Egypt has successfully tested a new 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) extension to the Suez Canal, aimed at minimizing the impact of strong currents on vessels and increasing the waterway’s capacity.

This significant development comes as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance navigational safety and boost economic activity through one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.

On Saturday, two ships navigated the newly constructed extension, according to a statement from the Suez Canal Authority.

Osama Rabie, the authority’s chief, emphasized that the project would mitigate the effects of water and air currents on passing ships, which have occasionally run aground due to challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and sandstorms.

The testing of the extension follows the infamous blockage of the canal in 2021, when the giant container ship Ever Given became lodged diagonally, disrupting global trade for nearly a week and leading to substantial financial losses.

Expected to increase the canal’s capacity by six to eight additional vessels daily, the new extension is set to open after the issuance of updated navigational maps.

This development is critical for Egypt, which relies heavily on canal revenues, especially as it faces its most severe economic crisis in decades.

Recent estimates by the International Monetary Fund indicate that revenues have plummeted by up to 70 percent since last year, largely due to security threats from Houthi rebels affecting shipping in the Red Sea.

The Suez Canal remains a vital artery for global maritime trade, previously accounting for about 10 percent of the world’s shipping traffic.

The Old Town Conservation and Development Authority in Zanzibar has temporarily banned the popular street performances known as makachu at the iconic Forodhani Gardens. The move comes in response to growing concerns over activities that reportedly violate Zanzibar’s ethical standards and damage its historic infrastructure.

In a statement, the Authority highlighted a range of issues, including performers wearing attire deemed inconsistent with local traditions, vandalizing drainage systems, and using waste bins as props in comedic acts. These breaches, the Authority said, necessitate a temporary suspension to allow for the development of a structured framework to regulate the performances.

Originally a casual pastime, makachu has grown into a major attraction, contributing significantly to Zanzibar’s global tourism appeal. The daring acrobatics, often performed with the picturesque backdrop of Zanzibar’s beaches, have drawn international attention, with celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o endorsing the island’s beauty.

However, the performances are not without risks. Injuries among performers have been common, with some incidents leading to life-altering consequences. One such case is Ahmed Abdallah Hamid, a former diver who suffered spinal injuries after misjudging water depth during a stunt. His accident has left him paralyzed and bedridden for five years, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers involved.

The ban follows the circulation of a viral video showing foreign tourists engaging in makachu at Forodhani Gardens while dressed in a manner considered inappropriate by local cultural standards.

While the Old Town Authority has pledged to preserve Forodhani Gardens and enforce measures against misconduct, the decision has sparked heated debate. Critics argue that banning makachu could harm tourism, given its role in promoting Zanzibar’s charm internationally.

William Zulock, 34, and Zachary Zulock, 36, were sentenced this week after pleading guilty to multiple charges of child exploitation, including aggravated sodomy, child molestation, and incest.

The disturbing details of their crimes have been described as a “house of horrors” by Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney Randy McGinley.

During the sentencing, McGinley expressed the profound impact of the brothers’ actions, emphasizing their utter disregard for the victims’ well-being.

“These two defendants truly created a house of horrors and put their extremely dark desires above everything and everyone else,” he stated. The district attorney continued, highlighting the inspiring resolve of the young victims involved, who bravely faced their tormentors and fought for justice over the past two years.

William Zulock faced serious charges, pleading guilty to aggravated sodomy, child molestation, incest, and two counts of sexual exploitation of children in August.

His brother, Zachary, also pled guilty to similar charges, including aggravated sodomy and sexual exploitation of children, while a bench trial for two counts of incest resulted in a guilty verdict delivered by Judge Jeffrey L. Foster on October 21.

The sentences handed down by the court mark a significant step toward justice for the victims, who have shown remarkable resilience amid their trauma.

Attorney McGinley affirmed that justice would prevail: “The depth of the defendants’ depravity, which is as deep as it gets, is not greater than the resolve of those that fought for justice and the strength of the victims in this case,” he concluded.