Global Affairs

Juba declares Kenya-led Tumaini Peace Initiative defunct

The pronouncement, made on Friday, August 1, 2025, in Nairobi, comes months after the initiative was quietly suspended.

Trump unleashes new tariffs on 69 countries, citing trade imbalances and security concerns

India’s oil ties with Russia draw US criticism, Trump threatens penalties

Secretary Rubio called India a “strategic partner” and “ally,” but warned that Delhi’s ties with Moscow are putting pressure on relations with Washington.

Trump to fund construction of new $200M White House ballroom

The construction, set to begin in September, will be funded entirely through donations from Trump and unnamed contributors.

US family breaks record with birth from 1994 frozen embryo

The previous known record involved twins born in 2022 from embryos that had been in storage since 1992.

Celsius recalls energy drinks after alcohol mix-up in U.S.

The warning also extends to High Noon Beach Variety Pack products, which were processed on the same line and may have been affected.

Michael Jackson's glittery sock sold for over Sh1 million in France

The sequined sock, which Jackson wore during a 1997 concert in Nîmes, southern France, was auctioned on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Nigeria’s hunger crisis deepens as WFP runs out of funds

The dire warning comes as food aid for nearly 1.4 million displaced people is cut off, leaving those already struggling in overcrowded camps without critical support.

Former VP Kamala Harris says no to California Governor bid

Since her defeat in the 2024 election, Harris has kept a relatively low profile.

Canada to recognize Palestinian state as Gaza crisis worsens

The Canadian announcement follows warnings by global hunger monitors that famine is looming in Gaza.

Angola protests turn deadly as 22 killed over fuel price hike

Protesters took to the streets after the government raised fuel prices on July 1, a move that has sparked widespread anger and frustration.

Trump hits India with 25% tariff, extra ‘penalty’ for Russian oil purchases

“While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high,” Trump wrote.

Tsunami makes its way across the Pacific, waves hitting the US West Coast

Wednesday's temblor flooded ports, damaged buildings and injured several people, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

Dispute between Egypt and UAE derails Sudan peace talks

At the centre of the dispute was a proposal by the UAE to exclude both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces from any role in a future transitional process.

Renewed clashes erupt in Somalia’s Beled Hawo region

The fighting reignited longstanding tensions between federal forces and troops loyal to the Jubbaland administration.

Australia widens teen social media ban to YouTube, scraps exemption

While teenagers will still be able to watch videos on YouTube, they will no longer be allowed to create accounts, upload content, or interact with others on the site.

UK threatens to recognise Palestinian state in September if Israel fails to act

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on the Israeli government to clarify that it will not pursue annexations in the West Bank.

Japan, US order evacuations after 8.8 earthquake sparks Tsunami alert

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, based in Honolulu, added that waves measuring one to three metres could also affect the US territory of Guam.

Islamic Cooperation pledges stronger support as Somalia showcases security gains

Officials at the meeting praised the country’s progress in stability, governance, and reform.

AU appoints ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene as new Somalia Mission Chief

Ambassador Diene arrived in Mogadishu marking the official start of his tenure at a time when Somalia faces critical security and political transitions.

Tanzania bans foreigners from running 15 types of small businesses

According to the notice, all business licensing authorities must immediately stop issuing or renewing licenses to non-citizens in any of these restricted areas.

Taiwan denies US blocked President Lai’s transit, says no travel plans

The response follows a report by the Financial Times alleging that the Trump administration had denied Lai entry into New York.

Telegram’s Durov faces third round of questioning in Paris criminal probe

French authorities have been examining Telegram’s operations since 2024, focusing on how the platform may have been misused for illegal activities.

Airlines face Comesa probe over denied Covid-19 ticket refunds

Among the key airlines that serve international routes within the Comesa bloc are Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, TunisAir, RwandAir, Malawi Airlines, Zambia Airways, and Uganda Airlines.

Midtown Manhattan shooting leaves four dead, including NYPD officer

The shooting unfolded in one of the busiest districts of the nation’s largest city, sending nearby pedestrians scrambling for safety as law enforcement warned of an active shooter.

Beijing floods claim 30 lives, as thousands face evacuation

More than 80,000 people have been moved from high-risk areas in Beijing, and over 130 villages have reported power loss and blocked access routes.

Zamfara bandits in Nigeria kill 35 hostages after ransom paid

The victims were among 56 people taken from Banga village in Kauran Namoda local government area in March.

Hurricane Iona develops in Central Pacific, poses no immediate threat to Hawaii

Meteorologists said they are confident that Iona’s path will keep it well south of the Hawaiian archipelago.

Google’s earthquake alerts failed millions during Turkey tragedy

According to the company, just 469 “Take Action” alerts were sent for the first 7.8 magnitude quake, despite more than 10 million people living within 158 kilometres of the epicentre who could have received the warning.

Visa unveils first African data centre in Johannesburg

South Africa was selected as the location due to its leadership in digital transactions, with the country accounting for more than 60 percent of contactless in-store payments on the continent.