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African nations, led by the AU, demand increased climate finance and assert their role as solutions providers at COP30 in Brazil. The Addis Ababa Declaration emphasizes renewable energy, mineral transparency, and climate justice, amid ongoing debates over funding and development priorities. The summit highlights Africa's resilience despite limited emissions.
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Recent reports reveal that for the first time, more children aged 5-19 are obese than underweight, driven by ultra-processed foods and marketing. Data from UNICEF, WHO, and national surveys show rising obesity rates worldwide, with significant health risks and calls for policy action.
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Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has questioned Russia and China's WWII narratives during the SCO summit and Beijing commemorations. She highlighted China's significant wartime sacrifices and criticized the Western historical focus, emphasizing the importance of accurate global history recognition.
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Amid increased immigration enforcement under the Biden and Trump administrations, U.S. military veterans without citizenship, including those with legal residency and service records, face deportation. A bipartisan bill aims to protect these veterans by easing pathways to lawful status, highlighting ongoing tensions between immigration policy and national service contributions.
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The UN Security Council has authorized an expanded 5,550-strong gang suppression force in Haiti, replacing the current Kenyan-led mission. The new mandate aims to combat escalating gang violence, which controls 90% of Port-au-Prince, amid ongoing political instability and humanitarian crises. Deployment timelines remain uncertain as violence worsens.
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The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expired on September 30, risking job losses and economic setbacks in African countries reliant on US duty-free exports. Leaders are seeking renewal amid rising tariffs and China's expanding influence, which could reshape Africa's trade landscape.
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Mozambique is undertaking a major conservation effort to restore wildlife in Banhine National Park, which was decimated by civil war and poaching. Nearly 400 animals, including zebras and antelopes, have been relocated to the park. The project aims to revive the reserve's biodiversity and tourism, with support from Peace Parks Foundation.
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Raila Odinga, a key figure in Kenyan politics and democracy, died in India at age 80. His death triggered large mourning crowds, some violence, and a leadership vacuum ahead of 2027 elections. His body was transported to his rural home for burial amid security concerns.
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Malaria cases are rising in Africa, with nearly 600,000 deaths annually, mostly children and pregnant women. Funding cuts from Western donors threaten progress, risking more deaths and economic decline. Climate change and drug resistance worsen the crisis, highlighting urgent need for increased aid and innovative solutions.
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Australian farmers in Victoria express concern over government’s critical minerals deal with the US, fearing environmental damage and loss of farmland. The government fast-tracks mining projects amid community protests, raising questions about environmental protections and community involvement in decision-making.
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A small aircraft crashed in Kenya’s Kwale County shortly after takeoff, killing all 12 onboard, including eight Hungarians, two Germans, and the Kenyan pilot. The plane was en route to Maasai Mara, and authorities are investigating the cause amid heavy rain and fire at the scene. All victims are tourists.
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Cory Kapahulehua, 44, was sentenced to 187 years in prison after being convicted of abusing two students he taught at a Mesa school. The abuse began in 2021 and continued until his arrest in 2023. He was convicted of 17 child sex abuse and rape charges.
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Recent years have seen a surge in attendance at Quaker meetings, driven by social activism and a focus on simplicity. The Arch Street Meeting House in Philadelphia exemplifies this revival, with increased young visitors and renewed interest in Quaker beliefs and practices, including silent worship and social justice efforts.
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Kenyan athletes Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri won the 2025 New York City Marathon, with Obiri setting a new course record of 2:19:51. Kipruto narrowly edged Alexander Mutiso in a photo finish. The race featured tight finishes and Kenyan sweep of top spots.
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As of November 3, 2025, heavy rains have caused deadly landslides and floods in Kenya's Elgeyo-Marakwet County, leaving over 25 people missing and more than 30 injured. Rescue efforts are ongoing but hampered by inaccessible roads. Neighboring Uganda has also suffered fatalities and destruction from similar weather events.
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Recent heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in Indonesia's Nduga region and Uganda's Bukwo District, resulting in at least 20 deaths, including infants, and numerous missing persons. Search efforts are hampered by terrain and security issues, with authorities warning of ongoing risks.
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As of November 2025, the UN's Emissions Gap Report reveals that current national climate pledges will lead to a 2.3-2.5°C global temperature rise by 2100, surpassing Paris Agreement targets. Despite some progress, global emissions rose 2.3% in 2024. China's new 2035 goals mark its first specific emissions reduction target but fall short of what's needed. The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement threatens to negate recent gains ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
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As of November 2025, over 1,400 Africans from 36 countries, including Kenya and South Africa, have been recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine under false pretenses. Many are deceived with promises of jobs, coerced into signing military contracts, and sent to deadly frontline assaults. South Africa is investigating 17 citizens trapped in Ukraine, while Ukraine urges recruits to desert and seek prisoner-of-war status.
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African startups face exit challenges due to limited liquidity and rare IPOs, leading to reliance on trade sales. Experts call for reforms like growth IPO lanes and secondary markets to improve investor confidence and foster local wealth creation. Recent listings, including Optasia in South Africa, highlight progress.
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Robert Purkiss, a British ex-soldier, faces extradition to Kenya over the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru. The case, which involves allegations of misconduct by UK soldiers, has strained UK-Kenya relations. Purkiss denies the charges, and proceedings are ongoing as Kenyan authorities seek justice after years of delays.
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As of November 27, 2025, the US has boycotted the G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing unsubstantiated claims of persecution against white Afrikaners and land confiscation. South Africa, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, condemned the boycott as based on misinformation and confirmed its full G20 membership. Despite US absence, the summit proceeded with a declaration addressing global challenges, supported by most members except the US and Argentina.
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Kenyan women working in Saudi Arabia face abuse, exploitation, and legal barriers, especially those with children born outside marriage. Efforts by the Kenyan government have led to some repatriations, but many remain trapped due to lack of documentation and legal restrictions, highlighting ongoing migrant rights issues.
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Ethiopia is set to host COP32 in 2027 after regional consensus. The host for COP31 in 2026 remains unresolved, with Australia and Turkey competing. The decision is pending, with Bonn as a possible fallback if negotiations fail. The story highlights ongoing regional disputes and Ethiopia's rising prominence in climate diplomacy.
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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 studies highlight large-scale fish kills and rising antimicrobial resistance in Kenya's aquaculture industry, driven by water quality issues. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka faces an invasion of snakehead fish, disrupting local ecosystems and prompting efforts to turn the problem into economic opportunity.
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Harare reports 501 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, while cholera cases surpass 300,000 across Africa. Ethiopia and Rwanda investigate Marburg virus, with ongoing support from WHO and Africa CDC. No deaths reported yet, but health authorities remain vigilant.
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Haiti has undergone a major security overhaul, creating the Global Stabilization Force (GSF) to dismantle gang networks. The UN-backed force, authorized for 12 months, aims to restore peace through coordinated military, police, and intelligence operations, following recent threats and violence by armed groups.
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Nigerian court reaffirms that self-determination outside the constitution is illegal, convicting Nnamdi Kanu, founder of IPOB, who seeks independence for Biafra. Kanu's calls for secession have led to accusations of terrorism and historical conflict, including the Nigerian Civil War.
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On December 4, 2025, the US and Kenya signed a $2.5 billion, five-year health agreement replacing previous USAID programs dismantled earlier this year. Kenya will increase domestic health spending by $850 million. Meanwhile, US-South Africa relations remain strained after the US boycotted the recent G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing unsubstantiated claims of white farmer persecution and refusing to recognize South Africa's G20 presidency transfer.
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Kenya's high court declared unconstitutional laws restricting farmers from sharing indigenous seeds, a move seen as a victory for food security and traditional farming practices. The ruling challenges laws introduced to curb counterfeit seeds, emphasizing the importance of local seed preservation for climate resilience.
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Kenyan authorities permitted Robinson Juma Twanga, a long-time labor attaché in Saudi Arabia, to keep working despite multiple complaints of abuse, including demands for sex and violence. The story highlights ongoing concerns about migrant worker protections and government inaction.