The United Nations ended its peacekeeping mission in Mali by the end of 2023, but it continues political, humanitarian, and development work in the Sahel region. With Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger leaving the regional group ECOWAS and forming the Alliance of Sahel States, the UN is now focusing on diplomacy and support rather than military presence, while Russia’s influence in the region has grown.
Key Facts
MINUSMA, the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, ended in June 2023 after Mali’s transitional government requested its withdrawal.
The UN still operates politically through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger left ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The AES emphasizes sovereignty and strategic autonomy, reducing influence from outside institutions like the UN and ECOWAS.
Humanitarian problems like displacement and food insecurity continue across the Sahel region.
Russia’s Africa Corps has supported military governments in Mali and Niger, increasing Moscow’s influence both locally and in the UN Security Council.
The UN Security Council extended UNOWAS’s mandate until January 31, 2029, with a strategic review planned for 2026.
Experts suggest the UN should focus less on peacekeeping troops and more on diplomacy, security reform, and addressing the root causes of conflict.
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European intelligence officials warn that Russia might attack NATO territory soon, possibly within months. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Russia may test NATO’s commitment to defend its members under Article 5, which says allies will protect each other if attacked.
Key Facts
European intelligence suggests a possible imminent Russian attack on NATO countries.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented that Russia might be testing NATO’s defense promise in Article 5.
Article 5 means NATO members agree to defend any ally that is attacked.
The situation is seen as urgent, with a potential timeline of months, not years.
Ukraine recently launched its largest drone attack on Moscow, reported by the Financial Times.
The Russian capital’s mayor described the attack as the biggest on the city so far.
The article also mentions ongoing political and economic updates in the UK and Germany, but these are secondary points.
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Seven armed groups in Ethiopia have formed a new alliance called the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival. Their goal is to work together to replace Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government with a transitional government that represents all people and ends ongoing conflicts.
Key Facts
The alliance includes seven groups, among them the Amhara Fano National Movement, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), and Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
These groups have been fighting the government and each other in different regions since 2018 or earlier.
The alliance says the current government rules like a dictatorship and threatens the country’s unity.
They want a transitional government under a new charter to stop the fighting and protect rights.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018, promising reforms like releasing political prisoners and allowing free political parties.
Critics say the government has reversed many of these reforms in recent years.
The TPLF declared the 2022 peace deal ending their war with the government “dead” in July 2024.
Fighting continues in regions like Oromia, Amhara, and Tigray, raising fears of a return to full-scale war.
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Russia's recent parliamentary elections went as expected, with the ruling party United Russia keeping its majority in the State Duma. The election showed no surprises, and parties that support President Putin continued to dominate, while the only allowed anti-war party, Yabloko, was removed from the ballot.
Key Facts
United Russia is expected to keep its constitutional majority in the State Duma.
The election outcome was predictable with no major changes in party representation.
Yabloko, the only anti-war party allowed to run, was removed from the ballot by Russia’s Supreme Court shortly after registration.
Many Yabloko candidates faced jail, bans from running, or lacked election observer registration.
Voters in Moscow showed resignation to ongoing war-related events, including recent drone strikes near the city.
President Putin ruled out any new army mobilizations for now.
The Kremlin will likely use the election results to claim public support for Putin and the continuation of the war in Ukraine.
There is still public anxiety in Russia about the possibility of future mobilization despite official denials.
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Over 800,000 bees were stolen from several properties in far north Queensland, Australia, in a complex theft involving specialized equipment. The theft comes at a difficult time, as the bee industry is also dealing with the arrival of a parasite called the varroa mite, which harms bee colonies and is costly to control.
Key Facts
About 800,000 bees were stolen, taken from 44 hives across multiple properties in the Atherton Tablelands area.
The thieves removed the brood boxes (where young bees grow) instead of whole hives to avoid early detection.
The stolen bees are worth tens of thousands of dollars, plus the value lost from pollination contracts.
No honey was stolen, only the bees and brood boxes.
Police suspect the robbers may be commercial farmers or insiders from the beekeeping industry.
The varroa mite parasite was recently found in far north Queensland and is difficult and expensive to control.
Australia has spent over $100 million trying to stop the spread of the varroa mite since it first appeared in 2022.
Scientists are working on new treatments using mRNA technology, but these are still a few years away.
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Alberta, a Canadian province known for producing oil and natural gas, will hold a vote next month. The vote will decide if Alberta should stay part of Canada or consider separating.
Key Facts
Alberta supplies a large amount of oil and natural gas to the United States.
The province plans to hold a referendum, which is a public vote on an important issue.
The referendum will ask Albertans whether they want to remain part of Canada or become independent.
The vote is scheduled to take place next month.
Ian Lee reported this news from Raymond, Alberta.
This is a significant political event that could impact Canada’s unity and its relationship with the U.S.
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Thousands of people protested in France against a law that would assume police officers acted legally when they use force with weapons. The bill, approved by the lower house of parliament, now awaits a vote in the Senate and has sparked debates about police violence and citizens’ rights.
Key Facts
The bill would presume police acted lawfully when using weapons, shifting the burden of proof in their favor.
Thousands marched in Paris and other cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Rennes to oppose the bill.
Critics call the bill a "licence to kill," saying it could encourage police violence and impunity.
Supporters say the bill protects police from automatic suspicion or arrest when using force.
A petition against the bill gathered over 730,000 signatures but was rejected by a parliamentary committee.
Groups protesting include political parties like France Unbowed, human rights organizations, and the magistrates’ union.
Some clashes occurred during protests, with several arrests and injuries reported.
The bill now faces a decision in the French Senate.
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Police say a mother stabbed three young children in the Blue Mountains near Sydney. One child died at the scene, and the mother and the other two children are in critical condition in the hospital.
Key Facts
The attack happened inside a vehicle in Valley Heights, Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.
Three children under five were stabbed; one child died immediately.
The mother, in her 40s, is the main suspect and also seriously hurt.
The surviving two children and the mother were taken to hospitals in critical condition and had surgery.
The father was at work when he was told about the attack.
Police said the mother had no previous criminal record or police attention.
The police are investigating the weapon and details of the attack.
This incident followed a weekend where three women were allegedly murdered in New South Wales.
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Personal items belonging to the late French actress Brigitte Bardot are being sold at auction in Paris. The money from the sale will go to Bardot's animal charity. The auction includes nearly 300 items from her homes, such as ballet flats, jewelry, furniture, and personal mementos.
Key Facts
Brigitte Bardot died in December at the age of 91.
The auction is held at the Drouot sale rooms in central Paris.
Nearly 300 items from Bardot's homes in Saint-Tropez and Paris are on sale.
Proceeds from the auction will support Bardot’s animal rights foundation.
Items include ballet flats by Repetto, diamond rings, furniture, kitchen utensils, and a Peugeot bicycle.
Bardot was an actress and model famous for her role in the 1950s and later became an animal rights activist.
Many items reflect Bardot's love of animals, including dog collars and photos of her pets.
Most auction items start below €100 (£86), but bidding is expected to increase prices.
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An Indonesian teacher convicted of sexually abusing a student has been secretly released from prison early. The teacher worked at an Islamic boarding school and has faced multiple abuse allegations, with reports showing efforts to hide the crimes and stop investigations.
Key Facts
Moch Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Bechi, was convicted of sexually assaulting a student at an Islamic boarding school in East Java, Indonesia.
Bechi was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2022 but was released early in August 2025.
His early release happened despite a recommended sentence length of up to 16 years for rape, though he was only convicted of a lesser charge, sexual assault.
The school’s operating license was withdrawn, but then-President Joko Widodo allowed the school to stay open, saying the issue was with the individual, not the institution.
The National Commission on Violence against Women says sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools is a serious problem, with religious leaders protecting schools from scrutiny and victims from speaking out.
Some victims who reported abuse faced intimidation and pressure to take back their statements.
BBC reporters secretly filmed Bechi after his early release, showing him attending events and smiling.
One victim, Ira Puspitasari, spoke publicly for the first time about being abused, kidnapped, and tortured by Bechi over four years.
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A teacher in Indonesia, Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Bechi, who was jailed for sexually assaulting a student, has been released early on parole. The BBC investigated and found that other students accused him of abuse as well. The Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Correction said the early release was due to sentence reductions.
Key Facts
Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani (Bechi) was imprisoned for sexually assaulting a student in Indonesia.
He was released early on parole without public notice.
Other students have accused him of sexual abuse and rape.
One victim, Ira, said she was abused by him for years.
The BBC confronted Bechi, but he did not respond.
The Indonesian Ministry explained the early release was due to legal sentence reductions.
The story was reported by BBC Eye, which investigates issues in Asia.
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The UK government advises people to keep more long-lasting food items at home in case extreme weather or other problems disrupt food supplies. Experts recommend stocking up on healthy, non-perishable foods like canned fish, legumes, whole grains, and long-life milk while avoiding high-salt and high-sugar products.
Key Facts
Extreme weather linked to the climate event El Niño may cause more storms in the UK, affecting food supply chains.
Other risks to food supplies include cyber-attacks, disease outbreaks, and conflicts.
Experts suggest buying complex carbs like oats, rice, pasta, and wholegrain cereals for energy.
Protein sources recommended are canned chickpeas, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, and tinned oily fish.
Avoid tinned foods high in salt or sugar, such as those in brine or syrup, instant noodles, and processed meats.
Long-life milk from non-refrigerated aisles provides protein, calcium, and fluids.
Drinking 1.5 to 2.5 liters of fluids daily is important and can come from water or fluid-rich canned foods.
Canned foods remain nutritious for most nutrients but may lose some vitamins like B and C during processing.
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Shergar was a famous Irish racehorse who was kidnapped, with the kidnappers demanding 2 million pounds for its return. Soon after, the kidnappers said the horse had died, and despite many years passing, the true story behind what happened has never been fully solved.
Key Facts
Shergar was an Irish racehorse known for its success in racing.
The horse was kidnapped, and the kidnappers asked for 2 million pounds as ransom.
The kidnappers later said Shergar had died.
No body was ever found to confirm the horse's fate.
No one has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
The case remains unsolved decades later.
Many people continue to search for answers about what really happened.
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Russia held parliamentary elections during the ongoing war with Ukraine, with the ruling United Russia party expected to win. Voting included some Ukrainian regions annexed by Russia, but these votes are condemned by Ukraine and many international groups as illegal.
Key Facts
Polls closed in Russia’s first parliamentary election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The ruling United Russia party is expected to keep its strong majority in the State Duma (Russia’s lower house).
The election covered 111 million eligible voters, including residents of four Ukrainian regions recently annexed by Russia and Crimea.
Ukraine and the European Union say the voting in annexed Ukrainian areas breaks international law and should not be recognized.
Drone attacks by Ukraine occurred during voting days, killing at least five people, including an election official.
Russian authorities reported some cyber and communication attacks but said the voting mostly went smoothly.
Genuine opposition parties were blocked or suppressed; the only anti-war party was removed from the ballot.
Russia did not invite election observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), accusing it of bias.
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Workers expanding a cremation ground in northern Sri Lanka uncovered a mass grave containing the remains of 572 people, including children. The site is believed to be connected to disappearances during Sri Lanka's civil war, and the discovery has renewed calls for an investigation and justice from Tamil communities.
Key Facts
The mass grave was found in February in the Chemmani area of the Jaffna region.
Archaeologists uncovered 572 skeletons, along with personal items like bangles, a school bag, and a baby’s milk bottle.
The grave is considered the largest discovered in Sri Lanka and may hold war victims who disappeared during the civil war from 1983 to 2009.
Around 23,000 people, mainly Tamils, went missing during the conflict, and families have long sought answers.
The civil war involved fighting between the Sinhalese-majority government and the Tamil Tigers, who wanted an independent state.
The Chemmani area was a heavily militarized zone in the late 1990s, with multiple army camps nearby.
Families of the missing, such as Jeyaruby Jeyabalan, continue to hope for justice and information about loved ones taken by security forces.
There are fears that without political support, the investigation into the mass grave may stall and public interest may fade.
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France will summon Iran’s ambassador and respond after Iran closed a French-language center in Tehran linked to the French embassy. Iran said the center was involved in illegal activities, while France called the closure unjustified and said it would take action.
Key Facts
Iran closed a French-language center connected to the French embassy in Tehran.
Iranian authorities accused the center of illegal acts and breaking diplomatic rules.
Iran claimed the center tried to build networks with important figures and helped people leave Iran.
France said the closure was unfair and unacceptable.
France plans to summon Iran’s ambassador to protest the closure.
Relations between France and Iran have been tense recently.
Earlier, Iran detained two French diplomats accusing them of foreign interference.
The French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot requested the ambassador be summoned.
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The article discusses the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the risks it poses to global safety if not properly managed. It highlights the importance of cooperation between President Donald Trump of the US and President Xi Jinping of China to guide AI development responsibly during an upcoming summit.
Key Facts
AI is advancing very quickly, doubling its capability every few months since 2020.
Some AI researchers, like Jacob Coxon from Anthropic, have quit over safety concerns about AI.
Leading AI company CEOs, including Sam Altman and Elon Musk, support slowing down AI development to manage risks.
President Trump dismissed fears of AI as a hoax and opposed calls for slowing AI progress.
AI is widely used in everyday tasks and business, but there are no solid rules yet to ensure it is safe and beneficial.
Unregulated competition between the US and China in AI development could threaten global infrastructure and human safety.
Governments risk waiting for serious problems before acting, which could lead to power outages or internet collapse.
Efforts to create ethical AI rules, like Anthropic’s “constitution,” are complex and sometimes fail in practice.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia’s formal bid to serve on the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term in 2029 and 2030. He also named Siobhan McKenna, former head of News Corp broadcasting, as Australia’s next consul general in New York.
Key Facts
Australia hopes to win a seat on the UN Security Council for 2029–2030.
A vote for the seat will happen in mid-2028, but campaigning starts now during Albanese’s visit to the UN General Assembly.
Australia has been on the Security Council five times before, most recently in 2013 and 2014.
The Security Council has 15 members; five are permanent (China, France, US, UK, Russia), and ten serve for two years.
Australia and Finland are the only countries so far from their regional group to seek a seat, but others may join.
Australia needs two-thirds of the 193 UN members to vote for it to win the seat.
The campaign emphasizes Australia’s past work on issues like the MH17 investigation, climate change, and middle-power diplomacy.
Siobhan McKenna, who currently chairs Australia Post, will become Australia’s consul general in New York later this year.
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England and Wales will introduce special courtrooms dedicated to handling rape and serious sexual offence cases to improve how these cases are managed and support survivors. The government plans to make trials quicker and create safer spaces for victims, alongside new training for court staff and extra funding for victim support services.
Key Facts
Specialist courtrooms for rape and serious sexual offences will be set up in every crown court in England and Wales within two years.
These courts will have private entrances, special waiting rooms, and technology for recording evidence early and remote sentencing observations.
Rape cases will get fixed trial dates to reduce long delays caused by floating court lists.
The government will invest millions to improve victim support, including £43 million for counselling, therapy, and outreach over two years.
New trauma-informed training will be provided for court staff to better assist victims during the legal process.
The government will create a rape justice taskforce to address delayed trials and dispel myths that discourage victims from pursuing justice.
Labour MP Charlotte Nichols shared her personal experience to support these reforms.
Victims commissioner Claire Waxman warned that court delays remain a serious problem and that specialist courts alone will not solve all challenges.
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An 82-year-old man died after a fight with a 76-year-old over a sunlounger at Vouliagmeni beach near Athens, Greece. The older man collapsed during the fight, received emergency medical help, but later died in the hospital.
Key Facts
The fight happened at Vouliagmeni beach near Athens on Sunday.
The argument started over the use of sunloungers (beach chairs).
The 82-year-old man collapsed during the fight and was given CPR and used with a defibrillator before the ambulance came.
The 82-year-old was taken to the hospital, where he died.
The 76-year-old man involved in the fight was arrested.
A 21-year-old woman with the 76-year-old was also detained but later released; she had a bloodied and swollen face.
Witnesses described the fight as chaotic and loud.
Authorities are investigating what caused the fight and the death.
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