Politics news covering governments, elections, policies, international relations and political developments shaping global and regional affairs.
Category: Politics
Kenya, Rwanda Formalise KPA to Boost Regional Trade
Kenya and Rwanda have taken a new step to strengthen regional trade by formalising the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) liaison office in Kigali. For more than 12 years, the Kenya Ports Authority has served Rwanda through the Port of Mombasa, which remains the main gateway for Rwanda’s international trade. To bring port services closer to…
Minneapolis ICE shootings put Trump immigration crackdown at center of election-year fight
The Minneapolis ICE shootings have pushed former President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown into the center of a fierce election-year political battle. The debate intensified after two U.S. citizens were killed during confrontations involving federal immigration agents. As a result, national scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sharply increased. The incidents have divided…
Israel Links Rafah Crossing Reopening to Hostage Recovery
Rafah crossing reopening plans have been confirmed by Israel, which says the border point between Gaza and Egypt will open to pedestrian traffic only after a military operation to recover the last Israeli hostage body concludes. According to a statement released late Sunday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the crossing will remain closed until…
Army widow trying to stay positive after Trump comments
An army widow trying to stay positive after Trump comments has spoken about the emotional impact of the remarks on bereaved military families, stressing the importance of remembrance, unity, and continued support. Army widow reacts with shock and reflection Earlier, Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, shared her response following comments by former US…
Army widow reacts to Trump comments on fallen soldiers
An army widow reacting to Trump comments has shared her pain and anger after remarks by former US President Donald Trump reignited debate over respect for fallen soldiers. For grieving families, such words reopen deep wounds left by war and loss. Army widow speaks out after Trump remarks “I think they should put Donald Trump…
Trump comments criticized by mother of soldier killed in Afghanistan
Trump comments on fallen soldiers have sparked strong criticism after the mother of a Scottish soldier killed in Afghanistan described the remarks as “soul-destroying” and deeply disrespectful to military families. Mother speaks out on loss and anger Janette Binnie, who lives in Crimond in Aberdeenshire, lost her son Sean Binnie in May 2009 while he…
Zelensky Ukraine Russia US talks seen as step toward ending war
Ukraine Russia US talks are underway in the United Arab Emirates, with President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing cautious hope that the discussions could become a step toward ending the war. The trilateral talks bring together delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States amid ongoing fighting and diplomatic pressure. Donbas at the Center of UAE Talks…
NATO Secretary General Says Europe Is Fortunate to Have Trump in Power
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte, has said that Europe should consider itself fortunate that Donald Trump is in power, arguing that the pressure applied by the former U.S. president has pushed European countries to take greater responsibility for their own security. Rutte made the remarks during the World…
Life of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in danger, wife warns
The life of Uganda’s veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, is reportedly in danger. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, issued a statement after visiting him in prison, raising serious concern over his declining condition. Byanyima said Besigye, 69, is extremely weak and struggling to walk. She added that he suffers significant pain in his legs and has…
Japan restarts world’s largest nuclear plant as Fukushima memories resurface
Japan nuclear plant restart efforts have taken a significant step forward as authorities resume operations at the world’s largest nuclear power station, more than a decade after the Fukushima disaster reshaped the nation’s energy policy. Japan has restarted reactor number six at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, northwest of Tokyo, marking the first revival of…
US and Russian Envoys Hold Talks about Ukraine peace plan
Envoys from the United States and Russia met at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The talks involved representatives of President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. Russia refused to comment on details but said it wanted updates on discussions between the US, Europe, and Ukraine. Russia’s TASS news agency reported that US envoy…
Canada Voices Growing Worry It Could Be Next After Trump’s Greenland Signals
While the image itself was artificial, the message behind it has forced Canada to confront an uncomfortable possibility. An AI-generated post shared by US President Donald Trump, showing American flags over Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela, quickly circulated online and reignited tensions between Ottawa and Washington. Such provocations are not new in Canada–US relations under Trump….
”Europe will not accept the law of the strongest” Macron said to Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Europe will not bow to intimidation or threats. He was responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that he would impose heavy tariffs if Europe refuses to allow the United States to take control of Greenland. While several European leaders have chosen cautious language to avoid escalating…
Iran State TV Hack: Hackers broadcast exiled crown prince Amid protests
Hackers successfully disrupted Iranian state television satellite transmissions, broadcasting footage of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The broadcast urged security forces not to “point your weapons at the people.” This incident represents the latest disruption amid widespread nationwide protests in Iran. The attack highlights vulnerabilities in Iran’s state TV infrastructure and raises questions about internal…
Russia reacts to Trump-Europe split over Greenland as arctic stakes rise
The Trump Greenland dispute Russia is drawing close attention in Moscow, where officials and state-aligned commentators have openly welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. The proposal has strained relations between Washington and European capitals, particularly Denmark, while exposing growing transatlantic tensions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Trump would…
Putin Receives Invitation to Join Trump’s “Board of Peace”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation to join US President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace.” The group will guide efforts to rebuild Gaza after years of conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the invitation on Monday. He told reporters that US officials sent it through diplomatic channels. Peskov said Russian authorities…
Ugandan President Museveni re-elected to seventh term amid disputed election
In the Uganda presidential election, President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected to a seventh term, extending his rule to more than four decades. The Electoral Commission announced on Saturday that Museveni secured 72 percent of the vote, defeating his closest challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, who received 25 percent. The result followed voting held on…
Trump Seeks New Ties With Venezuela After Madulo capturing
CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, in Caracas on Thursday. This meeting marks the highest-level U.S. contact since President Donald Trump ordered an attack on Venezuela on January 3. The operation led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The meeting shows Washington’s effort to reset relations with…
Uganda election violence: At least seven killed as Museveni secures majority
At least seven people were killed in Uganda election violence overnight, following national elections that appear set to extend President Yoweri Museveni’s rule into a fifth decade. Election results show Museveni leading with over 75% of votes from 59% of polling stations, while his main challenger, Bobi Wine, received around 21%. Violence erupts in Butambala…
Uganda election results 2026: Museveni takes early lead as deadly violence erupts
Uganda election violence has sparked international concern as early results show President Yoweri Museveni taking a commanding lead in the presidential race, while reports of deadly clashes and opposition restrictions continue to emerge. Museveni takes strong early lead Veteran Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, opened a wide lead in early presidential election results released on…
Burundian Journalist Receives Four-Year Prison Sentence
On January 14, a Burundian court sentenced journalist Sandra Muhoza to four years in prison and fined her 200,000 Burundian francs (about US$68). Local outlets SOS Médias Burundi and Radio Publique Africaine reported the decision. In addition, a source familiar with the case confirmed the ruling to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) but requested…
US Warns Iran of Severe Consequences Over Protest Crackdown
The United States has announced plans to impose tough measures on Iran over its handling of ongoing protests. President Donald Trump said Washington would respond firmly to what he described as serious human rights violations. Thousands Reportedly Killed in Protests Human rights organizations report that more than 2,400 protesters opposing the government have been killed…
One Year After AFC/M23 Took Goma, Residents Say Nights Are Now Peaceful
One year after AFC/M23 took control of Goma, residents can now sleep peacefully, according to the group’s coordinator, Corneille Nangaa. He made the statement on January 12, 2026, during a meeting that brought together people from several areas. These included Lubero, Walikale, Masisi, Nyiragongo, Rutshuru, and parts of South Kivu. Nangaa said the city has…
Trump visa suspension: U.S. Halts visa processing for 75 Countries
The Trump visa suspension has sparked global concern after the U.S. government confirmed it will halt visa processing for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21, according to a State Department spokesperson. U.S. Suspends Visa Processing for 75 Countries The Trump administration will temporarily stop all visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, a U.S….
Germany Defends Greenland’s Sovereignty after Trump’s speech
German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday that international law applies to all countries, including the United States. He reacted to President Donald Trump’s comments about taking control of Greenland. Klingbeil made it clear that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the island’s future. He said countries must respect territorial sovereignty…
China, Russia & Iran Exercises Begin in South Africa
On January 9, 2026, China, Russia, Iran, and other BRICS Plus countries started a week-long naval exercise in South African waters. The event took place at Simon’s Town Naval Base near Cape Town. The exercise aims to improve maritime safety and protect shipping and economic activities. BRICS Plus is an expanded version of the original…
Khamenei warns protesters as Iran faces widespread internet blackout
Iran internet shutdown protests escalated on Friday as authorities imposed severe nationwide internet restrictions. The government aimed to curb expanding demonstrations driven by soaring inflation and economic hardship. As a result, Iran became largely cut off from the outside world. Phone calls failed to connect, several flights were cancelled, and local news websites updated only…
Trump Pushes Greenland Purchase Talks, Refuses to Rule Out Military Action
The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is actively discussing the possibility of the United States purchasing Greenland, citing national security concerns linked to the Arctic region. Speaking to reporters on January 7, 2026, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the discussions involve Trump and his national security team. She emphasized that…
Trump Proposes 50% Increase in US Military Budget
US President Donald Trump has proposed a major increase in military spending. He wants the US defense budget to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027. Trump said the move is necessary due to rising global security challenges. He made the announcement on January 7, 2026, through posts on social media. Defense Budget Could Rise by Half…
US Senate Advances Measure to Curb Trump’s Military Power on Venezuela
The United States Senate has moved forward with a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to take further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval. The decision follows a controversial US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, sparking bipartisan concern over executive war powers….
Trump Announces U.S. Withdrawal from U.N. Agencies
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw from dozens of international and United Nations–affiliated organizations, arguing that they operate against U.S. national interests. The decision includes pulling out of major climate and social policy institutions. ALSO READ: Trump to Meet Colombian President at White House Exit from Key Climate…
Trump to Meet Colombian President at White House
US President Donald Trump has said he will meet Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House in the “near future,” signalling a possible easing of tensions between the two leaders. Trump made the remarks days after saying that a potential operation targeting Colombia “sounds good,” comments that had raised concerns across the region. Talks…
Plot to Kill Burkina Faso Leader Foiled, Junta Says
Burkina Faso’s military government says it has foiled a plot to assassinate the country’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has ruled since seizing power in September 2022. The announcement was made late at night by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, who said intelligence services disrupted the plan in its final stages. Former Leader Accused According to…
Ukraine, France and UK Sign Declaration on Multinational Forces
Ukraine, France and the United Kingdom have signed a Declaration of Intent on the deployment of multinational forces to support Ukraine after a future peace agreement. The agreement covers defense support, post-war reconstruction and long-term strategic resilience. Ukraine’s national news agency Ukrinform reported the development on Tuesday. Leaders Sign in Paris Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron…
Rwanda to Integrate Mental Health in Justice System
The Ministry of Justice has launched a new initiative to integrate mental health into the justice system. The programme aims to transform how the sector resolves conflict. The Ministry partnered with African Peace Partners to roll out the seven-month pilot. The initiative officially launched on December 5 in Kigali. Training a New Generation of Mediators…
Ruto Proposes Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers in Kenya
President William Ruto has proposed introducing the death penalty for people involved in the sale and trafficking of hard drugs and illicit alcohol. He said the move aims to address Kenya’s growing substance abuse crisis. Ruto made the remarks on Saturday, January 3, during an engagement ceremony in Uasin Gishu County. He said the government…
Touadéra Re-elected President of Central African Republic
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has won re-election in the Central African Republic with 76.15 percent of the vote. The provisional results were announced Monday night by the National Election Authority. His main challenger, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, received 14.66 percent, according to preliminary figures. Turnout and Next Steps Voter turnout reached about 52.43 percent during the December 28,…
MPs Debate Points-Based System for Traffic Offences
Members of Parliament in Rwanda have urged caution over the rollout of a new points-based system for traffic offences. They called for a transitional period to help drivers understand the rules before penalties take effect. Lawmakers raised the concerns on January 5, 2026, as they reviewed a draft law amending regulations on road use. A…
Trump Warns Venezuela’s New President, Threatens Second Military Strike
United States President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Venezuela’s new president, Delcy Rodríguez, threatening a second military strike if her government fails to meet Washington’s demands. Trump said Venezuela’s current leadership must cooperate with the United States to restore order in the country. He warned that failure to do so would result…
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