Global Affairs

Death toll rises, but missing plummets in Texas Hill Country flood disaster

The deadly flash floods, centered along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, have claimed at least 135 lives.

AU welcomes peace pact between DRC and M23 in Doha

The agreement calls for an immediate ceasefire, the return of state authority in areas previously controlled by rebels, and the launch of formal peace talks to address the root causes of the crisis.

Trump sues Murdoch and Wall Street Journal over Epstein letter claims

The lawsuit was announced just as the US Justice Department asked a court to unseal records linked to Epstein’s case, including his secret grand jury testimony.

US tech CEO suspended after Coldplay concert embrace goes viral

Late on Friday, tech firm Astronomer, confirmed on X that its CEO, Andy Byron had been placed on leave.

Police vs Politics: Mkhwanazi's bold stand divides South Africa

Crime expert Calvin Rafadi of the University of Johannesburg described Mkhwanazi as “a no-nonsense person who takes the bull by the horns.”

Libya war crimes accused Al-Buti detained, faces ICC charge

He is suspected of either directly committing, ordering or supervising acts such as murder, rape and torture between 2015 and 2020 at the detention facility.

Mpox cases in Guinea rise to 206 as West Africa sees surge

The disease is marked by symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and distinctive boil-like skin rashes. It can be fatal in some cases.

Connie Francis: Pretty little baby singer dies at 87

Her breakthrough came with a cover of the 1923 ballad Who’s Sorry Now?, which she recorded only at her father’s insistence.

US Congress approves $9bn spending cuts after heated debate over Epstein files

President Trump celebrated the move on Truth Social, calling it a long-overdue win for conservatives.

British spies and special forces exposed in Afghan data leak

The government had earlier acknowledged that nearly 19,000 Afghan applicants to the UK relocation scheme had their personal details mistakenly disclosed.

Trump orders more Epstein files released after pressure from supporters

It remains unclear whether the president's directive includes plans to publicly release the material, or when such disclosures might happen.

Senate committee pushes bove nomination despite legal uproar

Republicans, who currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, are expected to bring the nomination to the floor for a vote in the coming weeks.

UN Chief alarmed by escalating violence in Suweida, Syria

In a statement issued Thursday, the UN chief condemned the violence, calling it a "brutal escalation" that continues to displace and harm innocent people.

IGAD secures Sh1.19 billion German grant to boost regional migration and infrastructure

The grant was facilitated through Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and KfW Group.

Burundi's President Ndayishimiye appointed special envoy for Sahel region

Cameroon’s President Biya reshuffles military leadership ahead of October vote

If successful, the seven-year term would keep him in power until he is close to 100 years old.

UK-Germany deal targets migrant smuggling as Channel crossings surge

A BBC investigation last year exposed Germany as a key transit point for smuggling equipment used in illegal crossings, with traffickers using the country to organise supplies.

Indonesia busts baby trafficking syndicate linked to Singapore transfers

The case came to light after a parent reported a suspected kidnapping, prompting an investigation that led to a suspect who confessed to trafficking at least 24 babies.

Cuban Labor minister resigns after denying existence of beggars amid economic struggles

Her resignation followed public outrage triggered by comments she made during a National Assembly committee session the day before.

Israeli military bombs Syrian convoy as violence erupts in Druze city

The Syrian foreign ministry condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of being fully responsible for the attacks and their consequences.

Bayrou proposes scrapping holidays to tackle France’s soaring debt

Among the other proposed changes are a freeze on public spending in 2026, an end to tax exemptions for the wealthy, and a reduction in the civil service.

We are tired: Togo’s youth-led protests shake the capital

Faure Gnassingbe has ruled Togo since 2005, following the death of his father Eyadema Gnassingbe, who had held power for 38 years.

MSF accuses Ethiopian forces of executing aid workers in Tigray

According to MSF’s investigation, the bodies of Hernández and Yohannes were found hundreds of meters from their burned vehicle, while Tedros’s body was discovered next to the car consistent with MSF’s policy that drivers stay with their vehicle.

Trump vows to “save America” as he criticizes Putin, backs NATO, and defends migration crackdown

In an exclusive 20-minute phone interview with the BBC, Trump said he "trusts almost no one" when asked directly whether he trusts the Kremlin.

11 missing after boat capsizes in rough seas off Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands

The incident occurred late Monday morning, around 11am local time (04:00 GMT), when the vessel went down amid rough weather as it traveled between the towns of Sikakap and Tuapejat. Of the 18 people aboard, seven have been rescued so far, while the search continues for the rest.

Nine arrested after anti-migrant unrest shakes Spanish town

Murcia region’s central government representative Mariola Guevara Cava said authorities had identified 80 individuals connected to the unrest.

Nine die in Massachusetts nursing home fire as dozens rescued

The fire broke out late Sunday night at the Gabriel House assisted living facility, prompting a massive emergency response and a frantic rescue operation.

Trump warns Russia with trade punishment, vows rapid arms support to Ukraine

The Monday announcement marked the first time Trump has formally committed to new military aid for Ukraine since returning to the White House.

Pentagon inks $200 million Grok deal days after chatbot’s antisemitic posts

The $200 million ceiling matches contracts awarded to three other AI companies, Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI, as part of the Pentagon’s effort to diversify its AI portfolio.

UK to resume Syrian asylum processing after seven-month freeze

Following Lammy’s meeting with interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa, now leading the HTS-run government, the UK began easing some sanctions against Syria.