Mali Junta ousts Prime Minister amid transition tensions
Mali's military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and his government on Wednesday, following Maiga's criticism of the junta. The decree, read on state television, comes as the West African nation grapples with prolonged political instability and violence from jihadist and separatist groups.
Initially appointed by the military in 2021, Maiga had recently voiced concerns over the indefinite delay of promised elections, warning that the lack of clarity could hinder the transition to civilian rule. His dismissal highlights deepening uncertainty surrounding Mali's future governance.
The country has been under military control since coups in 2020 and 2021, with elections postponed despite prior commitments to return power to civilians by March 2024. Mali's ongoing political turmoil and security crisis, exacerbated by armed groups and separatist tensions, leave its path to stability increasingly fraught.
Michael Flynn urges Biden's removal over World War III fears
Retired US Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn has called for the urgent removal of President Joe Biden, accusing him of leading the United States toward a potential World War III.
Flynn urged Vice President Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment to address Biden's alleged inability to responsibly manage escalating global tensions.
His comments follow reports that Biden permitted Ukraine to use US-provided ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian territory and his decision to supply Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines, breaking a prior commitment to restrict their use.
Flynn, who served as Donald Trump's national security advisor, argued that Biden's actions pose a grave danger to the United States.
He suggested that the House of Representatives impeach Biden and called on Harris to take decisive action, claiming Biden's 'poor memory' makes him unfit for accountability.
Flynn also urged Trump allies and future officials to reveal those influencing Biden's decisions and to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin to deescalate tensions.
Flynn's comments echo his controversial tenure under Trump, during which he was forced to resign after allegations of misleading officials about conversations with Russia's ambassador. Despite his legal battles, Flynn has remained a vocal critic of US foreign policy and Biden's leadership.
Spiraling gang violence leaves Haiti in crisis
Gang violence in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, claimed at least 150 lives over the past week, pushing the death toll from gang-related violence this year to over 4,500, according to UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
The violence, driven by a coalition of gangs seeking control of the city, has displaced 20,000 people and injured 92. Gangs now control 80% of the city, blocking all major roads and effectively holding Port-au-Prince's four million residents hostage.
Despite the presence of a Kenyan-led international force, limited resources and troop numbers have hampered efforts to restore order. Kenya's security advisor has called for the mission to transition into a formal UN peacekeeping operation, which could provide greater support.
The violence has deepened Haiti's humanitarian crisis, leaving 700,000 displaced and exacerbating food, water, and healthcare shortages. Turk warned that the situation could worsen, with rising reports of mob lynchings and coordinated attacks overwhelming the outgunned police force.
Amid the chaos, 28 gang members were killed by self-defense groups and police during a recent operation.
Turk emphasized the urgent need for action to protect citizens and reestablish rule of law, warning that the unchecked violence risks plunging Haiti further into despair and instability.
Elon Musk and Ramaswamy unveil bold plans for Federal overhaul
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, recently appointed co-leads of President-elect Donald Trump's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), have outlined an ambitious strategy to streamline the federal government.
In a Wall Street Journal article, they proposed sweeping executive actions aimed at reducing federal agencies, cutting trillions from the budget, and curbing regulations they deem excessive and undemocratic.
Using recent Supreme Court rulings as their foundation, DOGE plans to work with legal experts and advanced technology to identify regulations exceeding congressional authority.
These recommendations will empower Trump to pause enforcement and begin rescission of such rules, a move they argue will stimulate the economy. They also anticipate large-scale staff reductions, determining the minimal workforce required for agencies to perform their constitutional functions.
Key proposals include eliminating certain federal expenditures, such as funding for public broadcasting, international grants, and progressive organizations.
Musk and Ramaswamy advocate a return-to-office mandate for federal employees, aiming to provoke voluntary resignations. They project DOGE's work will lead to significant deregulation and cost savings, potentially dismantling many government agencies.
Their ultimate goal is to "eliminate the need" for DOGE by July 4, 2026, symbolizing a leaner, restructured federal government under the Trump administration.
Abdirahman Irro Elected President of Somaliland Amid Promises of Change
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, popularly known as Irro, has been elected as the sixth president of Somaliland, winning 64% of the vote in the November 13 election.
The 69-year-old former parliamentary speaker defeated incumbent President Musa Abdi Bihi, who garnered 35%. Irro's victory is seen as a response to dissatisfaction with Bihi's leadership, marked by a dismissive approach to public opinion and economic challenges.
During his campaign, Irro pledged to review Somaliland's controversial deal with Ethiopia, which grants Addis Ababa access to a 20km stretch of Somaliland's coastline for a naval base.
While critics view the agreement as aggressive, Irro has taken a diplomatic stance, signaling potential adjustments rather than outright rejection.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains unrecognized internationally despite its stability and democratic elections. Irro, a unifying figure, promises continued relations with Taiwan, a move likely to draw criticism from China and Somalia.
Born in Hargeisa and educated in the US, Irro brings extensive diplomatic experience, including service as Somalia's acting ambassador to the Soviet Union.
As leader of the Wadani Party, Irro's presidency offers hope for stronger governance, regional diplomacy, and progress for Somaliland's pursuit of international recognition.
Court bailiff and Clerk arrested for corruption charges
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested Jerome Mwiseneza, a Clerk at the Gatunda Primary Court in Nyagatare District, Victor Semahoro Mabondo, a Court Bailiff, along with four accomplices.
The suspects are accused of soliciting money from individuals in exchange for releasing detainees or offering legal assistance in cases they are involved in.
The suspects are currently detained at the RIB stations in Gatunda and Nyagatare as their case files are being finalized for submission to the Prosecution.
RIB commended citizens for refusing to engage in corrupt practices and for providing information about those soliciting bribes, ensuring that such individuals are investigated and brought to justice.
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