Biden and Trump trade barbs as they agree to two presidential debates in June and September
The June debate is likely to cap a busy and unsettled stretch, following the likely conclusion of Trump’s criminal hush money trial in New York, foreign trips by Biden to France and Italy, the end of the Supreme Court’s term, and the expected start of two criminal trials for the president’s son, Hunter Biden.
President Kiir administration and rebel groups commit to peace to end conflict in South Sudan
South Sudan is due to hold elections in December but remains politically fragile, in part because the 2018 Comprehensive Peace Agreement is yet to be fully implemented and because conflict and violence continues in different parts of the country over ethnic and political differences.
Mourners in eastern Congo blame Rwanda-backed rebels for attack, accuse Kigali of complicity
Rwanda has denied having any part in the attack, said it is being used as a scapegoat and suggested that militias loyal to Congo were involved. Rwanda’s government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. Congo and the United States have said the attacks were launched from territory held by Rwandan troops and M23.
Trump lawyers cite Cohen’s past record of lies, statements celebrating his legal troubles to dent his testimony
Cohen, 57, testified earlier this week that Trump ordered him to pay porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 in 2016 to protect Trump’s presidential campaign. Blanche noted in cross-examination on Tuesday that Cohen had called his former boss a “dictator douchebag,” and other insults on podcasts and in social media posts.
New South Africa health faces strong opposition after President Ramaphosa signing into law
Opposition parties accuse Ramaphosa of using the law as a campaign strategy by announcing it nearly two weeks before much anticipated elections. The May 29 vote is expected to be one of the country’s most highly contested.
Former Gambian interior minister to serve 20 years in a Swiss prison for crimes against humanity
The Federal Criminal Court in the southern town of Bellinzona ruled that Sonko’s crimes – including homicide, torture and false imprisonment – amounted to crimes against humanity. However, they did not rise to “aggravated” cases that could have brought the maximum penalty of life behind bars, according to several lawyers who attended the trial.
PM Modi’s clout in Indian politics has pushed the country’s 200m Muslims to the margins of power
When Modi assumed power in 2014, the outgoing parliament had 30 Muslim lawmakers – and just one was a member of the BJP. Muslims now hold 25 out of 543 seats, and none belongs to the BJP.
Kenya Red Cross responds to landslide, 50km from area where floods killed 61 people last week
Heavy rains and floods in the East African nation since late March have killed about 300 people and displaced 285,600, latest government statistics show.
Anxiety spreads in South Africa ahead of May 29 presidential election expected to weaken ruling ANC base
President Cyril Ramaphosa hopes the May 29 ballot will lead to his re-election. But if the ANC does lose its majority, it will force it into a coalition to form a government – also a first for the country and something that may complicate policymaking in Africa’s most advanced economy.
US is sending $1 billion more in weapons and ammunition to Israel, congressional aides say
The package disclosed on Tuesday includes about $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds, the congressional aides said. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an arms transfer that has not yet been made public.
