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The mission includes 84 short-term observers with diverse professional backgrounds, including diplomats accredited to the AU, election management officials, civil society representatives, human rights experts, and specialists in media, gender, and youth engagement.
Authorities said the break is meant to help voters travel, join queues, and cast their ballots without work-related interruptions. The holidays will apply to both public offices and private companies, underlining the importance of citizen participation in the elections.
Moscow said the attack was in retaliation for a supposed drone strike on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences last month, a claim Ukraine denies and which the United States has said did not occur. Kyiv rejected the allegation, calling it “an absurd lie” designed to disrupt peace talks.
The president warned that the US would pursue control of Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way,” highlighting Washington’s ongoing interest in the territory, which is part of NATO-member Denmark. The White House has confirmed it is studying the possibility of buying Greenland, though it has not dismissed the use of military options.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation on television, insisting the government would not yield. He accused the demonstrators of acting on behalf of émigré opposition groups and the United States. Tehran’s public prosecutor also warned that those committing sabotage or attacking security forces face the death penalty.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Commission had addressed farmers’ concerns by including "robust safeguards" to protect their livelihoods within the agreement. She added that the deal would benefit both companies and consumers while strengthening economic and political relations between the two regions.
Trump says the move follows Venezuela’s release of large numbers of political prisoners and joint efforts to rebuild the country’s oil and gas infrastructure, while U.S. ships remain deployed for security.
The storm has already left more than 65,000 homes in south-west England without power, while around 11,000 properties in the West Midlands and 2,600 in Wales also lost electricity. Commuters were urged to finish journeys early as roads, rail services, and airports faced disruption.
Michel Nkuka Mboladinga has captured attention by silently supporting DR Congo while dressed as Patrice Lumumba, the nation’s first prime minister.
Forecasts predict record-breaking heat for Friday and Saturday, putting Victoria and South Australia on high alert. Authorities warn that the combination of high temperatures and gusty winds makes fires highly unpredictable and fast-moving.
Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy networks to cause widespread disruption during the cold season.
The announcement from Washington follows a sweeping move by the Trump administration to leave 66 international organisations, including 31 UN agencies. Some of these institutions were originally set up with strong US support.
Spain confirmed that five of its citizens, including one dual national, were among those released. Rights activist Rocio San Miguel is thought to be included in this group. Her release marks the first publicly confirmed case from the new wave of detainee releases.
The talks occurred concurrently with the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People‑to‑People Exchanges, a yearlong initiative to promote cultural, educational and social links between China and African states.
The said officials allegedly seized 76 metric tons of donor-supported food assistance from a US-funded World Food Programme warehouse.
The announcement came after long and difficult negotiations with Senators, Congressmen, Secretaries, and other Political Representatives, highlighting Trump’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s defense amid very troubled and dangerous times.
xAI is rapidly scaling its computing infrastructure, a critical factor for developing advanced AI models.The company is expanding its data centre presence in Memphis, with a third facility planned. Once completed, the combined power capacity is expected to approach two gigawatts, making xAI one of the world’s largest consumers of AI-focused computing power.
The aid suspension comes against a backdrop of growing tension between the Trump administration and Somali communities, both in Somalia and within the United States. In recent months, the administration has taken steps that include tighter limits on Somali immigration, air strikes against armed groups inside Somalia, and public criticism directed at Somali Americans.
The administration said the action delivers on a campaign pledge by President Donald Trump to stop what it calls the misuse of American taxpayer money outside the country. Officials argued that the US has for years funded organisations that do not serve its people or values.
Since taking over from Hugo Chávez in 2013, Maduro has faced continuous domestic opposition over allegations of authoritarianism, disputed elections, economic collapse, and the mass departure of millions of Venezuelans fleeing poverty and shortages of basic goods.
Presiding judge Emeka Nwite ruled that the offences brought before the court were bailable. He ordered that each of the defendants be released upon posting bail of 500 million naira. The judge also directed that they must each present two guarantors who own property in specified areas of Abuja and hand over their travel documents to the court.
In December, relief efforts supported about 80,000 families, distributing more than 40,000 tents, over 135,000 tarpaulins, and other essential items like mattresses and blankets.
The decision comes in the wake of a high-profile US raid in Caracas that captured Nicolás Maduro and transported him to New York to face narco-terrorism charges. The presidential guard, tasked with protecting the head of state, reportedly suffered heavy casualties during the operation.
The US military’s European Command said the Marinera oil tanker, originally known as the Bella-1, was seized on Wednesday “for violations of US sanctions”.
Suuq Mugdi has long been associated with congestion and repeated fire incidents, leaving traders vulnerable to losses and disruption.
The sophisticated plan had been hatched by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the military officer ousted by Traoré in September 2022, the security minister said in a late-night broadcast.
Under this requirement, applicants for B1 and B2 visas from Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania must post a financial bond ranging from Sh645,000 to Sh1,935,000. The exact amount will be determined during the visa interview. The bonds act as a financial guarantee to ensure compliance with US immigration rules.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the countries had signed a declaration of intent that would allow forces to operate in Ukraine once a deal is in place. He added that military hubs could be set up across the country to protect its borders and prevent future invasions.
The announcement comes shortly after the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who, along with his wife Cilia Flores, was seized by U.S. forces on January 3, 2025, and charged with narco-terrorism and serious weapons offenses in the Southern District of New York.
Mohammed Ali Biedo, a senior official in the Afar region, confirmed that 65 people were injured, with 30 in critical condition. Rescue teams are working around the clock to help survivors and stabilize the most severely injured.