Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of SWAPO won Namibia’s presidential election with 57%, avoiding a runoff. The IPC’s Panduleni Itula, second with 26%, plans to contest the results, citing flaws. Voter turnout was 77%. SWAPO, in power since independence, saw its weakest performance amid frustrations over unemployment and corruption. Despite technical issues and delays, SWAPO secured 51 of 96 parliamentary seats, while IPC gained 20. The election faced allegations of irregularities, with IPC challenging the outcome. Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned leader, emphasized peace and stability. Noah Prescott 04/12/2024 10:30 am
China and the Philippines are in a dispute over a maritime incident near the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippines accused Chinese coast guard vessels of firing water cannons and colliding with a Manila fisheries bureau boat, drawing U.S. condemnation. China claims the Philippine ships entered its territorial waters, prompting defensive actions. The incident follows China’s submission of nautical charts to the UN, asserting its claims, which Manila deems “baseless.” Tensions have escalated, with both nations accusing each other of provocation. Noah Prescott 04/12/2024 10:30 am
The Musée de Cluny in Paris is showcasing artifacts from Notre-Dame Cathedral’s rood screen, including busts of Christ and a man’s torso. These pieces, thought lost, were made in 1230 and unearthed during excavations after the 2019 fire. The exhibition, “Making Stones Speak,” features around 1,000 fragments, some with preserved polychrome traces. This discovery, described as exceptional, offers a rare glimpse into medieval art and history. The exhibition runs until March 16, 2025, highlighting the significance of these artifacts in understanding Notre-Dame’s past. Ava Sinclair 04/12/2024 10:30 am
Tensions between Bangladesh and India are escalating due to protests over the alleged mistreatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Diplomatic relations have been strained since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India. The arrest of a Hindu monk sparked protests in India, leading to the vandalism of Bangladesh’s consulate in Agartala. India condemned the attack and increased security, while Bangladesh demanded a thorough investigation. Bangladesh blames Indian media for spreading disinformation, worsening the situation. Seven arrests have been made related to the consulate incident. Ava Sinclair 04/12/2024 10:30 am
Michel Barnier’s brief tenure as France’s prime minister is expected to end in failure, with a no-confidence vote looming. Initially seen as a seasoned negotiator capable of uniting political extremes and addressing France’s deficits, Barnier struggled to gain support for his budget from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally. His proposed tax hikes and spending cuts were unpopular, leading to a coalition of the National Rally and the left-wing New Popular Front against him. If ousted, Barnier will be the first prime minister removed since 1962, tarnishing his reputation. Noah Prescott 04/12/2024 10:30 am
Syrian and Russian jets have intensified airstrikes on Idlib and Aleppo to counter opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which recently captured significant parts of Aleppo. This marks the most substantial opposition gain since 2016, spotlighting Syria’s ongoing conflict. Between November 27 and December 1, at least 104 civilians, including 27 children, were killed, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The violence is the first major attack on Assad’s forces since the 2020 Idlib ceasefire. Key factions include Syrian government forces, Syrian Democratic Forces, HTS, and Turkish-backed rebels. Ava Sinclair 04/12/2024 3:30 am
Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly won South Korea’s presidency in 2022, marking the closest election since the 1980s. In 2024, his brief martial law declaration shocked the nation, sparking protests and highlighting deep political polarization. Yoon, a conservative and former prosecutor, faced intense opposition, reflecting societal discontent despite South Korea’s global influence. His election victory was seen more as a critique of his predecessor than an endorsement of his leadership. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 3:30 am
South Korea’s main opposition party demands President Yoon Suk Yeol resign or face impeachment after declaring martial law. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, with over 1 million members, calls for a strike until Yoon steps down, labeling the move a “crime of insurrection.” American diplomat Daniel Russel warns North Korea might exploit the political instability. Analyst Leif-Eric Easley describes Yoon’s action as a “legal overreach and a political miscalculation.” Lawmakers may propose an impeachment bill soon. Noah Prescott 04/12/2024 12:00 am
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah threaten a recent ceasefire, with Israel’s defense minister warning of targeting Lebanon if the truce collapses. Monday saw the deadliest day since the ceasefire began, with Israeli strikes killing nine in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah’s attacks. The U.S. and France have criticized Israel for violating the agreement, with UNIFIL reporting around 100 breaches. Despite this, Israel continues airstrikes, citing Hezbollah’s threats. The situation raises doubts about the ceasefire’s longevity, despite U.S. assurances. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 12:00 am
Notre Dame Cathedral, a Gothic architectural gem and symbol of Paris, reopens after a five-year restoration post-fire. Beyond its grandeur, it holds intriguing stories. It serves as France’s literal heart, with a plaque marking “point zéro des routes de France,” the starting point for measuring distances. The cathedral’s gargoyles, originally rainwater drains, were joined by newer chimera figures in the 19th century, inspired by Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” During the French Revolution, the cathedral underwent significant changes, reflecting its complex history. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 12:00 am
