-
England became the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with other teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania also securing spots. Forty-three teams will qualify through continental tournaments, with two more in intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March. The three host nations qualify automatically.
-
Cameroon's presidential election has led to protests, accusations of vote tampering, and a unilateral declaration of victory by opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary. The official results are pending, with President Paul Biya expected to secure another term amid unrest and allegations of irregularities.
-
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya begins an eighth term amid protests and allegations of electoral fraud, while Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan is re-elected in a vote marked by repression and opposition disqualification. Both countries face international criticism over democratic processes and human rights abuses.
-
Mali faces escalating insecurity as jihadist groups, notably JNIM, intensify attacks, impose fuel blockades, and cause regional refugee flows. Despite government claims of mitigation, insurgents expand into neighboring Ivory Coast, worsening economic and humanitarian conditions amid regional instability.
-
The average cost of a traditional Christmas dinner in the UK has decreased slightly to £32.46, driven by lower prices on frozen turkey and parsnips. Despite ongoing inflation, retailers are increasing promotions to support shoppers, amid economic pressures and high food prices, especially for chocolate and fresh meat.
-
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.