Global Affairs

Ebola outbreak in southern DR Congo stabilises after 10-day pause in cases

Since the outbreak began on September 4, the DR Congo health ministry has recorded 64 cases, comprising 53 confirmed and 11 probable infections. The outbreak has claimed 43 lives, with Bulape and Dikolo responsible for the majority of infections and deaths, accounting for more than three-quarters of all cases.

U.S.-brokered ceasefire paves way for hostage swap and Gaza withdrawal

Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas will free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with the Israeli military beginning a gradual pullback from Gaza. The ceasefire is scheduled to take effect within the next 24 hours, making it one of the most promising efforts at peace since the violence erupted two years ago.

French Appeals court increases sentence in Gisèle Pelicot rape case

Husamettin Dogan, 44, was initially sentenced to nine years in prison last December after being found guilty of aggravated rape. However, after contesting the ruling, the court increased his sentence to 10 years, rejecting his claim that he was unaware Pelicot had been drugged and could not consent.

7.4-magnitude tremor strikes Southern Philippines, tsunami warnings issued

Both the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the US Tsunami Warning System issued alerts, cautioning that dangerous tsunami waves could hit coastlines within 300km (186 miles) of the epicentre.

Nearly half of global heritage sites now impacted by climate change

The report, which assesses conservation trends over the last decade, shows a worrying decline in the number of sites with a positive conservation outlook. Only 57 percent of sites are now considered to be in good condition, down from 62 percent in 2020. Biodiversity-rich regions have been hit hardest, with many species facing new or worsening threats.

Uche Nnaji resigns, denies forgery claims and blames political rivals for blackmail

The controversy began after an investigative report by the Premium Times alleged that Nnaji had submitted falsified certificates to President Bola Tinubu during his vetting process. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the resignation in a post on X late Tuesday, quoting Nnaji as saying he had been “a target of blackmail by political opponents.”

Comey pleads not guilty to lying to Congress, calls case political

Comey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, entered the plea on his behalf before a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday. He also signaled plans to seek dismissal of the case, claiming the former FBI chief was being unfairly targeted because of his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump.

AI image traces suspect in Los Angeles’ most destructive blaze

The fire burned more than 23,000 acres, causing roughly $150 billion in damages, and raged for over three weeks, affecting parts of Topanga and Malibu. Among the structures destroyed were the homes of several celebrities, including Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, and Jeff Bridges.

Ethiopia warns UN of Eritrea’s alleged war preparations

The two countries last fought between 1998 and 2000 over the border town of Badme, a conflict that claimed tens of thousands of lives. Although Abiy mended ties with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki after taking office in 2018, that alliance has since fractured, particularly following disputes linked to the peace deal that ended the Tigray conflict in 2022.

Gaza peace talks yield first phase deal after two years of war

Under the deal, once all hostages are returned, Israel will release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans who were detained during the fighting in Gaza.

Macron to appoint new Prime Minister within 48 hours

Lecornu, one of Macron’s most trusted allies, became the third prime minister to step down in under a year amid deep divisions in a hung parliament that has struggled to function since last year’s elections. Macron asked him to remain temporarily in office to hold consultations and try to forge consensus on a way out of the political impasse.

US introduces nominal fee for green card lottery registration

These expenses include updating and reviewing systems for collecting entries, securely storing data, conducting the automated random selection of winners, and carrying out security checks. The Diversity Visa application fee of $330 (Sh42,570) will still cover all other costs related to the program.

President Hassan Sheikh urges promotion of Swahili language in Somalia

The president said Somalia’s full membership in the EAC presents new opportunities that the country must embrace through linguistic and cultural connection.

US special envoy and Trump's son-in-law to join Gaza peace talks in Egypt

Kushner and Witkoff’s arrival comes as a second day of indirect talks on Tuesday ended without tangible results.

Gold hits record $4,000 an ounce as global uncertainty drives rush for safety

Spot gold, which reflects the price of selling the metal over the counter, broke the $4,000 barrier for the first time during Wednesday’s Asian trading session. Gold futures, which indicate investor sentiment through contracts to buy or sell at a set date, also reached this milestone on 7 October.

Austrian women switched at birth reunite after 35 years

The truth began to unfold in 2012 when Doris, then an adult, donated blood and realised that her blood type did not match that of her mother, Evelin. This prompted further investigations that confirmed she was not biologically related to her parents, Evelin and Josef.

Ecuador arrests five over alleged assassination attempt on President Noboa

Noboa was unharmed in the attack, which came amid escalating protests over the government’s decision to scrap diesel subsidies.

Israelis remember October 7 attack as Gaza peace talks continue

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 67,000 people have been killed in the territory since then. These figures are considered credible by the UN and other international bodies.

Gaza peace talks resume in Egypt as Trump voices optimism on deal

The negotiations coincide with the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. Israel responded with a military campaign that has since killed 67,160 people in Gaza, including 18,000 children, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.

Lissu treason case begins as CHADEMA barred from poll

Lissu, who finished second in the 2020 presidential race, was arrested in April and charged with treason over what prosecutors claim was a speech urging the public to rebel and disrupt the upcoming election. The vote is scheduled for later this month.

US Senate stalemate extends shutdown after funding votes fail

The two rival proposals by Democrats and Republicans both fell short of the 60 votes needed, deepening a standoff that has become centred on healthcare provisions.The Democratic-led proposal to extend government funding was voted down first, receiving 45 votes in favour and 50 against. Shortly after, the Republican version also failed with a 52-42 vote. Both sides immediately blamed each other for the continued closure.

ICC convicts Sudan militia leader for Darfur atrocities

Wearing a blue suit, waistcoat and a bright red tie, Abd-Al-Rahman listened calmly to the verdict, occasionally taking notes. Presiding judge Joanna Korner narrated disturbing details of widespread assaults and killings, including one incident in which Abd-Al-Rahman forced about 50 civilians onto trucks, beat some with axes, and then made them lie on the ground before ordering troops to execute them.

Kenyans captured in Ukraine are victims of manipulation and trafficking – Sing’Oei

In a statement on Monday, following a meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, Sing’Oei assured him that the government of Kenya is doing everything possible to protect vulnerable citizens.

Uganda Police deny holding missing Kenyan activists

UNP Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said there were no reports indicating that the two were in police custody following their disappearance on September 30, 2025.

Australian prosecutors appeal mushroom murderer's 'inadequate' sentence

Last month Patterson, 51, was jailed for life with no chance of release for at least 33 years, for murdering three relatives and trying to kill another with a toxic mushroom meal.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigns weeks after taking office

Lecornu is the fifth French Premier to quit his post in the past two years.

Rescue efforts under way after 1,000 people trapped on Mount Everest slopes

Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been deployed to clear out snow blocking access to the area which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900 metres (16,000 feet).

Judge temporarily blocks Trump from sending National Guard troops to Oregon

California and Oregon sought the temporary restraining order after the president sent guard members from California to Oregon earlier in the day.

Morocco sees 8th straight day of protests organised by online Gen Z group

The demonstrations in the usually stable North African kingdom have bucked the perception of young Moroccans as being politically disengaged, and have been organised since last Saturday by GenZ 212, a group active on the web platform Discord.

Trump authorises deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Chicago