Regional developments in Middle East and Africa

The Ghanaian government is attempting to regulate online prophecies made by prophets and pastors, as part of a broader effort to combat misinformation. The move is driven by concerns that vague and unverifiable predictions can be misleading and potentially harmful. Prophets in Ghana typically make predictions during the month of December, and the government is seeking to bring these online pronouncements under control.

Israel has become the first country to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway republic in the Horn of Africa, as a sovereign state. The recognition has been met with jubilation in Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa, where the Israeli flag has been plastered on buildings and brandished by crowds. The move may exacerbate regional rivalries and has significant implications for the Middle East and Africa. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but its status remains disputed. Israel's recognition is seen as a significant development in the region, with potential consequences for regional stability and international relations.

The Middle East & Africa section of The Economist covers various news stories and analysis from the region. Key stories include mass protests in Iran and their potential impact, Ghana's efforts to regulate online prophecies to combat misinformation, and Israel's recognition of Somaliland, which may exacerbate regional tensions. Other articles discuss the civil war in Yemen, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and Ethiopia's plans to build Africa's largest airport. The section also touches on the implications of meetings between Binyamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump for Israel and the region. Overall, the articles provide in-depth analysis of political, social, and economic developments across the Middle East and Africa.