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Recent fossil studies reveal a close link between extinct Australian carnivorous marsupials and koalas, while conservation efforts in Nigeria and Okinawa show signs of success. Meanwhile, Thailand's artificial reefs are aiding marine ecosystems, and Hong Kong seeks to expand marine protected areas amid biodiversity concerns.
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Fighters linked to al-Qaeda have intensified a fuel blockade in Mali, severely disrupting Bamako's economy and daily life. Schools are closed, citizens are urged to leave, and the military faces mounting pressure amid ongoing attacks and economic strangulation. The situation risks further destabilization of the region.
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The US has designated Nigeria as a 'Country of Particular Concern' over alleged religious freedom violations, especially against Christians. This follows claims of mass killings by Islamist groups, which Nigeria denies. The move could impact diplomatic relations and aid, amid ongoing religious tensions.
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Since 2014, Nigeria has seen at least 1,799 students abducted by Boko Haram and other armed groups. Most have been released or escaped, but the scale of abductions remains significant, with recent attacks in Niger, Kebbi, and Kaduna states. The ongoing violence highlights persistent security challenges.
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On November 2, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military intervention in Nigeria if the government fails to stop attacks on Christians. He ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible action and announced the suspension of U.S. aid. Nigeria's government denies religious intolerance, emphasizing constitutional protections for all faiths. The U.S. re-designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations.
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Since early November 2025, Donald Trump has issued threats of military intervention in Nigeria, citing alleged mass killings of Christians. Multiple sources dispute the severity of the crisis, emphasizing ongoing violence rooted in land disputes and insurgency, with Nigeria's government denying claims of religious persecution. The situation remains tense and complex.
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President Trump has designated Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom, warning of possible military intervention if the government does not address violence against Christians. Nigeria's government denies allegations of persecution, emphasizing its constitutional commitment to religious freedom. The EU and China have expressed support for Nigeria's sovereignty amid the controversy.
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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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Protests erupted at Nigeria's Museum of West African Arts in Benin City, delaying its opening. Demonstrators supported the Oba of Benin, opposing plans to display looted artifacts. The museum suspended activities after armed men stormed the site, amid ongoing tensions over artifact ownership and repatriation.
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The U.S. Army has selected Neros, a new drone manufacturer, to supply low-cost drones as part of a plan to acquire up to one million units in the next two to three years. This move aims to enhance military capabilities amid global competition and lessons from recent conflicts.
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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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African nations are making strides in vaccine development and manufacturing. South Africa begins clinical trials for a locally produced cholera vaccine, aiming for approval by 2028. Meanwhile, Nigeria progresses with a Lassa fever vaccine, addressing regional health needs and reducing dependency on imports.
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Nigeria's NDLEA, with US DEA and UK NCA, recovered over a ton of cocaine at Lagos port last weekend. Valued at $235 million, it is Nigeria's largest seizure. The investigation aims to identify and apprehend the global cartel behind the shipment.
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On November 3, 2025, a rubber boat carrying 49 migrants from Libya capsized six hours after departure due to engine failure amid high waves. After drifting for six days, seven survivors were rescued near Libya’s Al Buri oil field; 42 remain missing and presumed dead. This tragedy adds to over 1,000 migrant deaths in the central Mediterranean this year, highlighting urgent needs for safer migration routes and improved rescue efforts.
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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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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.
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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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Nigeria's Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Congo securing their first World Cup appearance since 1974. Nigeria last qualified in 2018, missing 2022 and now 2026.
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Between November 21-23, 2025, armed bandits abducted over 250 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria. This follows a recent kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Nigerian security forces, including military and local hunters, are actively searching for the victims amid escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu postponed foreign trips to address the crisis.
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Recent attacks in Nigeria, including the abduction of 25 schoolgirls and church shootings, highlight ongoing insecurity. President Tinubu has increased military deployment, but violence persists across regions, affecting both Christian and Muslim communities. The situation draws international scrutiny and concerns over religious freedom.
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Recent attacks in Nigeria include a church shooting in Kwara State, abductions of villagers, and a school kidnapping in Kebbi. The government faces pressure amid ongoing insurgencies, communal clashes, and rising insecurity affecting both Christian and Muslim communities. The situation highlights Nigeria’s complex security crisis.
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Nicki Minaj has publicly supported efforts to address violence against Christians in Nigeria, speaking at a UN event alongside US officials. She emphasized religious freedom and condemned attacks on Christian communities, aligning with recent US and international concerns about escalating violence and persecution in Nigeria.
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The UN Security Council has called for urgent regional action to combat rising terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, highlighting expanding terrorist networks, increasing violence, and underfunded humanitarian efforts. Leaders emphasize the need for cooperation, trust, and sustained international support to address root causes and regional instability. Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2025.
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Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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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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Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism by a Nigerian court. The case stems from his broadcasts inciting violence and advocating for Biafra independence. The ruling has sparked outrage in the South-east and raised concerns over regional stability.
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South Africans staged a nationwide protest against gender-based violence and femicide, coinciding with the G20 summit. The government declared gender violence a national disaster after protests demanding action, highlighting the ongoing crisis despite legal frameworks and law changes.
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Recent kidnappings of schoolchildren in Nigeria's Niger and Kebbi states have increased, with over 215 children confirmed abducted after verification. Authorities are deploying tactical squads and local hunters to rescue the children amid ongoing insecurity linked to banditry and insurgent groups like Boko Haram.
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Multiple school kidnappings in Nigeria continue to dominate headlines. Over 250 students and staff remain in captivity after recent attacks, prompting international calls for their release. The government has responded with security measures, but the crisis highlights ongoing insecurity and threats to education in the region.
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Gunmen abducted 303 children and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria. Some children escaped, but 253 remain in captivity. The attacks follow recent similar incidents, highlighting ongoing insecurity and mass abductions by armed groups in Nigeria's northern regions.
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On November 26-27, 2025, Guinea-Bissau's military deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, suspended the electoral process, and installed General Horta Nta Na Man as transitional leader for one year. The coup occurred amid disputed presidential election results between Embalo and challenger Fernando Dias. Key political figures were detained, borders closed, and curfews imposed as the military cited threats from drug traffickers and election manipulation.
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Nigeria and the US held high-level talks in Washington, DC, focusing on security cooperation and addressing misconceptions about Nigeria's internal conflict. The US affirmed its readiness to support Nigeria with intelligence, defense equipment, and humanitarian aid, while Nigeria committed to civilian protection amid ongoing tensions.
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Recent reports highlight aging populations and stagnant income growth in the US and Europe. In the US, income growth for workers aged 25-54 remains low at 1.6%, while Europe faces declining birth rates and shrinking working-age populations, threatening future economic expansion.
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The UN WFP projects 35 million Nigerians will face severe hunger by 2026, the highest since monitoring began. Borno state will experience famine-like conditions, amid ongoing violence and aid cuts, worsening the crisis for rural communities and children.
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Multiple mass abductions have occurred across Nigeria since November 17, including the kidnapping of 26 girls in Kebbi. Authorities report 24 girls have been rescued, but ongoing insecurity and copycat attacks threaten communities. President Tinubu urges increased security efforts amid fears of spiraling violence.
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Nigeria's President Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency amid rising violence, kidnappings, and armed attacks in northern regions. The government is recruiting 50,000 police officers, deploying forest guards, and seeking legal reforms to enhance security. Recent abductions and violence have prompted international scrutiny and internal security measures.
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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. The pact focuses on HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and maternal health. 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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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.
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On December 7-8, 2025, 100 children abducted from St Mary's Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria, were released and transported to Abuja before being handed to local officials. Over 150 students and 12 teachers remain captive after the November 21 mass kidnapping. Details of the release remain undisclosed amid ongoing rescue efforts.
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Nigeria intervened militarily in Benin after a coup attempt led by soldiers. President Tinubu ordered fighter jets and ground forces to support Benin's government, which quickly regained control. The intervention was coordinated with regional bodies and followed requests from Benin's authorities. The coup was foiled within hours, amid regional insecurity concerns.
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A Nigerian Air Force C-130 made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso after a technical issue during a flight to Portugal. The aircraft was accused of violating Burkina Faso's airspace, but the Nigerian crew is safe and plans to resume their mission. Tensions rise in the Sahel region.
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Recent aid reductions have severely impacted malnutrition treatment in Kenya and Nigeria. Drought, conflict, and funding cuts have led to shortages of therapeutic food, risking irreversible health damage and deaths among children in vulnerable regions. The situation highlights the ongoing global challenge of food insecurity.