News Wrap: Xi Jinping granted third term as leader of China

Geoff Bennett:

Good evening. It's good to be with you. Tonight, Chinese President Xi Jinping has been named to an unprecedented third term cementing his role as the most powerful Chinese leader in decades. Speaking in Beijing today, Xi he touted what he sees as China's role on the world stage

Xi Jinping, Chinese President (through translator):

China's development is inseparable from the world and the world's development also needs China. A prosperous China will create many more opportunities for the world.

Geoff Bennett:

This is all unfolding after the unexpected removal of President Xi's predecessor Hu Jintao during the closing session of the party's Congress last night. The incident prompted questions about whether Xi is trying to push out other party leaders.

The video from Saturday shows whose apparent reluctance to leave the ceremony but Chinese state news media claims he left because he was not feeling well. His current whereabouts have not been reported.

In Somalia, authority say gunman detonated a car bomb and stormed a hotel earlier today in the southern port city of Kismayo. Police there ended the seizure after hours of confrontation, and the attackers are said to be dead. At least eight people were killed and dozens more were left injured from the suicide blast according to officials. The Islamic extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iran's Atomic Energy Agency claims that foreign hackers accessed its email system today and still troves of information about the country's only nuclear power plant. The hacking group called Black Reward is demanding the release of political prisoners arrested during the ongoing nationwide protests.

The hackers have already posted gigabytes worth of the information online. Iranian officials have not disclosed whether any classified information was stolen.

And peace talks to try to end a two-year war in Ethiopia is set to begin in South Africa tomorrow. Fighting between ethnic and political groups increased over the summer, especially in the northern region of Tigray. International agencies warned that this instability has led to risk of famine across the region. Ali Rogin has the story.

Ali Rogin:

In Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, hospitals are filled with young witnesses to war.

Bereket Berhe, Pediatrician, Ayder Referral Hospital:

So we can say that under five mortality during war time doubled compared to the pre-war era.

Ali Rogin:

They are victims of both a regional blockade, where the government only allows in a fraction of needed humanitarian aid, and renewed violence between Tigrayan forces and the federal government.

In August, Tigrayan leaders accused Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of breaking a five month ceasefire striking civilian targets like a playground in the regional capital Mek'ele. In September, satellite images showed forces from Abiy's Eritrea mobilizing on the Ethiopian border.

And this week, the Ethiopian government said it had captured Shire, one of Tigray's biggest cities. Meanwhile, even during the ceasefire smaller ethnic conflicts persist, like one between two grinds and their southern neighbors in the Afar region. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:

The situation in Ethiopia is spiraling out of control. Violence and destruction have reached alarming levels. The social fabric is being ripped apart.

Ali Rogin:

At the Vatican Sunday, Pope Francis appealed for peace.

Pope Francis, Leader Of Catholic Church (through translator):

Once again, I heartily reiterate that violence does not resolve problems, but only increases their tragic consequences. I appeal to political leaders to end the suffering of the defenseless people and find equitable solutions for lasting peace throughout the country.

Ali Rogin:

The fighting began almost two years ago pitting Tigrayans against the Prime Minister's forces as well as his allies from Eritrea and the Amhara region. Federal forces waged a scorched earth campaign and occupied parts of Tigray. They withdrew in June 2021 and began their blockade.

A report last month from the United Nations accused all parties including the Tigrayans of human rights abuses. It blamed the Abiy government for crimes against humanity in Tigray, which it said may be ongoing including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.

Abiy maintains he is simply defending Ethiopians from the Tigrayan militia and political party known as the TPLF, which ran the country for almost 30 years.

This week, ceasefire talks will take place ahead of an ignominious anniversary. On November 4, the conflict will turn two years old. For PBS News Weekend, I'm Ali Rogin.

Geoff Bennett:

Our thanks to Ali for that report. And here at home, former President Donald Trump appeared at a political rally last night in Texas. Speaking publicly for the first time since being subpoenaed by the January 6 committee. Trump criticized the committee's actions but would not say whether or not he'll comply.

And today, Congresswoman Liz Cheney, the committee's top Republican said that if the former President agrees to appear, the Committee will not let him testify live in order to prevent Trump from turning the matter into a quote circus and a food fight.

Still to come on "PBS News weekend," a look at some of the key midterm election contests that could help tip the balance of power and the on and off screen representation of women on the hit series House of the Dragon.