Location · 122 published stories · 63 outlets · All places
A French court has ruled that former President Nicolas Sarkozy will not serve his sentence under an electronic ankle tag in the Bygmalion campaign financing case, citing his age. The decision follows two definitive convictions and a brief jail term in a separate case, with his appeal in the Libyan funding case still ongoing.
As the US-Iran conflict intensifies, analysts and officials point to a pattern of US military interventions without clear exit strategies, citing Henry Kissinger's warnings and the costly wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The conflict has strained US resources, isolated Washington from allies, and raised global economic concerns.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy appeared at the Paris Court of Appeal for final hearings in the case over alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 campaign. He maintains his innocence, while his former aide Claude Guéant has contradicted his account. A verdict is expected later this year.
Africa's largest oil refinery, built by Aliko Dangote in Nigeria, has emerged as a key fuel supplier for the continent. The $20 billion project, constructed with Chinese engineering support, overcame entrenched interests and now plans to double its capacity.
Tuareg separatists and jihadist fighters have seized the strategic Tessalit military camp in northern Mali after the withdrawal of the army and Russian allies. The capture follows a series of coordinated attacks that killed Defense Minister Sadio Camara, while Mali investigates suspected complicity by military personnel.
As the 60-day deadline set by the War Powers Resolution approaches for the US-Iran conflict, President Trump asserts he does not need congressional authorization to continue military operations, while lawmakers explore legal challenges. The deadline, which falls on May 1, has sparked debate over the limits of presidential war powers and the role of Congress.
Israeli naval forces intercepted at least 22 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete, detaining scores of activists seeking to deliver aid to Gaza. Most were later transferred to Greek authorities on the island, while two remain in Israeli custody. Organisers called the action unlawful piracy; Israel described the flotilla as a provocation.
As the US-Israel war in Iran disrupts global oil supplies, major energy companies report soaring profits, sparking debate over windfall taxes and the burden on households. BP and TotalEnergies lead with significant earnings jumps, while analysts highlight the broader economic impact on consumers and governments.
The United Arab Emirates has announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026, a move that analysts say marks the culmination of a long-running dispute with Saudi Arabia over production quotas and oil prices. The decision could boost UAE output by over 40%, potentially disrupting African oil producers and signaling a broader realignment in global energy politics.
FIFA has amended its regulations to allow the exiled Afghan women's football team, Afghan Women United, to compete in official international matches, ending a ban that began after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The decision, announced after years of advocacy, enables the team to aim for the 2028 Olympics, though they will miss the 2027 World Cup.
The UAE's decision to leave OPEC and OPEC+ from May 1, 2026, is expected to weaken the cartel's influence on global oil prices and increase doubts about Saudi-led production quotas. Analysts cite the UAE's desire to maximize production capacity and long-standing disagreements with Saudi Arabia as key factors, though short-term price impact may be limited.
The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave OPEC and the wider OPEC+ framework, a move analysts say could weaken the cartel's influence. The decision, effective May 1, reflects the UAE's long-term strategic and economic vision, according to official statements.
Coordinated weekend attacks by jihadist and Tuareg separatist groups have killed Mali's defence minister and left the junta leader unseen, plunging the country into its most serious security crisis since 2012. A fragile calm prevails in Bamako and Kati, while the African Union and opposition groups have voiced alarm.
Mali's Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in a weekend assault on his residence in Kati, part of coordinated attacks by jihadist and separatist forces across the country. Reports indicate that the northern town of Kidal has fallen to rebel control, with Russian-backed forces withdrawing, while international condemnation mounts.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Libya's acting Foreign Minister Taher Al-Baour in Moscow, where Russia offered support for Libya's national reconciliation and both sides agreed to revive the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. Lavrov also commented on US-Iran negotiations, saying a deal similar to the 2015 nuclear agreement would be a major success.
New reports reveal that Colombian mercenaries, supported by the UAE and facilitated by a Libyan battalion, have played a critical role in Sudan's civil war, helping the RSF capture El-Fasher. The UN and security analysts have documented the involvement, despite UAE denials of supporting the RSF.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Libya's acting Foreign Minister Taher al-Baour in Moscow, where he reiterated Russia's readiness to assist in restoring unity and national reconciliation in Libya. The two sides discussed resuming bilateral agreements and restarting an intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. Al-Baour acknowledged Russia's significant role in resolving Libya's internal crisis, emphasizing the need for general parliamentary elections.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said US-Iran negotiations could succeed if they produce an agreement similar to the 2015 nuclear deal, while cautioning that Moscow sees threats and promises but few concrete facts. He also announced that Russia's consulate general in Libya's Benghazi will resume operations soon.
Russian officials and experts have condemned US and Israeli strikes on Iran, arguing they undermine the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and international law. Iran's UN mission also accused Washington of decades of non-compliance with the treaty, while experts warn military action cannot achieve nonproliferation goals.
Twelve Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, have jointly condemned Israel's decision to appoint a non-resident ambassador to Somaliland, calling it a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The joint statement, issued Saturday, warns the move could set a dangerous precedent and destabilize the Horn of Africa. Israel appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to the breakaway region, a step that has drawn regional and international reactions.