State in the Horn of Africa; capital Asmara
The Prosperity Party has secured a decisive majority in the House of Peoples' Representatives, with 438 of 501 seats reported by the electoral board. Voting did not occur in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia due to security concerns, while turnout was high in areas where voting occurred. The government frames the result as a mandate for stability and continued reforms, but opposition voices warn of fear and intimidation amid ongoing tensions and regional disputes.
Libya’s government has banned entry through all ports for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, with exemptions for diplomats and health/education workers. The move follows ongoing tensions over refugee resettlement and a history of migrants crossing Libyan routes to Europe. Reports detail detentions, abuses in detention centers, and deaths among migrants and refugees.
Two teenage boys have been found not guilty of murdering Amen Teklay in a sword attack in Glasgow's St George's Cross area. The 16-year-old admitted stabbing but the jury found self-defence or lack of concerted effort by the 17-year-old. Trial details and community reactions are included.
Pope Leo XIV has visited Lampedusa on 4 July to honor migrants and urge Europe to implement a comprehensive plan to receive, protect and integrate migrants while calling on the United States to uphold immigrant rights on its independence anniversary. He also highlighted the ongoing migrant tragedy in the central Mediterranean, where thousands have died or gone missing this year.