The following story summaries are from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across Africa and beyond.
Voters across Benin cast their ballots on Sunday (11 January) to elect members of parliament and local government officials. The elections are the first nationwide vote since officials announced they had foiled a coup plot in December, heightening attention on the country’s political climate.
President Patrice Talon’s ruling allies are seeking to maintain control of the National Assembly as the country prepares for a presidential election next year. Talon is constitutionally barred from running again, making the parliamentary vote a key indicator of political alignment ahead of the transition.
Analysts say the elections represent an important test for the West African nation's stability, as the country looks to reassure both citizens and regional partners following the failed coup attempt and ahead of a crucial presidential race.
Israel has firmly denied reports suggesting it intends to relocate displaced Palestinians to Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia, amid growing regional and international scrutiny.
The reports surfaced shortly after Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent state. Somalia’s federal government has strongly opposed the idea, warning that any transfer of people to the region would be illegal and a violation of international law.
Israeli officials said there are no plans to move displaced Palestinians to Somaliland and described the reports as unfounded.
Uganda has increased its security presence in the capital Kampala, deploying heavy military vehicles and joint patrols days before national elections on the 15 January, in a move authorities say is meant to prevent violence. The Ugandan military says the deployment is a precautionary measure aimed at deterring unrest and maintaining law and order.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly four decades, is seeking another term in office. Security forces have warned that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be dealt with firmly.
However, opposition groups and human rights organisations have criticised the show of force, arguing that it creates fear among voters and may suppress political participation.
Uzbekistan is preparing for one of its hottest weeks of the year, with electricity demand expected to approach a record as temperatures are forecast t...
Iran has said it remains determined to pursue legal action against Israel and the United States over the deaths of senior officials and civilians duri...
Britain has moved to target Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and another Iran-linked organisation using new state-threat powers followi...
Iran has said it remains determined to pursue legal action against Israel and the United States over the deaths of senior officials and civilians during recent military confrontations, insisting it will seek accountability through international bodies.
Britain has moved to target Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and another Iran-linked organisation using new state-threat powers following a series of antisemitic incidents across the country.
Pakistan on Sunday expressed "deep concern" over the latest escalation in the Middle East following renewed military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran. It urged all sides to exercise restraint and honour commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The UK has announced a fresh round of sanctions against individuals and organisations it says are responsible for cyber attacks and hybrid operations linked to Russian intelligence, in a move aimed at countering efforts to destabilise Europe.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit the eastern coast of mainland China this year, brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides after making landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. More than 2.8 million people were evacuated to safety ahead of the storm.
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerbaijan.
Qatar is mourning the death of its former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who has passed away at the age of 74.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
On 6 July, AnewZ's Daybreak focused on Ukraine, Iran and Venezuela's earthquake crisis.
The 30 June edition of AnewZ's Daybreak explored the growing strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, focusing on Georgia's deepening partnership with Kazakhstan and the wider effort to strengthen connectivity between Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
The 30 June edition of AnewZ's Prime Time explored the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the U.S., as conflicting statements about possible talks in Doha fuelled uncertainty over the future of negotiations.
The 30 June edition of AnewZ's Context explored the regional implications of Israel's decision to recognise the events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire as genocide, focusing on how the move has affected diplomatic dynamics between Türkiye, Israel, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
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