The leader of the Congo River Alliance, including M23 rebels, rejected a ceasefire call from Congo and Rwanda’s presidents, labeling a potential U.S. minerals-for-security deal as “treachery.” The conflict, rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and mineral competition, has intensified, raising fears of regional conflict. M23 withdrew from talks with Congo’s government and advanced further into Congolese territory. Rwanda denies supporting M23, claiming self-defense against Congo’s forces. The rebel leader, Corneille Nangaa, insists on fighting until their cause is recognized.

Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 7:30 pm

Canada condemned China’s execution of four Canadians for drug offenses, criticizing the death penalty as irreversible and against human dignity. Canada had repeatedly sought clemency at high levels. China defended its actions, citing solid evidence and a zero-tolerance stance on drugs. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally requested leniency. Joly confirmed the executed were dual citizens and pledged continued advocacy for Canadians in similar situations. Canada opposes the death penalty and avoids extraditing individuals who might face it abroad.

Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 7:30 pm

M23 rebels have seized the strategic mining town of Walikale in eastern DRC, defying ceasefire calls from Rwanda and DRC presidents. The town, rich in tin and gold, is the farthest west M23 has advanced since January. Their control cuts off a key road linking four provinces and positions them within 250 miles of Kisangani. Heavy artillery and sporadic gunfire were reported, with the Congolese army seemingly retreating, leaving residents feeling abandoned.

Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 7:30 pm

EU leaders, excluding Hungary’s Viktor Orban, will commit to enhancing the bloc’s competitiveness and military capabilities amid U.S. tariffs and defense uncertainties. They will reaffirm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and urge Russia to end the war. The summit will discuss boosting military spending, joint defense projects, and buying European arms, with France advocating for a buy-European approach. However, an EU diplomat warns against excluding non-EU suppliers. Leaders will also address concerns about lagging in the global tech race without swift decisions and significant investment.

Penelope Kingsley 20/03/2025 7:30 pm

Ukraine claimed responsibility for an attack on Russia’s Engels-2 air base, causing fires and explosions by detonating an ammunition store. Engels-2, located in Russia’s Saratov region, is crucial for launching bomber attacks on Ukraine. The attack led to a state of emergency and civilian evacuations. Russian authorities reported shooting down 54 drones, calling it the largest attack since 2022. The blasts damaged local infrastructure, injuring one person. Meanwhile, Russia bombed a Ukrainian city overnight.

Penelope Kingsley 20/03/2025 7:30 pm

Finland is the happiest country globally for the eighth consecutive year, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. Other Nordic countries, including Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, also top the rankings. The report, by the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford and Gallup, highlights trust, connection, and social support as key happiness factors. Aino Virolainen, a Finnish resident, values Finland’s peace, trustworthiness, and nature. Gallup CEO Jon Clifton emphasizes investing in relationships for stronger communities. Simple factors like sharing meals and having social support significantly influence happiness.

Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 7:30 pm

Turkey detained 37 individuals for “provocative” social media posts following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan. Imamoglu faces charges of graft and aiding a terrorist group, which the opposition deems a “coup attempt.” Protests erupted despite a ban on gatherings. Authorities identified 261 social media accounts for inciting crime and hatred. Imamoglu’s construction company was seized, and most of the 105 arrested were municipal staff. The crackdown included road closures and restricted social media access.

Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 4:00 pm

Tens of thousands of Israelis are protesting against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s rightwing coalition, demanding a new Gaza ceasefire and accusing the government of undermining democracy. Key highways were blocked, and at least 12 arrests were made amid protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Anger was sparked by Netanyahu’s attempt to dismiss the internal security agency head and breaking a truce in Gaza with airstrikes. Protesters claim the government is prolonging the war for political reasons, ignoring hostages held by Hamas. Demonstrators emphasize non-violent but persistent protests.

Penelope Kingsley 20/03/2025 4:00 pm

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is suing the Trump administration to reverse an order canceling its funding. CEO Stephen Capus argues withholding funds appropriated by Congress is unlawful and stresses the broadcaster’s vital role. RFE/RL, launched during the Cold War, provides information in 27 languages to regions lacking a free press. Funding was cut as part of Trump’s order to dismantle the US Agency for Global Media, influenced by Elon Musk’s call to shut down US-funded media networks.

Ava Sinclair 20/03/2025 4:00 pm

China executed four Canadian citizens for drug offences, despite Canada’s pleas for clemency. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly condemned the executions, emphasizing Canada’s opposition to the death penalty. The executed individuals were dual Chinese citizens, a status not recognized by Beijing. The Chinese embassy stated the trials were fair. Amnesty International Canada criticized the executions. Tensions between Canada and China have worsened due to various diplomatic issues, including the arrest of Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou and allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections.

Ava Sinclair 20/03/2025 4:00 pm