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Riek Machar, South Sudan's former vice president, was publicly charged with treason and crimes against humanity over an attack in March. He has been under house arrest since then, with his trial broadcast on national TV. The charges threaten to deepen political and ethnic tensions amid ongoing conflict.
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Chad has terminated its 15-year partnership with African Parks, citing misconduct, disrespect, and a resurgence in poaching. The government accused the charity of financial mismanagement and poor investment, leading to concerns over conservation efforts. African Parks is engaging with authorities to address the issues.
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Rising borrowing costs and aid cuts are worsening debt crises in the global south, with countries like Ethiopia, Zambia, and South Sudan struggling to restructure debt. Meanwhile, France faces a political deadlock over its budget, raising concerns about its economic stability. Both stories highlight urgent need for reform and international cooperation.
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Morocco's U-20 team won their first-ever FIFA World Cup, defeating Argentina 2-0 in Chile. The victory marks a historic achievement for Arab and African football, with Morocco also hosting a refugee women's team supported by FIFA amid ongoing restrictions in Afghanistan.
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Fighting in Sudan since April 2023 has displaced nearly 12 million people, with recent territorial gains by RSF forces and ongoing violence hindering aid efforts. UN officials report severe shortages of supplies, increased civilian suffering, and limited access for humanitarian workers amid escalating conflict.
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The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
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Recent fighting in Darfur has displaced over 100,000 people, with many arriving in Chad lacking aid. Funding cuts and ongoing violence have worsened conditions, leaving refugees malnourished and traumatized. Meanwhile, Syria's returnees face strained health services amid aid shortages, as international support diminishes.
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Since December 2024, nearly 2 million Syrians have returned home, including refugees from Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Despite progress, many face ongoing challenges due to destruction and limited infrastructure. International aid cuts threaten recovery efforts amid a fragile peace process.
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Recent violence in Sudan includes drone strikes on hospitals and kindergartens, killing over 114 people, mostly children. The UN reports ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF, with thousands displaced and critical humanitarian needs unmet amid worsening conditions in Darfur and Kordofan.
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The ongoing conflict in Sudan, sparked in 2023, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Over 100,000 people have fled Darfur's Al-Fashir due to RSF control, with famine, violence, and war crimes escalating. Aid efforts are hampered by logistical and security challenges, leaving millions in dire need.
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On December 7-8, mutinous soldiers in Benin briefly seized state TV, declared a coup removing President Patrice Talon, and suspended the constitution. Loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian airstrikes and ECOWAS troops, swiftly regained control. The coup leaders cited governance failures and northern insecurity. Fourteen arrests were made; the leader remains at large. The incident underscores regional instability amid rising West African military takeovers.