Africa
Pope Leo to begin 10-day Africa tour on mission to spotlight continent's needs
The Pope will visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea on a tour that will cover 11 cities and towns, spanning nearly 18,000 km (11,185 miles) across 18 flights.
Ashes of Pompeii: New study confirms ancient city's role within Rome’s global trade route
India expands Africa push with rice aid, long-term mineral ambitions
Libya's Haftar acquires combat drones despite UN embargo
Benin President Patrice Talon thwarts military coup attempt, vows swift punishment for plotters
A government spokesperson, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, said that 14 people had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt as of Sunday afternoon, without providing details.
Benin soldiers announce coup, gov't says plot is under control
The move was latest threat to democratic norms in the region, coming after a coup in Guinea-Bissau last month marked the ninth in West and Central Africa since 2020.
Ethiopia accuses Egypt of driving up tensions in Nile dam standoff after int'l law accusations
The criticism centers on Egypt’s response to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, with Ethiopian officials alleging Cairo is using threats and regional pressure.
Somalis arrested in Minneapolis immigration operation, federal officials say
Also on Thursday, federal officials said they had arrested dozens of people in New Orleans, another Democratic-run city.
Congo, Rwanda leaders affirm commitment to Trump-backed peace deal
Washington staged a Congo-Rwanda peace signing, but continuing M23 clashes and stalled commitments raised doubts about its impact.
Ancient Sudan burial site reveals 4,000-year-old funeral ritual in forgotten Nubian kingdom
“Even a seemingly modest site can provide important clues for reconstructing past environments and climates," the researchers wrote.
Congo’s Ebola outbreak contained, health officials declare
Congolese health officials declared the Ebola outbreak over after the DRC used a revamped national surveillance system to rapidly contain transmission in Kasai Province.
Dung DNA reveals hidden population of endangered forest elephants, study finds
The species of elephant, important in helping rainforests to regenerate, is notoriously hard to assess since they are spread across remote, dense jungles in 22 African countries.
Army officers say they have seized power in Guinea-Bissau
Military officers announced a coup in Guinea-Bissau, suspending elections, deposing President Embalo and triggering unrest as regional bodies urge a return to constitutional order.
Trump escalates diplomatic efforts in Sudan, Ukraine conflicts
With peace deals in Sudan and Ukraine on the line, Trump’s diplomatic efforts reach a critical point in securing lasting arrangements.
