ICC Highlights War Crimes in Darfur Attributed to RSF Violence

ICC Presents Evidence of Repeated War Crimes in Sudan's Darfur Region The International Criminal Court (ICC) has provided substantial evidence of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's Darfur region. This report underscores atrocities, including the systematic use of sexual violence, particularly in El Fasher. New evidence highlights war crimes in El Fasher and patterns reminiscent of earlier crises. ICC Deputy Prosecutor addressed the U.N. Security Council, sharing video and satellite data.…

Over 300,000 People Uprooted by Mozambique Flooding

The Destructive Floods Devastating Mozambique Severe flooding in Mozambique’s Gaza province has forced over 300,000 people from their homes, causing widespread devastation. The situation, exacerbated by weeks of torrential rain, has submerged significant portions of the region. Over 40% of Gaza province is underwater. 327,000 displaced residents are sheltering in temporary sites. President Daniel Chapo canceled a trip to Davos due to the crisis. Humanitarian Crisis and Evacuations With authorities striving to…

Sudan’s Military Eyes US-Saudi Peace Deal Amid Escalating Conflict

Sudan's Civil War: A Troubled Path to Peace Sudan's military leadership is reviewing a new proposal by the United States and Saudi Arabia to establish a humanitarian truce and broader cease-fire. This potential diplomatic breakthrough comes as the country approaches 1,000 days of conflict. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) received the initiative, which focuses on humanitarian relief. The Security and Defence Council, including military and civilian figures, met to discuss it. The proposal aims to operationalize…

Almost 50% of Sudanese Students Absent from Schooling

The Impact of Prolonged School Closures in Sudan Sudan faces an alarming educational crisis as millions of children remain out of school due to ongoing conflict. This section explores the core issues contributing to one of the world's longest school closures. Over eight million children in Sudan face nearly 500 days without formal education. Conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hinders educational access. Schools are either closed, damaged, or repurposed as shelters, particularly in…

Algeria Approves Law Making French Language Use a Crime

Algerian Parliament Criminalizes French Colonization Algeria's parliament has passed legislation condemning French colonial rule, marking a significant step in the country's historical narrative. However, lawmakers stopped short of demanding compensation or an official apology from France. The law was unanimously approved by the upper house, the Council of the Nation. 12 articles concerning compensation and apology were reserved for further revision. Legislation was already approved by the lower house on Dec. 24.…

Luigi Mangione Appears in Court for Hearing in CEO’s Killing

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel, appeared in federal court in New York as a judge weighed whether to allow key evidence in a death penalty case that has drawn national attention. Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to murder, stalking and weapons charges. He appeared in prison garb before U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett, who is considering whether items recovered from a backpack searched by Altoona, Pennsylvania, police can be…

Bar owner in Swiss fire case released on bail

A Swiss court has released on bail the co-owner of Le Constellation, the Crans-Montana bar where a New Year’s Day fire killed 40 people and injured 116, as investigators probe possible negligent offenses in one of the country’s deadliest recent nightlife disasters. The Compulsory Measures Court in the canton of Valais said it lifted the detention of Jacques Moretti, 49, after bail of 200,000 Swiss francs (about €215,600) was posted on his behalf. Moretti, a French national who co-owns the venue with his wife, Jessica, 39,…

Spanish prosecutors close abuse investigation into singer Julio Iglesias

Spain’s High Court prosecutors have shelved a preliminary investigation into singer Julio Iglesias, ruling the court lacks jurisdiction because the alleged crimes occurred outside Spain and the accusers do not reside in the country. The decision, outlined in a filing seen by Reuters, halts the probe at the national level while leaving open the possibility of prosecution in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, where the alleged conduct took place. Women’s Link Worldwide, a rights group, lodged the complaint on Jan. 5 on…

Major winter storm poised to unleash catastrophic conditions across U.S.

A massive winter storm is bearing down on the United States with a hazardous mix of freezing rain and heavy snow threatening some 160 million people through the weekend, prompting states of emergency across at least 14 states and Washington, D.C., and warnings of “catastrophic” icy conditions. The National Weather Service said the sprawling system could bring catastrophic ice accumulation capable of downing trees and power lines, leading to long-duration power outages and making travel extremely dangerous or impossible. The…

Rescue crews race to find six missing after New Zealand landslide

At least 6 missing after Mount Maunganui landslide hits New Zealand campsite; urgent search continues TAURANGA, New Zealand — Rescuers are digging through deep mud for at least six missing people after a landslide from Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano, ploughed into a crowded campsite in northern New Zealand, destroying caravans, camper vans and a shower block. Police said a 15-year-old is the youngest person unaccounted for after the slide struck following heavy rain that drenched a large swath of the North Island.…