Jul 19 Congo and M23 rebels sign declaration of principles for permanent ceasefire By Chinedu Asadu, Associated Press Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decadeslong fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement that would include the restoration of state authorities in key eastern cities controlled by the insurgents. Continue reading
Jul 18 Trump’s pivot to ‘trade not aid’ leaves African nations wary as they face tariffs and uncertainty By Farai Mutsaka, Associated Press President Donald Trump’s new Africa strategy shifts from aid to trade under a “commercial diplomacy” push, urging ambassadors to broker business deals rather than manage aid programs. Continue reading
Jul 18 Watch 6:52 News Wrap: Bolsonaro ordered to wear an ankle monitor In our news wrap Friday, Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor during his trial, President Trump signed the first major legislation aimed at regulating cryptocurrencies into law, violence between Druze militias and… Continue watching
Jul 18 Watch 9:23 A look at life for small group of refugees allowed in U.S. since Trump took office By Laura Barrón-López, Maea Lenei Buhre Shortly after being sworn into office, President Donald Trump indefinitely suspended refugee admissions to the United States. After months of legal challenges, only a small group of refugees has been allowed into the country. White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López has… Continue watching
Jul 18 UK sanctions Russian intelligence officers linked to Mariupol theater bombing By Emma Burrows, Associated Press Britain’s foreign ministry said it sanctioned 18 officers working for Russian military intelligence, known as the GRU, along with three units. It said the officers were also accused of targeting the family of a former Russian spy who was later… Continue reading
Jul 18 Former Libyan prison official accused of war crimes has been arrested in Germany, ICC says By Mike Corder, Associated Press Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri was allegedly one of the most senior officials at Miriga Prison in Tripoli where thousands of people were detained. He was arrested Wednesday based on a warrant issued by the court on July 10. Continue reading
Jul 18 Taiwan will ‘not provoke confrontation’ with China, Vice President Hsiao says By Simina Mistreanu, Associated Press China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it, by force if necessary. In recent years, Beijing has ramped up its military intimidation of the island, sending jets and ships nearby almost daily. Continue reading
Jul 18 Druze-Bedouin clashes reignite after government forces pull out of southern Syria By Abby Sewell, Ghaith Alsayed, Associated Press Syrian government forces prepared to return to a southern region Friday after renewed clashes broke out between Druze armed groups and members of Bedouin clans, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced in a worsening humanitarian crisis. Continue reading
Jul 18 EU and UK hit Russia with new sanctions. Moscow’s energy revenue and spies are targeted By Lorne Cook, Associated Press Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the new measures, describing them as a “timely and necessary” step amid intensified Russian attacks. Continue reading
Jul 18 Christian patriarchs make rare visit to Gaza after deadly Israeli strike on church By Wafaa Shurafa, Julia Frankel, Fatma Khaled, Associated Press Since ending a ceasefire in March, Israel has regularly launched far deadlier strikes across Gaza against what it says are Hamas militants, frequently killing women and children. Continue reading