Guterres voices alarm over M23 rebel offensive in DR Congo, ‘devastating toll’ on civilians
Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement issued by his Spokesperson noted the Rwandan-backed rebels seizure of Sake, in South Kivu, “which increases the threat” to the regional capital Goma – all of which is “heightening the threat of a regional…
Trump says he will talk with Putin soon about ending Russia’s war against Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would soon talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to push the Russian leader to end his nearly three-year war on neighboring Ukraine. “Millions of young lives are being wasted. That war…
Trump signals aggressive stance as US races China in AI development
Before he had been in office for 48 hours, President Donald Trump sent a clear signal that to outpace China, his administration will be pursuing an aggressive agenda when it comes to pushing the United States forward on the development…
Nigeria’s new BRICS partner status sparks economic optimism, debate
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigerian authorities said this week that the nation’s new partnership status with the BRICS bloc could unlock critical opportunities in trade, investment and agriculture. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser told Lagos-based Channels Television that the partnership,…
TikTok’s US reprieve comes as other countries limit social media use
Singapore — TikTok’s short-lived shutdown in the United States has opened a wider debate in other countries regarding access to popular social media platforms by children. TikTok went dark temporarily Sunday in the U.S. after a new law banning it…
In Syria, top UN envoy highlights international backing for political transition
Special Envoy Geir Pedersen is on his second visit to Syria since 8 December and told reporters in Damascus he had engaged with a broad spectrum of Syrians, including the caretaker authorities. He conveyed optimism about the international community’s commitment…
Lebanon: Food insecurity deepens following conflict, new report reveals
Developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, the report reveals that the impact of hostilities on agriculture and the economy will likely slow recovery. Some 1.65 million people are now…
Myanmar crisis: Civilians killed in airstrikes as Rohingya risk dangerous journeys
Between 15 and 17 January, airstrikes and clashes in the southeast reportedly resulted in nine deaths and left 31 others injured. In Rakhine state, three airstrikes in Mrauk-U Township on 18 January reportedly killed 28 people and injured a…
Colombia: Catatumbo killings highlight fragility of peace process
Clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and a rival armed group, EMBF, erupted last week in the remote northeastern region, leaving dozens dead, including former combatants, peace signatories, social leaders, and human rights defenders. Many victims were targeted individually,…
Support for Haiti needed now ‘more than ever’, Security Council hears
Maria Isabel Salvador updated ambassadors on the situation in the Caribbean country, where a political transition process to restore democratic institutions continues against a backdrop of ongoing gang violence, mainly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. “At this crucial time, Haiti needs…