In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, government forces have collapsed as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, claim control. Artillery fire and helicopter gunships marked the conflict, causing thousands to flee. Residents sheltered, with power cuts affecting communication. Vicky Ushindi, a local, expressed fear but highlighted power outages as a major concern. The M23, linked to Tutsi militias, re-emerged in 2021, capturing territory in North Kivu. The region’s conflict roots trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with M23 accused of human rights abuses. Noah Prescott 27/01/2025 7:00 am
An undersea fiber optic cable between Latvia and Sweden was damaged in the Baltic Sea, likely due to external factors. Latvia and Sweden, along with NATO, are investigating, with Sweden launching a preliminary investigation and seizing a vessel suspected of sabotage. Despite the damage, LVRTC maintains services via alternative routes, with minimal impact on users. The incident follows other infrastructure damages in the Baltic Sea amid heightened tensions. NATO has initiated “Baltic Sentry,” deploying resources to protect critical infrastructure in the region. Noah Prescott 27/01/2025 7:00 am
The EU has threatened new sanctions on Belarus following President Lukashenko’s likely seventh consecutive election win, deemed neither free nor fair. EU officials criticized the repression of human rights and lack of electoral legitimacy, urging the release of political prisoners. They noted the late invitation for OSCE observers hindered proper monitoring. The EU plans to impose further measures due to Belarus’s role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. European leaders derided the election results, with Germany and Poland expressing skepticism over the legitimacy of Lukashenko’s 88% vote share. Noah Prescott 27/01/2025 7:00 am
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed they captured Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, causing mass panic among its 2 million residents. The Congolese government called it a “declaration of war.” The rebels urged calm and asked the military to surrender. The offensive threatens to worsen the long-standing conflict and displace more civilians. UN peacekeepers began processing military surrenders, while Congo severed ties with Rwanda, which denies supporting M23 despite evidence. The UN reported being “trapped” due to blocked roads and a closed airport. Noah Prescott 27/01/2025 3:30 am
South Korean prosecutors indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on rebellion charges related to his martial law imposition, risking the death penalty or life imprisonment. Yoon, the first sitting president indicted, remains jailed as the Constitutional Court deliberates his dismissal. His defense claims the indictment is politically motivated. Yoon argues his martial law declaration was a legitimate response to the liberal-controlled National Assembly, which he accused of obstructing his agenda. The trial is expected to last six months. Ava Sinclair 27/01/2025 3:30 am
South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was indicted for leading an insurrection by briefly imposing martial law. His trial is imminent, following similar charges against a former defense minister and military officials. Yoon is the first sitting South Korean president to face criminal charges. His downfall began with a martial law declaration on Dec. 3, accusing the opposition of paralyzing his government. The National Assembly impeached him on Dec. 14, suspending him from office, while the Constitutional Court reviews the impeachment’s legitimacy. Noah Prescott 27/01/2025 12:00 am
Around 50 Auschwitz-Birkenau survivors will return to the camp to commemorate its liberation on January 27, 1945. They will be joined by dignitaries like King Charles, Emmanuel Macron, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The survivors, mostly in their late 80s and 90s, will share their experiences to ensure history is not forgotten. A heated tent has been set up for the frail attendees. The day includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the “Death Wall” and a visit to Birkenau, marking the camp’s liberation by Soviet troops. Ava Sinclair 27/01/2025 12:00 am
Hamas will release six hostages this week, including Arbel Yehud, amid a ceasefire deal with Israel. Israel will allow Gazans to return north from Monday. Previously, Hamas released four soldiers but not Yehud, causing delays. The ceasefire, effective since January 19, has seen seven hostages and over 200 prisoners released. Thousands of displaced Palestinians are waiting to return north, blocked by a military barrier. Israel plans to free more Palestinian prisoners and allow movement north, as per the ceasefire terms. Penelope Kingsley 27/01/2025 12:00 am
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko appeared set to extend his 31-year rule with nearly 88% of the vote in a presidential election widely dismissed by Western governments as fraudulent. European politicians criticized the election as neither free nor fair, citing the jailing of dissidents and the absence of independent media. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski condemned the lack of democratic choice. Lukashenko defended his actions, claiming opponents “chose” their fate, while officials reported an 85% voter turnout. Penelope Kingsley 27/01/2025 12:00 am
Latvia dispatched a warship after a fibre optic cable to Sweden was damaged, possibly due to external factors. The Latvian navy identified a suspect vessel, Michalis San, heading to Russia. This incident follows recent suspected sabotage of undersea cables, with experts accusing Russia of hybrid warfare. NATO launched a monitoring mission in the Baltic Sea to protect infrastructure. Latvian and Swedish authorities are collaborating to assess the damage, which occurred in Swedish waters. The cable, owned by Latvia’s state radio and television centre, experienced data transmission disruptions. Noah Prescott 27/01/2025 12:00 am
