Cuba has ruled out negotiations with the United States, according to Al Jazeera, despite reporting record economic losses caused by the longstanding US embargo. Cuba's foreign minister described the blockade as 'genocidal' and detailed months of punishing blackouts affecting the island. The report highlights the continued strain the decades-old sanctions place on Cuba's economy and infrastructure, while Havana maintains its refusal to engage in talks with Washington under current conditions.

According to Al Jazeera, ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have led to a significant fuel crisis in Russia. This situation raises questions about whether the economic pressure could prompt the Kremlin to engage in talks with Kyiv.

Gambia's president has appealed for calm following violent protests sparked by persistent electricity blackouts that have affected the country since June. According to Upland Media, residents say some outages have lasted as long as 48 hours. Addressing the public, the president told citizens they are "not alone in the darkness," urging restraint as frustrations over the unreliable power supply boiled over into unrest. The demonstrations highlight growing public anger over the West African nation's ongoing energy crisis.

South African households are facing mounting financial strain as the rising costs of food, electricity and transport consume a growing share of shrinking incomes, according to IOL. The report indicates that pensioners and children are among the groups most severely affected by the squeeze. The increasing competition between essential expenses is placing sustained pressure on household budgets across the country, highlighting broader concerns about the cost of living and economic wellbeing in South Africa.

Qatar has warned of a potential "industrial catastrophe" if the ongoing crisis involving Iran continues, according to Al Jazeera's live coverage. Shipping data from Kpler shows an average of 10 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz daily over the past 10 days, the lowest level since May, highlighting the disruption to one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets overnight in The Gambia, burning tyres and chanting against the president over worsening power outages, according to Vanguard. The blackouts, which have affected the country since June, have recently intensified, with some areas experiencing cuts lasting up to 48 hours during the hot season. The demonstrations have grown increasingly chaotic as public frustration over the electricity crisis mounts.