Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has issued a stark warning to Rwanda, accusing it of hostile intentions as tensions escalate over the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Speaking near the border, he urged citizens to prepare for potential attacks, branding Rwanda a "bad neighbor." The ongoing DRC crisis, fueled by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, has heightened fears of regional war.
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President Trump dismissed at least twelve federal agencies' inspectors general, tasked with identifying and preventing government fraud and abuse, shortly after beginning his second term. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the move, saying it dismantles checks on Trump's power and encourages corruption.
Maine Governor Janet Mills defied President Trump's executive order on banning transgender athletes in women's sports, vowing legal confrontation. Soon after, a video of Mills performing at an LGBTQ+ Halloween drag show surfaced, highlighting her consistent support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed deep concern over the condition of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Following recent hostage-prisoner swaps, including one where captives were forced to thank their captors, the ICRC urged more dignified releases. Shock over the hostages' frail appearance has intensified calls for humanitarian access. The next exchange is set for Saturday as efforts continue for the full release of all captives.
North Korea conducted a cruise missile test and vowed a strong response to US-South Korea military drills, calling them provocative. Kim Jong Un observed the test and emphasized strengthening war deterrence. Despite Trump's intentions to rekindle diplomacy with Kim, North Korea's stance and US-South Korea's military activities complicate prospects for renewed talks.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 soldiers, prompting President Trump to pause tariffs on Mexico for one month. "At this rate of achievement, not only should President @realDonaldTrump be on Mount Rushmore, I want to personally work the chisel!" Elon Musk posted. South Dakota's Mount Rushmore features the heads of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
A British minister criticized Elon Musk for his remarks on UK child sexual abuse scandals, accusing him of ignorance. Musk targeted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Minister Jess Phillips on social media, labeling Phillips a "rape genocide apologist." Phillips dismissed Musk’s comments as baseless, while Starmer defended his record and condemned Musk’s rhetoric.
The Australian Tibetan youth leadership training began at the Karuna Retreat Centre in the Blue Mountains, Australia, gathering 30 young Tibetans from six regions. Organized by the Tibet Information Office, the event aims to develop leadership skills and strengthen commitment to the Tibetan cause. CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay delivered a keynote address. The event also highlighted shared struggles between Tibetans and aboriginal communities, fostering stronger support networks.
Russia launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure early Friday, one of the largest strikes of the war, according to President Zelensky. The attack involved missiles and drones, including at least one from North Korea. Ukraine managed to intercept many of the missiles, but several regions experienced power outages.
Nearly 70 migrants died after their boat sank en route to Spain on December 19th, with only 11 survivors, mostly from Mali. Many were seeking better opportunities or fleeing instability. The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands remains dangerous. Several victims hailed from Mali's Kayes region.
American farmers, particularly in North Dakota, face severe financial strains due to plummeting crop prices and skyrocketing input costs. Seed prices, for instance, have surged from $150 to $230 per bag. President-elect Trump acknowledges the crisis, planning tariffs on some Canadian and Mexican agricultural imports to alleviate the issue.