Global Affairs
JD Vance leaves Pakistan after failing to reach deal with Iran
Vance cited shortcomings in the talks, saying that Iran had chosen not to accept American terms, including to not build nuclear weapons.
Global Affairs
Global Affairs
Guelleh wins sixth term as Djibouti election delivers landslide result
The Ministry of Interior said Guelleh, who has been in office since 1999, took 97.81 per cent of votes cast in Friday’s election, defeating Unified Democratic Center candidate Mohamed Farah Samatar, who managed 2.19 per cent.
Global Affairs
Artemis II crew returns safely after record-breaking deep space mission
Despite the achievement, their return marks the beginning of a careful transition back to life on Earth. Immediately after splashdown, the crew are expected to undergo medical checks aboard a US Navy recovery ship before being flown by helicopter to shore and later transported to Johnson Space Center in Houston for further evaluation.
Global Affairs
Baltic States reject Russian disinformation claims, reaffirm support for Ukraine
In a joint statement, the ministers said the claims were baseless and accused Moscow of continuing to spread false narratives despite formal diplomatic clarifications.
Global Affairs
Easter truce offers brief hope in Russia-Ukraine war
The announcement from Moscow follows repeated appeals by President Volodymyr Zelensky for a ceasefire, which had previously gone unanswered by the Kremlin. The latest declaration is likely to be met with suspicion in Ukraine, especially given past experiences with similar pauses.
Global Affairs
Melania Trump denies Epstein links, calls for victims to be heard
The first lady said she had never had any relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, noting that any interaction with Maxwell was limited to casual communication. She explained that she only “crossed paths” with Epstein once, at an event in 2000 that she attended with her husband.
Global Affairs
Vatican places Africa in focus as Pope Leo begins 10-day tour
Pope Leo will travel between April 13 and 23 through Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, covering long distances estimated at nearly 18,000 kilometres. The schedule includes stops in 11 different towns and cities and will involve 18 flights during the 10-day mission.
Global Affairs
Middle East war driving global food prices higher, institutions warn
Countries that depend heavily on imports are expected to face the greatest pressure. Many of these nations rely on international markets for basic food supplies and fuel, leaving them exposed to sudden price changes.
Global Affairs
Greece to bar under-15s from social media access
Greece’s plan places it among a widening group of countries that are rethinking children’s access to digital platforms. In Australia, authorities have already required platforms including TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to remove accounts belonging to users under 16 or face financial penalties. Similar discussions are ongoing in France, Austria and Spain, where policymakers are weighing stricter age controls.
Global Affairs
Haiti delays voter registration as election plans face fresh uncertainty
The delay comes as Haiti continues to struggle with worsening insecurity that has displaced more than 1.4 million people, about 12 percent of the population. The scale of the crisis has raised serious concerns about whether authorities can organize a credible and inclusive vote.
Global Affairs
Drug supplier ‘Ketamine Queen’ in Matthew Perry case jailed for 15 years
Perry, famous for playing Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends, was found unresponsive in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. Investigations later confirmed that the cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, a drug that is only meant to be used under proper medical supervision.
Global Affairs
Nigeria opens fresh hearings for over 500 accused in terrorism crackdown
Over time, the conflict has spread beyond its original base, with armed groups and criminal gangs extending violence into other regions of Nigeria. Many communities, particularly in remote areas, continue to face raids, killings and kidnappings for ransom.
Global Affairs
Gambia appoints special prosecutor to pursue Jammeh-era cases
Among the cases raised were the 2004 killing of journalist Deyda Hydara and the deaths of more than 50 West African migrants, who were killed by security officers after being wrongly accused of planning a coup.
Global Affairs
Somalia assumes seat on African Union Peace and Security Council
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed gratitude to all nations that supported Mogadishu’s candidacy.
Global Affairs
Mogadishu launches AI lab to tackle fake news in Somali language
The project, unveiled at a ceremony in Mogadishu, will use advanced technologies including Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning to detect and analyse misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
Global Affairs
AU Commission welcomes US-Iran ceasefire and urges sustained diplomacy
African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire announced by Pakistan, praising key mediators and stressing its importance for easing fuel-driven inflation across Africa.
Global Affairs
Global oil prices slides over 15% following breakthrough in US–Iran tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the temporary suspension of attacks on Iran, saying it would last two weeks to allow negotiations to be finalized, provided Tehran guarantees safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
Global Affairs
Why the Strait of Hormuz sits at the heart of global energy security
Located between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, the Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. At its entrance and exit, the passage is roughly 50km wide, narrowing to about 33km at its tightest point.
Global Affairs
UN backs US–Iran two-week ceasefire, urges respect for international law
Secretary-General, António Guterres, the UN said the pause in fighting offers an opportunity to protect civilian lives and reduce suffering in areas affected by the ongoing conflict
Global Affairs
Zimbabwe debate deepens over plan to end direct presidential vote
At the core of the proposed reforms is legislation supported by the ruling Zanu-PF party that would end the practice of citizens voting directly for the president, extend both presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, and push the 2028 general elections to 2030. Under the same proposals, the next president would be selected by members of parliament rather than through a national vote.
Global Affairs
Last-minute deal seals two-week pause in US-Iran strikes, opens Hormuz Route
The agreement was made public by Trump through a social media post after Pakistan appealed for more time and proposed a cooling-off period. The plan called for both sides to halt hostilities for two weeks while ensuring that vessels carrying oil, gas and other goods could pass through the strategic waterway without interference.
Global Affairs
Kagame calls for unity and regional cooperation during 32nd commemoration of Kwibuka
Kwibuka, which means “to remember” in Kinyarwanda, is an annual period of mourning and reflection observed across Rwanda and by the global community.
Global Affairs
Kanye offers to meet Jewish community in UK after Wireless controversy
In a statement, the rapper now known as Ye said he had been "following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly".
Global Affairs
UN chief urges action as Rwanda marks 32 years since genocide
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used the occasion on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to remember the victims and acknowledge the resilience of survivors, while pointing to the lessons the world must draw from one of the most tragic events in modern history.
Global Affairs
Uganda commits Sh134bn, waives visa fees in AFCON 2027 preparations
Uganda has approved a Sh134 billion package for AFCON 2027, including stadium, road and health upgrades, hotel financing and visa fee waivers, as it prepares to co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
Global Affairs
IGAD deploys 17-member team to observe Djibouti presidential election
IGAD has deployed a 17-member election observation mission to Djibouti ahead of the April 10, 2026 presidential vote, pledging to assess the polls against national and international standards.
Global Affairs
Somalia moves closer to first offshore oil drilling as Turkish vessel prepares to arrive
Petroleum Minister Dahir Shire said the development represents a key moment for the nation, noting in a post on X that it reflects progress in Somalia’s efforts to tap into its offshore potential. He described the transition into drilling as a major shift in the country’s energy path, signaling the start of active exploration after years of groundwork.
Global Affairs
DR Congo agrees to receive deportees from United States under new deal
Authorities in Kinshasa said specific locations have been identified to host arrivals, with a system put in place to receive and process them on a temporary basis. The Ministry of Communication explained that the plan includes coordination between the two governments, with the United States expected to offer “logistical and technical support” while the Democratic Republic of Congo covers no financial costs linked to the operation.
Entertainment
Long-time Ladysmith Black Mambazo member, Albert Mazibuko dies at 77
The group announced that Mazibuko died on Sunday following a short illness. His role in the ensemble stretched back to 1969, when he joined the lineup that would go on to achieve worldwide recognition, earn five Grammy awards, and feature on the widely acclaimed album Graceland by Paul Simon.
Global Affairs
Trump warns Iran of consequences if Strait of Hormuz deal fails
At the White House on Monday, Trump said discussions were ongoing and described some Iranian participants as engaging in “good faith,” though he noted that uncertainty still surrounded the outcome of the negotiations. He also pointed out that Iran had not accepted proposals calling for a ceasefire, instead pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities, reconstruction efforts, and the lifting of sanctions.