Ferry victims ceremony brings mourners together after deadly capsize

Dozens of mourners gathered Thursday evening to pay tribute to the 44 people killed when a passenger ferry capsized earlier this week, in a solemn ceremony that drew grieving families, local officials, and rescue workers who spent days searching the water for survivors.

A community in grief

Candles, flowers, and photographs lined the waterfront as the ceremony got underway at dusk. It’s the kind of gathering nobody wants to attend. Parents clutched pictures of their children. A woman in a yellow headscarf stood alone near the water’s edge for nearly twenty minutes, not speaking to anyone.

Authorities confirmed that Tuesday’s accident remains under investigation, with early findings pointing to overloading as a likely factor. The vessel was reportedly carrying nearly twice its certified passenger limit when it went down.

“We owe it to these families to find out exactly what happened and make sure it never happens again,” said a regional transport official, speaking at the ceremony.

Still, for many of those present, answers can wait. Tonight was about remembrance.

Zambia election count under way

Across the continent, ballot counting has begun in Zambia following Wednesday’s general election. President Hakainde Hichilema is widely expected to secure a second term, with early results pointing toward a comfortable margin over his main challenger.

Turnout figures varied significantly by region, but election observers reported that polling day itself passed without major incident. Results are expected to be certified within 72 hours under Zambian electoral law. And while opposition groups have signaled they’re watching the count closely, no formal complaints had been lodged as of Thursday evening.

Birth rates falling sharply across North Africa

In a separate development drawing attention from demographers, researchers are pointing to a striking and sustained drop in birth rates across North African countries. The findings, compiled from national census data and household surveys across Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria, suggest fertility rates in the region have fallen faster in the past decade than in almost any comparable period on record.

The cost of living is a central driver. But it’s not the only one.

Researchers say changing societal expectations — particularly among women aged 20 to 35 — are reshaping decisions around marriage and parenthood in ways that wouldn’t have seemed possible a generation ago. More women are staying in education longer, entering the workforce, and, in many cases, actively choosing to delay or forgo having children altogether.

In Tunisia, the average number of children per woman has dropped to just 2.1, down from nearly 3.5 in the early 2000s. Egypt and Morocco are tracking similar trajectories.

What comes next

The ferry investigation is expected to produce a preliminary report within two weeks. Zambia’s election outcome, barring any legal challenges, will be confirmed by the weekend. And demographers say North Africa’s demographic shift is likely to accelerate — not slow — as economic pressures continue to bite. None of these stories are finished yet.