Trump’s rush to Russia’s war in Ukraine has stoked fears in Ukraine, among NATO allies

Trump’s rush to Russia’s war in Ukraine has stoked fears in Ukraine, among NATO allies

The talks in Riyadh, the first time the US and Russia have met to discuss the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two, yielded agreement to form negotiating teams for future meetings and work to restore the normal functioning of each other’s diplomatic missions, reflecting a thawing of long-frozen relations.

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America’s decision to sideline Europe in Ukraine peace talks with Russia stuns NATO members

America’s decision to sideline Europe in Ukraine peace talks with Russia stuns NATO members

Later in the day, it emerged that US and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to start talks aimed at ending the war. US officials have insisted they will only settle for a “durable” peace deal and Ukraine will be at the table.

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La Liga title push shaping into a rat race as Barcelona’s Flick plays down lead by Real Madrid

La Liga title push shaping into a rat race as Barcelona’s Flick plays down lead by Real Madrid

Having struggled in La Liga late last year while missing 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal due to injury, Barca are now on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions. But Flick is wary of Inigo Rayo who are unbeaten in nine La Liga games.

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Uganda’s Kiplimo shaves 49 seconds off fastest time to set world half marathon record in Barcelona

Uganda’s Kiplimo shaves 49 seconds off fastest time to set world half marathon record in Barcelona

The women’s race was also fast in Barcelona with Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya winning in a course record of 64:13.

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Perverse effects of conflict minerals initiatives in Congo remind us of how inaccurate narratives fuel the very problems they pretend to tackle

Perverse effects of conflict minerals initiatives in Congo remind us of how inaccurate narratives fuel the very problems they pretend to tackle

Natural resources do play an important role for both eastern DRC and Rwanda’s political economy, and it is true that the return of the M23 in 2021 correlates with a sharp rise in Rwanda’s mineral exports, as per official statistics.

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Trophy-starved Arsenal stays on course for EPL title as Man City finally ‘remembers’ how to win

Trophy-starved Arsenal stays on course for EPL title as Man City finally ‘remembers’ how to win

Mikel Arteta gave Raheem Sterling a place in his starting line-up at Leicester but the former Chelsea man had a torrid afternoon and was replaced by Merino after 69 minutes. The Spaniard’s impact was decisive as he broke the deadlock in the 81st minute from an assist by impressive teenager Ethan Nwaneri and he wrapped up the points in the 87th minute after good work by Leandro Trossard.

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Why Trump views Africa as key to repulsing China influence, degrading Islamists and restoring hope among Christians

Why Trump views Africa as key to repulsing China influence, degrading Islamists and restoring hope among Christians

Counterterrorism efforts also featured prominently in Hegseth’s discussions. He underscored the importance of counterterrorism efforts in Africa. He pointed to the February 1 US airstrikes against ISIS targets in Somalia as an example of the military’s ongoing role in stabilising the region. Coordinated with the Federal Government of Somalia, the strikes reflect what he described as a necessary shift in decision-making authority to field commanders.

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Kenya’s health minister says the nation remains on high alert to fight emerging diseases in East Africa

Kenya’s health minister says the nation remains on high alert to fight emerging diseases in East Africa

Health Director General Patrick Amoth announced that the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been activated, and the existing Mpox task force repurposed to manage the Ebola response, with both national and county Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) on heightened alert.

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Why South Sudan’s ‘central bank in exile’ in Kenya elicits interest for fraud as world’s youngest nation burns

Why South Sudan’s ‘central bank in exile’ in Kenya elicits interest for fraud as world’s youngest nation burns

While President William Ruto may have inherited some of the dealings from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, Tell found a link to the current regime to a foundation associated with the first family – the Eldoret-based Samoei Ruto Foundation, senior official (name withheld) reportedly who “now is a “secretary” supporting presidential advisers.” The extent of the Samoei Ruto Foundation’s chief executive’s involvement is not clear given her designation’s nebulousness.

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Trump ‘golden age’ divides Republicans as they look for unity on taxes despite having majority in Senate, House of Representatives

Trump ‘golden age’ divides Republicans as they look for unity on taxes despite having majority in Senate, House of Representatives

Several House Republicans said their conference is considering a partisan continuing resolution or CR, that would keep funding flat for the remainder of fiscal 2025, which ends September 30, while they look to other legislation including fiscal 2026 appropriations to cut spending and eliminate Biden-era policies

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