial@africanews.comhttp://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/world-cup-dream-brings-hope-to-haiti-amid-violence-and-instability/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/death-of-yves-sakila-puts-irelands-race-relations-under-scrutiny/The death of Yves Sakila, a 35-year-old Congolese man who died after being restrained by security guards in central Dublin, has sparked protests, international attention and renewed scrutiny of racism in Ireland.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:29:33 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/death-of-yves-sakila-puts-irelands-race-relations-under-scrutiny/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/world-cup-fans-gather-in-santiago-for-sticker-swap-as-south-africa-team-resolves-visa-issu/Thousands of Chileans of all ages gathered this Sunday at La Florida Bicentennial Stadium in capital city Santiago to take part in the country’s largest sticker-swapping event. Meanwhile, South Africa's squad heads to Mexico after resolving a US visa delay.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:11:56 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/world-cup-fans-gather-in-santiago-for-sticker-swap-as-south-africa-team-resolves-visa-issu/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/psg-victory-reignites-frances-public-order-battle-as-arrests-near-900/Celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League triumph quickly gave way to scenes of violence across France, with nearly 900 arrests, 180 injured police officers and one death.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:10:26 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/psg-victory-reignites-frances-public-order-battle-as-arrests-near-900/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/counting-underway-after-guinea-votes-in-legislative-and-municipal-elections/Guineans voted on Sunday in legislative and municipal elections marking a new step towards a return to democratic rule after a 2021 coup, despite severe restrictions on civil liberties and an opposition boycott.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:46:21 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/counting-underway-after-guinea-votes-in-legislative-and-municipal-elections/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/polls-open-in-ethiopias-parliamentary-elections-as-pm-abiy-vies-for-new-term/Voting got underway in Ethiopia on Monday morning in the country’s parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party is on course for a landslide victory, despite criticism of growing authoritarianism and a crackdown on dissent.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:22:23 +0000editorial@africanews.comhttp://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/polls-open-in-ethiopias-parliamentary-elections-as-pm-abiy-vies-for-new-term/http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/women-at-greatest-risk-from-drc-ebola-outbreak-health-workers-warn-as-confirmed-cases-rise/In Bunia, at the heart of the Ebola response, health facilities are reporting a severe shortage of protective and support equipment as they grapple with a surge in suspected cases, primarily among women.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:20:54 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/01/women-at-greatest-risk-from-drc-ebola-outbreak-health-workers-warn-as-confirmed-cases-rise/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/who-chief-attends-opening-of-ebola-treatment-centre-in-eastern-congo/Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the recovery of five people infected with the rare strain of the virus for which their is no approved treatment or vaccine.Sun, 31 May 2026 14:58:06 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/who-chief-attends-opening-of-ebola-treatment-centre-in-eastern-congo/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/nigerian-fans-celebrate-paris-saint-germains-win-over-arsenal/Thousands watched the UEFA Champions League final in bars, restaurants, and viewing centres across Lagos.Sun, 31 May 2026 13:13:36 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/nigerian-fans-celebrate-paris-saint-germains-win-over-arsenal/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/ethiopian-prime-ministers-hometown-shows-strong-support-ahead-of-polls/Campaign posters for Abiy Ahmed line the streets of the rural town of Beshasha where he is expected to cast his vote on Monday.Sun, 31 May 2026 10:58:36 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/ethiopian-prime-ministers-hometown-shows-strong-support-ahead-of-polls/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/nigerias-ndc-party-names-peter-obi-as-2027-presidential-candidate/Obi will again face President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress and Atiku Abubakar of the Africa Democratic Congress.Sun, 31 May 2026 10:03:53 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/nigerias-ndc-party-names-peter-obi-as-2027-presidential-candidate/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/campaigning-in-ethiopia-ends-ahead-of-polls-ruling-party-likely-to-win/Some 50 million Ethiopians are due to vote on Monday in parliamentary and regional elections.Sun, 31 May 2026 08:36:32 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/campaigning-in-ethiopia-ends-ahead-of-polls-ruling-party-likely-to-win/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/who-chief-is-confident-ebola-outbreak-in-dr-congo-can-be-stopped/Health teams are racing to contain the emergency that has spread across several provinces in the DRC and into neighbouring Uganda.Sun, 31 May 2026 07:36:58 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/who-chief-is-confident-ebola-outbreak-in-dr-congo-can-be-stopped/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/psg-back-to-back-victory-in-championship-league-shootout-against-arsenal/Les Parisiens edged out the Gunners 4-3 in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Puskas Arena in the Hungarian capital.Sun, 31 May 2026 06:41:06 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/31/psg-back-to-back-victory-in-championship-league-shootout-against-arsenal/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/muslims-conclude-final-ritual-of-hajj-pilgrimage-in-saudi-arabia/It involves walking seven times around the Kaaba, a stone building at the centre of the Great Mosque in Mecca.Sat, 30 May 2026 14:02:06 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/muslims-conclude-final-ritual-of-hajj-pilgrimage-in-saudi-arabia/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/who-chief-visits-town-at-the-epicentre-of-ebola-outbreak-in-dr-congo/Speaking on his arrival in Bunia, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called on communities to play a central role in fighting the disease.Sat, 30 May 2026 13:29:58 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/who-chief-visits-town-at-the-epicentre-of-ebola-outbreak-in-dr-congo/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/barbers-in-cuban-capital-offer-free-haircuts-amid-economic-crisis/Faced with power outages and water shortages, personal hygiene has become a problem, especially for the vulnerable.Sat, 30 May 2026 12:45:41 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/barbers-in-cuban-capital-offer-free-haircuts-amid-economic-crisis/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/iran-beat-the-gambia-in-world-cup-friendly-as-team-waits-for-us-visas/With less than two weeks to go until the start of the tournament, the Iranian football federation has asked for clarity about their visas.Sat, 30 May 2026 10:26:35 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/iran-beat-the-gambia-in-world-cup-friendly-as-team-waits-for-us-visas/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/benin-strengthen-laws-to-combat-production-of-fake-bank-notes/It also increase penalties for the distribution of counterfeit notes and refusal to accept notes and coins issued by the Central Bank of West African States.Sat, 30 May 2026 08:49:50 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/benin-strengthen-laws-to-combat-production-of-fake-bank-notes/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/kenyan-court-orders-suspension-of-planned-us-ebola-quarantine-facility/There has been a public outcry to the plan to bring American citizens exposed to the deadly virus in the region into Kenya.Sat, 30 May 2026 08:50:20 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/kenyan-court-orders-suspension-of-planned-us-ebola-quarantine-facility/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/parents-of-kenya-school-fire-victims-await-official-identification/Police say eight students have been arrested in connection with the suspected arson attack in which 16 pupils died.Sat, 30 May 2026 08:50:55 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/30/parents-of-kenya-school-fire-victims-await-official-identification/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/ghana-approves-sweeping-anti-lgbtq-law/Ghana’s parliament has approved one of Africa’s most restrictive anti-LGBTQ laws, reviving controversial legislation that imposes prison terms for same-sex relations and support for LGBTQ activities, despite strong criticism from human rights groups and international organisations.Fri, 29 May 2026 20:43:36 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/ghana-approves-sweeping-anti-lgbtq-law/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/six-former-pms-demand-medical-evacuation-for-ailing-expresident-sambi/Six former prime ministers have called on President Azali Assoumani to allow jailed ex‑president Ahmed Abdallah Sambi to seek medical treatment abroad, warning that his health is worsening and urging clemency amid growing concerns over political repression in the island nation.Fri, 29 May 2026 19:50:13 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/six-former-pms-demand-medical-evacuation-for-ailing-expresident-sambi/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/ruling-bloc-ousted-as-opposition-paicv-secures-clear-parliamentary-win/Cape Verde’s main opposition party, the PAICV, has won an absolute majority in parliamentary elections, securing 37 of 72 seats and ending a decade of rule by Ulisses Correia e Silva’s government. The victory positions party leader Francisco Carvalho to become the next prime minister.Fri, 29 May 2026 18:46:09 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/ruling-bloc-ousted-as-opposition-paicv-secures-clear-parliamentary-win/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/race-against-ebola-unicef-who-and-eu-rush-aid-to-congo/More than 100 metric tons of emergency humanitarian supplies are being airlifted into the Democratic Republic of the Congo as UNICEF, the EU and WHO intensify efforts to contain a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak that has already infected more than 120 people.Fri, 29 May 2026 18:37:25 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/race-against-ebola-unicef-who-and-eu-rush-aid-to-congo/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/muslim-pilgrims-in-mecca-mark-final-day-of-hajj-and-end-of-eid-al-adha-festival/Pilgrims continued to perform Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia on Friday as the pilgrimage and coinciding holiday of Eid Al-Adha draw to a close.Fri, 29 May 2026 15:34:51 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/muslim-pilgrims-in-mecca-mark-final-day-of-hajj-and-end-of-eid-al-adha-festival/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/kenya-court-halts-us-ebola-quarantine-centre-plan/A Kenyan court temporarily halted the opening of an Ebola quarantine centre for US nationals on Friday following a petition filed by a rights group.Fri, 29 May 2026 14:42:34 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/kenya-court-halts-us-ebola-quarantine-centre-plan/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/community-outreach-key-to-stopping-ebola-outbreak-says-red-cross-as-uganda-confirms-2-new-/Community outreach is key to stopping the Ebola outbreak, say Red Cross workers in the DRC's Ituri province, as across the border in Uganda, two new cases have been identified.Fri, 29 May 2026 14:25:33 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/community-outreach-key-to-stopping-ebola-outbreak-says-red-cross-as-uganda-confirms-2-new-/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/burkina-faso-junta-shuts-major-mosque-after-arrests-of-protesters/Burkina Faso’s military junta has closed the capital’s main Sunni mosque after nearly 100 supporters of a detained preacher were arrested following protests, deepening concerns over growing repression under the country’s military rulers.Fri, 29 May 2026 13:48:03 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/burkina-faso-junta-shuts-major-mosque-after-arrests-of-protesters/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/curacaos-blue-wave-smallest-nation-ever-on-footballs-biggest-stage/For the first time ever, tiny Curaçao is participating in the FIFA World Cup, the world's largest sporting event.Fri, 29 May 2026 13:22:19 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/curacaos-blue-wave-smallest-nation-ever-on-footballs-biggest-stage/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/odesa-and-zaporizhzhia-struck-as-ukraine-faces-huge-drone-barrage/Mass Russian drone strike targets Ukraine as 232 drones launched, 217 downed; Odesa and Zaporizhzhia suffer damage and injuries, ships hit in Black Sea.Fri, 29 May 2026 12:58:15 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Alexis Caraco)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/odesa-and-zaporizhzhia-struck-as-ukraine-faces-huge-drone-barrage/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/temu-hit-with-200m-eu-fine-over-consumer-safety-failures/The European Commission has fined Chinese online marketplace Temu €200 million, saying it failed to properly protect consumers in the European Union from unsafe and illegal products sold on its platform.Fri, 29 May 2026 12:57:36 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/temu-hit-with-200m-eu-fine-over-consumer-safety-failures/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/eight-students-arrested-after-deadly-kenya-school-fire/A suspected arson attack at a Kenyan girls’ boarding school has left 16 students dead and 79 injured, exposing alleged negligence, overcrowding and ignored warnings. Authorities have arrested eight students as investigators probe one of the country’s deadliest school tragedies in years.Fri, 29 May 2026 12:23:46 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Dominic Wabwireh)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/eight-students-arrested-after-deadly-kenya-school-fire/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/dr-congo-doctors-combat-ebola-with-supportive-care-as-patients-show-signs-of-recovery/Doctors in the Democratic Republic of Congo are tirelessly assisting patients in combating the recent Ebola outbreak, with some patients now showing signs of recovery from the deadly virus.Fri, 29 May 2026 14:24:28 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/dr-congo-doctors-combat-ebola-with-supportive-care-as-patients-show-signs-of-recovery/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/madagascars-top-court-dismisses-lawmakers-bid-to-oust-military-ruler/Antoine Rajerison accused Colonel Michael Randrianirina of treason for "serious and repeated violations of the constitution".Fri, 29 May 2026 10:44:34 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/madagascars-top-court-dismisses-lawmakers-bid-to-oust-military-ruler/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/us-canada-and-mexico-will-align-ebola-travel-measures-for-world-cup/The US, Mexico and Canada - the three hosts of next month’s World Cup - say they will align public health measures for people traveling to the tournament from the DR Congo and other African nations affected by the Ebola outbreak.Fri, 29 May 2026 10:22:24 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/us-canada-and-mexico-will-align-ebola-travel-measures-for-world-cup/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/arsenal-and-psg-fans-in-senegal-gear-up-for-historic-2026-champions-league-final/Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal supporters in Senegal are gearing up for a historic Champions League final on Saturday, turning Dakar into a hub of passion, colour, and high expectations.Fri, 29 May 2026 10:03:14 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/arsenal-and-psg-fans-in-senegal-gear-up-for-historic-2026-champions-league-final/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/rate-otter-pups-go-for-first-swim-amid-heatwave-in-england/Uca, Yali, and Yara were encouraged into the water at Chester Zoo by their first-time parents.Fri, 29 May 2026 09:57:27 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/rate-otter-pups-go-for-first-swim-amid-heatwave-in-england/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/romania-first-footage-shows-damage-after-drone-hits-residential-block-near-ukraine-border/A Russian drone from strikes on Ukraine crashes in Galati, injuring two and prompting Romania to seek faster NATO anti-drone support for its air defences.Fri, 29 May 2026 09:29:10 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Alexis Caraco)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/romania-first-footage-shows-damage-after-drone-hits-residential-block-near-ukraine-border/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/us-secretary-of-defence-hegseth-arrives-in-singapore-for-asia-summit/US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has arrived in Singapore for a weekend of meetings at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Asia’s top defense summit, it draws leaders, diplomats and security officials from around the world.Fri, 29 May 2026 09:09:36 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/us-secretary-of-defence-hegseth-arrives-in-singapore-for-asia-summit/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/malema-criticises-ghanas-evacuation-of-citizens-from-south-africa/South African opposition politician Julius Malema has criticised Ghana’s decision to evacuate some of its citizens from South Africa following growing fears over xenophobic violence.Fri, 29 May 2026 09:03:59 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Rédaction Africanews)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/malema-criticises-ghanas-evacuation-of-citizens-from-south-africa/http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/lebanon-tyre-residents-clear-rubble-after-israeli-strikes/Residents of Lebanon's historic city of Tyre surveyed widespread destruction on 28 May after Israeli strikes hit the area. The attacks came as fighting with Hezbollah intensified despite a ceasefire announced in April.Fri, 29 May 2026 08:49:24 +0000editorial@africanews.com (Alexis Caraco)http://www.africanews.com/2026/05/29/lebanon-tyre-residents-clear-rubble-after-israeli-strikes/