Recent events in South Sudan have drawn international attention due to escalating violence and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. A power-sharing deal between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar has unraveled, raising fears of a return to civil war. The UN Commission on Human Rights has issued urgent alerts regarding the protection of civilians and the preservation of the 2018 peace agreement. Additionally, a nationwide curfew was imposed following violent unrest in the capital, exacerbating an already dire situation where famine conditions affect hundreds of thousands.
South Sudan, officially the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, bordered by Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. It gained independence from Sudan in 2011, becoming the world's youngest nation. However, the country has been plagued by internal conflict, primarily driven by ethnic tensions and power struggles. The civil war that erupted in 2013 resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with millions facing food insecurity and humanitarian crises. Despite efforts for peace, the ongoing instability continues to challenge the nation's development and the well-being of its citizens.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized the need for respectful trade discussions with the U.S. amid escalating tensions over tariffs. Following President Trump's remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state, Carney is preparing for early elections while addressing the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian industries.
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Pope Francis, recovering from pneumonia, made a brief appearance on Easter Sunday to bless thousands in St. Peter's Square. While he did not lead the mass, his voice sounded stronger, and he emphasized themes of love and forgiveness in his message. His health continues to improve, but he remains under medical advice to limit public engagements.
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On April 3, 2025, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on car imports, escalating trade tensions with Canada and Mexico. In response, both countries are considering retaliatory measures, raising fears of a global trade war that could significantly impact economies worldwide. Leaders from both nations have voiced strong opposition to the tariffs.
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The arrest of South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar has escalated tensions, threatening the fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement. The UN warns of a potential return to civil war, with ethnic violence and humanitarian crises looming as military clashes intensify across the country. Uganda's troop deployment adds to the volatility.
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The US has revoked all visas for South Sudanese passport holders, blocking new entries, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized South Sudan's failure to accept its citizens expelled from the US. This action follows escalating violence in South Sudan and the impending expiration of Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese nationals.
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South Sudan has agreed to accept Congolese national Makula Kintu, who was initially denied entry after being deported from the U.S. The U.S. Secretary of State announced a visa revocation for all South Sudanese citizens due to the country's failure to accept deportees. South Sudan claims Kintu's case is isolated and has cooperated with other deportations.
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Eight people, including five children, died in South Sudan while seeking medical treatment for cholera after US aid cuts led to the closure of local health services. The charity Save the Children attributes these deaths to funding reductions imposed by the Trump administration, which have severely impacted healthcare access in the region.
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Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of complicity in genocide against the Masalit ethnic group amid ongoing civil conflict. The allegations coincide with hearings at the International Court of Justice, where Sudan seeks emergency orders against the UAE. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
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Tundu Lissu, leader of Tanzania's opposition party CHADEMA, faces treason charges following his arrest at a rally where he called for electoral reforms. His party's disqualification from upcoming elections raises concerns about political repression. Meanwhile, Gabon's General Brice Oligui Nguema won the presidential election amid allegations of electoral irregularities.
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As Sudan's civil war marks its third year, violence has escalated, particularly in Darfur, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified attacks on displacement camps, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths. The humanitarian crisis deepens, with 13 million displaced and widespread famine affecting millions. International responses remain inadequate.
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Seventeen-year-old Gout Gout, a rising star in Australian athletics, clocked a wind-assisted 19.84 seconds to win the national 200m title in Perth. His performance has drawn comparisons to Usain Bolt, positioning him as a key athlete ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
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In Afghanistan, severe cuts to US aid have led to the closure of malnutrition treatment centers, leaving millions of children without critical care. Action Against Hunger reports that the funding freeze has resulted in layoffs and increased risks of malnutrition-related deaths among vulnerable populations.
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On April 21, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified their assault on El-Fashir, resulting in over 30 civilian deaths and widespread displacement. This attack follows a recent offensive that killed more than 400 people, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region, which is already facing severe food shortages and violence.
