The Sudanese army has regained control of key areas in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. Fighting began in April 2023, with RSF initially capturing significant territory. The army’s offensive, bolstered by alliances with Islamists and ethnic militias, intensified in January, leading to strategic victories. Verified footage shows soldiers celebrating breaking a 21-month siege at army HQ. The army chief vowed to eradicate RSF. An airstrike blocked RSF’s escape across the White Nile, further pressuring them. The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 8:30 pm
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rejected “tax and spend” policies, indicating no tax hikes or budget increases in her upcoming Spring Statement. She plans departmental cuts, reallocating funds to defense by reducing the aid budget. Reeves emphasized that higher living standards can’t be achieved through increased taxes and spending. Despite previous tax and spending hikes, rising government borrowing and potential economic growth downgrades are pressuring her. Additionally, changes to the benefits system aim to save £5bn annually by 2030, affecting disability and health benefit claimants. Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 8:30 pm
On March 18, the German parliament voted to amend the fiscal constitution, effectively altering the debt brake by exempting defense spending over 1% of GDP and certain infrastructure and climate expenditures from the deficit ceiling. This change aims to address decades of underinvestment and misuse of the defense budget. However, instead of reforming the debt brake, Germany opted for a complex fiscal package embedded in the constitution, reflecting a politically negotiated solution rather than a fundamental constitutional principle. The package includes subrules that adjust fiscal space based on political priorities, such as aid for Ukraine. Noah Prescott 22/03/2025 5:00 pm
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to annex parts of Gaza unless Hamas releases Israeli hostages. This follows intensified Israeli military strikes, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since the conflict resumed, 504 people have died in Gaza. Medical conditions are dire, with severe shortages of medicine and fuel. Former hostages and families urge Israel to cease military actions and negotiate for the release of 59 remaining hostages. Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 5:00 pm
Violent clashes erupted in Turkey as opposition supporters demand the release of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, detained amid corruption and terrorism investigations. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in Ankara and Istanbul. Detention orders were issued for about 100 others linked to Imamoglu. Protests, led by opposition leader Ozgur Ozel, continued despite a ban, with thousands defying restrictions. President Erdogan dismissed the opposition’s actions as “theatrics.” At least 16 police officers were injured, and 53 people detained during the unrest. Noah Prescott 22/03/2025 5:00 pm
Pope Francis, 88, plans to greet the public from his hospital room window at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he’s recovering from double pneumonia. Admitted on February 14, he faced breathing crises but is now stable, undergoing respiratory and physical therapy. Cardinal Fernández noted the pope is “doing very well” but needs to relearn speaking due to oxygen treatment effects. Despite health issues, Francis continues leading the Vatican, approving sainthood candidates and advocating for peace. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but he may meet King Charles and Queen Camilla on April 8. Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 5:00 pm
Israel has vowed a severe response after rockets were fired from Lebanon, breaching a ceasefire established in November. Sirens sounded in Metula, and three rockets were intercepted by the IDF, with no injuries reported. No group claimed responsibility, but Israel holds Lebanon accountable for maintaining the ceasefire. Lebanon’s prime minister urged military action to prevent escalation. Despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets and occupation of southern Lebanese areas, Hezbollah has not retaliated, focusing instead on aiding war-affected communities and facing disarmament pressure. Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 1:30 pm
A fire at a substation near Heathrow Airport caused a power outage, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and disrupting global travel. The incident began late Thursday, with the airport initially closed until late Friday. By Friday evening, operations resumed as crews worked to restore service. The focus was on relocating aircraft to resume regular service. The London Fire Brigade responded with 10 engines and 70 firefighters to the substation fire. The recovery process is expected to take several days. Noah Prescott 22/03/2025 1:30 pm
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of a strong response after three rockets were fired from Lebanon, intercepted by the IDF. Katz emphasized Israel’s commitment to the security of Galilee communities and held Lebanon responsible for attacks from its territory. Following the incident, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir assessed the situation, affirming a severe response. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned of potential renewed military operations, stressing Lebanon’s authority over war decisions. Israel’s Army Radio reported returning artillery fire. Penelope Kingsley 22/03/2025 10:00 am
Turkish stocks faced their worst week since 2008, with the BIST-100 index set for a 15% drop, following the detention of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan’s main rival. The lira slumped 4% despite central bank interventions, including a $10 billion FX sale and liquidity measures. Protests erupted nationwide, and Turkey’s sovereign bonds and debt insurance costs worsened. The central bank suspended its one-week repo auction and raised the overnight lending rate to 46%, tightening policy by 350-400 basis points. Penelope Kingsley 22/03/2025 10:00 am
