Money for Mayhem: Researcher says drones, disinformation and guns-for-hire are redefining African wars
There are the Chinese private security companies, protecting Chinese investments and citizens in Africa. Their rise mirrors Beijing’s deepening footprint, where it is pouring billions into infrastructure and mining projects. In volatile nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and South Sudan, weak and unreliable local security forces have created a vacuum that’s being filled by Chinese security contractors.
Iran and Atomic Energy Agency sign agreement to restart cooperation, but doubts persist
European nations have said they would be willing to extend the deadline if Iran resumes direct negotiations with the US over its nuclear program, allows UN nuclear inspectors access to its nuclear sites, and accounts for the more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium the UN watchdog says it has.
20 people, including five journalists, killed in an Israel attack on a Gaza hospital
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel deeply regretted what he called a “tragic mishap”. Israel valued the work of journalists and medical staff, he said, adding that Israel’s war was with Hamas.
Japan joins US, China in renewed scramble for Africa as it calls for ‘economic zone’ that links it to Indian Ocean
Guterres said “unjust and unfair international financial architecture” must enhance African representation and endorse a strong African voice in the decision-making process, adding that building AI capacity in developing countries in Africa would help ease digital divide in the region.
AU conference told world requires $7-$23 trillion for water investment between now and 2050
As part of their inclusive, transparent and extensive consultation process, both the UAE and Senegal further used this plenary session to collect views from stakeholders on tangible recommendations and deliverables to fast track water investments in Africa, with the aim of showcasing these at the 2026 UN water conference.
Kenya-Iran seventh joint economic forum resolves to ramp up trade to over $1 billion
The annual target rise from the current $150 million is aimed at deepening economic ties with both sides setting a target to boost their annual trade, according to the Iranian minister.
Pressure piles on Israel for a two-state solution as Australia recognises Palestine
The Palestinian Authority’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian said in an Australian Broadcasting Corporation interview it was a long-awaited decision that “gives Palestinians a sense of hope for the future”, although a ceasefire remains the priority.
US President Trump mute as Israel approves plan to take control of Gaza City
Israeli officials described a previous meeting this week with the head of the military as tense, saying military chief Eyal Zamir had pushed back on expanding Israel’s campaign. Among the scenarios being considered ahead of the security meeting was a phased takeover of areas in Gaza not yet under military control, one government source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
From frying pan into fire: Why Ethiopians would rather die in Middle East wars than grinding poverty at home
Mesel Kindeya made the crossing in 2016 via the same sea route as the boat that capsized on Sunday, travelling without papers on harrowing journeys arranged by smugglers from Ethiopia to Saudi Arabia.
Hamas says aid to hostages is contingent upon Israel halting airstrikes to open humanitarian corridors
On Saturday, Hamas released its second video in two days of Israeli hostage Evyatar David. In it, David, skeletally thin, is shown digging a hole that, he says in the video, is for his own grave. The arm of the individual holding the camera, which can be seen in the frame, is a regular width.
