MOGADISHU, June 13 – Somalia’s federal government moved on Saturday to firmly rebut U.S. allegations involving Somali referee Omar Artan, saying there is no evidence linking him to terrorism or any extremist network. Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the state was standing unequivocally behind Artan, rejecting claims that he had any association with Al-Shabaab or any other militant group. "The Somali government confirms that Omar Artan has no connection whatsoever with terrorism," Fiqi told reporters in Mogadishu. "It…

In a significant leadership shift, President Adama Barrow has named Major General Ousman Gomez as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces. This decision comes on the heels of Lieutenant General Mamat O. A. Cham's resignation, which was surrounded by serious allegations of misconduct. In his resignation letter, Cham cited his departure was prompted by "numerous allegations of misconduct and abuse of office inconsistent with the Office of Chief of Defence Staff." Prior to his new role, Gomez held the…

Britain’s police inquiry into former prince Andrew is expected to be lengthy and complicated, senior officers have said, following his arrest earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office — an offence that can encompass sexual impropriety. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was questioned under caution for several hours by detectives after his arrest at his Norfolk home in February, which came after the US Department of Justice released millions of documents connected to the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.…

In a milestone moment for victims of Libya's long-running violence, the International Criminal Court has opened a three-day hearing for Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, who stands accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. El Hishri is the first individual from Libya to be brought before the ICC since the United Nations Security Council sent the Libyan situation to the court's prosecutor in 2011, marking a significant step in efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for atrocities committed during the country's…

Andriy Yermak rejected corruption claims against him as “unfounded” after appearing in court, pushing back publicly as the high-profile case deepens scrutiny of Ukraine’s political elite. Once President Volodymyr Zelensky’s closest aide, Mr Yermak stepped down in November 2025 after investigators searched his home in a far-reaching corruption inquiry that sent shockwaves through the country as it continued to fight a full-scale war. “The notice of suspicion is unfounded,” Mr Yermak, 54, wrote on Telegram after the hearing,…

TMZ’s newly opened Washington bureau has arrived in the capital at a moment of extraordinary turmoil, as a cascade of political scandals forces a reckoning across Capitol Hill. Over the past two weeks, Congress has been rocked by allegations and abrupt departures, with three representatives leaving office before facing expulsion votes in the House. Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick stepped down this week after an investigation concluded that she committed more than 20 ethics violations, including campaign finance breaches,…

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian petroleum minister, has made headlines as she stands trial in London, vehemently denying allegations of bribery and luxury accommodations linked to government contracts. Accused of enjoying opulent stays and extravagant spending sprees in the UK, she asserts that these claims are baseless. In her testimony to the jury, Alison-Madueke maintained her innocence, stating she never misused her position to solicit or accept bribes, despite facing six serious charges under the UK Bribery…

Malawi is facing a sharp escalation in violence against its seniors, with the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organizations warning that killings tied to witchcraft allegations are surging. The group reports 11 elderly people were murdered in the first three months of this year—putting the country on pace to surpass the 22 deaths documented across all of 2025. Executive Director Andrew Kavala called the trend “alarming,” noting that more than 300 older persons have been killed over witchcraft accusations since 2015. Urging…

Zimbabwe’s human rights watchdog has warned that public hearings on proposed constitutional changes are being undermined by intimidation and the exclusion of critics, with opponents of the bill reportedly singled out. The Zimbabwean Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) noted strong turnout at the sessions and praised Parliament for widely promoting the hearings and inviting written submissions. However, it flagged serious risks to participants’ safety. Commission Chairperson Jessie Majome said that "whilst those in support...…

René Redzepi steps down from Noma after abuse reports and protests at Los Angeles pop-up René Redzepi, the co-founder of Copenhagen’s Noma, said he is stepping down from the acclaimed restaurant after reports and testimony about past abuse at his business, adding fresh turbulence to one of the world’s most influential dining rooms just as it launched a pop-up in Los Angeles. “After more than two decades of building and leading this restaurant, I’ve decided to step away,” Redzepi said in an Instagram post. His announcement…