Algerian public figure and diplomat
New Caledonia has held provincial elections that will reshape control of its Congress ahead of fresh talks with France on the territory's status; turnout was about 54% and France has deployed thousands of security officers. In Algeria, authorities have staged tightly managed parliamentary votes that critics say preserve the ruling alliance and limit genuine political competition.
Mali has granted clemency to Yann Vezilier, a French agent accused of destabilising the government, amid ongoing security battles and a deteriorating relationship with France. Paris denies involvement, while Bamako says the act is compatible with adversarial judgments and will see the agent removed from Mali. The move comes as Mali faces renewed jihadist and separatist assaults and as Franco-MMali tensions deepen.