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Tidjane Thiam, a former global finance executive, cannot participate in the Ivory Coast presidential election due to a court ruling that he lost his Ivorian citizenship by taking French nationality and not revoking it in time. This decision limits the list of candidates for the upcoming election, where current president Alassane Ouattara may seek a fourth term.
Key Facts
Tidjane Thiam was a candidate for the presidential election in Ivory Coast.
A court ruled Thiam lost Ivorian citizenship because he took French nationality.
Thiam previously worked as CEO for Prudential and Credit Suisse.
The election is scheduled for October.
President Alassane Ouattara may run for a fourth term.
Thiam had returned to Ivory Coast in 2022 after working abroad for over 20 years.
Thiam has no option to appeal the court's decision about his citizenship issue.
Three other opposition figures are already barred from the election due to past convictions.
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Medics at the Syrian Identification Centre are working to identify remains from mass graves in Syria, a process that could take many years. They face challenges like limited resources and sanctions, which make DNA testing difficult and expensive.
Key Facts
Hundreds of thousands were killed during Syria's 13-year civil war.
The Syrian Identification Centre uses bones to determine details like height, sex, age, and possible torture of the victims.
They have limited DNA testing resources due to destroyed facilities and sanctions.
DNA tests are costly, at $250 per test, and are funded by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Transitional justice is a priority for Syria's new government, but many people are frustrated with the progress.
More than 130,000 people were forcibly disappeared during the civil war.
Identifying a single victim from a mixed mass grave can take months.
Eleven mixed mass graves have been discovered around a hilltop near Damascus.
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Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines will participate in the conclave to choose the next pope. He was appointed as a cardinal by Pope Francis and is known for advocating for poor and marginalized communities. The Philippines, with a large Catholic population, is facing challenges such as debates on divorce and family planning.
Key Facts
Cardinal David is one of three Filipino cardinals taking part in the papal conclave.
He was appointed as cardinal by Pope Francis five months ago.
The Philippines has nearly 80% of its population identifying as Roman Catholic.
Cardinal David is known for his work with poor and marginalized communities.
The country faces challenges to church doctrines on family issues and competition from new religious groups.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, another Filipino cardinal, is considered a strong candidate to become the next pope.
During President Duterte's drug war, Cardinal David spoke out against police violence in his diocese.
Kian Delos Santos, a teenager from Cardinal David's diocese, was killed by police, showcasing accountability issues in the drug campaign.
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Peter Dutton, former leader of Australia's Liberal Party, lost his seat in the election, contributing to a win for the Labor Party. This shift occurred in his home state of Queensland, largely due to younger voters and women who were unhappy with the Coalition's leadership.
Key Facts
Peter Dutton is a former leader of Australia's Liberal Party.
He lost his parliamentary seat of Dickson in the recent election.
The Labor Party won significantly in Queensland, partly due to new young and female voters.
Dutton's family has a long history in the Moreton Bay region of Queensland.
The region, once semi-rural, is now rapidly growing and urbanizing.
Many voters in Moreton Bay rely on jobs in health, trade, and hospitality.
The Coalition aimed to win votes by promising to lower fuel costs and improve housing.
Some locals support Dutton due to his long-standing connection to the area.
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The first day of the conclave, a secret process to choose a new pope, ended without a decision. Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney showed the 133 cardinals were unable to agree on a new pontiff. Voting will continue the next day.
Key Facts
The conclave is the process to select a new pope.
Black smoke means the cardinals have not chosen a new pope.
133 cardinals participated in the vote.
The vote result was announced over two hours after it started.
Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel behind closed doors.
Crowds gathered in St Peter's Square to wait for the conclave news.
More rounds of voting are planned for the next day.
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Denmark is calling in the US ambassador to discuss a report claiming US spy agencies are focusing on Greenland due to President Trump's interest in the island. The report suggests the US is interested in Greenland's independence movement and its mineral resources. Denmark's foreign minister expressed concerns about spying on friendly nations.
Key Facts
Denmark's foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, plans to meet the US ambassador over a report of US spying on Greenland.
The report mentioned US interest in Greenland's independence and its minerals.
The Wall Street Journal published the report on US spying, which the US Director of National Intelligence criticized.
Denmark's security agency noted increased espionage risks due to international interest in Greenland.
President Trump has expressed a desire for the US to control Greenland and mentioned it might involve military action.
Danish PM Mette Frederiksen and former US President Joe Biden criticized Trump's intentions regarding Greenland.
Greenland is a self-governing territory, though Denmark manages its foreign and defense policies.
Greenland has significant mineral resources, which are of interest to the US.
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Julius Malema, a South African opposition politician, was denied a UK visa in time to attend a conference at the University of Cambridge on May 10. The UK High Commissioner to South Africa mentioned that the visa delay was due to necessary processing steps and recent bank holidays. Malema, known for his strong criticism of Western powers, expressed his disappointment publicly.
Key Facts
Julius Malema was invited to speak at the Africa Together Conference at the University of Cambridge on May 10.
Malema did not get his UK visa in time to attend the conference.
The UK High Commissioner to South Africa confirmed the delay was due to necessary visa processing steps and recent UK bank holidays.
The Home Office in the UK does not comment on individual visa cases.
The UK High Commission expressed regret and promised to refund the application fee.
Malema and his party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), believed there was an attempt to silence them.
Malema shared his frustrations about the situation on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
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At least 60,000 passengers are stuck at Russian airports after Ukrainian drone attacks, causing cancellations and delays of many flights. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have destroyed a record number of Ukrainian drones, and incidents related to drone attacks are affecting diplomatic travel and events.
Key Facts
Around 60,000 passengers are stranded at airports in Russia due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
350 flights were impacted in cities like Moscow, St Petersburg, and Sochi.
Russia claims it destroyed 524 Ukrainian drones in 24 hours.
Two people were killed in Kyiv during a Russian drone and missile attack.
110 flights were cancelled in Moscow, with 19 drones reportedly shot down near the city.
The travel disruptions coincided with preparations for a World War Two victory parade in Moscow.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders are in Moscow for the parade.
Lithuania and Latvia did not allow Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to fly over their airspace because of the drone issues.
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At least 33 people died, and many were hurt in Israeli military strikes on a restaurant and a market in Gaza City, according to the health ministry. The strikes are part of Israel's ongoing military operations against Hamas, and hospitals report a total of 59 people killed since Tuesday night. The Israeli army is examining the incidents.
Key Facts
Two Israeli strikes hit a restaurant and a market in Gaza City, killing at least 33 people.
Many of the injured and deceased were found at the Thailandy restaurant and a nearby marketplace.
The strikes happened on al-Wahda street, a busy business area in Gaza City.
Israeli military is looking into the strikes and has plans to expand its operations against Hamas.
In total, hospitals reported 59 deaths in Gaza since the strikes began on Tuesday night.
Gaza's health ministry and Civil Defence claim civilians and displaced families were targeted.
A school used as a shelter in the Bureij refugee camp was also bombed, killing women and children.
Israel states it targeted areas with Hamas operations, but further details are being investigated.
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Four men were sentenced in Kenya to one year in prison or a fine for trying to smuggle thousands of queen ants. These ants were being smuggled to collectors in Europe and Asia, and the court emphasized the importance of protecting all wildlife. The incident highlights the increasing demand for rare insect species.
Key Facts
A Kenyan court sentenced four men for smuggling thousands of queen ants.
The men included two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan.
They were found with thousands of ants intended for collectors abroad.
The Belgians claimed they collected the ants as a hobby, not knowing it was illegal.
The ants were packed in over 2,000 test tubes filled with cotton for survival.
The court viewed the action as illegal wildlife trade and potential bio-piracy.
The Kenyan Wildlife Service emphasized the ecological role of the ants and praised the ruling.
The defendants have 14 days to appeal the court's decision.
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Indian air strikes hit nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what India describes as militant positions. Pakistan reports that six locations were hit and claims to have shot down five Indian jets, which India has not confirmed. This event follows a recent attack in Kashmir that heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Key Facts
India conducted air strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The strikes were said to target positions linked to militant groups, according to India.
Pakistan claims it shot down five Indian fighter jets, but India has not confirmed this.
Islamabad reports 26 people killed and 46 injured due to the strikes and shelling.
India claims the strikes were in response to a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir.
The recent tensions are reminiscent of previous incidents that escalated military actions.
Pakistan disputes India's claims of targeting terrorist camps and demands evidence.
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Russia announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting on Wednesday night, to align with its Victory Day holiday, but Ukraine's President Zelensky and many Ukrainians dismissed it as a superficial gesture. Ukraine rejected the ceasefire, noting past violations by Russia during similar truces, and continued to face attacks, such as recent drone and missile strikes in Kyiv.
Key Facts
Russia declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting Wednesday night.
The ceasefire coincides with Russia's Victory Day, marking the end of World War Two in Europe.
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, and many Ukrainians view the ceasefire as insincere.
Ukraine rejected Russia's ceasefire proposal but agreed to a 30-day proposal from the Trump administration.
Past ceasefires proposed by Russia were reportedly violated many times.
Ukrainian regions like Sumy and Zaporizhzhia continue to face heavy bombardment.
Recently in Kyiv, a Russian drone hit a block of flats, causing deaths and injuries.
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Former President Donald Trump suggested that allowing Russia to participate in the 2026 World Cup could motivate the country to end its conflict with Ukraine. Russia was banned from international football by FIFA and UEFA in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Key Facts
Donald Trump proposed that the 2026 World Cup could motivate Russia to stop the Ukraine war.
Russia's national football team was banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA in 2022.
The ban was a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA is the global governing body for football, and UEFA is the European governing body.
The World Cup is a major international football tournament held every four years.
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Four women have accused singer Smokey Robinson of sexual assault, seeking $50 million in a lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, also accuses Robinson and his wife of creating a hostile work environment and violating labor laws. Robinson has not responded, and no criminal charges have been filed.
Key Facts
Four anonymous women, former employees, are suing Smokey Robinson for $50 million, accusing him of sexual assault.
The lawsuit in Los Angeles accuses Robinson of sexual battery and other claims like false imprisonment and negligence.
The suit also names Robinson's wife, Frances, for allegedly contributing to a hostile work environment.
The women used the pseudonyms Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4 to file the lawsuit.
Claims include that the women were paid below minimum wage and worked long hours without proper pay.
The accusations date back to events starting in 2006.
There have been no criminal charges or police reports filed against Robinson.
Robinson has not publicly responded to the allegations.
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Airports in Indian-administered Kashmir have closed to civilian flights and are now used for military purposes only. This follows airstrikes by India claiming to have destroyed "terror camps" in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir after a recent attack that India blames on Pakistan.
Key Facts
Flights in and out of Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir, are suspended for civilians.
The airport in Srinagar is now reserved exclusively for military use.
Many locals are hiding in bunkers or have fled to safer areas.
India conducted airstrikes, claiming to destroy terrorist camps in neighboring Pakistan regions.
India accuses Pakistan of involvement in a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
Pakistan denies involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
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Sudan has ended its diplomatic relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing it of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's ongoing civil war. This decision follows drone attacks in Port Sudan, for which the RSF is blamed, while the UAE denies any involvement.
Key Facts
Sudan's Defence Minister announced the decision to cut ties with the UAE.
The Sudanese ambassador will be withdrawn from the UAE, and Sudan will close its diplomatic offices there.
Port Sudan was attacked by drones, targeting an airport, a power station, and a hotel.
The Sudanese army accused the RSF of the attacks, but the RSF has not commented.
Both the UK and US have urged the UAE to stop supporting any warring groups in Sudan.
The UN's top court rejected Sudan's case accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide.
The court found that the UAE can't be sued over genocide allegations due to its exemption from a specific treaty article.
The conflict in Sudan has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions, worsening the humanitarian situation.
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A BBC report from Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, describes the aftermath of Indian air strikes that damaged a mosque and several houses. Many residents had initially evacuated but have since returned to assess the damage, while a tense atmosphere persists. Indian officials claim they targeted terrorist camps in the region, linking this to a recent attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 deaths, a claim Pakistan disputes.
Key Facts
Indian air strikes damaged a mosque and some homes in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Many people briefly left the area but returned to check the damage.
The strikes happened as part of India's response to the Pahalgam attack.
India claims it targeted terrorist camps in the region.
The Pahalgam attack last month killed 26 people.
Pakistan denies involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
People in the area are experiencing fear and uncertainty.
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There have been missile strikes and shelling between India and Pakistan, affecting civilians in Kashmir. Indian missile strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir reportedly came after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, which India blamed on Pakistan-based groups. Many people have been killed or injured on both sides, and locals are worried about more violence.
Key Facts
Indian missiles struck areas in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, and caused panic.
The Indian military said the strikes were a response to a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
India blames Pakistan-backed militants for the attacks, but Pakistan denies supporting them.
Pakistan reports that eight civilians died and 35 were injured due to Indian strikes.
India states at least seven civilians were killed by Pakistani shelling in Indian-administered Kashmir.
A woman in Poonch, India, died from shelling while she was making tea for her husband.
Many residents in affected areas fled their homes to find safer places.
People in both Indian and Pakistani Kashmir fear more attacks might happen.
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Joe Biden gave his first interview since leaving office, expressing concern over Donald Trump's approach to international relationships, especially with allies like Ukraine. Biden emphasized the importance of the Atlantic Alliance between the United States and Europe, which he fears is at risk under Trump's leadership.
Key Facts
Joe Biden, the former president, criticized Donald Trump's treatment of allies, particularly Ukraine.
In the interview, Biden talked about his concerns over Trump's international policies.
He stressed the importance of NATO's commitment to defending its members.
Biden described recent tensions with allies as "beneath America."
Trump mentioned Biden's name frequently, using him as a political point.
Biden expressed "grave concerns" about the weakening of the Atlantic Alliance, which connects the U.S. and Europe.
He believes the U.S. has the responsibility to lead global unity, warning that without it, countries like China and Russia might gain more power.
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Joe Biden, in an interview with the BBC, criticized the Trump administration's pressure on Ukraine to give up territory to Russia, calling it "modern-day appeasement." He also addressed his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race and expressed concerns about the United States' relationships with European allies.
Key Facts
Joe Biden had an exclusive interview with the BBC, his first since leaving the White House.
He criticized the Trump administration for pushing Ukraine to concede territory to Russia.
Biden compared this situation to "modern-day appeasement," referring to policies aimed at avoiding conflict by conceding to aggressive demands.
He expressed concern about the US-Europe alliance potentially weakening under Trump's leadership.
Biden defended his record on Ukraine, stating his administration provided necessary support.
He acknowledged his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race after a poor debate performance.
Biden opposed Trump's ideas about taking back the Panama Canal, acquiring Greenland, and turning Canada into the 51st US state.
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