Widespread protests have erupted across Syria in response to a significant increase in fuel prices, with demonstrators taking to the streets in several cities to express their anger.

The surge in fuel costs has triggered public outrage amid already difficult economic conditions, as many Syrians struggle with high living expenses and limited purchasing power.

Crowds gathered in major urban centres, chanting against the price hike and calling for immediate government intervention to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.

Reports indicate that the demonstrations turned tense in some locations, with security forces deployed to maintain order. Protesters blocked roads and gathered outside government buildings, demanding a reversal of the fuel price adjustment.

The fuel price increase is the latest in a series of economic pressures facing the country, where years of conflict and sanctions have left infrastructure strained and basic commodities increasingly expensive.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed official response to the unrest, as the protests continue to gain momentum.

The Kenyan government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country 90 days to regularise their immigration status, work permits, business registrations and licences, following remarks by President William Ruto that triggered panic in immigrant communities and fears of xenophobic violence.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced the “orderly regularisation exercise” on Tuesday, saying relevant government agencies would work with foreign embassies to facilitate compliance. “Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” Mohamed said. Requirements will be administered “fairly, consistently and without discrimination” during the period. After the 90 days, the rules will be enforced “firmly and strictly in accordance with the law and due process.”

The move comes after Ruto’s comments last week that foreigners should not operate as hawkers or run small shops, which were widely seen as responding to complaints from Kenyan traders about competition in the informal sector. The remarks sparked anxiety, particularly among Burundian nationals who dominate street vending in parts of Nairobi. Hundreds queued at the Burundi embassy seeking travel documents amid concerns of a crackdown and possible attacks similar to recent xenophobic violence in South Africa. There were reports of at least one shop attack and instances of harassment or intimidation.

Mohamed explicitly warned that no individual or group has authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses, stressing that enforcement is the sole responsibility of authorised state agencies. “Legitimate concerns about economic opportunity can never justify discrimination, excuse lawlessness or sanction violence,” the statement said. Kenya would remain “an open, secure and welcoming country” while protecting opportunities for its citizens, especially in the micro and small-enterprise sector.

Citizens of East African Community countries are eligible for free work permits, though many have not completed formal registration. The government has also directed that the Local Content Bill currently before Parliament be expanded to create a clearer framework identifying activities that may be reserved for Kenyans while protecting the rights of foreigners lawfully entitled to work, invest or trade.

The 90-day window is intended to allow an orderly process rather than immediate closures, offering temporary relief to affected communities while signalling stricter future enforcement.

|•Raffaele Annecchino

Raffaele Annecchino, the former President and CEO of Paramount International has died at the age of 55.

Widely recognised as a transformative figure in global media, he was known for his strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive and ability to steer major organisations through periods of sweeping change.

His career spanned more than 25 years at Paramount and ViacomCBS, starting in a commercial role in Madrid before rising to lead the company’s international operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

As CEO of Paramount International, Annecchino oversaw the company’s pivot from broadcast to digital, spearheading the international rollout of Paramount+, the global expansion of Pluto TV, and the creation of the SkyShowtime joint venture with Comcast.

He also built long-standing partnerships with major industry players, including Sky, Canal+, MultiChoice and Viaplay, and helped grow networks such as MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and Channel 5 in the UK, while backing production hubs across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.