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Lungu, Zambia's former leader, died in South Africa in June. His family opposed his burial in Zambia, but courts ruled the government has the right to bury him. The case highlights political rivalry and legal disputes over his funeral arrangements.
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China has signed a $1.4 billion deal to refurbish the Tazara Railway connecting Zambia and Tanzania, reviving a project from the 1970s financed by Mao Zedong's China. The upgrade aims to boost regional trade and mineral exports, with Chinese firms taking a long-term operational role.
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Rising borrowing costs and aid cuts are worsening debt crises in the global south, with countries like Ethiopia, Zambia, and South Sudan struggling to restructure debt. Meanwhile, France faces a political deadlock over its budget, raising concerns about its economic stability. Both stories highlight urgent need for reform and international cooperation.
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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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A court in South Africa has reopened an inquest into the death of anti-apartheid leader Albert Luthuli, more than 50 years after his death was ruled accidental. The move aims to investigate allegations that he was killed by apartheid police, with the original 1967 ruling now under review amid suspicions of a cover-up.
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The Indonesia Hospital in Gaza, damaged during Israeli military operations since October 2023, is seeking donations for reconstruction. MER-C Indonesia aims to restore healthcare services amid ongoing conflict, with recent funding and volunteer efforts highlighting international support for Palestinian medical infrastructure.
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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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China is increasing its investment and influence in Zambia through infrastructure projects and debt, amid competition with the US and Europe for access to critical minerals vital for renewable energy and technology. Li Qiang's visit aims to deepen China's presence in Zambia's mining sector.